Legislative bill update

      As of May 28, 2009, the bill was reviewed and is held in committee. This means that the bill will not get through this legislative session and will have to get through the Assembly Appropriations and Assembly floor by January 31, 2010. We will keep a close watch the remainder of the session in case Jones tries to place the language of the bill in another bill like he did in 2008.

 

SB 232 (Benoit) - Specially Constructed Vehicle increase from current 500 cap. This bill is a two year bill that will need to get through the Senate by January 31, 2010.

 

SB 385 (Wright) - Historical Vehicle License Plate.  Also a two year bill that will need to get through the Senate by January 31, 2010.

 

Both of these bills will need to have a grass roots movement to keep them alive as both are heavily opposed by environmental groups and the local Air Quality Boards.

Other bills of interest  to the hobby can be reviewed in the Legislative Report starting on page 6 of the deFender.

 

The remainder of the legislative year will be a tough year for the hobbyist in California. The California Air Resources Board (CARB)  proposed on June 3, 2009 to enhance a Vehicle Scrappage Program to target Pre-1976 vehicles. The proposal is to spend $30 million annually for an enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) to augment the State's existing vehicle scrappage program. CARB is specifically targeting for scrappage of pre-1976 vehicles that are not currently required to undergo Smog Check inspections. It would be voucher program that would allow participants to receive $1000 to $1500 per vehicle if they retire their vehicle to a dismantler or a proposed $2000 - $2500 toward the purchase of a replacement vehicle at a participating car dealership.

 

Bob Stearns