Legislation and Regulations Update
Legislation
Several legislative proposals have been introduced this year that could affect the automotive repair industry, including various proposals to help address the growing problem of catalytic converter thefts. The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) recommends contacting your trade association or visiting www.leginfo.legislature.ca.gov for further information regarding current proposals.
Regulations
For complete information on pending and approved regulatory actions, or to learn more about future opportunities for public participation, visit the Regulatory Actions webpage at www.bar.ca.gov.
Citation and Remedial Training Programs for Automotive Repair Dealers
Pursuant to AB 471 (Low, Chapter 372, Statutes of 2021), this proposed regulatory action will expand BAR’s citation program to include automotive repair dealer (ARD) violations of the Automotive Repair Act.
Status: The Notice of Proposed Regulatory Action was published in the Notice Register on October 7, 2022, initiating the first public comment period which ended on November 21, 2022. On January 6, 2023, BAR issued a 15-day notice for public comments on revisions to the regulation text which ended on January 23, 2023. BAR filed for approval with the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) on March 7, 2023 and adoption is expected on July 1, 2023.
(See the AB 471 Implementation Update article for additional details.)
Automotive Repair Dealer Registration Application Requirements
Pursuant to AB 471, this proposed regulatory action defines nationally recognized and industry-accepted educational certifications, establishes a process for Bureau review and approval of educational certifications, establishes a process for recognizing educational certifications on the ARD application, and requires ARD applicants to provide an email address.
Status: BAR filed for approval with OAL on March 17, 2023 and adoption is expected on July 1, 2023.
(See the AB 471 Implementation Update article for additional details.)