Pub. 2 2020 Issue 3

consumer's investment in their vehicle through appropriate reimbursement for paint and materials required to return a vehicle to its pre-loss condition. The bill, after much work and negotiation by NHADA and the House Commerce Committee, passed 216-120. The bill will now, when nor- malcy returns, move on the Senate. HB 1444: Requiring the adoption of innovative vehicle emissions standards pursuant to section 177 of the federal Clean Air Act. This bill, commonly referred to as the Cal-Lev bill, would require New Hampshire to adopt the California Low Emissions Vehicle standards, including the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate established by the California Air Resources Board. The bill also includes an inspection sticker fee increase to be added to the motor vehicle air pollution abatement fund. NHADA opposed the bill as written. We suggested, at the request of an NHADA legislative subcommittee, to have the bill instead be a study commission with multiple stakeholders reviewing the concept and its impact on New Hampshire. NHADA engaged with the prime sponsor and committee vice-chair in December immediately upon learning of the bill being filed. However, they were not interested in our suggestion. The bill passed the House by a vote of 179-109. NHADA will continue to work on the bill in the Senate. HB 1114: Repeal of the state annual vehicle safety inspection program. NHADA once again fought vigorously against an attempt to repeal the annual vehicle inspection program and was successful. We had a strong showing of members opposing and testifying against the bill at its public hearing leading to a committee recommendation to kill the bill by a vote of 18-2. In its last session day on March 11th at around 2 a.m., the House voted to lay the bill on the table by a vote of 226-43. This parlia- mentary procedure seals the bills fate as dead, as it is incredibly unlikely that the bill would have the votes to be removed from the table and be debated, let alone successfully overturn the Transportation Committee recommendation to ITL/kill the bill. HB1476: prohibiting motor vehicle dealers from requiring the purchase of automobile insurance from the dealer as part of the sales contract. NHADA suc- cessfully defeated this bill and got an ITL/kill recom- mendation from the House Commerce Committee by a vote of 19-0. During the March 11th session, the bill was on the consent calendar and a voice vote. The full House agreed. The bill, whose charge was being led by independent insurance agents, would have blocked many consumers from financing vehicles at dealerships. It would have significantly disrupted the market and hurt consumers who want to purchase vehicles. When the statehouse opens up again and the legisla- tive session returns to normal, we will once again need your voice with our elected officials. We will need to let them know what our important issues are and that we need and appreciate their support. We will also need to thank them for all that they do for the citizens and state of New Hampshire. Stay healthy and for questions on this or any other legis- lative matter. I can be reached at dbennett@nhada.com or (800) 852-3372. The negotiated NHADA Staples program offers members a consistent and cost-saving solution to make your workday easier. You order through Staple- sAdvantage.com, a site customized just for you that shows live pricing, order delivery information, and even lower-cost alternatives if available. A dedicated team of support and product experts are here for you - from day-to-day questions to specific product requests and unique solutions. Your account also offers free next-business-day shipping on supplies, easy billing, and reporting. Can’t find what you need? With a powerful distribution network and robust manufacturer support, Staples can source pretty many anything. Staples is proud to support the business needs of NHADA members as a partner and a valuable resource. When everyone participates in the program, everyone benefits. For your own login to StaplesAdvantage.com or program information, please contact Justin Fogarty at 603-817-0507 or justin.fogarty@staples.com . Staples Program solutions for your business needs. ENDORSED PARTNER PlatinumPartner Gold Partner O’Connor & Drew, P.C. CPA firm, accounting, tax, consulting for auto dealerships. O’Connor & Drew, P.C. provides accounting, tax, and consulting services in all aspects of a dealership’s business. Please contact Kevin Carnes for more information. Kevin Carnes 617-471-1120 kcarnes@ocd.com Kevin Carnes N E W H A M P S H I R E 7