HB 775-Relating to Motor Vehicle Warranty Repairs and Recall Repairs
On Tuesday, March 21st, HB 775, by Representative Manny Diaz (R-Hialeah Gardens) was heard in the House Careers and Competition Subcommittee, and passed by a vote of 13 yeas to 0 nays. AIF’s Senior Vice President of State and Federal Affairs, Brewster Bevis, stood in opposition to this bill.
This bill prohibits a licensee, except as authorized by law, from denying a dealer’s claim, reducing the dealer’s compensation, or processing a chargeback to a dealer for performing covered warranty or recall repairs on a used motor vehicle under specified circumstances. The bill alters the playing field and may have a chilling effect on manufacturing in general. The complex issue surrounding safety recalls should be a federal matter, better addressed at the national level with the goal of creating uniform public policy that improves motor vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation, and protects our planet.
HB 775 will move on to the House Civil Justice & Claims Subcommittee to be heard.
AIF OPPOSES legislation that would intervene in any contractual agreement between a dealer franchise and an auto manufacturer, voluntarily entered by each party, and dictate new terms and conditions of such mutual agreement that favor one party over the other.
Please see the below press release from our President & CEO, Tom Feeney, regarding HB 775:
AIF: Florida Lawmakers Should Oppose Auto Dealer Recall Legislation
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Associated Industries of Florida (AIF) today released the following statement on behalf of its President & CEO Tom Feeney regarding their opposition to House Bill 775, by Representative Manny Diaz, relating to Motor Vehicle Warranty Repairs and Recall Repairs. HB 775 was today heard in the House Careers & Competition Subcommittee, its first committee of reference.
“Florida’s manufacturing sector is the highest indirect job creator of any employment sector in the state – with three indirect jobs created for every manufacturing job. As the state affiliate of the National Association of Manufacturers, AIF is committed to advancing this industry that significantly contributes high-wage and high value-added jobs to our state.
“This legislation threatens this very mission. HB 775 would create an unlevel playing field and a chilling effect on manufacturing in general. The complex issue surrounding safety recalls should be a federal matter, better addressed at the national level with the goal of creating uniform public policy that improves motor vehicle safety, encourages technological innovation and protects our planet.
“As this legislation moves through the process, we encourage Florida lawmakers to oppose auto dealer franchise legislation that would only further give auto dealers extensive additional rights, cripple future automobile manufacturers’ contract rights and increase costs to Florida consumers.”
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HB 1027 & SB 832-Relating to Drones
On Tuesday, March 21st, HB 1027, by Representative Clay Yarborough (R-Jacksonville) was heard by the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee, and unanimously passed by a vote of 13 yeas to 0 nays. AIF stood in support of this bill.
On Tuesday, March 21st, SB 832, by Senator Dana Young (R-Tampa) was heard in the Senate Committee on Criminal Justice and passed. AIF stood in support of this bill.
These bills will ensure a consistent framework for the use of drones. As the use of drones becomes increasingly more common in many different sectors of the business community throughout the state, implementing statewide regulations will establish safeguards while operating drones.
HB 1027 will go to the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee for its second hearing.
SB 832 will go to the Senate Committee on Transportation for its second hearing.
AIF SUPPORTS legislation that will streamline business regulation throughout the state.
