May 14, 2014—Supporters of Ohio Senate Bill 232, a bill that would require automotive repair shops to become registered in the state of Ohio, recently testified before the Ohio Senate to discuss the bill’s benefits.
In November 2013, Sen. Joe Uecker (R-14) introduced the bill, which extends the jurisdiction of the Motor Vehicle Repair Board (MVRB) to anyone who performs mechanical repairs on motor vehicles, requires motor vehicle repair facilities to register with the board, creates the Motor Vehicle Repair Operator Vendor’s License Suspension Fund and makes changes to the Motor Vehicle Repair and Window Tint Operator Law.
Under current law, only collision repair facilities are required to register with the MVRB.
Supporters of the bill said it would level the playing field by ensuring that all automotive repair professionals are adhering to a uniform set of service and safety standards.
“SB232 is really a consumer protection measure,” said Andy Fiffick, president of Rad Air Complete Car Care & Tire Centers, a multi-shop operation in the Cleveland area. “A couple of decades ago, cars required a lot more maintenance, which meant plenty of work in the industry. New technology has changed that. Because cars last longer and don’t require the work they once did, there are new unscrupulous repair shops that are trying to carve out a niche in the industry. Unfortunately, the client is the one that suffers.”
The Automotive Service Association has also supported the bill since its inception and worked with Uecker to create the legislation in Ohio.
For more information, visit TakingTheHill.com.
