SEMA/Events and GA Legislative Actions
In GSRA’s role of educating our members and the general public as to events, laws and legislative actions that may affect our hobby, we post information from the SEMA Action Network. Each legislative session, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) tracks and responds to hundreds of legislative initiatives affecting the auto hobby. Some bills will not advance past introduction; others will go on to become the laws of tomorrow. Use the guide below to view those bills the SAN is actively pursuing.
EVENTS
The SEMA Action Network (SAN) announced that the next Collector Car Appreciation Day (CCAD) will be officially celebrated on July 10, 2020. The date marks the eleventh consecutive commemoration in what is now an annual event to raise awareness of the vital role automotive restoration and collection plays in American society.
Intended to celebrate the classics of the past and the future, the U.S. Congress has helped launch CCAD by introducing resolutions each year at the SAN’s request. The previous resolutions were sponsored by co-chairs of the SEMA-supported Congressional Automotive Performance and Motorsports Caucus. These Congressional leaders have been strong advocates for the automotive hobby in Washington, D.C., and recognize the integral role collector cars have played in fostering our nation’s appreciation for the automobile’s unique historical place in our history.
A list of officially scheduled events to commemorate America’s time-tested love affair with the automobile is posted in the link below. Individuals, car clubs and business owners interested in publicizing events submitted the details of their July celebration at no cost using this link.
Participating organizers will be awarded a copy of the Congressional resolution for display at their registered event. For those unable to celebrate on July 10, the SAN encouraged events to be scheduled throughout the month of July 2020.
Georgia Legislative Actions
GA H.B. 185 Introduced
GEORGIA INTRODUCES BILL TO PROTECT ENTHUSIASTS FROM UNFAIR EXHAUST NOISE CITATIONS
DON’T DELAY! Please contact the members of the House Motor Vehicles Committee immediately to request support for H.B. 185:
YOU MAY USE THE FOLLOWING POINTS IN YOUR MESSAGE:
- H.B. 185 supplies inspectors with an enforcement standard, replacing a system that relies on subjective judgments on whether an exhaust system amplifies the noise emitted by the motor vehicle.
- H.B. 185 recognizes that the best way to address exhaust noise is by establishing a fair and reasonable exhaust noise decibel limit.
- H.B. 185 recognizes the fact that aftermarket exhaust systems are designed to make vehicles run more efficiently without increasing emissions.
- H.B. 185 represents a real effort by legislators and hobbyists to enact reasonable legislation by allowing factory exhaust systems to be replaced with more durable, better performing options.
- H.B. 185 recognizes that aftermarket exhaust systems offer increased performance, which can make a vehicle safer by improving its ability to merge, pass, travel uphill, etc.
Overview: SAN-supported legislation (H.B. 185) has been introduced in Georgia that would allow the use, sale, alteration, or installation of car mufflers that meet a 95-decibel noise limit. Under the current law, no person can sell, alter, or install a muffler which “causes excessive or unusual noise.” This bill provides an opportunity for vehicle hobbyists to install and use aftermarket modified exhaust systems that meet an objective decibel limit under a fair and predictable test. The bill currently awaits consideration in the House Motor Vehicles Committee.
GA HB410
Motor vehicles; use of bar shaped lighting devices to be illuminated under certain conditions
Introduced Session: 2019-2020 Regular Session
Bill Summary:
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Code Section 40-8-29 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to spotlights, foglights, and auxiliary lights permitted on motor vehicles, so as to allow for the use of bar shaped lighting devices on motor vehicles to be illuminated under certain conditions; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Bill Subjects:
Not specified
Sponsors (6):
Micah Gravley (R)*, Matt Hatchett (R)*, Trey Kelley (R)*, Tom McCall (R)*, Martin Momtahan (R)*, Jason Ridley (R)*
Last Action:
GA HB870
Motor vehicles; prohibit installation of tires upon passenger vehicles which do not meet certain standards
Introduced Session: 2019-2020 Regular Session
Bill Summary:
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Part 4 of Article 1 of Chapter 8 of Title 40 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to horns, exhaust systems, mirrors, windshields, tires, safety belts, and energy absorption systems, so as to prohibit the installation of tires upon passenger vehicles which do not meet certain standards; to provide for applicability; to provide for a definition; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
Bill Subjects:
Not specified
Sponsors (5):
Matt Barton (R)*, John Corbett (R)*, Trey Kelley (R)*, Jason Ridley (R)*, Mitchell Scoggins (R)*
Last Action:
House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute (on 2/25/2020)