What Is Happening In Jefferson City?

Ron Reiling, AAM   Executive Director and Missouri State Registered Lobbyist

There are currently three Missouri legislative bills that will affect our members.  In the Senate there is SB17 introduced by Senator Charlie Shields (R) District 34 which is in northwest Missouri above KC. SB 17 - This act NOW repeals the motor vehicle safety inspection program STATE WIDE. The safety inspection remains in place for school buses on a state-wide basis and such inspections will be conducted by the highway patrol. The repeal of the state safety inspection becomes effective January 1, 2008.

WE ARE STRONGLY OPPOSED TO SB17

AND ANY LEGISLATION THAT REPEALS SAFETY INSPECTIONS

February 14, 2007 AASP-Missouri State President Greg Kinder, AAM and Immediate Past President Mike Silva, AAM accompanied me to Jefferson City to testify before the Senate Transportation Committee on your behalf. They did a great job with their testimony. There is a big problem with SB17 in that it also includes Primary Seat Belt Enforcement (You can be stopped for not wearing your seat belt. Presently you cannot be stopped for not wearing your seat belt). The seat belt people are all over this bill because it gives them what they want. One witness referred to SB17 as the “Schizophrenic Bill” because one section wants to save lives with seat belts and in the other wants to repeal the MVI safety inspection program that saves lives. Senator Shields was asked to consider splitting the bill into two separate bills and refused with little thought of the request. Tell everyone you know. This is not only and automotive industry issue.

CONTACT YOUR SENATORS AND TELL THEM HOW YOU FEEL!!!

The Senate Transportation Committee is made up of Bill Stouffer, 21st, Chair , Scott Rupp, 2nd, Vice-Chair ,Matt Bartle, 8th,  Kevin Engler, 3rd , John Griesheimer, 26th, Delbert Scott, 28th, Frank Barnitz, 16th, Joan Bray, 24th, Rita Days, 14th and Ryan McKenna, 22nd please also contact these senators.

WE STRONGLY SUPPORT  SB82

SB82 Modifies several provisions of law relating to salvage vehicles. This bill is sponsored by Senator John Griesheimer (R) District 26 which is Franklin & Warren county and west St. Louis county.

On January 31, 2007 Steve White, Dave Tritz, Greg Redfield and Mike Lichtenberg accompanied me to Jefferson City and testified before the Senate Transportation Committee. There was lengthy testimony and debate. The members that testified on your behalf made a huge difference as the Senate Transportation Committee voted DO Pass and sent the bill back to the Senate for debate and perfection before a vote is held. Great job guys and thank you.

In the House of Representatives HB99 has been introduced by Representative Michael Parson (R) District 133 which is in Cedar & Polk. This is the same bill

and language as SB82. This bill has been sent to the House transportation Committee but has not been assigned a hearing yet.

WE STRONGLY SUPPORT  HB99

As always, it is very important for you to contact your legislators via phone, letter or email and just simply let them know that you support or oppose a bill. Please let your employees know that we also need their help with contacting legislators. To be successful I need your support and contact.

To find your legislator go to

http://www.senate.mo.gov/llookup/leg_lookup.aspx