By Christian Robinson
 California Assembly Member Timothy Grayson was introduced as the winner of the Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award at the 2019 SEMA Show. |
California Assembly Member Timothy Grayson was introduced as the winner of the Stephen B. McDonald Legislator of the Year award at the 2019 SEMA Show. Representing the 14th District, Assembly Member Grayson was recognized for his efforts in the California legislature to promote policies and legislation that support the automotive hobby.
Assembly Member Grayson is proudly counted among the hundreds of pro-hobby lawmakers comprising the SEMA-supported State Automotive Enthusiast Leadership Caucus and has routinely demonstrated his commitment to the industry. The annual award is bestowed to the state lawmaker who has gone above and beyond to support the industry in their home state and was named for SEMA’s late Vice President of Government Affairs Stephen B. McDonald, who was the leading advocate behind the founding and growth of the Caucus.
“Since I was a teenager, I’ve enjoyed the challenge and satisfaction that comes with customizing my cars. I’m a proud owner of classic cars but I’m even more proud of the opportunity to support this exciting and innovative industry,” Assembly Member Grayson said.
Assembly Member Grayson was one of the driving forces behind legislation to restore law enforcement’s ability to issue fix-it tickets for vehicles suspected of violating California’s exhaust noise limits. In 2018, the state passed legislation that removed this ability, and which generated significant concern within the $3 billion exhaust-related marketplace and enthusiast community.
In response, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his colleague, Assembly Member Jim Frazier, authored legislation (AB 390) to immediately reinstitute fix-it tickets, which was quickly passed by the Assembly Transportation Committee without opposition. From there, language from the bill was included in a larger budget package (SB 112) and championed by Assembly Member Grayson, who shepherded it past the finish line. With Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signature in late September, fix-it tickets are once again being issued to motorists.
In addition to being a lawmaker, Assembly Member Grayson, along with his wife Tammy, is also an enthusiast. Included in the rayson’s collection are two classic Ford Mustangs, including a ’67 Fastback and a ’65 coupe that is currently being restored.
“SEMA members create thousands of jobs in California and contribute greatly to the economic vibrancy of our state. I look forward to working with SEMA for years to come and hopefully having the honor to show and participate in a future SEMA event,” said Assembly Member Grayson.