LEGISLATIVE AND TECHNICAL AFFAIRS
Law and Order
By Stuart Gosswein
FEDERAL UPDATE
RPM Act: SEMA’s efforts to pass the Recognizing the Protection of Motorsports Act (RPM Act) have been backed by unprecedented grassroots support over the past year. The bipartisan, pro-motorsports, pro-business RPM Act will clarify that it is legal under the Clean Air Act to make emissions-related changes to convert a street vehicle into a dedicated race car. It will also confirm that it is legal to produce, market and install racing equipment. The legislation (H.R. 3281/S. 2736) is sponsored by Representatives Patrick McHenry (R-NC) and Raul Ruiz (D-CA) and Senators Richard Burr (R-NC) and Jon Tester (D-MT). The RPM Act enjoys solid bipartisan support, as H.R. 3281 has 109 co-sponsors (87 Republicans and 22 Democrats) and S. 2736 has 18 (12 Republicans and six Democrats). The industry and the enthusiast community sent Congress more than 1.5 million letters in support of the bill in 2021 before SEMA commenced a phone campaign to lawmakers, emphasizing the importance of the bill being passed.
National Monument Boundaries: President Biden signed SEMA-opposed proclamations to expand the boundaries for three National Monuments, including Grand Staircase-Escalante and Bears Ears National Monuments. The size of both monuments was reduced by President Trump in 2017. Biden’s action will restore the size of the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument and slightly expand the Bears Ears National Monument from its size prior to reduction. SEMA will monitor the new land-management plans triggered by this action to ensure that current off-road trails are not adversely impacted. National Monument designations frequently lead to the closure of existing off-road roads and trails. SEMA supports a collaborative approach when making major land-use decisions, including input from local citizens, elected leaders and other stakeholders.
STATE UPDATE
Massachusetts—License Plates: The Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee passed a pair of SEMA-supported bills to allow year-of-manufacture (YOM) registration plates to be restored to their original colors and designs. Vehicles registered as antique may currently display YOM plates with DMV approval. DMV regulations state that the plates must be in original condition. The bills await consideration in the House Ways and Means Committee.
Massachusetts—Antique Vehicles: The Massachusetts Joint Transportation Committee passed a pair of SEMA-supported bills to exempt older antique vehicles from the state’s annual safety inspection requirement. The bills apply to vehicles at least 50 years old registered with antique or year-of-manufacture license plates and whose owners are members of recognized antique automobile clubs. Current law requires all vehicles to be inspected every year regardless of model year, including those registered as antiques. The bills await consideration in the House Ways and Means Committee.
