MAACA Legislative Night

Description

Pennsylvania Legislative Update

This session covers active legislation affecting your shop. You will receive a full briefing, handouts, and talking points on each issue below.

SB 1298: Emissions Program Changes

This bill directs the Department of Environmental Protection to begin removing specific counties from the enhanced vehicle emissions inspection and maintenance program within 60 days of enactment. Key provisions include:

• A revised state implementation plan submitted to the EPA by August 1, 2026
• A five-year emissions testing exemption for new vehicles after manufacture
• A prohibition on DEP expanding the program to additional counties

You will hear how to get involved in the grassroots effort around this bill.

House Proposal: 2-Speed Idle Test Reform

Circulated by Representatives Jeremy Shaffer and Kristin Marcell on May 15, 2026, this proposal targets the "2-speed idle" test, which currently applies to vehicles with a GVWR of 8,501 to 9,000 lbs in the Philadelphia and Pittsburgh regions. The proposal would:

• Replace the outdated tailpipe and 2-speed idle tests with a standard OBD test
• Allow a gas cap test for vehicles without an OBD port
• Require EPA approval to take effect

A new co-sponsorship memo was recently posted. You will hear what this change means for your shop and how to engage.

HB 1142: Window Tint Inspections

This bill would require vehicles with tinted windows to be tested with a window tint meter during safety inspection. A vehicle would fail if it violates Pennsylvania's sun screening device regulations. The bill also creates liability under the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law for tinting installers who do not disclose that their work will cause a vehicle to fail inspection.

Shops need clarity on:

• Enforcement thresholds
• Equipment requirements
• Who bears responsibility for failures

HB 2069: Automated Noise Enforcement

This bill would allow municipalities to apply for state approval to install automated noise enforcement systems at specific intersections. Cameras and decibel meters would record vehicles exceeding legal noise limits. Registered owners would receive $100 fines. Citations would not count as criminal convictions or affect driving records.

Shops need to understand how this affects customer disputes around exhaust work and what counts as a legal repair.

Jay Alerts Pilot Program

Introduced by Representative Morgan Cephas, this program would establish a hit-and-run alert system in Philadelphia. After a hit-and-run, the Philadelphia Police Department would notify all licensed vehicle repair facilities in the city through a uniform registry. Alerts would include:

• Vehicle make, model, year, color, and license plate number
• Unique identifying characteristics
• Extent of damage

The pilot runs for three years before sunsetting.

Members will discuss shop participation, registration requirements, and potential liability.

Garageman's Lien Bill

MAACA has been actively working on this bill. It would create a lien attachable to a vehicle for non-payment of parts, labor, and storage. Key details:

• A magistrate approves the lien through a petition process
• The magistrate has authority to order a lien sale
• The shop's share of sale proceeds is limited to petitioned costs of parts, labor, and storage

Come ready to take action. Your participation in these issues directly affects your shop.