June 2, 2015

The Honorable Brian Jones

California State Assembly

State Capitol Room 3141

Sacramento, CA 95814

RE: AB 873 (Jones) -Support

Dear Assembly member Jones:

The California Automotive Business Coalition (CalABC) is a statewide association whose members represent the automotive repair industry throughout the state.

CalABC supports AB 873 and believes that the bill is necessary to better define “minor” vehicle repairs especially in view of today’s ever increasing complex vehicles.

CalABC’s position is based on the facts that:

 Today’s vehicles are more complex and systems are more closely integrated with the onboard computer and diagnostic systems, which have virtually eliminated what was once considered a “minor” repair.

 Since many of the systems are integrated, any repair has the potential of affecting the vehicles performance as well as their emissions, which has a direct impact on air quality.

 Many technicians are “moonlighting” and some are offering “minor” repairs and advertising on the Internet on sites like Craigslist and they escape the need to be licensed by the Bureau of Automotive Repair. By defining what constitutes “minor” repairs, this will enable the Bureau of Automotive Repair to enforce licensing requirements for anyone advertising automotive repair without an Automotive Repair Dealer license.

 Better define what repairs a service provider offers that require licensing under the Bureau of Automotive Repair licensing department.

CalABC is ready and willing to work with you and the members of your staff, as well as others who aim to improve California’s automotive repair industry.

For the reasons stated above, we support AB 873.

Sincerely,

Johan Gallo

Executive Director

CalABC

CC: Senate Business, Professions & Economic Development Committee Members