The city of Houston’s proposed Automotive Repair and Collision Shop Licensing regulation in its current form would place a great deal of paperwork burden and liability on the shop owner, yet falls short in other requirements such as technician training and equipment. ASA opposes this proposed regulation in its current form.

The proposed regulation is presently in the city’s legal department, and could be considered by the city council at any time.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) believes that many concerns could have been avoided if the city had included independent repairers in early stakeholder meetings. There are critical differences in the operations of collision and mechanical repair facilities. Other jurisdictions have addressed both professions in licensing laws and it can be done in Houston. The city’s current proposal does not adequately address the differences in collision and mechanical repair facilities.

Federal law has stringent equipment requirements and training guidelines for collision repair facilities. These provisions should be referenced in the regulation, specifically requiring the use of auto refinishing spray booths for collision repair facilities.

ASA suggests that the city council continue to dialogue with ASA’s Houston leadership to make the final regulation the best possible for consumers and repairers.

ASA calls on Houston independent automotive repairers to contact their city council members in opposition to the proposed Auto Repair and Collision Shop Licensing regulation in its current form.

To view further information, including the full text of the proposed regulation, and to send a letter to the Houston City Council, visit ASA’s legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

The Automotive Service Association is the largest not-for-profit trade association of its kind dedicated to and governed by independent automotive service and repair professionals. ASA serves an international membership base that includes numerous affiliate, state and chapter groups from both the mechanical and collision repair segments of the automotive service industry.

ASA advances professionalism and excellence in the automotive repair industry through education, representation and member services. For additional information about ASA, including past news releases, go to http://www.ASAshop.org, or visit ASA’s legislative website at http://www.TakingTheHill.com.