A letter from ASCCA — “Keeping California independent shop owners in business since 1940”

“ASCCA members have successfully, through our grassroots campaigns, been an active voice for the future of auto repair in California.“

Sacramento, Calif.—The Automotive Service Councils of California (ASCCA) has been the foremost advocate for the aftermarket auto repair industry since its inception. Whether you have been a member for a long time or you are just getting started, ASCCA has your back.

As a member of ASCCA you are on the forefront of issues that keep you informed about regulations and legislation affecting your business. ASCCA members have successfully, through our grassroots campaigns, been an active voice for the future of auto repair in California.

Some of our accomplishments:

• ASCCA members were part of the design team that created the OBDII connector simplifying modern vehicle diagnostics.

• ASCCA members successfully fought for and won legislation (SB1146) that created the first in the
nation “Right to Repair” act.

• ASCCA members successfully fought for and won the elimination of damaging, frivolous lawsuits (Trevor Law Group) which tried to extort money from shop owners.

• ASCCA Members fought and won against the California Air Resources Board, squashing the vehicle super-warranty.

• ASCCA is the only state organization that sits on the national board of NASTF (National Automotive Service Task Force) which provides factory repair information to the automotive aftermarket.

• ASCCA members fought and defeated SB 750 (the key code lock-out bill) which would have excluded independent shop owners’ access to vehicle communications.

• ASCCA fought and defeated legislation (SB 993) which would have extended sales tax to vehicle
repair labor services, and unnecessarily increased repair costs.

• ASCCA defeated legislation (AB 2825) which would have treated auto repair dealers as “debt
collectors,” making all communications with customers subject to fines and frivolous lawsuits.

• ASCCA opposed and defeated legislation (AB 755) which would have increased the current $1.75 tire tax fee to $3.25 per tire.

• ASCCA supported and helped pass legislation (AB 3141) which included all unlicensed automotive maintenance service providers and other previously exempted repairers under BAR jurisdiction, creating a level playing field.

• ASCCA supported and helped pass BAR regulations that allow auto repair dealers to provide
customers with electronic estimates and authorizations (e.g., text messages).

• ASCCA opposed legislation (AB 2454) which would have a created a state mandated “grading system” similar to restaurants.

• ASCCA maintains a seat on the Bureau of Automotive Repair Advisory Group Committee which meets on a quarterly basis in Sacramento and has a voice on regulatory matters impacting the industry.

• ASCCA members believe in “raising all boats,” and actively help each other to achieve success.

This is just a partial list of legislative accomplishments ASCCA has done for your business. The question should not be, “How can I afford membership?” but rather, “How can I do without ASCCA for my business?”

What we do for you:

ASCCA monitors and fights harmful laws and regulations that cost you money and time away from your business.

Examples:

• A legislator proposed a bill to use a grading system (ABCDF) like the restaurants. We fought this and stopped it.

• Another legislator tried to change us into being debt collectors because we receive money from customers. That would mean if a customer did not pay and we called them, the customer could sue us for harassment. We fought and won this also.

• We also stopped a bill that would keep us from being able to program security systems in cars. The manufacturers wanted to lock us out! Again, we fought and won.

Our state legislatures can produce 5600 bills every two years. Our dues help us watch and fight these bills, saving you a ton of dollars.

ASCCA has great benefit programs:

• Low credit card rates and a $350 rebate at the end of the year.

• Free legal advice for you, your business, or your employees.

• Free accounting review of profit and loss statement.

• Free review of any current or prior year’s taxes.

• Super discounts on uniforms.

• Discounts on AllData and Identifix.

• Camaraderie, fellowship, and life-long friends.

• Network with top shops.

• Get advice with business structure, policies, and profit ideas.

• Get second opinions on cars that are giving you fits.