New Jersey Senate Fails to Act on Right to Repair
New Jersey motorists will have to wait longer for pro-consumer, pro-small business Right to Repair Act to pass as time ran out without the Senate taking action on the legislation. The bill had been passed by the New Jersey Assembly by a 49-22 vote in September 2008, taking the bill further than it had ever gone. However, the bill ran into a highly-funded coalition comprised of new car dealers, vehicle manufacturers and certain labor unions at the end of the session, thus preventing final passage.
"We want to commend the New Jersey State Assembly for having the courage to stand up to special interests and pass the Right to Repair Act out of their chamber," said Charles Bryant, executive director, Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of NJ (AASP-NJ). "We are disappointed, however, that a bill that would benefit every New Jersey motorist, has 10 Senate co-sponsors and is supported by such organizations as AAA, National Federation of Independent Businesses and New Jersey Citizen Action, was not acted upon by the Senate.
According to Fredrick Gruel, chair, AAA Clubs of New Jersey, "New Jersey consumers must have the option of taking their vehicle to a dealer or an independent repair facility of their choosing. Whether they choose a dealer, an independent – or, for that matter, if they do the repair themselves – it does not matter. But until they have that choice, they do not fully own their vehicle. The Right to Repair Act will provide that choice.?"
"Unfortunately, much of the delay is likely due to car companies who lobbied heavily to ensure there was no senate vote," said Sal Risalvato, executive director, NJ Gas Station Convenience Automotive Association. "It is appalling that car companies can take federal bailout money and then hire lobbyists to work against a bill that would protect every New Jersey motorist from a vehicle repair monopoly."
"The Right to Repair Coalition wants to thank Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, Prime-Sponsor of Assembly Bill 803, 'Motor Vehicle Owners' Right to Repair Act,' and all of the co-sponsors for their hard work on behalf of New Jersey car owners to ensure that they would continue to enjoy a competitive vehicle repair market," Risalvato said. "The coalition hopes that next year, the Senate will take up the interests of motorists who have already been battered by a tough economy and move to pass the Right to Repair Act."