June 8, 2010

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CAWA supported legislation signed into law to provide monetary relief for Arizona parts stores who sell lead batteries.

PHOENIX, Arizona  - June 8, 2010 - With the adjournment of the Arizona Legislature, CAWA and its affiliate the Arizona Automotive Wholesalers' Association (AAWA),  has announced a successful outcome on behalf of its members, all while the state completed one of its most difficult and contentious legislative sessions in recent history. 

Battling record reductions in state revenue, Arizona lawmakers were forced to make a series of unpopular cuts to previously untouchable programs in education, public safety and health care.  While the recently approved temporary sales tax will ease the budget tension, it will not eliminate the state's structural deficit, according to AAWA's Arizona legislative advocate.

"Despite the political challenges of a difficult legislative session, the Arizona Automotive Wholesalers' Association was very effective in working with lawmakers to achieve legislative victories for our members."  Stated Rodney K. Pierini, AAWA President & CEO.

Key to those legislative victories was the passage and subsequent signing into law of HB 2130 by Representative Michele Reagan (R-Scottsdale).  HB 2130 which was supported by AAWA increases the deposit amount for new lead acid batteries that is assessed by parts stores. 

Under the new law, which takes effect on July 29th, Arizona parts stores may assess battery core deposits up to $15 per battery, compared to the previous $5 limitation.  Consumers will have up to 45 days, with a valid receipt, to return the used battery core in order to have their deposit returned.

Throughout the legislative session, AAWA monitored all legislation that either impacted or had the potential to impact the automotive aftermarket industry. 

• Among the bills of significance:
  SB 1067, relating to image display devices, updated existing statutes to allow for improved navigation and related technology devices to be deployed in vehicles without violating the existing prohibitions of drivers not being able to view any television or visual images.
• With respect to employment law, HB 2539, relating to absence for military duties, prohibits employers from refusing to permit members of the Armed Forces Reserves from taking leaves of absence due to orders for military service.
• Among the new immigration related provisions in SB 1070, employers are required to keep a record of the verification of employment eligibility of employees during the duration of the employee’s employment or at least three years, whichever is longer.

"AAWA continues to expand its influence and visibility of the automotive aftermarket industry at the Arizona Legislature, positioning the Association to protect the legislative interests of our members," concluded Pierini.

Founded in 1955, CAWA is a nonprofit trade organization representing automotive jobbers, warehouse distributors, retailers, manufacturers and manufacturers' representatives in California, Nevada, and Arizona.  CAWA's mission is to provide communications, education, legislative and regulatory advocacy and group purchasing of services for its members while promoting the automotive aftermarket industry.

For additional information about CAWA and for the latest industry news, go to www.cawa.org.

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