The Rhode Island House Legislature is considering legislation, HB7711, that would require car manufacturers to provide car owners the ability to control where the information transmitted by telematics systems is sent.

The Auto Care Association and the Coalition for Auto Repair Equality (CARE) jointly testified at a hearing for the bill. While the associations both support the goal of HB771, at this time they cannot support its passage, they said.

“While legislation may be necessary in the near future, we strongly believe that a collaborative approach would be faster and more effective, and we are more than willing to work to make that happen,” the associations said in a statement.

The associations shared they are working with other groups as part of an Aftermarket Telematics Taskforce and are meeting with carmakers in an effort to find common ground.

“This process is in its early stages, and therefore it is difficult to judge whether we will be successful,” the associations said in a statement. “Should our attempt to find an agreement not be successful in the near future, we likely will begin pursuing a legislative resolution and would welcome the help of the Rhode Island Legislature in order to resolve this very critical issue.”