Held March 6 at the legislative office building in Carson City, Nev., the event was co-sponsored by CAWA, the Automotive Aftermarket Industry Association (AAIA) and the Nevada Collision Industry Association (NCIA). Members of the three groups met to review legislative proposals impacting aftermarket businesses in Nevada as well as showcase the Nevada Right to Repair legislation, proposed to ensure that independent repair shops have access to the same information, training and tools to diagnose and repair vehicles that the dealerships do.

“Providing the aftermarket with the same information that dealerships have to diagnose and repair Nevada’s vehicles is critical to not only the survival of the automotive aftermarket industry, but more importantly, to Nevada motorists and consumers, who should not be forced to take their cars to dealerships for service, rather should be guaranteed the right to choose where they want their vehicle repaired,” said Rodney Pierini, president and CEO of CAWA. “We know that SB 1320 will do just that.”

During legislative day, Sen. Warren Hardy (R-12), who is the author of Nevada’s Right to Repair Act, provided members with a legislative briefing. In addition, members heard from Assembly Speaker Barbara Buckley (D-8) who allowed members to ask questions about issues being debated in Carson City affecting businesses and the industry. More than 20 legislators joined members during a luncheon sponsored by CAWA, AAIA and NCIA, where business owners had the opportunity to talk one-on-one with policymakers. The day was capped with legislative visits, where members lobbied legislators about the SB 1320 (Hardy), the Right to Repair Act.

“We are confident that Sen. Hardy will be an excellent author for our Right to Repair Bill and will work hard with legislators on both sides of the aisle to get this bill to the Governor’s desk,” said David Brown, CAWA legislative advocate. “CAWA working closely with AAIA and CARE are determined to do whatever necessary to make sure this bill moves through the legislative process swiftly and successfully.”

Nevada is the third state to introduce state “Right to Repair” legislation this year. New Jersey and Oklahoma have also proposed similar bills.