2002 Veto
2002 No Action
2001 Veto
2001 No Action
2000 Signature
2000 Veto
2000 No Action
1999 Signature
1999 Veto
1998 Signature
1998 Veto
1998 No Action
1997 Signature
1997 Veto
1996 Signature
1996 Veto
1995 Signature
1995 Veto
1995 No Action
August 7, 1996
TO THE HONORABLE, SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES:
In accordance with the provisions ofR.1. Gen. Laws § 43-1-4, I am transmitting herewith, with my disapproval, 96-H-7995, "An Act Relating To Automobile Repair Body ShopsÑBusiness and Professions."
This Act would allow auto body repair shops to provide customers whose vehicles are under repair with a leaner vehicle. The auto body shops providing the leaner vehicle would have to utilize the "Temporary Loan of Motor Vehicle" agreement issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles.
Under current law, only auto dealers have the authority to provide their customers with a leaner vehicle, if they meet the agreement criteria issued by the Registry of Motor Vehicles. This Act, however, seeks to expand the class of entities that may be permitted to loan. vehicles.
I find this legislation to be inappropriate given the important public safety purpose of the "Temporary Loan of Motor Vehicle" agreement. This position is shared by the State Police, the Registry of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Business Regulation. The primary concern of these state agencies relates to the lack of enforcement obligations and the failure of this Act to provide state agencies with the appropriate policing power over auto body shops. This could result in expanded misuse of the agreements. Furthermore, this Act would likely generate additional legislation to allow others in the automotive repair industry the same privileges.
While I veto this legislation, I understand that the underlying intent of this Act is to provide for a level playing field between auto dealers and auto body shops. In this regard, I understand that there are alternatives available to auto body shops. According to the Department of Business Regulation, one viable option currently being utilized by various auto dealers is to have auto body shops enter into contractual relationships with automobile rental companies.
For the foregoing reasons, I disapprove of this legislation and respectfully urge your support of this veto.
Sincerely,
Lincoln Almond
Governor