The Society of Collision Repair Specialists

Missouri / Kansas Chapter

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Missouri Anti-Steering Bill On-Hold Until Next Session

The FIRST Chapter of SCRS National

SCRS MO-KAN Press Service

Kansas City, KS - The Collision Industry's recent lobbying efforts at the Missouri State Capitol has opened the eyes of the Senate's Small Business, Insurance and Industrial Relations Committee.  The committee voted on May 15 to pass an Anti-Steering bill that would require insurers to inform vehicle owners at first contact that they have the right to choose the repair facility of their choice.  That bill effectively moves out of committee and on to the next step which is to be placed on the schedule for a hearing on the floor.

This news was tempered by the lack of time available to take that next step.  The legislative session ends on Friday, May 16 and it is considered highly unlikely that the bill will go any further before adjournment.

The Bill, SB775, sponsored by Sen. Wes Shoemyer will most likely be re-introduced next year.

The passage of this bill out of committee has captured the attention of the state insurance industry.  Sen. Shoemyer's office has indicated that there has been a considerable increase in lobbying activity by that group following the collision industry's blitz.  Sen. Shoemyer's spokesperson, Kathy Armstrong was pleased that this action may get the two sides talking and while it is somewhat disappointing that the bill won't go any further this session, at least the legislation ended on a positive note with some momentum in its' favor.  "We got their attention."