LEGISLATIVE ALERT

SENATE BILL 3336

To:  New York Manufacturers, Distributors, and Installers

From:  Lynwood Butner, Legislative Consultant

            Darrell Smith, IWFA Executive Director

Date:  February 8, 2009

Subject:  Proposals A03609, A01042 and A00970

Each year there are legislative proposals introduced that impact our             industry in a negative manner.  In 2009 we again have a number of            legislative initiatives that will require our collective attention.

Assemblyman McDonough has essentially reintroduced his legislation                from the last several years (A06404) which provides for window                tinting standards of no less than ninety percent visible light          transmittance for motor vehicles in the state and provides $50,000           for the purchase of tint meters for the state police.  The legislation           would also make it illegal for originally equipped vehicles (new cars and multipurpose vehicles) to operate legally within the state.  A06404 was      assigned to the Transportation Committee and was never acted upon.                We see no reason to expect any different results with A00798. 

Assemblyman Eddington has introduced A03609 which would include              the examination of tinted windows in the periodic vehicle             inspection program.  This legislation has also been referred to the   Transportation Committee.  This is an annual legislative initiative and has            not advanced in the past.

Legislation has been introduced (A01042) by Assemblyman Dinowitz              with a significant number of patrons that would eliminate the sport             utility exemption (MPV) and require the same standards as in              place for passenger vehicles.

Each year Assemblyman Gantt introduces legislation (A00970) that                would restrict or eliminate all aftermarket film products.  This                 year’s legislation would accomplish this objective by requiring               passenger car standards to apply to all vehicles.  There is an        appropriation to help with the acquisition of tint meters.

The state of New York continues to represent the most aggressive in     considering legislation that would have an adverse impact on our industry.      There have been a number of media articles, government official           discussions, and enforcement comments relative to the problems with             tinting products.  These discussions result in legislative proposals that are       based on misinformation relative to our products.  The benefits are not    considered and there is a great need for continued education of elected             and regulatory officials.  This effort will continue as a proactive priority                 by IWFA.