HB 985 -- VEHICLE EMISSIONS TESTING

CO-SPONSORS:  Abel, Selby, Hollingsworth, Green (15), McKenna,
Johnson (90), Wagner

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Environment and Energy by a vote of 14 to 2.

Currently, the fee for biennial I/M-240 vehicle emissions
testing is capped at $24.  This bill limits the test fee to $12
for vehicles that will require another test within 12 months
because of the odd/even relation between the year the vehicle
was sold and the year the vehicle was manufactured.

The bill also requires the testing contractor to have a customer
service representative and complaint forms available at each
inspection station.  The contractor is solely responsible for
vehicle damage claims.  Employees must be authorized to
immediately satisfy damage claims for up to $200, and forms must
be provided for filing claims that cannot be resolved
immediately.  All complaints and a monthly summary of damage
claims must be reported to the Department of Natural Resources.

Anyone aggrieved by the contractor can request resolution
assistance from the department within 15 days.  The department
must respond within 30 days after receiving the request.  The
owner of any vehicle damaged during an emissions inspection may
bring a civil action in local circuit court to recover double
damages, court costs, and attorney's fees.

FISCAL NOTE:  Cost to General Revenue of $743,690 in FY 2002,
$892,428 in FY 2003, and $892,428 in FY 2004.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that the bill establishes reasonable
procedures for addressing complaints and vehicle damage claims
against the emissions test contractor.  Further, because the
test is intended to be biennial, individuals should have their
fee reduced if they are required to have another test within one
year.

Testifying for the bill was Representative Abel.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that because of the
existing contract for test services, any reduction in fee
revenue will have to be paid by the state from general revenue.
The contractor is also making a good faith effort to address
complaints and damage claims.

Testifying against the bill was Envirotest Systems Corporation.

Terry Finger, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:46 am