HB 1532 -- Vehicle Emissions Inspection Program

Sponsor:  Lembke

This bill revises the state vehicle emissions inspection program
by creating a decentralized emissions inspection program in which
only motor vehicle safety inspection stations and other entities
certified by the Air Conservation Commission will conduct
emission inspections.  The program will apply consistently
throughout the City of St. Louis and the counties of St. Louis,
St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin.

Prior to September 1, 2007, the commission must develop a
program which allows official emissions inspection stations to
conduct onboard diagnostic testing on 1996 and newer vehicles.
Before issuing a certificate of authorization to a prospective
station, the commission must determine if the applicant will be
properly equipped, has qualified emission inspectors, and meets
other requirements specified by the commission.  Official
inspection stations which are certified will be allowed to repair
motor vehicles to bring them into compliance.

The fee for an emission inspection will be $15.  Vehicle owners
will not be charged an additional fee for a reinspection
completed within 20 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and
holidays.  The fee will only be waived if the reinspection is
made by the station making the initial inspection.  The Director
of the Department of Revenue may verify a successful inspection
electronically.

The commission must establish, by rule, a waiver amount equal to
the waiver amount provided in the federal Clean Air Act and the
regulations promulgated for the enhanced motor vehicle emissions
inspection for all model year vehicles.

The bill exempts from the inspection requirements diesel-powered
vehicles except light-duty, diesel-powered vehicles manufactured
after 1996 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or
less; new motor vehicles which have not been previously titled
and registered for the two-year period following their model year
of manufacture; vehicles which are engaged in interstate commerce
and are proportionately registered with the Highway Reciprocity
Commission; and motor vehicles driven fewer than 12,000 miles
between biennial safety inspections.  Vehicles which are
inspected and approved prior to a sale or transfer will not be
subject to another emission inspection for 90 days after the date
of sale or transfer.

The procedures for becoming an official emissions inspection
station are specified.  The commission may suspend a station's
certificate of authority to conduct emission inspections if the
station is given due process as specified in the bill.

The bill requires the commission to establish an emissions system
repair technician program.  Successful completion of the program
will require a passing score on a written test and a hands-on
test.  An automotive repair technician may forego participation
in the program for up to two years after passage of the bill if
proof is submitted that he or she possesses current A6 and A8
certifications from the National Institute for Automotive Service
Excellence.

The commission, in consultation with the Department of Natural
Resources, must establish an economic assistance program for
compliance with emission standards for persons with household
incomes of less than 185% of the federal poverty level.  This
assistance will be used to offset the cost of repairs to bring
vehicles into compliance.  Assistance priority will be given to
persons who possess only one vehicle or who do not qualify for a
waiver.

The department and the State Highway Patrol will provide
oversight of the emissions inspection program.  Beginning
October 1, 2008, and every October 1 thereafter, the department
and the patrol must jointly submit an annual report to the
General Assembly detailing the oversight measures implemented for
the program, data collected regarding compliance and incidents of
fraud, and recommendations for improvements to the program.

The bill abolishes the Missouri Air Pollution Control Fund and
transfers its moneys to the Missouri Air Emission Reduction Fund.

The bill becomes effective September 1, 2007.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:43 am