Legislation that would create state auto glass safety standards was introduced in the state legislatures of Massachusetts and Virginia in early January.
The Auto Glass Safety Council is in strong support of both pieces of legislation and is urging to members, especially those in the respective states, to reach out to legislators and voice their support.
The Massachusetts and Virginia bills are similar to auto glass safety law enacted in Maryland in 2021. In Maryland the State Motor Vehicle Administration, pursuant to the 2021 law, is in the process of developing state auto glass safety regulations that substantially incorporate the present Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS). Both the Massachusetts and Virginia bills refer to the AGRSS as the basis for new state regulations.
Massachusetts Reps. Josh Cutler and Kathleen LaNatra introduced HD 4724 on January 7, 2022. The bill defines “aftermarket safety glass replacement” as motor vehicle safety glass replacement services that occur after the original installation by a vehicle manufacturer. It directs the state Registrar of motor vehicles to adopt regulations for aftermarket safety glass replacement that:
- Requires the products and services used to meet or exceed OEM specifications.
- Requires the use of safety glass that meet ANSI Z26.1 and any applicable federal standards.
- Meet or exceed the standards and requirements of the Automotive Glass Replacement Safety Standard, developed by the Auto Glass Safety Council under the auspices of the American National Standards Institute.
The Massachusetts legislature is in the second year of a two-year legislative cycle.
Virginia Delegate Mark Keam introduced HB 699 on January 12, 2022, the first day of the state’s legislative session. HB 699 directs the Superintendent of the Virginia State Police to promulgate regulations regarding the replacement of glass in any vehicle to be “consistent with the standards established by the Auto Glass Safety Council”.
The Virginia 2022 legislative session is scheduled to be conducted for 60 days.
