If you’ve been wondering where our SEMA Law & Order update has been for the last few months, you’re not alone. The Specialty Equipment Market Association has been hard at work keeping us updated with legislative movements but not many of the recent legislative updates have involved the hot rod hobby, so we’ve brought you other valuable information. This month is no different as most legislative jurisdictions return to office after a several month break to take on bills and proposals for 2013.

But just when you thought our monthly update was dwindling, we’ve been keeping track of hot rod updates through the SEMA Action Network and found some interesting information that could affect the hot rod hobby in the future.

It’s not officially in this month’s SEMA Law & Order publication, but it’s certainly vital information that you as an enthusiast should be well aware of.

Although February was a short month, SAN had its work cut out for them following all the recent legislative movements that could affect the industry. Among them were bills passed by committees in Montana, which would allow 1948 to 1950 model year vehicle owners to display only one year-of-manufacture plate on their vehicles, a bill passed by a Virginia committee that would exempt all vehicles and parts stored on private property for the purpose of restoration from license taxes, and a bill approved by the Senate Rules Committee in Washington that prevents cities from enforcing any kind of regulation that prevents automotive collectors from pursuing their hobby as long as their restoration projects are screened from public view.

In late February, the Virginia bill was officially approved and signed into law and the Montana bill passed the House, moving it to the Senate floor. Along the way, SAN also fought for a bill in Hawaii that, if approved, would reduce fees for antique motor vehicles, as well as a bill in West Virginia that would exempt any vehicle of 25 years or older from personal property taxes. SAN was also on hand to fight against a bill introduced in Connecticut in February that would increase property taxes on antique, rare or special interest vehicles. The hearing for that bill has been rescheduled several times and we have yet to hear the verdict.

March started out rough in the Connecticut hot rod scene as following the introduction of the bill aiming to increase property tax on antique vehicles, enthusiasts were hit with another proposed bill, this time looking to disallow the use of year-of-manufacture license plates after July 1st of this year. SAN urges Connecticut vehicle owners to contact their representatives and share their feelings about the proposed bill.

The last and final bit of information we’ve received confirms that Collector Car Appreciation Day is once again to be celebrated with the official date of July 12th named. The SEMA Action Network is currently compiling an ongoing list of all the events related to this special day on their website and will continue to update it as they receive more and more event confirmations.

The beginning of 2013 has been hit and miss for legislation affecting the hot rod hobby. Fortunately, we have the rest of the year to make sure our hobby remains unscathed. Stay informed, and stay active – let your voice be heard!