Kentucky 2022 Regular Session

Kentucky House Bill HB490

Introduced
2/14/22  
Refer
2/14/22  
Refer
3/4/22  
Report Pass
3/8/22  
Engrossed
3/15/22  
Refer
3/15/22  
Refer
3/16/22  
Report Pass
3/23/22  
Report Pass
4/14/22  
Refer
4/14/22  
Enrolled
4/14/22  
Enrolled
4/14/22  
Chaptered
4/22/22  

Caption

AN ACT relating to transportation, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency.

Impact

By amending existing statutes, HB490 seeks to strengthen the legal framework surrounding automotive safety in Kentucky. The bill establishes severe fines and potential jail time for violations, which signals the state's commitment to combating counterfeit automotive components. This is particularly important as the state aims to ensure that vehicles on its roads meet specified safety standards, ultimately protecting the consumers and reducing the risks associated with counterfeit parts. The allocation of funds, including $421,300 for GARVEE Bonds related to the Brent Spence Bridge project, illustrates how transportation funding is interlinked with safety measures as outlined in the bill.

Summary

House Bill 490, titled 'AN ACT relating to transportation, making an appropriation therefor, and declaring an emergency,' focuses on the regulation of automotive safety features, specifically addressing issues related to airbags. The bill defines various terms related to supplemental restraint systems, including 'airbag' and 'nonfunctional airbag', and imposes penalties on individuals involved in the sale or installation of counterfeit or malfunctioning airbag components. The primary objective of this legislation is to enhance consumer safety and ensure that all vehicles possess functioning and compliant airbags, aligning local regulations with federal standards.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB490 appears to be generally positive regarding its potential to improve public safety. Legislative supporters stressed the need for stricter penalties for those dealing in counterfeit airbags to mitigate risks for vehicle occupants. However, some concerns were raised regarding the bill’s scope—the balance of penalties versus consumer education on recognizing counterfeit components has been discussed. The prospect of increased enforcement measures is viewed favorably, provided they come with adequate public awareness efforts to ensure compliance and consumer understanding.

Contention

Though widely supported for its safety implications, HB490 faces criticism over the extent of its penalties, which some believe could impose excessive burdens on small auto repair shops. The limited discussion focused on ensuring that the penalties do not inadvertently target well-intentioned businesses that may be misled about the authenticity of parts. This reflects a broader conversation on how the state navigates consumer safety and protection for small business owners in the automotive sector.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

KY HB320

AN ACT relating to relating to motor vehicles.

KY HB4668

Relating to air bag fraud

KY SB2616

Counterfeit automobile airbags; criminalize manufacture, import, distribution or install of.

KY HB1092

Automobile airbags and supplemental restraint systems; establish standards for installation of.

KY HB2147

Requiring a person providing wrecker or towing service or agency to provide a certification of compliance to a purchaser upon the sale and transfer of an abandoned or towed vehicle, prohibiting the manufacture, importation, distribution, sale, offer for sale, installation or reinstallation of a counterfeit supplemental restraint system component or nonfunctional airbag and providing for criminal penalties for violation thereof and expanding permitted lighting equipment on vehicles to include all ground effect lighting.

KY SB01040

An Act Concerning Counterfeit And Nonfunctional Airbags And Unlawful Parking In Spaces Reserved For Persons With Disabilities.

KY SB106

Reconciling multiple amendments to certain statutes.

KY HB1158

Ban counterfeit airbags.

KY SB256

Relating to automobile supplemental restraint systems.

KY HB761

Prohibit airbag fraud

Similar Bills

CA AB878

Juveniles: restraints.

NH SB393

Relative to the use of restraints on pregnant women in the custody of a state or county correctional facility.

CA AB2657

Pupil discipline: restraint and seclusion.

IL HB5631

MHDDC-LETHAL RESTRAINTS-PROHIB

CA AB216

School safety: Pupil and Staff Safety Pilot Program.

TX SB751

Relating to the use of restraints in state schools.

CO HB1248

Protect Students from Restraint & Seclusion Act

NH HB491

Relative to prohibiting the use of the prone restraint for minors.