Government Affairs Committee (GAC)

Mission Statement  - To monitor and support as appropriate regulatory and legislative activities related to automotive occupant safety, providing strategic input to the council.

Activities during 2004:

• Supported DOT/NHTSA and the AAM in their court filings opposing a proposed increase in the unbelted occupant test speed in FMVSS 208 to 30 mph from the current 25 mph. AAM prevailed in the case.
• Participated with the Technical Working Group (TWG) which consists of representatives of the OEs, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), and the AMM, to establish voluntary guidelines for the installation of side-impact airbag systems.
• Continued to monitor the implementation of the TREAD Act, including the defect notification requirements.
• Provided the political intelligence and legislative analysis for the newly established "AORC Sensing and Active Safety (SAS) Committee."
• Met with the AAM to discuss state legislation to prevent the use or sale of false, remanufactured or salvaged airbags after their useful life. We continue to work with VMs on model legislation that could be enacted in all 50 states.
• Provided liaison support, political intelligence and strategic communications advice to the AORC President and the Board of Directors on all auto safety issues.

Onqoinq 2005 Objectives:

• Organize AORC participation in the deliberations in Congress regarding the NHTSA Reauthorization bill. This bill determines the NHTSA budget for the next six years and sets the agency's regulatory priorities.
• Continue to monitor the implementation of the TREAD Act rulemakings including the defect notification provisions.
• Monitor the following rulemakings by the NHTSA:

o Side-Impact Testinq Standards (upqrade of FMVSS 214):
o Roof Crush Resistance Standards:
o Implementation of Dynamic Rollover Testinq Standards In NCAP Safety Ratinqs

• Monitor Leqislation Providinq Tax Incentive for Purchase of Active Safety Equipment
• Work with vehicle manufacturers and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers on  
concerns with Fuel Economy Standards
• Work with allied industry associations and vehicle manufacturers on Steel Commodity Pricinq and Availabilitv Issues:
• Encourage legislative efforts on Product Liability and Tort Reform
• Work with the Airbag & Seat Belt Safety Campaign & NHTSATO on Enactment & Enforcement of Primary Seat Belt Laws