AAA

Washington DC

Foiled time and again by the third-worst gridlock in the nation, transportation is a top-of-the-mind issue for motorists and residents in the Washington metro region. It will resonate in this year’s General Assembly sessions in Richmond and Annapolis, and at city hall and the Council chamber in the nation’s capital. Watch this page for issues, concerns and updates.

Delaware

The Delaware General Assembly adjourned on June 30^th.   The session ended with a balanced budget for the state.  The state Transportation Trust Fund is $268.6 million - $35 million over the Governor’s proposed Bond Bill. However, legislators shifted to the General Fund $2.1 million of gross tax receipts monies obtained from retailers that lease tangible personal property (including automobiles) that previously went into the TTF.  AAA plans to  continue to monitor transportation funding  and advocate for a ban on open containers  of alcohol in vehicles , an all-rider motorcycle helmet law and other safety initiatives. We invite you to learn more and contact your lawmakers on issues important to you.

Maryland

The 2008 Maryland General Assembly concluded its 425^th Legislative Session earlier this spring. AAA Mid-Atlantic was actively involved in the Session, lobbying on a number of issues that impact motorist safety and transportation. AAA supported several key pieces of legislation that passed, which will strengthen Maryland’s teen driving laws, as well as enhance safety on Maryland’s roads and for children traveling by extending the age required to ride in booster seats from six to eight years old. This law, effective June 30, applies to all vehicles traveling on Maryland roads, not just those registered in the state.

New Jersey

AAA wants to ensure that car owners and independent repair facilities have the same access to vehicle repair information as motor vehicle manufacturers. The Right to Repair Act will level the competitive playing field of the automotive repair industry and will ensure that car owners can conveniently and affordably have their vehicle serviced at the repair facility of their choice. The AAA Clubs of New Jersey believe passage of the Right to Repair Act, A-803, will restore consumer choice and ensure the health of a competitive automotive repair industry.

Pennsylvania

Before adjourning until September, the General Assembly passed and Governor Rendell signed an FY2009 state budget, including $335 million to repair 411 bridges classified as structurally deficient as well as biofuels and alternative energy initiatives.  A proposal to lease the Pennsylvania Turnpike  remains in limbo.  The Chair of the House Transportation Committee is adamantly opposed to the lease.  Lawmakers favor the tolling of I-80, which is still pending federal approval.

The Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee voted out HB 684  mandating  gasoline  quality testing.  PA is one of 3 states without a program.  AAA  strongly supports the measure.   We will continue to watch bills that strengthen teen driving and distracted driving laws and mandate seat belt and motorcycle helmet use.  AAA also supports pending legislation requiring manufacturers to disclose event data recorders  in vehicles.  We invite you to learn more and contact your lawmakers on issues important to you.

Virginia

The 2008 General Assembly Regular Session and Special Session on Transportation Funding are completed. AAA Mid-Atlantic will continue to advocate for the motoring and traveling public during the off season and will once again be involved in the legislative process in 2009. AAA invites you to visit our Legislative Action Center during the session to stay informed on key issues and to join us in grass roots efforts on issues that impact the safety and mobility of both Virginians and tourists visiting the Commonwealth. Thank You.