Update from the BAR New online license renewal system makes renewals easier and faster The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is launching an updated online license renewal system. The new system is easier to use, faster, and more accurate. It now also allows licensees to renew multiple licenses at the same time in one transaction. What’s new and improved The updated system offers licensees several key benefits: Check eligibility for renewal. The system checks license renewal eligibility to help licensees avoid errors and delays. Renew multiple licenses at once. Licensees can now renew more than one license in one simple transaction. Make one combined payment. Pay renewal fees for multiple licenses in one easy payment. Avoid payment errors. The system ensures payments are applied to the correct license number and type ... read more

Many thanks to Dennis Montalbano, who has worked on this project of Apprenticeships in California for nearly a decade. This is a game changer for the industry. ~~~~~ January 29, 2026 From: Dennis Montalbano, Past ASCCA State President Here is the link for an instructor opening for the new apprentice program at Fresno City College. Automotive Technology Instructor (Apprenticeships) (Full-Time, Tenure-Track) Fresno City College Please distribute this to anyone that is interested. After 9 years of persistent nagging from me, we are seeing the apprenticeship for independent garages come to fruition. Yea

ASCCA’s John Eppstein Talks Cool Air Rebates on ABC 10 News Posted on 8/29/2025 ASCCA’s John Eppstein Talks Cool Air Rebates on ABC 10 News Check out the interview here: https://www.10news.com/news/local-news/new-california-program-offers-financial-assistance-for-vehicle-air-conditioning-repairs Read more about the Cool Air Rebate here: https://coolairrebate.org/

BAR new Advertising Regulations that take effect October 1, 2025 Posted on 9/26/2025 BAR new Advertising Regulations that take effect October 1, 2025§ 3371.2. Requirements for Advertising Automotive Repair.(a) A person or entity engaged in the business of automotive repair shall clearly display in any Internet-based advertising the following:(1) Firm Name. The dealer's firm name as it appears on the State registration certificate as an automotive repair dealer. (2) Registration Number. The number issued by the Bureau to the dealer as proof of registration as an automotive repair dealer. (3) Telephone Number. The telephone number shall be the same as that listed for the dealer's firm name in the Bureau's records. Frequently Answered Questions:1) Do we need our ARD# on our websites? Is there a definition of online advertising in the regulation we can refer to? The regulations do not define onl ... read more

LEGISLATIVE UPDATEJanuary 6, 2026From: Jack Molodanof Sent: Tuesday, January 6, 2026 Subject: Legislative & Regulatory Updates - Jan 2026 Good morning, Happy new year! The Legislature reconvened yesterday, entering 2026 amid a challenging fiscal environment. The state faces an estimated $18 billion budget shortfall and is preparing for the potential impacts of reductions in federal funding. We anticipate the introduction of more than 2,000 new bills this year, with a February 20 deadline for bill introductions. We will monitor and review relevant legislation and bring key measures to your attention for consideration and action. Below are the legislative updates, including two-year bills carrying over from the prior session, as well as regulatory updates. Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you. Jack Molodanof ____________________ Legislation Electric Vehicle Batteries SB 615 &nda ... read more

The legislature has reconvened for the 2025 legislative session, with new bills being introduced. The deadline for submitting new legislative bills is February 21, 2025. This year, over 2,300 new bills are expected to be introduced. Additionally, the Governor will also release his state budget proposal later this week.   We also expect significant activity related to new regulations impacting the automotive repair industry. We will closely monitor these developments and provide timely as they unfold.   Below is an overview of some of the legislative and regulatory automotive repair issues we anticipate to address this year. Legislation    Electric Vehicle Batteries SB 615 – Electric Vehicle Batteries Last year’s SB 615 Electric Vehicle Batteries.  We are expecting the reintroduction of SB 615. The legislation, among other things, requires that all automotive ... read more

Calling All Automotive Technology Students! Application Now Open for ASCEF SCHOLARSHIPS! Deadline: March 31, 2025 Apply Today Applications are currently being accepted for the Automotive Service Councils Educational Foundation (ASCEF) 2025 scholarships! Each year, the ASCEF awards scholarships ranging from $500 - $1,000. These scholarships provide assistance to current under-graduates who are in the automotive service field.   Overall Qualifications: You must be planning to seek employment in the California after-market/independent repair industry and be a   California high school senior who plans to enroll in post high school technical and academic training or California college under-graduate in the automotive service field.   Applications must be submitted by March ... read more

LOCATION FOR FRIDAY & SATURDAY, MARCH 14-15: 📍Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade 100 Capitol Mall, Sacramento, CA 95814   LOCATION FOR SUNDAY, MARCH 16: 📍Advocacy & Management Group Offices (RSVP Required for admittance to AMG Offices) One Capitol Mall, Suite 800 Sacramento, CA 95814 (Across the street from Embassy Suites)   This Event is also available via Zoom. RegisterView the Schedule Embassy Suites Sacramento Riverfront Promenade 100 Capitol Mall Sacramento, CA 95814 (951) 676-5656   All attendees must make their own room reservat ... read more

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Below is the legislative and regulatory update summary.   We will continue to review, monitor and report. Legislation   Vehicle Batteries        SB 615 –Electric Batteries – Concerns. Requires an automotive repair dealer that removes a battery from a vehicle that is still in service to participate in a core exchange program established by the battery supplier and be responsible for either returning a removed battery to the battery supplier or sending it to a qualified facility.  Status: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials Committee. Employment                AB 518 - Paid Family leave – Concerns. Expands the definition of “family member” for purposes of the Paid Family Leave Program to allow workers to take time off to care for a seriously ill designated person. Status: Senate Ina ... read more