Star: Bill would make it harder for Missourians to know when used cars have been in accidents

A bill promoted by lobbyist Andrew Blunt, which would make it more difficult, if not impossible, for Missourians to know when they are buying used vehicles that have been in accidents, is making swift progress through the legislature, according to an article in today's Kansas City Star:

The bill has made it through the Senate and has a committee hearing in the House Wednesday:

But the legislation would weaken the law to say salvage titles aren't needed for cars older than three years, no matter how severe the damage. It further would say a salvage title isn't required if the repair costs don’t exceed 80 percent of the car’s fair-market value before the damage. That's more damage than is allowed under the current 75 percent limit.

A House committee hearing is scheduled for Wednesday on the bill. If the legislation passes the House, it will go to Gov. Matt Blunt, whose brother, Andy, is among the lobbyists pushing for it on behalf of segments of the automobile and insurance industries. The bill is sponsored by a former car salesman, Sen. John Griesheimer, a Washington Republican.

Once again, our legislative leaders look out for their own interests and the interests of big business, at the expense of the taxpayers.