NE Ohio Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed House Bill 195, a legislation introduced by State Representatives Steve Demetriou and Sean Patrick Brennan, that aims to establish a standard for the sale of adaptive mobility vehicles (AMV). This bill seeks to address the current legal ambiguity surrounding AMV dealers in Ohio by providing a license for dealers who retrofit vehicles with handicap adaptive equipment.

AMV dealers play a crucial role in enabling individuals with disabilities to access and operate motor vehicles. By retrofitting vehicles with specialized equipment, these dealers make it possible for people with disabilities to travel and provide for themselves. However, without a clear regulatory framework, there have been concerns about the safety and credibility of these dealerships.

State Representative Steve Demetriou highlighted the importance of this legislation, stating, "These dealers are critical to people with disabilities. These adapted vehicles allow a person with a disability to travel and provide for themselves, but we must also assure this specialty equipment is installed properly for the safety of the vehicle occupants. This dealer license will help create credibility and establish an industry standard for these dealers that have been operating in legal limbo."

The Ohio Automobile Dealers Association and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce have expressed their support for this bill. Currently, there are nearly 15 adaptive vehicle dealers operating in Ohio. The passage of this legislation will not only provide a legal framework for these dealers but also help establish industry standards and ensure the safety of the vehicles.

With the House vote in favor of House Bill 195, the legislation will now move to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Click this link to access more information: https://ohiohouse.gov/members/steve-demetriou/news/house-passes-legislation-establishing-standard-for-amv-dealers-117669