01
August
2024
Revving Up: Senate Bill 1129 Advances to Streamline Vehicle Salvage and Auction Processes
This legislation aims to prevent economic waste and encourages dealers not to abandon their vehicles at auction
On June 11th, the Senate Transportation Committee considered Senate Bill 1129 (Flynn-D), which amends Title 75 (Vehicles) regarding certificates of title and security interests, further providing for the transfer to vehicle salvage dealers and scrap metal processors. The bill adds subsections outlining the conditions under which a vehicle salvage dealer and a scrap metal processor can purchase a vehicle from an insurer, on which a total loss payment has been made, without obtaining a certificate of title or salvage certificate for the vehicle.
During this meeting, Minority Chairman of Transportation and bill sponsor, Senator Marty Flynn, offered an amendment that added language to Senate Bill 1129. This amendment authorizes wholesale vehicle auctions or salvors to remove vehicles that have been abandoned at auction for three or more days. The amendment was unanimously adopted, and the bill was reported unanimously by the committee.
The language added to Senate Bill 1129 is identical to House Bill 103, which was introduced by Rep. Louis Schmidt in the House. This language ensures that auctions are compensated for any expenses incurred during the wholesale vehicle auction process. These expenses include the cost of storing, providing notice, obtaining title, and processing the vehicle. The remaining proceeds from the sale shall be paid to PennDOT and transmitted to the State Treasurer for deposit in the Motor License Fund.
This legislation aims to prevent economic waste and encourages dealers not to abandon their vehicles at auction. In addition, licensed auction entities are entrusted with auctioning these vehicles between licensed dealer buyers and dealer sellers. This sale can reduce the loss of funds from unpaid storage fees and potentially combat the waste associated with older vehicles, which are often abandoned.
Senate Bill 1129 is now before the Senate Appropriations Committee for consideration. As this legislation progresses through the legislative process, we will keep you updated.
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Tyler Burke
Tyler is an Associate at Milliron & Goodman. He is currently responsible for providing research, bill analyses, and legislative updates to ensure clients have the most current and accurate information available. Additionally, Tyler helps create and implement grassroots initiatives and draft legislation and amendments, focusing on transportation, healthcare, and education policy. Tyler has also assisted multiple clients in completing the Department of State’s Sunrise Evaluation Form.
Before joining the firm, Tyler worked as a paralegal, where he improved his critical thinking and legal writing skills. Tyler also has experience as an intern in a District Attorney’s office, where he conducted legal research on crimes and types of perpetrators.
