HCS SS#2 SCS SB 583 -- VEHICLE EMISSIONS INSPECTION PROGRAM

This bill revises the state's vehicle emissions inspection
program by creating a decentralized emissions inspection program
in which only motor vehicle safety inspection stations and other
entities certified by the Air Conservation Commission will
conduct emissions inspections.  The program will apply
consistently throughout the City of St. Louis and the counties of
St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin.

Prior to September 1, 2007, the commission must develop a program
which allows official emissions inspection stations to conduct
onboard diagnostic testing on 1996 and newer vehicles.  Before
issuing a certificate of authorization to a prospective station,
the commission must determine if the applicant will be properly
equipped, has qualified emissions inspectors, and meets other
requirements specified by the commission.  Official inspection
stations which are certified will be allowed to repair motor
vehicles to bring them into compliance.

The Department of Natural Resources must issue a report to the
General Assembly and the Governor regarding the progress of
implementing the decentralized emissions inspection program.  The
report will include how many inspection stations or individuals
the department expects to participate in the program and how many
will be qualified by September 1, 2007, to conduct emissions
inspections.  The department will also be required to actively
promote participation in the decentralized emissions inspection
program among qualified motor vehicle dealers, service stations,
and other individuals.  After the implementation of the program,
the department must monitor participation and attempt to ensure,
through promotional efforts, that no more than 20% of all persons
residing in the affected nonattainment area reside farther than
five miles from the nearest inspection station.

The fee for an emissions inspection will not exceed $24.  Vehicle
owners will not be charged an additional fee for a reinspection
if completed within 20 days, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and
holidays.  The commission must establish by rule a waiver amount
not to exceed $450.  The waiver amount for an owner that performs
repair work on his or her own vehicle will be $400 if the cost of
the parts used by the owner is equal to or greater than $400.
The cost for labor performed by the owner will not count toward
the waiver limit.  The commission may establish by rule a lower
waiver amount for owners who provide reasonable and reliable
proof that they are financially dependent solely on state and
federal disability benefits and other public assistance programs.
This proof must be submitted to the commission 30 calendar days
prior to each subsequent emissions inspection before the lowered
waiver amount is allowed.  The Director of the Department of
Revenue may verify a successful inspection electronically.

The bill exempts from the inspection requirements diesel-powered
vehicles except light-duty, diesel-powered vehicles manufactured
after 1996 with a gross vehicle weight rating of 8,500 pounds or
less; new motor vehicles not previously titled and registered for
a four-year period following their model year of manufacture if
the odometer reading is less than 40,000 miles at their first
required biennial safety inspection; school buses; and motor
vehicles driven fewer than 12,000 miles between biennial safety
inspections.  Vehicles which are inspected and approved prior to
a sale or transfer will not be subject to another emissions
inspection for 90 days after the date of sale or transfer.

The procedures for becoming an official emissions inspection
station are specified.  The commission may suspend a station's
certificate of authority to conduct emissions inspections if the
station is given due process as specified in the bill.

The Department of Natural Resources and the State Highway Patrol
will provide oversight of the emissions inspection program.
Beginning October 1, 2008, and every October 1 thereafter, the
department and the patrol must jointly submit an annual report to
the General Assembly detailing the oversight measures implemented
for the program, data collected regarding compliance and
incidents of fraud, and recommendations for improvements to the
program.

The bill dissolves the Missouri Air Pollution Control Fund and
transfers its moneys to the Missouri Air Emission Reduction Fund.

The bill becomes effective August 28, 2006, except for Sections
33.080, 301.190, 301.800, 307.366, 643.300, 643.305 - 643.335,
and 643.350, RSMo, which have a September 1, 2007 effective date.

Missouri House of Representatives
93rd General Assembly, 2nd Regular Session
Last Updated November 29, 2006 at 9:46 am