More information on the body of New York State Assembly bill A08374, introduced into the House by Clifford Crouch and reported here on glassBYTES (see New Auto Glass Legislation Introduced to New York House Assembly), indicates the bill uses much of the language of the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) and, if passed, the would require auto glass technicians in the state to comply with AGRSS.

The bill utilizes all AGRSS definitions, including "minimum drive-away strength" ("the minimum properties as defined and specified by the retention systems manufacturer or private labeler to meet the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standards 208 and 212), "minimum drive-away time" ("the time necessary for a given adhesive system to attain minimum drive-away strength after an adhesive bonded glass part is set in place") and "those engaged in automotive glass replacement." A "final exam," also as defined by AGRSS standards, would require auto glass technicians to prove themselves on "a comprehensive exam that evaluates the individual's knowledge and skills including but not limited to retention specific replacement procedures, a variety of automotive safety issues, minimum drive-away time, environmental conditions as they affect retention system performance, federal safety requirements and the basics of safe and effective auto glass replacement," is also defined.

Safety standards are also defined, "as used in this article, the governing standards shall be as established by the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards Council, and as set for the by the American National Standards Institute Standard ANSI Z26.1 version currently incorporated in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 205, safety glazing materials for glazing motor vehicles and motor vehicle equipment operating on land highways-safety standards, as such standards may be amended from time to time."

The bill also provides specifics for vehicle assessment before a replacement, requiring that a replacement not take place "when any related condition would compromise the retention system and the owner/operator shall be so notified." Further, if the bill becomes law, it will be compulsory for auto glass technicians in New York to use glass products that meet the AGRSS standards. Where the installation itself is concerned, the bill requires that "Those engaged in automotive glass replacement shall follow the adhesive manufacturer's application instructions as provided by the manufacturer directly, or through the private labeler. All in-shop or mobile installations shall be performed under environmental and other conditions that are compatible with the application instructions," which include a clause that "all adhesive system component lot numbers shall be traceable to each job" and another that would make "all glass parts … be traceable to the installation by a DOT number and part number.

As it is currently written, the bill does expect glass shop employees to inform vehicle owners of any indication of a previously performed shoddy replacement and to correct the damage when performing the new installation.

If signed into law, the penalty for violations would be considered a misdemeanor and punishable by a $1000 fine and the possibility of up to one year in jail.

To read the bill in full, visit http://assembly.state.ny.us/leg/?bn=A08374&sh=t