Bill > SB157

This bill establishes a new rental fleet registration program for passenger vehicle fleets with 50 or more vehicles, introducing several key changes to vehicle inspection and registration rules. Under the new provisions, rental fleet vehicles purchased within one year before or during their model year will be inspected upon purchase and then not again until the second year after purchase, which differs from standard vehicle inspection requirements. The bill requires the Department of Safety to create administrative rules for the new rental fleet program within 60 days of the law's effective date and mandates that the Department of Environmental Services submit amendments to the state implementation plan (SIP) to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for approval. Importantly, the bill's implementation is contingent upon EPA approval of the SIP amendments, meaning sections 1 and 2 will only take effect after the EPA reviews and approves the proposed changes. The bill aims to provide more flexibility for large rental vehicle fleets while ensuring that the state maintains compliance with federal environmental regulations. The fiscal impact is considered minimal, with the Department of Safety estimating a one-time $25,000 cost for system changes, and the Department of Environmental Services acknowledging potential indeterminable costs associated with air quality modeling and SIP revisions.