The California Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) is seeking help from the collision repair and automotive industries, as well as from consumers, to provide their input on a citation review panel.

The three-member panel will aid in the informal review of citation appeals requested by recipients in violation of the Automotive Repair Act, or that carried out any unlicensed activity under the state’s Business and Professions Code; both of which apply to automotive and body repair. Chapter 372, added to the books in 2021, calls for the creation of the panel by July 1.

Panel recommendations will be given to the Consumer Affairs director. Members will include one consumer, one from BAR, and one from the repair industry.

The law also requires BAR to prove its usefulness to the legislature by the end of this year, as required every four years. However, AB 1263 was passed by the House on May 30 as a placeholder for sunset review until Jan. 1, 2028.

If approved, AB 1263 would also require the seller of a salvage vehicle to provide the Department of Motor Vehicles and the buyer with a valid vehicle safety systems certificate of compliance. Vehicles sold by a dismantler or from a salvage pool would be exempt.

The citation review panel will meet monthly in virtual conferences. Each member will serve a two-year term. Additional information on panel activities is provided in the citation and remedial training programs regulations.

Those interested in serving on the panel can complete an application online. Applicants will be asked to provide information on their experience with automotive repairs and any prior participation in BAR programs and services.

Applications are currently being accepted to fill multiple panel member positions. Completed applications and any questions about the panel and application process can be sent to Mathew.Gibson@dca.ca.gov.

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