WASHINGTON — U.S. Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Calif., reintroduced a invoice Wednesday that will amend U.S. patent legislation by lowering the time automakers can implement design patents on collision restore elements to 2 and a half years from 14 years towards aftermarket elements suppliers.

The invoice — referred to as the Save Cash on Auto Restore Transportation, or SMART, Act — would apply to automotive parts, corresponding to fenders, quarter panels and doorways, and solely have an effect on aftermarket restore elements. It might not alter the 14-year interval during which automakers can implement design patents towards different automakers.

The revived laws is supported by Republican Rep. Dave Joyce of Ohio and Democratic Reps. Zoe Lofgren of California, Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez of Washington.

The invoice was beforehand launched in 2021 by Issa, who mentioned it is going to broaden shopper alternative for collision restore elements, cut back prices for drivers and insurers and enhance competitors within the auto restore elements market.

“In line with AAA, a 3rd of American drivers cannot afford the prices of an surprising automotive restore invoice with out going into debt,” Issa mentioned in a press release. “As restore prices proceed to rise, shoppers deserve entry to as many automobile half restore choices as attainable. The SMART Act will enhance shopper alternative, encourage competitors, and foster innovation to drive down the price of costly repairs.”

Teams backing the invoice embody Shoppers for Auto Reliability and Security Coalition, Nationwide Affiliation of Mutual Insurance coverage Corporations, Automotive Physique Components Affiliation and AutoZone.

The Alliance for Automotive Innovation, which represents main automakers within the U.S., didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark.

Issa’s invoice comes after one other Home Republican, Rep. Neal Dunn of Florida, reintroduced a invoice in February mandating that car house owners and unbiased restore retailers have the identical entry to restore and upkeep instruments and information as automakers and their franchised dealerships.

The invoice — referred to as the Proper to Equitable and Skilled Auto Trade Restore Act — would require that each one instruments and tools, wi-fi transmission of restore and diagnostic information and telematics programs wanted for car repairs be made out there to the unbiased restore trade.