Tracking legal, legislative, and regulatory developments impacting the racing and performance industry.

PRI’s Washington, D.C.-based legal and advocacy teams work continuously to protect and support motorsports venues, sanctioning bodies, and businesses around the nation. We are tracking several initiatives this month, including the upcoming SEMA & PRI Washington Rally, a successful industry advocacy event in West Virginia, and a new bill introduced by Kansas lawmakers that would secure consumer freedom.

Attend the SEMA & PRI Washington Rally

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to attend the SEMA & PRI Washington Rally, taking place in Washington, D.C., on May 8–9, 2024. The Washington Rally provides an opportunity for SEMA and PRI member companies to come together and advocate on behalf of the specialty-automotive aftermarket and motorsports-parts industries with members of Congress.

By attending the Washington Rally, you will have the opportunity to meet with your members of Congress and their staff, discuss critical issues, and advocate for policies that will benefit our industry. Your participation will help ensure that our industry’s concerns are heard and that we can continue to innovate and grow. 

Whether it’s protecting the right to repair and modify vehicles with advanced technology, combating vehicle technology mandates that limit consumer choice, or protecting motorized access to federal government lands, there are many issues facing SEMA and PRI members in the nation’s capital. With the 2024 presidential election heating up and the balance of power in both the House and Senate up for grabs, it’s more important than ever for SEMA and PRI members to come to Washington, D.C., to advocate for the industry! 

If you would like to register for the Washington Rally, please visit sema.org/washington-rally, or contact Kayla Mitchell at kaylam@sema.org.

SEMA and PRI have a limited number of rooms available at the Royal Sonesta Washington, D.C. Capitol Hill for $409 per night plus tax. A link to book a room will be provided upon completing the registration form. The deadline to RSVP for the Washington Rally and book a room in SEMA and PRI’s room block is April 15.

Below is a list of 2024 Washington Rally events:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 

5:30 pm–7:00 pm: SEMA-PRI PAC Reception, Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Sapphire Room & Terrace – Penthouse level

*A PAC contribution is required to attend in the suggested amount of $250 per individual. If you have already contributed to the SEMA and PRI PAC in 2024, this event may be complimentary as a part of your PAC Membership Benefits. Please contact PAC Manager Alicia Steger at alicias@sema.org if you have any questions.

7:00 pm–9:00 pm: Washington Rally Congressional Dinner, Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom – Penthouse level

Thursday, May 9, 2024

7:00 am–8:30 am: Breakfast & Welcome Briefing, Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill, Crown Ballroom – Penthouse level

9:00 am–12:00 pm: Meetings with Congressional Representatives, House & Senate Office Buildings

9:00 am–3:00 pm: Cars at the Capitol Event, Southwest side of the US Capitol on Maryland Avenue (across from the Botanical Garden) 

12:00 pm–1:30 pm: Congressional Luncheon, Capitol Hill Club, Eisenhower Room

2:00 pm–5:00 pm: Meetings with Congressional Representatives, House & Senate Office Buildings

Racers and Lawmakers Celebrate 2024 Motorsports Day at West Virginia Capitol 

Industry professionals, elected officials, and state agencies came together on February 23 for the 2024 Motorsports Day at the West Virginia Capitol. The event served as a platform for collaboration, education, and the celebration of motorsports’ significant contributions to the Mountain State. 

“Participating in West Virginia Motorsports Day is vital for SEMA and PRI,” said Christian Robinson, SEMA and PRI senior director of state government affairs and grassroots. “It afforded us direct connections with lawmakers and industry-driving businesses. Through events like these, we can advocate for the future of motorsports, and celebrate its positive impact on communities in West Virginia.”

In the State Capitol Rotunda, more than 30 businesses and vendors, including SEMA and PRI, showcased the diverse landscape of West Virginia’s motorsports scene. Meanwhile, outside the Capitol, more than 30 racing vehicles displayed the pinnacle of motorsports engineering and design. Notably, Chaos Motorsports’ AK Whatley received legislative recognition for completing the grueling 2024 King of the Hammers event. 

Throughout the day, attendees engaged in open discussions and networking, fostering collaboration, and identifying avenues for growth with government officials and peers. 

For more information and assistance engaging with your local and state officials, contact Christian Robinson at christianr@sema.org.

Kansas House Approves Bill Protecting Vehicle Choice Freedom 

Kansas has introduced PRI-supported legislation to ensure consumers’ choice of vehicle powerplants and fuel by preventing a state agency, county, or city from limiting access to internal combustion engines. Kansas lawmakers passed a resolution last year, but this year’s bill will codify this into law.

The House Federal & State Affairs Committee recently held a hearing for the House’s version of the bill (H.B. 2783), where it passed with overwhelming support. Following a vote by the full House, the bill received quick approval and now awaits consideration by the Senate.

“Based on this topic’s importance to industry in the state, we were among several groups that testified in support of the proposal,” said Colby Martin, SEMA and PRI director of state government affairs. “It is reassuring that Kansas lawmakers have so strongly agreed that this effort promotes consumer choice, fosters innovation, and protects jobs.”

PRI believes Kansans, not the government, should be allowed to choose the type of vehicle technology that best serves them and their families. 

For more information, contact SAN@sema.org.