Alaska moves to ban counterfeit airbags with House Bill 74

House Bill 74, aimed at combating the installation of counterfeit and non-functioning airbags in Alaska, took center stage during a recent House Judiciary Committee meeting. The bill, introduced with support from Honda Motor Company and the Automotive Anti-Counterfeiting Council, seeks to establish legal repercussions for those who knowingly sell or install these dangerous devices.

Currently, Alaska lacks laws prohibiting the use of airbags that do not meet federal safety standards. House Bill 74 addresses this gap by defining airbag fraud and categorizing it as a class A misdemeanor, escalating to a class C felony if serious injury or death results from the use of such airbags. The legislation is designed to protect consumers and ensure that they can trust the safety of their vehicles.

Representative Frank Tomaszewski, a key proponent of the bill, emphasized the importance of this legislation, sharing a personal story about his family's close call in a head-on collision where all airbags deployed successfully. He expressed concern over the potential consequences of counterfeit airbags, which can be filled with hazardous materials or fail to deploy altogether.

The bill has garnered support from various stakeholders, including the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, which advocates for consumer protection. Similar laws have already been enacted in over 38 states, highlighting a growing recognition of the dangers posed by counterfeit airbags.

During the meeting, questions arose regarding exemptions for insurance companies and the responsibilities of dealerships in verifying airbag authenticity. Proponents clarified that the bill does not impose a duty on dealerships to inspect airbags, as this could create an undue burden. Instead, the focus is on preventing counterfeit products from entering the market in the first place.

As the bill moves forward, it aims to bolster federal efforts to combat the importation of these dangerous devices, allowing authorities to seize counterfeit airbags at Alaska's borders. The anticipated outcome is a safer environment for Alaskan motorists, free from the risks associated with fraudulent airbag installations.