In this month’s issue, you will see some really good news; a notification from the Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings and Thermal Insulation (BEARHFTI) advising that restoration companies now fall under the same regulation as traditional movers when they move household goods as a part of their project. To put it more clearly, restoration companies that transfer household goods must be permitted by the Bureau and follow all the same regulations as other movers. This is a change that we have been working toward for a number of years. While the road ahead may include some starts and stops, we are pleased that the Bureau understood the issue, and more importantly took action to correct this inequity.    

Additionally, on the regulatory front, BEARHFTI is thankfully getting a name change. From the moment we learned that our industry regulatory program was being transferred, we wondered about the name. Our team, well versed in California government, hadn’t heard of the Bureau and wondered about the change. One quick-witted legislative staffer jokingly stated that it made sense being that we moved electronics, appliances, and home furnishings. The reality was that all involved felt that a new name for the Bureau was in order, a name more reflective of the updated mission and easier for the public and industry to link to services provided. Once again, Senator Jerry Hill stepped in with a bill, SB 1483 (Hill) that will change the Bureau’s name to the Bureau of Household Goods and Services. Thank you, Senator Hill, for your efforts.

Our Chairman’s column reviewed the social aspects of August’s executive committee retreat. While they were memorable, important business was also transacted. First, the members of the executive committee are to be commended for their dedication to the work of the Association. In addition to fantastic meals, thanks to the generosity of our associate member sponsors, the group conducted meetings on both Friday and Saturday. Members took valuable time out of their busy schedules to meet to review issues impacting our industry and consider plans that will ensure that CMSA leadership continues to be on the leading edge of an ever-changing landscape.

September 2018 - CMSA Communicator