Bill would limit NHTSA officials’ moves to auto industry (from the Toyota recall controversy)

Source: LA Times

Sen. Barbara Boxer’s bill would prevent some officials from taking certain auto industry jobs for three years after quitting the safety agency. The effort stems from the Toyota recall controversy.

By Ken Bensinger and Ralph Vartabedian, Los Angeles Times

The U.S. Senate will consider new legislation aimed at limiting federal auto safety officials from working for the automakers they regulate, the first in what is expected to be a series of bills provoked by Toyota Motor Corp.'s sudden-acceleration problem.

The bill, introduced Wednesday by Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) would prevent employees of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration from taking certain jobs at carmakers for a period of three years after they leave the agency.

Only jobs involving direct communications with NHTSA would be prohibited, and only top NHTSA officials, or those involved in safety regulation, would be subject to the rule. The bill filed by Boxer would impose a $55,000 fine on individuals and $100,000 or more for automakers, in case of a violation.



Read more: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-nhtsa-auto-jobs-20100429,0,5440640.story

But the fines should be higher.

It was the cap that needs to be raised!