The 2011 Illinois regular legislative session recently convened and bills are being introduced.  To view the most recent IAMC Legislative Report prepared by our Legislative Consultants please click here.

The IAMC concentrates on bills and regulations specifically relating to vending and office coffee companies.  We work in close cooperation with our national association (NAMA) and also with other groups on bills or regulations of more general interest. We keep members up to date on any legislative or regulatory changes that affect the industry.

The IAMC has many legislative accomplishments that have helped the industry over the years.  For example the IAMC supported and helped enact a law limiting increases in local license fees.  This law requires notice of proposed fee increases to existing license holders.  To view this Illinois law click here.

A brief history of the IAMC's efforts since it was founded in 1966 can be viewed by clicking here.

Coin Modernization legislation has passes both chambers in Congress and is now pending on the President's desk. The law, when signed by President Obama, will provide research and development authority for alternative coinage materials to the Secretary of the Treasury and increase congressional oversight over coin production.  The measure requires the Treasury Department to consider how changes in coins would affect vending machines and the Secretary, to the greatest extent possible, may not include any recommendation for new specifications that would require any significant change to coin-accepting and coin-handling equipment to accommodate changes to all circulating coins simultaneously.  You can view the entire legislation by clicking here.  Former IAMC President and current NAMA Chairman Craig Hesch testified before Congress concerning this bill.  A written copy of the testimony is available by clicking here.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has asked for public comments on writing new rules for how to disclose calories for products in vending machines.  The new rule is required under recently enacted legislation.  To view the FDA's request for comments click here.

On December 13th President Obama signed the "Healthy, Hunger Free Kids Act."  This new law would authorizes the Secretary of Agriculture to rewrite federal rules on what kinds of food can be sold through vending machines in schools.  States may enact stricter rules if they choose.  To view the text of this new law please click here.

The U.S, Department of Justice recently adopted existing Federal Barriers Board rules for what's considered accessible in places of public accommodation.  Previously, the Barriers Board said that where provided in accessible areas at least one of each of type vending should have the highest operable part no higher than 48 inches from the floor.  The Justice Department "grandfathered" existing equipment if it met prior 54 inch standards.  Operators should be aware of these new rules in case locations raise questions about accessibility.