California Assembly Bill AB471

California 2021-2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/8/21
• Refer: 2/18/21
• Report Pass: 3/25/21
• Refer: 3/26/21
• Report Pass: 4/20/21
• Refer: 4/20/21
• Refer: 4/28/21
• Report Pass: 5/20/21
• Engrossed: 6/1/21
• Refer: 6/2/21
• Refer: 6/9/21
• Report Pass: 6/15/21
• Refer: 6/15/21
• Report Pass: 6/30/21
• Refer: 6/30/21
• Report Pass: 7/1/21
• Refer: 7/1/21
• Report Pass: 7/14/21
• Refer: 7/15/21
• Refer: 8/16/21
• Report Pass: 8/26/21
• Enrolled: 9/10/21
• Chaptered: 9/28/21
• Passed: 9/28/21

Caption

Bureau of Automotive Repair: administration: citations: safety inspections.

Impact

The bill imposes several changes to state laws governing automotive repair. Notably, it allows the director to implement a system where automotive repair dealers can prevent public disclosure of certain violations on the internet if they complete specified remedial training. It also modifies lien rights for automotive repairs, clarifying that registered dealers can charge storage fees related to labor or materials. This move aims to better protect consumers while still holding automotive shops accountable for compliance with regulations.

Summary

Assembly Bill 471 primarily addresses the administration and regulation of the automotive repair industry under the Bureau of Automotive Repair in California. The bill amends current laws regarding the registration and regulation of automotive repair dealers, enhancing the authority of the Director of Consumer Affairs. It creates a system for citations for violations while extending the review period for the bureau's operations until January 1, 2024, and establishes processes for informal reviews of those citations, thus fostering transparency and accountability in the industry.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding AB 471 appears to be moderately positive among proponents who argue that the bill offers a balanced approach to improve regulation in the automotive repair sector while also considering the rights of the service providers. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the potential implications of limiting public access to enforcement actions, highlighting a tension between consumer transparency and the need for privacy among automotive dealers.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discourse surrounding AB 471 include the balance of public access to information versus the privacy of automotive repair dealers, particularly in how violations can be handled. While the bill seeks to improve the regulatory framework of the automotive repair industry, critics worry that the provisions permitting the nondisclosure of citations could undermine consumer protections and accountability mechanisms within the industry.