Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Airport Finance topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee clears modest increase to airport rental-car facility charge to $12 per day
Summary
AB 1150 would raise the cap on airport customer facility charges from $9 to $12 per rental day, limited to five days, with airports required to hold public hearings and audits before increases; supporters said revenues pay for maintenance and infrastructure at rental-car facilities ahead of major international events.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved AB 1150, which would raise the maximum customer facility charge that airports may collect from rental-car customers from $9 to $12 per rental day, effective Jan. 1, 2026. The fee, supporters said, is charged only to travelers who rent cars at airports and funds construction, major repairs and dedicated shuttle or tram operations for consolidated rental-car facilities.
Assemblymember Schulz presented the bill and said the $9 cap has not changed since its enactment in 2010 and that costs have risen by more than 50% since then. Lauren Weshi of the California Airports Council, the bill sponsor, described the change as a “modest” adjustment that preserves existing consumer protections such as public notice hearings, independent audits and board approvals prior to any fee increase.
Supporters including rental-car industry representatives said revenue from the customer facility charge (CFC) is a user fee paid only by rental-car customers and helps maintain aging infrastructure, including elevators, escalators and HVAC, and to prepare for upcoming major events that will increase traveler demand.
A member of the public, David Bullock, opposed the bill on principle, arguing that cumulative fee increases can reduce affordability and deter visitors over time. Committee members asked whether the bill included an automatic cost-of-living escalator; the author’s representative said it does not — the change is a straight cap increase from $9 to $12.
Senator Allen moved the measure and, after committee discussion, the motion passed. Recorded roll calls during the hearing showed the majority in favor and the measure was placed to the next committee for further consideration.
