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SFCTA backs bills to curb license-plate obstructions and extend TNC accessibility funding; SB 63 regional measure under development
Summary
SFCTA staff recommended support for AB 1085 (banning products that obscure license plates) and AB 1532 (extending the TNC Access for All surcharge to 2032). Staff also updated the board on SB 63, a state bill to authorize a Bay Area regional transportation revenue measure, which remains under negotiation.
SFCTA staff presented a state and federal legislative update at the May 13 meeting and recommended that the board adopt positions in support of two Assembly bills: AB 1085, which would prohibit license-plate covers and other products intended to hide plates from automated cameras; and AB 1532, which would extend the state’s TNC Access for All surcharge from its 2026 expiration to 2032.
Why it matters: AB 1085 targets products used to evade enforcement of tolls and automated safety cameras; AB 1532 maintains a funding stream (a 10¢ per-ride surcharge on transportation network companies) that supports wheelchair-accessible on-demand service. SFCTA staff said SFMTA currently administers the TNC Access for All reinvestment in San Francisco.
Key items discussed: - AB 1085 (license-plate-obscuring products): Staff described the bill as aimed at preventing devices and covers that let drivers evade bridge tolls or speed-safety cameras. Public safety advocates urged the board to support the bill. - AB 1532 (TNC Access for All extension): The bill would extend the surcharge program to 2032; the program returns funds to local jurisdictions to improve on-demand accessible service for wheelchair users. - SB 63 (Bay Area regional transportation revenue measure): Staff updated the board that the bill had minor amendments clarifying that only participating counties would be subject to the provisions and that MTC, BART and Caltrain had submitted support positions. Substantive amendments and an expenditure plan are expected once the bill reaches the Assembly. - State budget and cap-and-trade: Staff warned of a larger-than-expected state deficit and noted that leaders are prioritizing a cap-and-trade extension sooner than previously expected to protect climate and transit funding.
Public comments: Walk San Francisco and Families for Safe Streets urged support for AB 1085, linking plate-obscuring devices to difficulty holding drivers accountable for dangerous driving. Another caller supported both bills and said the TNC surcharge is a modest and important fund for accessible service.
Board action: Staff asked the board to adopt support positions on AB 1085 and AB 1532; commissioners voiced support and the motion was moved and seconded. Staff will continue to monitor SB 63 amendments and report back.
