Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Consumer Protection Vehicle Theft Deterrence topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Committee approves AB 646 to expand consumer protections for catalytic‑converter protection products
Summary
AB 646, sponsored by Assemblymember Wallace, was advanced to Appropriations. The bill would increase options and required disclosures for catalytic converter theft deterrent products and include a disclosure at point of sale; dealer and industry witnesses supported the amended language.
The Assembly Insurance Committee approved AB 646 and referred it to the Assembly Appropriations Committee. Assemblymember Wallace presented AB 646, which supporters say will expand consumer access to catalytic converter theft‑deterrent products and require clearer disclosures at point of sale.
Supporters included Kelly Jensen of the Motor Vehicle Protection Products Association and Kenton Stanhope of the California New Car Dealers Association. Jensen said the bill’s disclosure language was refined with committee staff and that etching and protection products can help protect consumers from catalytic converter theft. “Languages is an important product to protect people from catalytic converter theft,” Jensen said.
Kenton Stanhope said the bill furthers the intent of prior legislation (SB 55) and increases the amount of etching while preserving consumer choice at the point of sale. Additional industry witnesses, including representatives of the Alliance for Automotive Innovation and Carmax, appeared in support.
The committee recorded a do‑pass motion, and the secretary called the roll. With committee amendments accepted and no lead opposition in the room, the bill moves to Appropriations for fiscal review.
