Committee advances driver authorization and towing bills in work session

The Assembly Committee on Growth and Infrastructure approved motions in a work session to amend and pass two bills: Assembly Bill 140, which revises provisions governing driver authorization cards, and Assembly Bill 415, which revises provisions governing the towing of motor vehicles.

Assemblymember Gonzales sponsored AB140. Keeley Latham, policy analyst with the Legislative Counsel Bureau, summarized the measure, saying the bill “changes the expiration date of a driver authorization card so that instead of every 4 years a driver authorization card expires as prescribed by regulations adopted by the DMV,” and that regulations must align the card expiration period with drivers’ licenses unless federal law requires otherwise. After discussion, Vice Chair Carter moved “to amend and do pass Assembly Bill 140,” with Assemblymember Karas seconding. The motion carried; committee staff recorded nays from Assemblymembers Gurr, Dickman, Urick and Gallant.

Latham also summarized AB415, noting the bill “revises the provisions related to the handling of abandoned vehicles on public or private property, increases the value threshold for issuing a junk certificate, and prohibits tow car operators from falsely reporting their location to law enforcement.” An amendment authorized a notice affixed to apparently abandoned vehicles and extended the waiting period between notice and removal of a vehicle from five to seven days, among other changes. Assemblymember Dickman moved to amend and do pass AB415; Assemblymember Karas seconded. The committee recorded the motion as carrying unanimously and designated Assemblymember Goulding to handle the floor statement, with Assemblymember Carter as backup.

Why it matters: Both bills adjust regulatory processes that affect day-to-day operations — DMV procedures and towing practices — and the committee advanced them to the floor with committee amendments.

What happened next: Both measures were assigned floor statements as noted by the committee. No fiscal notes or further amendments were discussed during the work session portion summarized here.

Votes at a glance

- AB140 (driver authorization cards): Motion to amend and do pass. Mover: Vice Chair Carter. Second: Assemblymember Karas. Nays recorded: Assemblymembers Gurr, Dickman, Urick, Gallant. Motion carried.

- AB415 (towing/abandoned vehicles): Motion to amend and do pass. Mover: Assemblymember Dickman. Second: Assemblymember Karas. Motion carried unanimously. Floor statement assigned to Assemblymember Goulding (backup: Assemblymember Carter).