Committee releases amended bill asking rental companies to notify renters to delete personal data from vehicle systems

The Consumer Affairs Committee released Assembly Bill 3859 as amended, requiring rental car companies to post notice advising renters to unpair personal devices and delete personal information from vehicle computer systems upon return.

Clerk Katie read the amendments: the committee replaced an earlier mandate that companies delete the information with a notice requirement; the notice must be posted on rental premises and may also appear in the rental agreement or on the company website. The bill’s effective date was changed to the first day of the seventh month after enactment.

David Smith of Enterprise Rent-A-Car was listed in the record as supporting the amended bill and testified. Smith and other industry representatives explained the technical complexity of deletion across hundreds of makes and models and described situations where a factory reset requires many steps (testimony referenced a "27-step" process for some systems). Committee members pressed on whether the burden should fall on renters — particularly older, less tech-savvy customers — and whether a simpler 'forget' or unpair requirement could be mandated. Industry representatives said some phones prompt users to delete connections and urged coordination with federal standards and manufacturers.

The committee voted to release AB3859 as amended; the roll call recorded 'yes' votes from Assemblywoman Fantasia (who said the bill "isn't as strong as I would like it to be, but it's a start"), Assemblywoman Hall, Assemblywoman McCoy, Vice Chair Quijano (transcript shows spelling variations), and Chairman Samson. AB3859 was released as amended.