California 2013-2014 Regular Session Status: In Committee

AB 397 — Vehicles: emergency contact locator database.

Last action — From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Assembly
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2013-2014 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

(1) Existing law imposes specified requirements on manufacturers of motor vehicles sold or leased in this state. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would enact the California Motor Vehicle Emergency Contact Locator Act of 2013 and would define the term "VIN# ECON database" as the national law enforcement vehicle identification number emergency contact locator database that may be established by this state, in conjunction with other states and law enforcement agencies. This bill would require a motor vehicle manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold or leased in this state on or after January 2, 2014, with a 2014 model year or later to provide a means by which a purchaser or lessee of a new motor vehicle can voluntarily designate at the original retail point of sale an emergency contact to be stored in the VIN# ECON database. The bill would require the emergency contact information to be made available electronically only to authorized law enforcement and would require law enforcement personnel, when practicable, to expeditiously notify the registered owner's emergency contact, if a vehicle occupant is rendered unable to communicate due to physical injury, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program by imposing new duties upon local agencies. The bill would also require a manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold or leased in this state to establish a public awareness campaign, including listing access to the VIN# ECON database as a standard equipment specification on the new vehicle original window sticker. Since a violation of the bill's requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Bill Text

Action History

  1. From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.

  4. Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.

  5. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.

  6. Referred to Coms. on TRANS. and JUD.

  7. From printer. May be heard in committee March 21.

  8. Read first time. To print.

Sponsors

  • Fox · Primary
  • Price · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 120 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

  • Fox

Co-sponsors (1)

  • Price

Not signed on (120)

120 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Subjects

public-safety transportation
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Frequently asked questions

What does AB 397 do?
(1) Existing law imposes specified requirements on manufacturers of motor vehicles sold or leased in this state. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime. This bill would enact the California Motor Vehicle Emergency Contact Locator Act of 2013 and would define the term "VIN# ECON database" as the national law enforcement vehicle identification number emergency contact locator database that may be established by this state, in conjunction with other states and law enforcement agencies. This bill would require a motor vehicle manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold or leased in this state on or after January 2, 2014, with a 2014 model year or later to provide a means by which a purchaser or lessee of a new motor vehicle can voluntarily designate at the original retail point of sale an emergency contact to be stored in the VIN# ECON database. The bill would require the emergency contact information to be made available electronically only to authorized law enforcement and would require law enforcement personnel, when practicable, to expeditiously notify the registered owner's emergency contact, if a vehicle occupant is rendered unable to communicate due to physical injury, thereby imposing a state-mandated local program by imposing new duties upon local agencies. The bill would also require a manufacturer of a new motor vehicle sold or leased in this state to establish a public awareness campaign, including listing access to the VIN# ECON database as a standard equipment specification on the new vehicle original window sticker. Since a violation of the bill's requirements would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. (2) The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.
Who sponsors AB 397?
AB 397 is sponsored by Fox and Price.
What is the current status of AB 397?
This bill died with 2013-2014 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track AB 397?
Track AB 397 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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