SB-26
Consumer Protection

Civil actions: restitution for or replacement of a new motor vehicle.

Passed
CA
2025-2026 Regular Session
0
0
Track

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a new opt-in system for auto manufacturers to follow specific vehicle restitution procedures starting July 2025.
  • Requires consumers to notify manufacturers 30 days before seeking civil penalties for defective vehicles.
  • Mandates consumers provide written notice to buyers about pending warranty claims before selling defective vehicles.
  • Creates a public list of participating manufacturers on the Arbitration Certification Program website.

Summary

Senator Umberg's motor vehicle consumer protection legislation modifies California's procedures for civil actions involving vehicle restitution and replacement by creating an opt-in system for manufacturers while extending key compliance deadlines. The bill delays the implementation of consumer notification requirements from April to July 2025 and establishes a framework allowing vehicle manufacturers to voluntarily participate in the state's standardized procedures for handling warranty-related disputes.

Under the new provisions, manufacturers can elect to follow the prescribed procedures for a five-year period by notifying the state's Arbitration Certification Program. Manufacturers must make this election by October 31 of the preceding year, with the choice remaining irrevocable during the five-year term. For vehicles sold in 2025 and earlier, manufacturers have 30 days after the bill's effective date to opt in. The Arbitration Certification Program must publish an annual list of participating manufacturers by December 15.

The legislation maintains existing consumer notification requirements while adding new provisions for vehicle sales. Consumers who sell their vehicles after requesting restitution must provide buyers written notice about pending claims against manufacturers. The bill requires manufacturers to inform consumers at the point of sale whether their vehicle falls under these procedures or standard warranty provisions. The Legislature will evaluate the impact of these changes beginning January 1, 2029, examining outcomes for consumers, manufacturers, and courts.

Key Dates

Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
SB 26 Umberg Third Reading Urgency By Kalra
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Unfinished Business SB26 Umberg et al. Urgency Clause Concurrence
Assembly Judiciary Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Judiciary Hearing
Do pass
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB26 Umberg et al. Urgency Clause
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Senate Judiciary Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Judiciary Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Business, Professions and Economic Development]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Contacts

Profile
Ash KalraD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 2 row(s) selected.
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Profile
Ash KalraD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Bill Author

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Tom Umberg
Tom UmbergD
California State Senator
Co-Author
Ash Kalra
Ash KalraD
California State Assembly Member
90% progression
Bill has passed the legislature and has been sent to the Governor for approval (4/2/2025)

Latest Voting History

April 1, 2025
PASS
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
381140PASS

Key Takeaways

  • Establishes a new opt-in system for auto manufacturers to follow specific vehicle restitution procedures starting July 2025.
  • Requires consumers to notify manufacturers 30 days before seeking civil penalties for defective vehicles.
  • Mandates consumers provide written notice to buyers about pending warranty claims before selling defective vehicles.
  • Creates a public list of participating manufacturers on the Arbitration Certification Program website.

Get Involved

Act Now!

Email the authors or create an email template to send to all relevant legislators.

Introduced By

Tom Umberg
Tom UmbergD
California State Senator
Co-Author
Ash Kalra
Ash KalraD
California State Assembly Member

Summary

Senator Umberg's motor vehicle consumer protection legislation modifies California's procedures for civil actions involving vehicle restitution and replacement by creating an opt-in system for manufacturers while extending key compliance deadlines. The bill delays the implementation of consumer notification requirements from April to July 2025 and establishes a framework allowing vehicle manufacturers to voluntarily participate in the state's standardized procedures for handling warranty-related disputes.

Under the new provisions, manufacturers can elect to follow the prescribed procedures for a five-year period by notifying the state's Arbitration Certification Program. Manufacturers must make this election by October 31 of the preceding year, with the choice remaining irrevocable during the five-year term. For vehicles sold in 2025 and earlier, manufacturers have 30 days after the bill's effective date to opt in. The Arbitration Certification Program must publish an annual list of participating manufacturers by December 15.

The legislation maintains existing consumer notification requirements while adding new provisions for vehicle sales. Consumers who sell their vehicles after requesting restitution must provide buyers written notice about pending claims against manufacturers. The bill requires manufacturers to inform consumers at the point of sale whether their vehicle falls under these procedures or standard warranty provisions. The Legislature will evaluate the impact of these changes beginning January 1, 2029, examining outcomes for consumers, manufacturers, and courts.

90% progression
Bill has passed the legislature and has been sent to the Governor for approval (4/2/2025)

Key Dates

Vote on Assembly Floor
Assembly Floor
Vote on Assembly Floor
SB 26 Umberg Third Reading Urgency By Kalra
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Unfinished Business SB26 Umberg et al. Urgency Clause Concurrence
Assembly Judiciary Hearing
Assembly Committee
Assembly Judiciary Hearing
Do pass
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
Senate 3rd Reading SB26 Umberg et al. Urgency Clause
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Hearing
Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations]
Senate Judiciary Hearing
Senate Committee
Senate Judiciary Hearing
Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Business, Professions and Economic Development]
Introduced
Senate Floor
Introduced
Introduced. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. To print.

Latest Voting History

April 1, 2025
PASS
Senate Floor
Vote on Senate Floor
AyesNoesNVRTotalResult
381140PASS

Contacts

Profile
Ash KalraD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Bill Author
Not Contacted
Not Contacted
0 of 2 row(s) selected.
Page 1 of 1
Select All Legislators
Profile
Ash KalraD
Assemblymember
Bill Author
Profile
Tom UmbergD
Senator
Bill Author