Abandoned recreational vehicles.

Assembly Member Mark González's proposal to modify California's abandoned vehicle disposal procedures extends existing protocols to include recreational vehicles valued up to $4,000, while maintaining the current $500 threshold for standard vehicles. The legislation establishes distinct handling requirements for recreational vehicles, including verification of inoperability prior to disposal and a 30-day period for owners to reclaim their property.

The bill outlines specific procedural requirements for public agencies handling abandoned recreational vehicles. Agencies must post removal notices 72 hours in advance, notify the Stolen Vehicle System upon removal, and contact registered owners within 48 hours. The notice must include information about the 15-day minimum recovery period and contact details for retrieving the vehicle and possessions. Owners retain the right to request a post-storage hearing within 10 days of notification to contest the vehicle's removal.

Local jurisdictions face new reporting obligations under the legislation. Each jurisdiction must submit annual reports to their legislative body detailing the number of recreational vehicles removed, occupants present during removal, and the vehicles' operational status. The bill defines a recreational vehicle as "inoperable" if it can only be moved by tow truck, though disposal may proceed for operable vehicles that pose environmental or public safety hazards. Final disposal must occur through licensed dismantlers or scrap processors, with documentation requirements for both the public agency and lienholder.