Abandoned recreational vehicles.

Assembly Member Mark González's proposal to address abandoned recreational vehicles in Alameda and Los Angeles Counties would establish new procedures for removing and disposing of recreational vehicles valued at $4,000 or less. The legislation creates a pilot program, operating through January 1, 2030, that requires public agencies to follow specific notification and hearing processes before disposing of these vehicles.

Under the proposed framework, agencies must attach a notice to the recreational vehicle 72 hours before removal and notify both the Department of Justice's Stolen Vehicle System and the vehicle's registered owners within 48 hours after removal. Owners have 30 days to reclaim their vehicles and can request a hearing within 10 days to contest the removal. Public agencies bear the towing and storage costs if a hearing determines the vehicle was operational or did not pose a public hazard. The legislation restricts disposal to licensed dismantlers or scrap processors and prohibits reconstruction except for vehicles qualifying for historical plates.

The measure includes oversight provisions requiring participating agencies to report annually on the number of vehicles removed, their operational status, and the number of occupants found in vehicles prior to removal. These requirements apply specifically to Alameda and Los Angeles Counties, which the bill's findings identify as facing distinct challenges with abandoned recreational vehicles.