California Senate Bill 26, legislation designed to refine existing procedures for vehicle lemon law claims and streamline manufacturer opt-ins, is progressing through the state legislature.
The bill would require sellers to disclose reasons for lemon law claims under AB 1755 to potential buyers and introduce a structured compliance process for manufacturers.
According to a News and Insights report of RVIA on February 27, the bill was assigned to the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Business, Professions, and Economic Development (BPED) Committee in late January. It cleared the Judiciary Committee on February 11 and is now under review by the BPED Committee.
In response to concerns raised by the BPED Committee chair, lawmakers agreed to two key modifications. The first change postpones the pre-dispute notice requirement’s effective date from April 1, to July 1.
The second amendment adds a provision allowing the legislature to reassess AB 1755 in 2029, with the potential for a sunset provision if future legislation is enacted.
With these adjustments, the BPED Committee has scheduled a hearing for SB 26 on March 3. Lawmakers anticipate that the bill will pass out of committee with the revised language.
SB 26 has not yet been enacted into law and must still advance through both legislative chambers before reaching the governor’s desk. The governor’s office aims to have the bill signed before April.
Currently, AB 1755 applies to all RV manufacturers operating in California. Starting January 1, affected companies are expected to align with the law’s requirements.
With offices in the Washington, D.C. area, and Elkhart, IN, RVIA is the leading trade voice of the $140 billion dollar RV industry, representing over 500 manufacturers and component and aftermarket suppliers who together produce 98% of all RVs made in the United States, and approximately 60% of RVs produced worldwide.
