Suspending remote access to motor vehicles upon request from survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, and related acts.
Impact
If enacted, the bill will significantly change how motor vehicle manufacturers manage remote access features. Within two business days of receiving a verified request from a survivor, manufacturers must suspend any remote access to the vehicle that was previously accessible to an abuser. This procedure aims to provide immediate protection for survivors and addresses a crucial safety concern. The definition of a survivor is broad, encompassing individuals who have experienced covered acts and those who care for them, thereby widening the scope of potential beneficiaries.
Summary
Assembly Bill 1135 introduces a measure that requires motor vehicle manufacturers to suspend remote access to their vehicles when requested by survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or related acts. The bill defines remote access to include features that allow users to interact with the vehicle via the Internet, such as locking and unlocking doors, starting and stopping the engine, and tracking the vehicle's location. This bill is aimed at enhancing the safety and security of survivors by allowing them to effectively sever any connections their abusers may have to their vehicles.
Contention
Some points of contention around AB1135 may arise regarding the verification process required for remote access suspension requests. Survivors must provide specific documentation, such as affidavits or police reports, to validate their claims. This requirement could be seen as a burden on survivors who may already be experiencing trauma and distress. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that manufacturers cannot impose additional requirements, such as fees for the suspension or prior approval from the vehicle's title holder who may not be the survivor. This could lead to discussions about the practical implications of such stipulations and whether they adequately balance victim protection with manufacturer operational capabilities.
Provides relative to sentencing of defendants who are survivors of domestic abuse, human trafficking, or sexual assault. (8/1/26) (OR SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)
Provides for the termination of manufacturer vehicle tracking services in certain cases of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking (EN SEE FISC NOTE GF EX)