The California State Assembly has agreed to state senate amendments to California Act 787, the "Smog Check: Vehicle Repair and Assistance Program." The amendments change the requirement to pay the owner of a motor vehicle that has failed its most recent smog check inspection a minimum amount of money for the retirement of his or her motor vehicle.

It would also make the repair assistance program available only to specified low-income individuals. The bill was originally introduced by Assembly Member Jerry Hill, D-District 19, and is now in the governor's office awaiting a signature.

The existing law currently provides $1,500 to a motor vehicle owner with a low-income background who retires his or her vehicle and $1,000 to all other motor vehicle owners. It also authorizes additional payments above these amounts based on consideration of specified criteria. The new bill would require the department to permit vehicle retirement for any motor vehicle that has been continuously registered in the state for at least two years prior to vehicle retirement and that fails any type of legally required smog check inspection lawfully performed in the state.

Existing law also provides that a repair assistance program be made available to: any individual whose maximum income level is 185 percent of the federal poverty level or 225 percent of the federal poverty level (if a certain determination can be made); any individual who is the owner of a motor vehicle who has failed a smog check inspection or received a notice to correct; or any individual whose vehicle has failed a smog check inspection is then directed to a test-only facility.

To view full text of the amended legislation, visit ASA's legislative website at www.TakingTheHill.com.

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