Lawmakers send two consumer measures to Gov. Schwarzenegger

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Two bills designed to help consumers have made it to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s desk.

Low- and moderate-income Californians can count on a statewide program that provides affordable automobile insurance for another six years. The state Legislature today sent the governor a bill -- AB 725 by Assemblyman Dave Jones (D-Sacramento) -- that ensures that a family of four, with an annual income of up to $55,000, can qualify for a state-backed policy.

The program is being extended to 2016. Annual premiums vary by county and range from a low of $161 in Imperial County to a high of $368 in Los Angeles. The policies provide enough coverage to meet state requirements that all motorists carry liability insurance. For more information, go to www.insurance.ca.gov.

Earlier this year, lawmakers sent the governor a bill -- AB 992 by Assemblyman Ted Lieu (D-Torrance) -- aimed at prohibiting scammers from cheating homeowners regarding ways to lower their property taxes. The bill bans the collection of advance or late fees, closes some legal loopholes and requires written authorization from the homeowner before a reassessment request is filed.

To take effect, both bills must be signed by Schwarzenegger.

-- Marc Lifsher