Legislation on Smog Fee Refund for Out-of-State Cars Sent to Governor
Legislation to refund smog fees paid to register out-of-state cars in California went to the governor Tuesday.
Voting 38 to 0, the Senate approved a bill that would set aside $665 million for the refunds, including interest. The bill, SB 215, was sponsored by Sen. Betty Karnette (D-Long Beach).
The Assembly voted 79 to 0 for a companion bill, AB 809 by Assemblyman Alan Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), that would set up a refund procedure.
Davis has said he is eager to sign the measures.
California’s smog fee was ruled unconstitutional last year.
Nearly 2 million motorists have paid the fee since the state imposed it in the early 1990s.
The Legislature created the fee to raise money during the recession and compensate California for pollution from cars not built to meet the state’s emission regulations, which are the strongest in the nation.
The Karnette and Lowenthal bills together would require the state Department of Motor Vehicles to identify drivers who paid the fees and notify them that they are eligible for refunds. Motorists would have three years to file claims.
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