AB 1135

This bill creates a requirement that motor vehicle manufacturers suspend a

motor vehicle's remote access abilities upon request from survivors of domestic

abuse, human trafficking, and related acts. “Remote access” is defined in the bill as

a feature of a motor vehicle that allows individuals access to a motor vehicle using

the Internet, including the ability to remotely lock and unlock the motor vehicle,

start and stop the motor vehicle's engine, adjust temperature settings, and track the

motor vehicle's location.

Under the bill, a motor vehicle manufacturer must, within two business days

after receiving a completed remote access suspension request, suspend the remote

access ability of an abuser to a motor vehicle in the possession of a survivor.

Under the bill, a “survivor” means an individual who is 18 years of age and

either 1) against whom a covered act has been committed or allegedly committed or

2) who cares for another individual against whom a covered act has been committed

or allegedly committed, provided that the individual providing care did not commit

or allegedly commit the covered act. Under the bill, a “covered act” means conduct

that constitutes domestic abuse, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. A

criminal conviction or any other determination of a court is not required for conduct

to be a “covered act.” Under the bill, an “abuser” means an individual who committed

or allegedly committed a covered act.

A remote access suspension request under the bill must verify that an

individual who has remote access to a motor vehicle in the possession of the survivor

has committed or allegedly committed a covered act against the survivor or an

individual under the survivor's care by providing either 1) a signed affidavit from a

licensed medical or mental health care provider, social worker, victim service

provider, or employee of a court, or 2) a copy of a police report, statements provided

by police, charging documents, protective or restraining orders, or another official

record documenting the covered act.

Under the bill, a motor vehicle manufacturer may not make remote access

suspension contingent on any other requirement other than those described above,

including payment of a fee and approval of separation by a motor vehicle title holder

who is not the survivor.