BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1656
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1656 (Goldberg)
As Amended May 15, 2001
Majority vote
BUSINESS AND PROFESSIONS 7-3
APPROPRIATIONS 14-7
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|Ayes:|Correa, Cedillo, Corbett, |Ayes:|Migden, Alquist, Aroner, |
| |Koretz, Cardoza, Nation, | |Cedillo, Corbett, Correa, |
| |Wesson | |Goldberg, Papan, Pavley, |
| | | |Simitian, Thomson, |
| | | |Wesson, Wiggins, Wright |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
|Nays:|Bogh, Kelley, Leach |Nays:|Bates, Hollingsworth, |
| | | |Daucher, Maldonado, |
| | | |Robert Pacheco, Runner, |
| | | |Zettel |
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SUMMARY : Imposes registration and disclosure requirements on
self-service storage facilities that transport household goods.
Specifically, this bill :
1)Provides that self-service storage facilities that move
household goods, in containers that have been loaded by
customers, shall register with the California Public Utilities
Commission (CPUC) in accordance with regulations adopted by
CPUC.
2)Provides that a storage company shall obtain a customer's
written acknowledgement of the company's right to move a
storage container from its initial storage location, and
provides that the customer has an opportunity to refuse this
type of move.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Provides that household goods carriers are regulated by CPUC.
2)Provides that self-service storage facilities that transport
containers with household goods shall not be subject to
regulation by CPUC if the facility complies with specified
AB 1656
Page 2
requirements. These requirements include: limits on fees
charged to customers; prohibitions on loading, packing or
handling the contents of the container by the facility;
maintaining cargo insurance; providing customers with
specified disclosure information.
FISCAL EFFECT :
1)Minor one-time special funds costs (less than $100,000) for
CPUC to adopt the required regulations.
2)Minor absorbable ongoing cost for CPUC to enforce the
requirements placed on self-storage facilities.
COMMENTS : The author notes that current law provides that the
transportation by a self-service storage facility of portable
containers filled with used household goods and personal effects
is exempt from regulation by CPUC if the facility complies with
specified requirements. This bill is designed to enhance
consumer protections by requiring self-service storage
facilities to register with CPUC and ensure that consumers
understand that the container with their household goods may be
moved away from the storage facility where the container was
originally stored.
This bill increases disclosure requirements for consumers by
requiring the facility to obtain a customer's written
acknowledgement that the facility has the right to move a
storage container from its initial storage location to a
different location (that may be less convenient for the
customer). This bill also provides that the customer has an
opportunity to refuse this type of move.
Analysis Prepared by : Jay Greenwood / B. & P. / (916) 319-3301
FN: 0001081