SACRAMENTO--The California Assembly Judiciary Committee recently passed AB 1839, a bill that seeks to regulate auto dealers. The so-called "Car Buyer's Bill of Rights" would forbid commissions, up-charges, dealer reserves or other compensation for arranging financing. The bill was re-referred to the Assembly Appropriations Committee on April 14.

Assemblywoman Cindy Montanez introduced the legislation in January with the support of several consumer protection groups. If passed, the proposed law would also:

• Give car buyers a three-day period to cancel the contract for any reason

  
  

• Force dealers to disclose a buyer's credit score

  
  

• Force dealers to disclose the lowest rate the buyer qualified for from a lender

  
  

• Define what qualifies as a certified used or pre-owned vehicle

  
  

  Opponents of the bill include:

  
  

• Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers

  
  

• California Bankers Association

  
  

• California Financial Services Association

  
  

• California Motor Car Dealers Association

  
  

• California Motorcycle Dealers Association

  
  

• California Recreation Vehicle Dealers Association

  
  

• CarMax Auto Superstores

  
  

• General Motors Acceptance Corporation

  
  

• General Motors Corporation

  
  

• Independent Auto Dealers Association