HomeMy WebLinkAboutOpposition Letter - AB 516 (Chiu) - 06.25.2019CITY OF
CUPERTINO
June 25, 2019
MAYOR STEVEN SCHARF
sscharf@cupertino.org
CITY HALL
10300 TORRE AVENUE • CUPERTINO, CA 95014-3255
TELEPHONE: (408) 777-3191 • FAX: (408) 777-3366
CUPERTINO.ORG
The Honorable David Chiu
California State Assembly
State Capitol, Room 4112
Sacramento, CA 94249
RE: Oppose AB 516 — Authority to remove vehicles
Dear Assembly Member Chiu,
On behalf of the City of Cupertino, I am writing to express opposition to AB 516, which
would prohibit local peace officers from towing vehicles for parking violations or
abandoned vehicles. This bill would impede the ability of cities to take basic public safety
actions to protect our communities.
This bill seeks to prohibit law enforcement and cities from unlawfully towing vehicles
that have registered offenses or violations. It eliminates the ability for cities to adequately
enforce both state and local laws and diminishes a city's right to local control. Specifically,
this bill would eliminate the ability for cities and law enforcement to 1) immobilize or
place a boot on a vehicle for motorists who ignore paying five or more parking tickets,
and 2) modify the ability for a city to remove a vehicle that has been left standing for 72
hours by not allowing the vehicle to be removed for 10 or more business days after a notice
has been affixed to the vehicle.
While the City recognizes the inconvenience for individuals to have their vehicles towed,
cities are obligated to enforce state and local laws that ensure basic public safety.
Moreover, cities should not have their right to local control and governance diminished
by unnecessary regulations from Sacramento. This legislation takes a broad, sweeping
approach to vehicle removal that usurps our City's standard practice that has long been
in effect.
It is for these reasons that the City of Cupertino opposes AB 516.
Si erely,
Steven Scharf
Mayor, City of Cupertino
cc: Assembly Transportation Committee Members