Automotive repair dealers: airbags.

Existing law, the Automotive Repair Act, establishes the Bureau of Automotive Repair under the supervision and control of the Director of Consumer Affairs. Existing law provides that a person who fails to comply with the act is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not exceeding $1,000, by imprisonment not exceeding 6 months, or by both that fine and imprisonment, except as defined. This bill would provide that an automotive repair dealer who prepares a written estimate for repairs that includes replacement of a deployed airbag, who fails to restore the airbag, as specified, is guilty of a misdemeanor that is punishable by a $5,000 fine, by one year imprisonment in a county jail, or by both that fine and imprisonment. Because this bill would create a new crime, the bill would create a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.