Parking violations.
What changed between versions
The bill now amends Section 40220 of the Vehicle Code in addition to Section 40215, expanding its reach from just the administrative hearing process to also cover collection procedures for unpaid parking penalties.
The deadline for an indigent person to request a payment plan was removed. Previously they had 120 calendar days from the notice of violation or 10 days after the administrative hearing determination (whichever is later). Now they may file a request at any time.
Added 'waive' as an option for parking penalties in Section 40215(c)(7), alongside the existing options of reduction or suspension, giving agencies broader discretion to eliminate penalties entirely based on inability to pay or extenuating circumstances.
Added a one-time 45-day extension for persons who fall out of compliance with a payment plan before the agency can file a DMV registration hold. Also added a one-time rescission of an already-filed registration hold if the person enrolls in a payment plan and pays a $5 late fee.
Required California State University and community college district governing boards to adopt parking citation payment plans with specific terms: late fees placed in abeyance during the plan, no DMV registration hold filing while compliant, and posting of the policy on campus websites.
Added a formal definition of 'indigent' in Section 40220(c), tying it to income criteria in Government Code Section 68632(b) or receipt of public benefits listed in Section 68632(a), with specific proof requirements (pay stubs, bank statements, EBT cards).
Set specific financial parameters for payment plans: monthly installments capped at $25 for total amounts of $500 or less, 24-month payoff period, processing fee limited to $5 for indigent persons and $25 for non-indigent persons, and all late fees and penalty assessments waived for indigent enrollees.
Added a fraud provision stating that if a person's indigent status is found to have been willfully fraudulent, the penalties and fees reduction shall be overturned and the full amount restored.
