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Critics say lawmakers watered down California's lemon car law after secret lobbyist negotiations
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Critics say lawmakers watered down California's lemon car law after secret lobbyist negotiations

  • By RYAN SABALOW/CalMatters

A California bill that seeks to reform how lemon car law disputes are resolved was passed with little time for public input or legislative debate. Critics say the bill could make it more difficult for consumers to recoup their money after buying a clunker. Supporters say it sets clear rules for consumers and for auto companies that will speed up the process of resolving disputes. Some of the criticism revolves around the process it went through. The bill began as a measure dealing with child support, but was stripped through the secretive "gut-and-amend" process, which involved lobbyists representing U.S. auto manufacturers and powerful attorneys groups. Gov. Gavin Newsom is still evaluating the bill.

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