CALIFORNIA – Assembly Bill 630, which allows public agencies in Los Angeles and Alameda counties to more easily remove abandoned recreational vehicles (RVs) valued under $4,000, has passed the Assembly and is advancing in the Senate.
Current law caps removal at $500.
Under AB 630, an RV is considered “abandoned” if a public agency has reasonable grounds to believe it is inoperable, unused, or left in a way that poses an environmental or public safety hazard – even if someone may be living in it.
Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez, author of the bill, said too many Angelenos are living in unsafe and unsanitary conditions inside broken-down RVs with no access to basic services.
“AB 630 takes a necessary step toward improving public safety, preserving public spaces, and connecting those in need to better housing solutions,” Gonzalez said.
Before disposal, agencies must verify that the RV is inoperable, notify owners, and provide at least a 30-day recovery window. If an RV is improperly removed or is operable, the agency is responsible for related towing and storage costs.
Agencies must also report annually on removals, including the number of RVs towed and occupants found inside.
Concerns over due process
Critics argue the bill removes shelter from vulnerable Californians without adequate due process, worsening the housing crisis.
The California Public Defenders Association notes the $4,000 threshold is too high, as many RVs sell on eBay and other websites for that amount or less.
They also argue that terms like “environmental or public safety hazards” should be defined in state law rather than left to local discretion.
“Due to the other vague terms used in the legislation, AB 630 offers little due process protection to people living in recreational vehicles,” the association said, calling it a flawed response to the state’s affordability crisis.
Governor Gavin Newsom can sign or veto
AB 630 is now advancing through the Senate. If approved, Governor Gavin Newsom has until September 30, 2025, to sign the bill into law or veto it.
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