SACRAMENTO, Calif. /California Newswire/ — Assemblyman Mike Gatto’s (D-Los Angeles) Assembly Bill 1708, a measure which would give California drivers the option to present their proof of auto insurance in electronic form, such as on a smartphone or other personal electronic device, was passed by the Assembly on a vote of 78-1 and now heads to Governor Brown’s desk for his consideration.
“This legislation falls into the category of making people’s lives easier by embracing technology in order to eliminate one of life’s small hassles,” said Assemblyman Gatto, “and it brings laws dealing with possessing and presenting proof of auto insurance into the electronic age.”
Under the measure, auto insurance providers would be authorized to issue the state-required proof of insurance documentation in electronic form, if requested by a consumer. The bill also clarifies to law enforcement officials that the electronic version of this insurance document is equivalent to the paper form and acceptable for presentation during a traffic stop or after an accident.
“It only makes sense for the state where the iPad was designed to remain on the technological forefront,” continued Gatto. “We have a real opportunity to provide a win-win for consumers and insurance providers by helping state law evolve with technology in a way that allows for more efficiency in the way business is transacted in California. I look forward to Governor Brown signing this pro-business/pro-consumer piece of legislation.”
Mike Gatto is the Chairman of the Appropriations Committee of the California State Assembly. He represents the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and parts of Los Angeles, including Atwater Village, Franklin Hills, Los Feliz, North Hollywood, Silver Lake, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, and Van Nuys.
