AB-2280 • 2026

Vehicle liens.

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: Johnson
Last action: 2026-04-22
Official status: Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide information on how repossession agencies should handle non-responsive lienholders or whether it affects other types of vehicle liens.

Vehicle Liens

This law clarifies that repossession agencies can file liens on vehicles under specific conditions.

What This Bill Does

Clarifies that repossession agencies can place a lien on a vehicle if there is no existing lien.
Allows repossession agencies to put a lien on behalf of another agency when an existing lienholder agrees in writing or does not respond to a request for permission.

Who It Names or Affects

Licensed repossession agencies
Vehicle owners with outstanding debts

Terms To Know

lien: A legal claim against a property to secure payment of a debt or obligation
repossession agency: A company that takes possession of property, like cars, when someone does not pay what they owe

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify how repossession agencies should handle situations where lienholders do not respond to requests for permission.

Bill History

2026-04-22 California Legislative Information
Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.
2026-04-21 California Legislative Information
From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 20).
2026-04-14 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
2026-04-13 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-23 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended.
2026-03-19 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on TRANS.
2026-02-20 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 22.
2026-02-19 California Legislative Information
Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 2280, as amended, Johnson.
Vehicle liens.
Existing law authorizes a person to place a lien on a registered vehicle for authorized towing, storage, or labor associated with recovery or load salvage of the vehicle, among other things.
This bill would clarify that provisions relating to vehicle liens do not prohibit a licensed repossession agency from filing a
lien.
lien, if a lien is not in place. The bill would also authorize a repossession agency to file a lien on behalf of the repossession agency, if a lien is currently in place, and the lienholder affirmatively waives the right to the lien in writing, or does not respond to a specified request for waiver.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF