Senator Steve Padilla was elected to the Senate in November 2022, representing the counties of San Diego, Imperial, Riverside and San Bernardino. He is a native of San Diego, a graduate of Bonita Vista High School and a lifelong Chula Vista resident. He has dedicated his life to public service. Before becoming an elected official, Senator Padilla served 13 years in law enforcement, beginning in the City of Chula Vista and concluding in the City of Coronado, where he served as a detective, specializing in domestic violence and child abuse. His interest in public affairs began early in life, as did his service to Chula Vista, where he served as a member of the Board of Ethics and Safety Commission. He was elected for the first time to the City Council in 1994 and served two years. In 2002, he was elected the city’s 38th Mayor and served from 2002-2006. Senator Padilla returned to elected office in 2016 and, only one year later, was appointed for the second time to the California Coastal Commission, where he served as Chairman from 2019-2021. Prior to being elected to the State Senate, Steve worked with a variety of private entities, nonprofit organizations and public interest groups advocating on economic development projects, transportation, housing and environmental and social justice issues. In 2008, he served as a member of the Independent Task Force on U.S. Immigration Policy for the Council on Foreign Relations. Senator Padilla is noted for being the first person of color ever elected to city office in Chula Vista history, the first Latino Mayor and the first openly LGBT person to serve or be elected AB 473 Signed Into California Law In early October, California’s Governor officially signed the California New Car Dealer Association’s 2023 Franchise Bill (AB 473), signaling a massive win for franchised new car dealers in the state. Authored and championed by Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), the bill takes effect Jan. 1, 2024. It will strengthen California’s franchise laws, creating a fairer and more balanced environment for dealers. It emphasizes accountability and transparency, benefiting all franchised dealer members. After months of advocating, negotiating and engaging with our members, this is a significant victory for dealers across the state and the industry’s future. The passage of AB 473 is a significant step forward to a more robust new motor vehicle franchise system for California’s new car dealers. Overcoming significant manufacturer opposition, the unanimous passage and signature of AB 473 would not have been possible without the support and guidance from CNCDA leadership and the dedication and engagement of dealer members throughout the state. We must also thank the author of AB 473, Assemblymember Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters). Her steadfast support and commitment to our cause has been second to none. If you know Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry personally, please reach out and thank her for being a champion for California dealers. AB 473 will strengthen and update California’s motor vehicle franchise laws by enforcing manufacturer accountability for unlawful treatment of dealers by manufacturers and includes several fundamental tenets: • Preserving Franchise System Integrity: It prevents manufacturers from introducing new vehicle brand names that would directly compete with their established franchised dealer network. • Equitable DC Fast Charging: The bill establishes fairness in manufacturerimposed DC fast charging programs. It prohibits manufacturers from burdening their dealers with the entire cost of installing and maintaining public-facing DC fast chargers. • Post-Sale Subscription Limits: AB 473 limits manufacturers’ ability to offer post-sale subscriptions for features already integrated into the vehicle, ensuring fairness in consumer choices. • Transparent Reservation Process: Manufacturers are now mandated to adopt an open and fair process for vehicle reservation systems, enhancing transparency for both dealers and consumers. • Reimbursement for Digital Services: Manufacturers are now obligated to reimburse dealers for any losses incurred due to the use of a non-compliant digital service, particularly if the manufacturer preselected the service. Meet Senator Steve Padilla to city office. He holds undergraduate degrees in Liberal Arts and Public Administration from Southwestern College and National University and studied law at Western State University, College of Law. He has been a published columnist writing on local, state, and national policy issues. Senator Padilla is a proud father to Ashleigh. She is an accomplished professional in political and policy advocacy, and his son-in-law, Nelson, is a former political staffer and current U.S. Naval Officer. NCDA.COM 21
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