9/23/03 - Gov. Gray Davis signed AB213 Sept. 22, a bill that would prevent anyone besides a truck driver from using the information in a truck’s onboard data recorders from using the information without the trucker’s permission.
Typically, the devices, called event data recorders or sensing and diagnostic modules – more commonly known as EDRs or SDMs – store information, usually a few seconds before and after an accident.
Under AB213, the information contained in the EDRs cannot be downloaded unless there is a court order demanding it; the owner of the vehicle gives his or her consent; or it is used for “safety purposes,” but not associated with the driver’s name. In addition, the bill would prohibit whoever received the information from sharing with anyone else.
Vehicle makers have some time to meet the new requirements; the new law affects vehicles made after July 1, 2004.

9/5/03 - A bill that would prevent anyone other than a truckdriver from using the information in a truck’s onboard data recorders without the trucker’s permission is headed to the governor.
Typically, the devices, called event data recorders or sensing and diagnostic modules – more commonly known as EDRs or SDMs – store information, usually a few seconds before and after an accident.
Under AB213, the information contained in the EDRs cannot be downloaded unless there is a court order demanding it; the owner of the vehicle gives his or her consent; or it is used for “safety purposes,” but not associated with the driver’s name. In addition, the bill would prohibit whoever received the information from sharing with anyone else.
Vehicle makers would have some time to meet the new requirements; the bill, if passed would affect vehicles made after July 1, 2004.
The Assembly unanimously approved the measure earlier this year 72-0, and the Senate approved it 38-0 on Aug. 25.
For bill status, call (916) 445-4251.

7/30/03 - A bill in the Senate would prevent anyone other than a truckdriver from using the information in a truck's onboard data recorders without the trucker's permission.
The devices, called event data recorders or sensing and diagnostic modules - more commonly known as EDRs or SDMs - are common in modern trucks and many makes and models of automobile.
Typically, the devices store only a few seconds of information, usually a few seconds before and after an accident. That information can include speed, use of brakes, steering wheel position and other engine and operational statistics.
Under AB213, sponsored by Assemblyman Tim Leslie, R-Roseville, the information contained in the EDRs cannot be downloaded unless there is a court order demanding it; the owner of the vehicle gives his or her consent; or it is used for "safety purposes," but not associated with the driver's name. In addition, the bill would prohibit whoever received the information from sharing with anyone else.
The bill was targeted at EDRs in cars, but the bill applies to all "motor vehicles," including big trucks.
AB213 would also require vehicle makers to disclose in the owner's manual that the vehicle contains EDRs or SDMs.
Vehicle makers would have some time to meet the new requirements; the bill, if passed would affect vehicles made after July 1, 2004.
The Assembly unanimously approved the measure earlier this year, 72-0. It was also approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee during a 6-0 vote July 10.
AB213 is now before the Senate Appropriations Committee. For bill status, call (916) 319-2856.