Authorizes self-station gas stations to allow hands-free gas dispensing

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Angelo Santabarbara and 1 co-sponsor

Authorizes self-station gas stations to offer hands-free fueling, giving motorists the option to dispense fuel without handling the pump nozzle where allowed.

ADVANCED TO THIRD READING CAL.363

Summary of Assembly Bill A 8771

Overview

Bill Number: A 8771

Title: Authorizes self-station gas stations to allow hands-free gas dispensing

Status: REFERRED TO CONSUMER AFFAIRS AND PROTECTION

Introduced: June 2, 2025

Primary sponsor: Angelo Santabarbara

Cosponsor: Carrie Woerner

Related companion: S 7418 (Senate)

Purpose and Intent

A 8771 would authorize self-service (self-station) gas stations to permit hands-free gas dispensing. The bill’s objective appears to be expanding options for customers who prefer to dispense fuel without handling the pump nozzle themselves, by allowing stations to implement hands-free dispensing where appropriate.

Key Provisions (as contemplated by the bill text)

Authorization: Self-station gas stations would be permitted to offer hands-free gas dispensing.

Implementation: The bill would establish that authorization is at the station’s choice and subject to applicable rules set forth in the statute.

Safety and consumer protection: The specific safety requirements, compliance standards, and enforcement mechanisms would be detailed in the bill text if enacted. (The summary available here does not enumerate these provisions.)

Scope: Applies to self-station gas stations within the jurisdiction covered by the bill and subject to existing consumer protection and safety laws.

Affected Parties and Impact

Primary: Self-station gas stations, which would gain the option to offer hands-free dispensing.

Consumers: motorists who favor hands-free fueling options.

Regulators/Agencies: The bill is referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee, indicating consideration of consumer protection, safety, and related regulatory issues.

Procedural Status and Timeline

Current stage: Referred to the Consumer Affairs and Protection Committee on June 2, 2025.

Next steps: The committee would review, potentially amend, and vote on the bill. If advanced, it could move to the full Assembly floor for consideration, followed by passage or further amendment. A Senate companion (S 7418) exists and would follow a parallel path.

Sponsorship and Related Bills

Primary: Assembly Member Angelo Santabarbara

Cosponsor: Assembly Member Carrie Woerner

Companion: S 7418 (Senate)

Notes

The provided information does not include the bill’s full text, specific safety requirements, or financial/operational details. The actual provisions would be clarified in the bill’s text as it proceeds through the legislative process.