Resolution supporting California State Senate Bill No. 1218, introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín, which will require the Department of Motor Vehicles to refuse to renew the registration of a vehicle if the registered owner or lessee has outstanding illegal dumping penalties.

This resolution expresses the City and County of San Francisco's support for California State Senate Bill No. 1218 (SB 1218), introduced by Senator Jesse Arreguín. SB 1218 aims to combat illegal dumping by requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to refuse the renewal of vehicle registration for owners or lessees with outstanding, delinquent illegal dumping penalties and administrative fees.

Background and Justification:

• Problem: Illegal dumping has increased in San Francisco, particularly in areas like Chinatown, Bayview-Hunters Point, and the Mission, since the COVID-19 pandemic. It is considered a public nuisance impacting community health and safety.
• Current Limitations: Existing enforcement tools, primarily fines up to $1,000 per day, are insufficient. In 2025, the Department of Public Works (DPW) issued over 500 notices of violation and 250 citations, but only about 40% of fines were collected, leaving tens of thousands of dollars uncollected.
• Cost to Taxpayers: The city incurs significant costs for waste removal, disposal, and enforcement, which are often not recouped due to non-payment of fines.

Mechanism of SB 1218:

• The bill would empower the DMV to deny registration renewal if a notice of delinquent illegal dumping penalties has been mailed to the registered owner or lessee, similar to existing authority for parking violations.
• It provides a stronger deterrent against illegal dumping by creating a direct consequence for non-payment of penalties.
• The bill includes provisions to protect renters and lessors by allowing them to avoid registration renewal refusal if they provide the court with the renter/lessee's information. It also exempts vehicles where the citation was issued prior to the current owner taking possession.

Action Requested:

The Board of Supervisors urges the California State Legislature and the Governor to enact SB 1218 to reduce illegal dumping and hold violators accountable. Copies of the resolution will be sent to Governor Gavin Newsom, Senate President pro Tempore Monique Limón, Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Senator Jesse Arreguín, and the San Francisco legislative delegation.