CA AB2454

Requires the Director of Consumer Affairs to appoint at least one administrative law judge for each Bureau of Automotive Repair regional office and a chief administrative law judge to oversee their operations.

Reduces the timeframe for the director to act on proposed decisions from administrative law judges in contested cases from 100 days to 10 days.

Establishes a trusted dealer certification program for automotive repair dealers, effective July 1, 2022, requiring annual fees and allowing up to two bureau investigations per year.

Prohibits automotive repair dealers from using the term "trusted dealer" unless they hold a valid certification from the bureau, with violations subject to criminal penalties.

Amends Government Code Section 11041 to exempt the Department of Consumer Affairs with respect to the Bureau of Automotive Repair from restrictions on employing in-house legal counsel.