By Vanguard Staff SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Consumer advocates are sharply criticizing a last-minute bill authored by state Sen. Christopher Cabaldon, arguing the measure would delay protections intended to shield domestic violence survivors from being tracked through connected vehicle technology. According to the Consumer Federation of California, SB 719 would postpone by five years a California requirement scheduled to take effect July 1 that requires automobile manufacturers to provide ways for drivers to terminate remote access to connected vehicle services used to track their movements. Consumer advocates said the legislation, which was substantially rewritten earlier this month, would delay implementation of safeguards designed to prevent abusers from using vehicle technology to locate and monitor survivors attempting to escape abusive situations. “In the dark of night and at the last minute, the auto industry is working overtime to avoid helping protect victims of domestic violence and those at risk of domestic violence,” said Robert Herrell, executive director of the Consumer Federation of California. “This despicable action will put women at risk of harm, period,” Herrell added. “This is happening because the auto industry wants to delay innovation to protect women. We oppose this last-minute bill.” The legislation at the center of the controversy is SB 719, authored by Cabaldon, a Yolo County Democrat. According to the Consumer Federation of California, the bill was “gutted and amended” on June 10, replacing its previous focus on artificial intelligence reforms with language affecting connected vehicle privacy protections. Under current law, beginning July 1, 2026, vehicle manufacturers would be required to provide mechanisms allowing drivers to terminate remote access to connected vehicle services in circumstances involving domestic violence and stalking concerns. The Consumer Federation of California said Cabaldon’s revised bill would extend the compliance deadline until 2031. The organization also objected to provisions it said would