California State Assembly Approves Senator Roth’s PACE Legislation

(SACRAMENTO) – Today, the California State Assembly approved Senator Richard D. Roth’s consumer protection measure, SB 1087 in a 64-0 vote. SB 1087 demands greater accountability and transparency of Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing.

“PACE programs can be a useful financing tool by allowing California homeowners to make energy-efficiency upgrades to their homes; however stronger consumer protections must be enacted to give control back to homeowners,” said Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside). “And while the PACE program is a valuable tool, I cannot ignore the fact that too many people are unwittingly obligating themselves to financing they cannot afford.”

SB 1087 makes important changes to the PACE program by cementing into law that a person must be clearly told what they can afford before signing a PACE contract. It also allows consumers to verify the person selling the product is in good standing with the state.

Senator Roth continued: “Last year, the Legislature enacted a comprehensive set of rules to ensure effective oversight of PACE solicitors and PACE solicitor agents, but fell short of fully protecting the consumer. It’s critical to guarantee that this oversight works as California continues to send a strong message that consumers should come first.”

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Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, Perris and Riverside. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.