Assemblyman James Gallagher

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) – Jan. 12, in a meaningful tribute to the late Congressman Doug LaMalfa, Assemblyman James Gallagher’s (R-East Nicolaus) legislation to modernize California’s vehicle license plate system cleared the Assembly Transportation Committee after being placed on the committee’s consent file.

Assembly Bill 1091 updates California law to allow eight-character license plates, expanding personalization options for drivers while establishing a voluntary specialty plate program. Revenue generated by the program would support open space preservation, agricultural lands, local fairs, and outdoor recreation programs throughout the state.

The bill directly continues a policy effort long championed in by Congressman Doug LaMalfa, who first introduced AB 1454 in 2012 after state budgets cut nearly all funding for the Williamson Act, county fairs, and agriculture activities. Assemblyman Gallagher has proudly carried forward LaMalfa’s vision, fighting to update outdated rules while supporting rural and local communities.

Gallagher highlighted LaMalfa’s personal passion for the issue, recalling the Congressman’s frequent advocacy for eight-character plates. 

“Doug would always call me because he really wanted to have eight-letter license plate,” Gallagher said. “I’ve been running this bill for three years now… he would call me and say when are they going to get that bill through.”

AB 1091 was approved without objection, reflecting bipartisan support of the measure. Gallagher noted that while this milestone is important, additional work remains as the bill moves through the legislative process. 

“This one’s for Doug,” Gallagher added. “His persistence and commitment to rural California live on in this legislation.”

The measure will next be heard in the Assembly Committee on Appropriations.

Assemblyman James Gallagher represents the 3rd Assembly District, encompassing all of Butte, Glenn, Sutter, Tehama, and Yuba counties and portions of Placer County.