California Air Resources Board

Summary

Requires a court to require a certificate of compliance for a violation of the noise limit requirements mentioned for mufflers or exhaust systems for specified vehicles. The bill requires the court to utilize notification procedures and if a certificate of compliance is not provided to the court within three months of the violation date, the bill requires the court to treat this failure as noncompliance and inform the Department of Motor Vehicles.

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Summary

Would have required a core recycler to report the information collected regarding theft of a catalytic converter to the chief of police or the sheriff, as prescribed, and to request to receive theft alert notifications regarding the theft of catalytic converters from a specified theft alert system. Held on suspense in Senate Appropriations Committee.

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Summary

Would have required the Department of Motor Vehicles to provide a licensed smog check station with a sign informing customers about strategies for deterring catalytic converter theft, including the etching of identifying information on the catalytic converter. The bill would have also required the sign to be posted conspicuously in an area frequented by customers and would have required it in all licensed smog check stations. The bill would have also authorized stations where licensed smog check technician repairs are performed to offer and recommend to customers the etching as an optional service provided in conjunction with the smog check. Was not heard in Assembly Transportation Committee.

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Summary

Spot bill related to the State’s Smog Check program. Failed to make it off the Assembly Desk.

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Summary

Would have defined mobile fueling on-demand tank vehicles that provide gasoline to passenger vehicles as mobile sources, to be regulated by CARB. Traditional stationary gas stations are currently regulated by local air districts with a major focus on toxic air contaminants that can cause cancer to nearby sensitive receptors. Air district permitting considers equipment standards, throughput limits, identification of nearby vulnerable populations such as children and the elderly, and involves working with local land use authorities to reduce public health impacts. This bill would have removed this authority from the air districts and given CARB authority to certify equipment and enforce regulations related to mobile refuelers. Was not heard in Assembly Transportation Committee.

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Summary

Would have exempted vehicles from smog check requirements if they have a special license plate issued pursuant to section 5004 of the Vehicle Code. In order to meet the specifications of the aforementioned Vehicle Code, a vehicle would have needed to meet one of the three following requirements: Be (1) A motor vehicle with an engine of 16 or more cylinders manufactured prior to 1965, (2) A motor vehicle manufactured in the year 1922 or prior thereto, or (3) A vehicle which was manufactured after 1922, is at least 25 years old, and is of historic interest. Was not heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

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Summary

Would have permitted an authorized emergency vehicle to operate on an HOV lane if specified conditions are met, including, among others, that the vehicle is being driven while responding to, or returning from, an urgent or emergency call and the driver of the vehicle determines that the use of the HOV lane will likely improve the arrival time of the authorized emergency vehicle and its delivery of essential public safety services. Was not heard in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

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Summary

Would have exempted from the smog check program all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1983 model year. Current law specifies vehicles exempt from biennial inspection upon renewal of registration, including, among others, all motor vehicles manufactured prior to the 1976 model year. Failed to make it off of the Assembly Desk.

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Summary

Would have established a program, beginning January 1, 2027, for registration of model year 2022 and newer off highway vehicles (OHV) used solely for competition off public highways. The program would have included specified registration fees. The bill would have required competition OHVs to have a muffler and spark arrestor when operating on public lands.

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Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Senate: 

I am returning Senate Bill 894 without my signature.

Beginning January 1, 2027, this bill would require the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to establish a new vehicle registration program for competition off-highway motor vehicles (OHVs) that do not meet California Air Resources Board emission standards to operate on public lands. Additionally, the bill requires that these competition vehicles have a muffler and spark arrestor when operating on public lands.

I recognize the economic benefits OHV competitions bring to rural communities, but I am concerned about the fiscal impact to implement the bill. It is anticipated that there will be fewer than 2,000 annual applications under this program. DMV's implementation costs are anticipated to be significant, and the Off Highway Vehicle Trust Fund is required to reimburse the DMV for those up-front costs. Given the small number of vehicles and the fees set forth in the bill, it may take a decade or more for the OHV Trust Fund to recoup those costs - if at all.

For this reason, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely, 
Gavin Newsom

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Summary

Would have allowed, for taxable years 2023 through 2027, a credit against personal income taxes to a qualified taxpayer in an amount equal to $1,000 for each household with zero registered vehicles, as defined.

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Governor’s Veto Message

To the Members of the California State Senate: 

I am returning Senate Bill 457 without my signature.

This bill creates a $1,000 tax credit for households with no registered vehicles until the 2028 tax year and makes the credit refundable or eligible for carry over.

Addressing climate change is one of our state's highest priorities. We have made historic investments in programs to reduce emissions and improve public transportation. I support approaches to incentivize a transition from vehicles to more sustainable transportation, however the estimated cost to implement this bill is nearly one billion dollars per year and is not accounted for in the budget.

With our state facing lower-than-expected revenues over the first few months of this Appropriations year, it is important to remain disciplined when it comes to spending, particularly spending that is ongoing. We must prioritize existing obligations and priorities, including education, health care, public safety, and safety-net programs.

The Legislature sent measures with potential costs of well over $20 billion in one-time spending and more than $10 billion in ongoing commitments not accounted for in the state budget. Bills with a significant Appropriations impact, such as this measure, should be considered and accounted for as part of the annual budget process.

For these reasons, I cannot sign this bill.

Sincerely, 

Gavin Newsom

View Governor’s veto message here