Bill > AB696

This bill requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to establish a Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group by December 31, 2026, to review and advise the Legislature on policies related to the safety and management of lithium-ion vehicle batteries during emergency situations, such as battery fires, battery damage, submerged vehicle recovery, and roadway collisions. The advisory group will be composed of representatives from various state agencies, first responder organizations, vehicle manufacturers, battery manufacturers, and experts in electric vehicle battery recycling, with members appointed by the Office of the State Fire Marshal. The group is mandated to meet at least quarterly until July 1, 2028, and will consult with universities, research institutions, vehicle manufacturers, and first responders. By July 1, 2028, the advisory group must develop comprehensive standards and best practices to help first responders safely and efficiently handle lithium-ion vehicle battery emergencies, considering both state and local solutions. These provisions will be in effect until January 1, 2029, after which they will be automatically repealed, making this a time-limited initiative to improve emergency response protocols for electric and hybrid vehicle battery incidents.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB696