AB-1238 • 2026

California Energy Consumer Freedom Act.

Energy

Passed Legislature

This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.

Sponsor: DeMaio
Last action: 2026-02-02
Official status: From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
Effective date: Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide information about preventing rules related to gasoline-powered vehicles or specifying statewide importance over municipal affairs.

California Energy Consumer Freedom Act

This act stops state agencies and local governments from making rules that ban the use of gas stoves in California.

What This Bill Does

Stops state agencies and local governments from creating rules that prevent people from using gas stoves in homes and businesses.

Who It Names or Affects

State agencies in California
Local governments in California

Terms To Know

gas stoves: Cooking appliances that use natural gas or propane as fuel.

Limits and Unknowns

The bill does not specify what happens if someone breaks the rules it creates.
It is unclear how this act will affect existing regulations on gas appliances and vehicles.
The bill has passed both chambers of the California Legislature but its final status, such as whether the governor signs or vetoes it, is unknown.

Bill History

2026-02-02 California Legislative Information
From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.
2026-01-31 California Legislative Information
Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.
2025-03-28 California Legislative Information
Re-referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-03-27 California Legislative Information
From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on U. & E. Read second time and amended.
2025-03-17 California Legislative Information
Referred to Com. on U. & E.
2025-02-24 California Legislative Information
Read first time.
2025-02-22 California Legislative Information
From printer. May be heard in committee March 24.
2025-02-21 California Legislative Information
Introduced. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1238, as amended, DeMaio.
Energy: gas stoves.
California Energy Consumer Freedom Act.
Existing law prohibits new residential-type gas appliances that are equipped with a pilot light from being sold in the state 24 months after an intermittent ignition device has been demonstrated and certified by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, as specified.
Existing law requires the State Air Resources Board to adopt and implement motor vehicle emission standards, in-use performance standards, and motor vehicle fuel specifications for the control of air contaminants and sources of air pollution that the state board has found necessary, cost effective, and technologically feasible, as specified. Pursuant to its authority, the state board has adopted regulations, known as Advanced Clean Cars II, which reduce emissions from
passenger cars, pickup trucks, and sport utility vehicles sold in California, including a requirement that 100% of new vehicle sales be zero emission by 2035.
This
bill
bill, the California Energy Consumer Freedom Act,
would prohibit state agencies and local governments from adopting or enforcing a rule, regulation, resolution, or ordinance that directly or indirectly results in prohibiting the use of gas
stoves
appliances
in residential or nonresidential
buildings.
buildings, and the buying, selling, or use of gasoline-powered vehicles or equipment.
The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text

Download Bill PDF