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AB-1944 • 2026

Zero-emission transit buses: axle weight.

Zero-emission transit buses: axle weight.

Crime
Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Lee
Last action
2026-04-06
Official status
In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official source material does not provide information about the specific periods in which solicitations were issued from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031.

Zero-Emission Transit Buses: Axle Weight

This law sets higher axle weight limits for zero-emission transit buses procured through specific processes between January 1, 2027 and December 31, 2031.

What This Bill Does

  • Establishes a maximum curb weight limit of up to 25,000 pounds on any one axle of zero-emission transit buses procured during specified periods from January 1, 2027 to December 31, 2031.

Who It Names or Affects

  • Transit agencies that buy zero-emission buses through a solicitation process.
  • Manufacturers of these buses who must meet the new weight limits.

Terms To Know

Axle Weight
The total weight supported by one axle of a vehicle, including both the curb weight and any additional load it carries.
Curb Weight
The weight of a vehicle with all standard equipment but without passengers or cargo.

Limits and Unknowns

  • This law only applies to zero-emission transit buses bought through specific procurement processes.
  • The higher axle weight limits are temporary and will end on January 1, 2032.

Bill History

  1. 2026-04-06 California Legislative Information

    In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.

  2. 2026-04-06 California Legislative Information

    Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 62. Noes 3.)

  3. 2026-03-25 California Legislative Information

    Read second time. Ordered to third reading.

  4. 2026-03-24 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 15. Noes 1.) (March 23).

  5. 2026-03-02 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on TRANS.

  6. 2026-02-14 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 16.

  7. 2026-02-13 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 1944, as introduced, Lee.
Zero-emission transit buses: axle weight.
Existing law prohibits the maximum gross weight on any one axle of a bus from exceeding 20,500 pounds, except the maximum limit for the curb weight on any one axle of a transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued on or after January 1, 2019, is set at 22,000 pounds. Existing law, notwithstanding the previous provisions, sets specified higher maximum limits up to 25,000 pounds for the curb weight on any one axle of an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued during specified periods between January 1, 2016, and December 31, 2021, inclusive, and sets the 22,000-pound maximum limit for an articulated transit bus or zero-emission transit bus procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued on or after January 1,
2022. A violation of this provision is a crime.
This bill would, until January 1, 2032, establish specified higher weight limitations up to 25,000 pounds for zero-emission transit buses procured through a solicitation process pursuant to which a solicitation was issued at various specified periods between January 1, 2027, and December 31, 2031 inclusive.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF