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AB-612 • 2026

Transportation: Highway Design Manual: emergency response times.

Transportation: Highway Design Manual: emergency response times.

Passed Legislature

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

Sponsor
Rogers
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 details on enforcement mechanisms or consequences for non-compliance with the bill's requirements.

Highway Design for Emergency Response

This law requires the Department of Transportation to update its Highway Design Manual by January 1, 2026, to include rules that local governments must consult with fire departments before making road changes.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Department of Transportation to update the Highway Design Manual by January 1, 2026.
  • Adds a rule in the manual for local governments to talk with local fire departments before fixing roads or making new ones.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Department of Transportation
  • Local governments responsible for road improvements
  • Local fire departments

Terms To Know

Highway Design Manual
A book that gives rules and ideas on how to build safe and efficient roads.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The bill does not specify what will happen if road changes negatively impact emergency response times.
  • It is unclear how the Department of Transportation will enforce this new rule in the manual.

Bill History

  1. 2026-02-02 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.

  2. 2026-01-31 California Legislative Information

    Died pursuant to Art. IV, Sec. 10(c) of the Constitution.

  3. 2025-05-23 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Held under submission.

  4. 2025-04-30 California Legislative Information

    In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.

  5. 2025-03-25 California Legislative Information

    From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.

  6. 2025-03-25 California Legislative Information

    Coauthors revised.

  7. 2025-02-24 California Legislative Information

    Referred to Com. on TRANS.

  8. 2025-02-14 California Legislative Information

    From printer. May be heard in committee March 16.

  9. 2025-02-13 California Legislative Information

    Read first time. To print.

Official Summary Text

AB 612, as introduced, Rogers.
Transportation: Highway Design Manual: emergency response times.
Existing law vests the Department of Transportation with full possession and control of the state highway system and requires the department to update the Highway Design Manual to incorporate the “complete streets” design concept.
This bill would require the department, on or before January 1, 2026, to update the Highway Design Manual to direct local governments to consult with local fire departments when making road improvements to ensure the improvements do not negatively impact emergency response times.

Current Bill Text

Read the full stored bill text 
Download Bill PDF