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AB-696 • 2026

Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

Vetoed

The latest official action shows the governor vetoed this bill. Check the bill history to see whether lawmakers later overrode that veto.

Sponsor
Ransom
Last action
Official status
Vetoed
Effective date
Not listed

Plain English Breakdown

The official status indicates a veto, but the final outcome regarding an override is not confirmed in the provided metadata beyond 'Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file' on January 22, 2026.

Advisory Group for Lithium-Ion Vehicle Battery Emergencies

This vetoed bill would have created a temporary advisory group to study safety rules and help first responders handle emergencies involving lithium-ion car batteries.

What This Bill Does

  • Requires the Office of the State Fire Marshal to start an advisory group by December 31, 2026.
  • Directs the group to meet at least four times a year until July 1, 2028.
  • Orders the group to consult with universities and research institutions that have studied lithium-ion batteries, vehicle makers of electric and hybrid cars, and state and local first responders.
  • Requires the group to develop safety standards by July 1, 2028 based on guidance from local, state, and national sources and existing research.
  • Ends these new rules automatically on January 1, 2029.

Who It Names or Affects

  • The Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • State and local first responders who handle vehicle emergencies
  • Manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles
  • Universities and research institutions that have conducted research on lithium-ion batteries

Terms To Know

Lithium-ion battery
A type of rechargeable power source used in many modern cars, especially electric and hybrid vehicles.
Advisory group
A team formed to study a topic and give advice on policies or standards.

Limits and Unknowns

  • The governor vetoed this bill, so it did not become law.
  • It is unclear if lawmakers later voted to override the veto based on the provided text.
  • The specific safety standards are not listed in the summary and would be created by the group.

Bill History

  1. California Legislative Information

    Vetoed

Official Summary Text

Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.