New California Classic car smog exemption bill.

[Rodsrsr]

Tomorrow The California Senate Transportation Committee is considering this bill with a hearing open to the public at 1:30. I'll definitely be attending and hopefully speaking.

Link to SEMA if you'd like to support this bill

https://www.sema.org/news-media/enews/2025/14/support-needed-lenos-law-approaches-crucial-milestone

[Tobra]

It initially was a rolling exemption, then 1975 became the cutoff

[Rodsrsr]

Its passed out of the Senate Transportation Committee with Bipartisan support. The event was huge with tons of turnout. So far so good!

https://www.instagram.com/p/DIND8vTyFKJ/

[Noah930]

So will it pass (for real) by June? Because the 964 is up for smog that month.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Noah930

So will it pass (for real) by June? Because the 964 is up for smog that month.

It isn't the oldest 964 only about 32 or 33 years old? I have not kept up but its rolling 35 years, the bill don't not get rid of all smog testing? If so, my 930 will thank you all for the rolling exemption whereas my 993 will have to sit there rubbing its hands. If smog testing is completely eliminated, I will jump for joy.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by look 171

It isn't the oldest 964 only about 32 or 33 years old? I have not kept up but its rolling 35 years, the bill don't not get rid of all smog testing? If so, my 930 will thank you all for the rolling exemption whereas my 993 will have to sit there rubbing its hands. If smog testing is completely eliminated, I will jump for joy.

The bill eliminates all smog checks for cars 35 years or older.

[Tobra]

NFW this passes. You guys do not seem to appreciate how much money is being made off this.

EPA pulls CARB's exemption is the only way it happens.

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by Tobra

NFW this passes. You guys do not seem to appreciate how much money is being made off this.

EPA pulls CARB's exemption is the only way it happens.

They're already talking about that on a Federal level. Look into the Transportation Freedom Act, but I don't think its needed for this bill to go through. The current law really is antiquated, and a rolling 35 is what it used to be before Arnold changed it. Most neighboring states have a 25 year rolling but Leno and Shannon Grove decided to add an additional 10 years just to help it pass. So far it has support of more than half of the State senators. Leno and SEMAs backing this time are a game changer.

They must be somewhat confident because the original bill required collector car insurance but they removed that section saying it would be easier to pass without it.

Write your senators, get involved to help this thing pass. There's a link on SEMAs website.

[pmax]

Originally Posted by Rodsrsr

They're already talking about that on a Federal level. Look into the Transportation Freedom Act, but I don't think its needed for this bill to go through. The current law really is antiquated, and a rolling 35 is what it used to be before Arnold changed it. Most neighboring states have a 25 year rolling but Leno and Shannon Grove decided to add an additional 10 years just to help it pass. So far it has support of more than half of the State senators. Leno and SEMAs backing this time are a game changer.

They must be somewhat confident because the original bill required collector car insurance but they removed that section saying it would be easier to pass without it.

Write your senators, get involved to help this thing pass. There's a link on SEMAs website.

Thanks for the update.

More than half of the senators sound promising indeed. I assume that is based on "inside info" and not reported somewhere ?

[Rodsrsr]

Originally Posted by pmax

Thanks for the update.

More than half of the senators sound promising indeed. I assume that is based on "inside info" and not reported somewhere ?

It was actually reported on SEMAs website, and the bill easily passed it first hurdle with bi-partisan support.

[dw1]

Another report on "Leno's Law" passing its first legislative hurdle:

https://latenighter.com/news/lenos-law-passes-first-hurdle-in-california-legislature/

[ErrorMargin]

Originally Posted by Tobra

NFW this passes

CA Senate has 40 members: 10R 30D, meaning every bill needs at least 21 votes on the senate floor to pass (and move on to the assembly).

The bill passed 12, 2 in transportation committee with 8 D supporting.

Assuming that all 10 R Senators and the 8 D that supported it in the transportation committee will support it on the floor, they need to find 3 more D votes to pass this bill in the Senate.

The Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, Senator Dave Cortese (D–San Jose), co-authored the bill and had this to say:

Originally Posted by Senator Dave Cortese

These cars are rarely on the road, meticulously maintained, and represent a very small fraction of California's total vehicle emissions. This is a long-overdue, common-sense law that both protects hobbyists and collectors and continues to safeguard our environment. I fully support 'Leno’s Law,”

Given the above D support, it seems likely they can find 3 more D votes and move the bill onto the Assembly.

I don't have any read yet on SB712's chances in the Assembly.

Given that Newsome seems certain to run for President, I believe he will sign this bill if it gets to his desk.

Originally Posted by Tobra

EPA pulls CARB's exemption is the only way it happens.

I would have never thought this possible until now but it is certainly a possibility that the EPA under Trump will do so.

[Rodsrsr]

https://www.foxbusiness.com/politics/watch-jay-leno-reveals-why-hes-backing-major-auto-legislation-deep-blue-state

[Billiam 911 2.8]

Jay has aged 15 years in the last 2. I hope he is in better health than he looks. Would be sad if this were his swan song.

[WPOZZZ]

Any updates? Thinking about sending a 930 to my brother.

[Rodsrsr]

This is what I know:

As of April 28, 2025, California Senate Bill 712, known as "Leno's Law," has been placed on the Senate Appropriations Committee's suspense file. This procedural step is standard for bills with significant fiscal implications, allowing the committee to assess the potential financial impact on the state budget before deciding whether to advance the legislation.

The suspense file process is a routine part of the legislative procedure in California. It provides the committee with time to evaluate the bill's fiscal effects comprehensively. While placement on the suspense file does not guarantee the bill's advancement, it does not indicate its failure either. The committee will review all bills on the suspense file and determine which will proceed to the Senate floor for a vote.

I think the main argument against it was the loss of smog check certification fees. Its all about the money, however there's also a separate meeting to address funding smog stations throughout the state with the equipment needed to smog pre OBD cars. It may come down to which is more cost effective.

[brp914]

And in other news, I just received my gas bill which is actually a 'carbon credit' of + $75. Yay me. What's this? Those evil businesses that supply petroleum products that consumers want are forced to purchase carbon credits. They then raise their prices. Consumers pay jacked up prices. Then the Gas Co gives credits to consumers. All thanks to the leftlets at the Public Utilites Commision and CA Air Resources Board, whose members are appointed by none other than...newsom. All these turds should be given cement overshoes and be directed to the Santa Monica Pier.

CA has the most expensive gas in the US as a result of the lefties mucking up markets in order to force conversion to EVs. And they're going to give a crap about our classics?

[wildthing]

Californians, continue to urge your senators and the Senate Appropriations Committee and its chairman to push this forward. If it gets stuck in the Suspense File, it's as good as dead.

[93097004xx]

Hey I have not posted on here for years but this thread made me post. I think this particular law affects our cars more than most and feel like if the California car clubs could rally support this would be a big big thing for our hobby!

[daepp]

Originally Posted by Billiam 911 2.8

Jay has aged 15 years in the last 2. I hope he is in better health than he looks. Would be sad if this were his swan song.

I saw something in the news that his wife, Mavis, isn't doing well. The court had to appoint a "guardian" or "conservator" (I don't remember the exact term) due to something akin to early-Alzheimer's.

Experience has taught me to always watch out for the spouse once they become a caregiver. Sadly, they often neglect their own health while so busy helping their spouse's.