BAR staff review active bills and pending regulation packages affecting smog check, storage and battery disposal

SACRAMENTO — Bureau of Automotive Repair officials briefed the BAR advisory group on April 28 about bills the bureau is tracking this year and on multiple regulation packages the bureau has adopted or plans to file with the Office of Administrative Law.

The update covered five bills that staff said they are watching closely and several rulemaking efforts at various stages of completion. Holly Helsing and Kayla Shelton of the bureau’s executive office reviewed key deadlines for the 2025 session and walked the group through the bills and regulatory packages on the bureau’s tracking list.

Why it matters: The legislation and rule changes the bureau described would affect what vehicles must get smog checks and how repair shops and towing/storage operators disclose fees. Changes could shift inspection burdens and create new reporting or documentation duties for shops and companies that store wrecked vehicles.

Helsing told the group that June 6 is the last day for each house to pass bills introduced in that house, Sept. 12 is the last day for either house to pass bills introduced in the other house, and Oct. 12 is the deadline for the governor to sign or veto bills.

Bills highlighted by staff included: - AB 987 — staff…