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CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION

94

Introduced by Assembly Member Ransom

February 14, 2025

An act to add and repeal Section 42450.6 of the Public Resources Code, relating to lithium-ion batteries.

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal committee: yes   Local program: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

Existing law requires the Secretary for Environmental Protection, until January 1, 2027, to convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Recycling Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on, policies pertaining to the recovery and recycling of lithium-ion batteries sold with motor vehicles in the state, and requires the secretary to appoint members to the committee from specified departments, vocations, and organizations.

Existing law, the California Emergency Services Act, establishes the Office of Emergency Services within the Governor’s office, under the supervision of the Director of Emergency Services, and makes the office responsible for the state’s emergency and disaster response services for natural, technological, or manmade disasters and emergencies.

This bill would require the Office of the State Fire Marshal on or before December 31, 2026, to convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on, policies pertaining to the safety and management of lithium-ion vehicle batteries involved in an emergency situation, as provided. The bill would require the Office of the State Fire Marshal to appoint members to the advisory group from specified departments, agencies, vocations, and organizations. The bill would require the advisory group to meet at least quarterly until July 1, 2028, and to consult with universities and research institutions that have conducted research in the area of lithium-ion batteries, with manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, and both state and local first responders. The bill would require the group to develop standards, on or before July 1, 2028, based on local, state, and national guidance and research, aimed at ensuring that best standards and practices are created that allow first responders to respond to lithium-ion vehicle battery emergencies in a safe and efficient manner. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2029.

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 42450.6 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read:

42450.6.

(a) On or before December 31, 2026, the Office of the State Fire Marshal shall convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on, policies pertaining to the safety and management of lithium-ion vehicle batteries involved in an emergency situation, including, but not limited to, a battery fire, other nonfire damage to a lithium-ion vehicle battery, submerged vehicle recovery, and roadway collisions. Until July 1, 2028, the advisory group shall meet at least quarterly. The advisory group shall consult with universities and research institutions that have conducted research in the area of lithium-ion batteries, with manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, and both state and local first responders.

(b) The Office of the State Fire Marshal shall appoint at least one member to the advisory group from each of the following:

(1) The California Environmental Protection Agency.

(2) The Department of Toxic Substances Control.

(3) The Office of Emergency Services.

(4) A certified unified program agency.

(5) An organization that represents first responders that respond to vehicle battery fires.

(6) An organization that represents one or more vehicle manufacturers that produce lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles.

(7) An automobile dismantler or an organization that represents one or more automobile dismantlers.

(8) A lithium-ion vehicle battery manufacturer.

(9) A standards-developing organization that has a focus on automotive engineering.

(10) A member representing advanced recycling of electric vehicle batteries, with expertise in electric vehicle battery recovery and hazard mitigation in emergency response.

(c) On or before July 1, 2028, the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group shall develop standards, based on local, state, and national guidance and research, aimed at ensuring best standards and practices are created that allow first responders to respond to lithium-ion vehicle battery emergencies in a safe and efficient manner. In developing the standards, the advisory group shall consider both state and local solutions.

(d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.