AB 2459: Vehicle charging stations: electrical service connection: certificate of occupancy.

Official summary

Legislative Counsel’s Digest (official, as of the latest version). Written by nonpartisan legislative staff; reproduced verbatim.

Existing law authorizes the legislative body of any county or city to adopt ordinances that, among other things, regulate the use of buildings, structures, and land as between industry, business, residences, open space, including agriculture, recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty, use of natural resources, and other purposes. Existing law requires every city, county, or city and county to, in consultation with the local fire department or district and the utility director, if the city, county, or city and county operates a utility, adopt an ordinance that creates an expedited, streamlined permitting process for electric vehicle charging stations, as provided.

This bill would prohibit a local building authority from denying, withholding, or conditioning a certificate of occupancy to a nonprofit applicant solely on the basis that required vehicle charging stations are not fully operational, provided that certain conditions are met, including that the applicant has installed all vehicle charging infrastructure required by applicable law, regulation, or building code in the manner and to the specifications required. By increasing the duties of local officials, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The bill would include findings that changes proposed by this bill address a matter of statewide concern rather than a municipal affair and, therefore, apply to all cities, including charter cities.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. March 23, 2026Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.
2. March 19, 2026From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on L. GOV. Read second time and amended.
3. March 19, 2026Referred to Com. on L. GOV.
4. February 21, 2026From printer. May be heard in committee March 23.
5. February 20, 2026Read first time. To print.