AB 696: Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

Official summary

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

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.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1 · 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. January 22, 2026Consideration of Governor's veto stricken from file.
2. October 11, 2025Consideration of Governor's veto pending.
3. October 11, 2025Vetoed by Governor.
4. September 9, 2025Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.
5. September 3, 2025Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 79. Noes 0. Page 2860.).
6. September 2, 2025In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending.
7. September 2, 2025Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2396.).
8. August 21, 2025Read second time. Ordered to third reading.
9. August 20, 2025Read third time and amended. Ordered to second reading.
10. August 20, 2025Ordered to third reading.
11. August 20, 2025From Consent Calendar.
12. August 20, 2025Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.