AB 844: Zero-emission trucks: insurance.

Existing law establishes the Air Quality Improvement Program, administered by the State Air Resources Board, for the purposes of funding projects related to, among other things, the reduction of criteria air pollutants and improvement of air quality. As part of the funding plan for the Air Quality Improvement Program, existing law requires the state board to include a 3-year investment strategy for zero- and near-zero-emission heavy-duty vehicles and equipment commensurate with meeting state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals.

Existing law provides for the regulation of insurance by the Department of Insurance, which is under the control of the Insurance Commissioner.

This bill would require the department to implement specific data collections on the availability and affordability of insurance for heavy-duty trucks and truck fleets. The bill would require the department to issue a bulletin on or before February 1, 2024, to initiate the first data collection, and would require admitted insurers to respond on or before May 1, 2024. The bill would require the surveys and data calls to include specified information, including, among other things, whether an insurance company offers insurance for zero-emission truck options. The bill would require the information to be submitted to the commissioner and to be confidential, as specified. The bill would require the commissioner to publish the information in the aggregate, and would prohibit the identification of an individual respondent or insurer, except as specified. The bill would require the commissioner to establish and maintain a link on the departments internet website that provides public access to this aggregate information.

This bill would require the department, in consultation with the State Air Resources Board, to create a consumer-focused online insurance information resource tool for the public to use to readily find information and insurance options for battery-powered, hydrogen-powered, or other zero-emission advanced truck technology to provide a one-stop for the public. The bill would also require the department, in consultation with the state board, to create a strategy, on or before January 1, 2025, to address insurance gaps for new heavy-duty truck technologies, as specified.

Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest.

This bill would make legislative findings to that effect.