AB 272: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-03-13
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-09-02: Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Archuleta.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
Existing law requires the State Air Resources Board to adopt and implement a regulation for a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program for nongasoline heavy-duty onroad motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as provided. Existing law requires the state board to provide 2 biennial reports on its internet website within 4 years following the full implementation of the program.
This bill would instead require, within 4 years following the full implementation of the program, but not later than February 1, 2026, December 31, 2026, the state board to provide the first of the 2 biennial reports on its internet website.
Existing law requires the State Air Resources Board to adopt and implement a regulation for a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program for nongasoline heavy-duty onroad motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as provided. Existing law requires the state board to provide 2 biennial reports on its internet website within 4 years following the full implementation of the program.
This bill would instead require, within 4 years following the full implementation of the program, but not later than February 1, 2026, the state board to provide the first of the 2 biennial reports on its internet website.
(a)No later than two years after the completion of the pilot program required by Section 44156 and to the extent authorized by federal law, the state board, in consultation with the bureau and the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall adopt and implement a regulation for a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program for nongasoline heavy-duty onroad motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as defined by the state board, including, but not limited to, single-vehicle fleets and other vehicles that are registered in another state but operate on California roads. In adopting a regulation implementing the program, the state board shall do all of the following:
(1)(A)Establish test procedures for different motor vehicle model years and emissions control technologies that measure the effectiveness of the control of emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. The procedures may include, but are not limited to, procedures for the use of onboard diagnostics system data and test procedures that measure the effectiveness of the control of emissions of greenhouse gases.
(B)In establishing the test procedures pursuant to this paragraph, the state board shall ensure that at least one test procedure does not result in charges, in aggregate, including the compliance fee required pursuant to Section 44154, imposed on owners of vehicles subject to the program that exceed the maximum allowable amount of the compliance fee specified in Section 44154, except for the necessary repair costs to bring a vehicle into compliance with the program. The state board shall ensure that this testing procedure is reasonably accessible to those owners.
(2)Require a motor vehicle to pass the test procedures in order to register or operate in the state. The state board may establish in the regulation full or partial exemptions from the requirements of this section for categories of vehicles it determines on the basis of substantial evidence that the economic costs of compliance substantially outweigh the benefits of compliance, including public health benefits.
(3)Allow a streamlined process for the owner or operator of a vehicle fleet who has an established compliance history with the program, including, but not limited to, the use of the electronic transmission of emissions data in lieu of the annual physical testing of the vehicles as determined by the state board. The streamlined process shall not include an exemption from the requirements of paragraph (2).
(4)Establish program validation methods for evaluating program effectiveness, fraud investigation, and research purposes.
(5)Develop and implement enforcement methods to ensure continuing compliance with this section and Section 27153 of the Vehicle Code. The enforcement methods may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(A)Visual inspections.
(B)Functional inspections.
(C)Requiring emissions testing of vehicles.
(6)Develop, in coordination with the Department of Motor Vehicles, an information technology database to collect and track vehicle test data, assess the data to determine compliance, and regularly generate lists of compliant vehicle identification numbers and transmit them to the Department of Motor Vehicles in order for annual vehicle registration notices to be issued.
(7)Exempt all of the following:
(A)Zero-emission motor vehicles.
(B)A publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle operated by a peace officer, as defined in Section 830 of the Penal Code, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(C)An authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, and used for fighting fires or responding to emergency fire calls by entities described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of, or subdivision (c) or (d) of, Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(D)A publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle used by an emergency medical technician-paramedic, as defined in Section 1797.84, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(E)A tactical vehicle operated by the military as necessary for testing or training purposes.
(F)New vehicles certified to meet the most stringent optional reduced emissions of oxides of nitrogen emission standard for four years from the time inspections begin under the program.
(b)The state board may establish licensing standards for persons engaged in the business of the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of heavy-duty motor vehicles. The board also may establish qualification standards or approval, operational, or licensure standards for testing equipment, including protocols, hardware, and software used for the submission of vehicle test data to the state board or its contractors.
(c)(1)As part of the program, the state board shall develop a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate. The state board shall issue the certificate to the legal owner, registered owner, or designee of a vehicle that, at the discretion of the state board, meets the requirements of the program so that vehicle owners and operators may easily demonstrate proof of compliance, as required pursuant to Sections 27158.1 and 27158.2 of the Vehicle Code.
(2)The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate shall contain information determined to be necessary by the state board that includes, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
(A)Date issued.
(B)Date of expiration.
(C)Name and residence or business address or mailing address of the legal owner or registered owner.
(D)Vehicle identification number assigned to the vehicle.
(E)Description of the vehicle that includes the year, make, and model of the vehicle.
(d)The Department of Transportation, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of the California Highway Patrol may provide any necessary information to help facilitate the installation of equipment necessary to implement the program.
(e)The state board, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Food and Agriculture may develop initiatives for outreach and education to help ensure compliance with the program.
(f)(1)The state board shall request a permit to deploy equipment on the state highway system, as defined in Article 3 (commencing with Section 300) of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code, in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 660) of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code and in cooperation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(2)If the Department of Transportation denies a permit requested by the state board pursuant to paragraph (1), the Department of Transportation shall provide the state board the necessary information regarding how equipment can be deployed in a manner consistent with both the requirements of the program and other laws.
(g)The state board may inspect vehicles subject to this section in conjunction with the safety and weight enforcement activities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or at other locations selected by the state board in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol. Inspection locations may include instate private facilities where fleet vehicles are serviced or maintained. The state board and the Department of the California Highway Patrol may conduct these inspections cooperatively or independently, and the state board may contract for assistance in the conduct of these inspections.
(h)(1)(A)The state board may issue a citation to the owner of a vehicle in violation of this section or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this section. The state board may require the operator of a vehicle to submit to a test procedure and may specify that refusal to submit is an admission constituting proof of a violation. The state board may require that, when a citation has been issued pursuant to this section, the owner of a vehicle in violation of the regulation shall be required to correct every deficiency specified in the citation within a timeframe determined by the state board, but that is not less than 45 days.
(B)A vehicle used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations shall be required to correct deficiencies specified in the citation within a timeframe determined by the state board that is not less than 75 days from the date of the citation.
(2)When deciding whether to issue a citation, the state board may take into account whether the owner of the vehicle has obtained a temporary permit to operate the vehicle pursuant to Section 4156.5 of the Vehicle Code.
(3)Except as provided in paragraph (4), a vehicle found in violation of this section or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this section shall not be prohibited from being used during this time.
(4)Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a vehicle found to have willfully tampered emission controls, including the vehicles onboard diagnostics system, shall not be operated.
(i)The state board shall provide an owner cited as violating this section an opportunity for an administrative hearing consistent with the process established pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 60065.1) and Article 4 (commencing with Section 60075.1) of Subchapter 1.25 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Following notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing, the state board, at its discretion, may use the procedure set forth in subdivision (j) of Section 44011.6 for a vehicle owner cited pursuant to this section.
(j)After an order imposing an administrative penalty becomes final pursuant to the hearing procedures identified in subdivision (i) and no petition for a writ of mandate has been filed within the time allotted for seeking judicial review of the order, the state board may apply to the Superior Court for the County of Sacramento for a judgment in the amount of the administrative penalty. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the final order of the administrative hearing officer, shall constitute a sufficient showing to warrant the issuance of the judgment.
(k)Upon the implementation of the program, the state board shall provide mechanisms for out-of-state owners of heavy-duty vehicles to establish and verify compliance prior to entering the state, including attainment of a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate.
(l)Upon the full implementation of the program, the state board shall sunset the requirements of the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program in Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 2190) of Division 3 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(m)Within four years following the full implementation of the program, but not later than February 1, 2026, December 31, 2026, the state board shall provide the first of two biennial reports on its internet website. This report shall include, but is not limited to, enforcement, operational downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness.
(a)No later than two years after the completion of the pilot program required by Section 44156 and to the extent authorized by federal law, the state board, in consultation with the bureau and the Department of Motor Vehicles, shall adopt and implement a regulation for a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program for nongasoline heavy-duty onroad motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as defined by the state board, including, but not limited to, single-vehicle fleets and other vehicles that are registered in another state but operate on California roads. In adopting a regulation implementing the program, the state board shall do all of the following:
(1)(A)Establish test procedures for different motor vehicle model years and emissions control technologies that measure the effectiveness of the control of emissions of oxides of nitrogen and particulate matter. The procedures may include, but are not limited to, procedures for the use of onboard diagnostics system data and test procedures that measure the effectiveness of the control of emissions of greenhouse gases.
(B)In establishing the test procedures pursuant to this paragraph, the state board shall ensure that at least one test procedure does not result in charges, in aggregate, including the compliance fee required pursuant to Section 44154, imposed on owners of vehicles subject to the program that exceed the maximum allowable amount of the compliance fee specified in Section 44154, except for the necessary repair costs to bring a vehicle into compliance with the program. The state board shall ensure that this testing procedure is reasonably accessible to those owners.
(2)Require a motor vehicle to pass the test procedures in order to register or operate in the state. The state board may establish in the regulation full or partial exemptions from the requirements of this section for categories of vehicles it determines on the basis of substantial evidence that the economic costs of compliance substantially outweigh the benefits of compliance, including public health benefits.
(3)Allow a streamlined process for the owner or operator of a vehicle fleet who has an established compliance history with the program, including, but not limited to, the use of the electronic transmission of emissions data in lieu of the annual physical testing of the vehicles as determined by the state board. The streamlined process shall not include an exemption from the requirements of paragraph (2).
(4)Establish program validation methods for evaluating program effectiveness, fraud investigation, and research purposes.
(5)Develop and implement enforcement methods to ensure continuing compliance with this section and Section 27153 of the Vehicle Code. The enforcement methods may include, but are not limited to, all of the following:
(A)Visual inspections.
(B)Functional inspections.
(C)Requiring emissions testing of vehicles.
(6)Develop, in coordination with the Department of Motor Vehicles, an information technology database to collect and track vehicle test data, assess the data to determine compliance, and regularly generate lists of compliant vehicle identification numbers and transmit them to the Department of Motor Vehicles in order for annual vehicle registration notices to be issued.
(7)Exempt all of the following:
(A)Zero-emission motor vehicles.
(B)A publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle operated by a peace officer, as defined in Section 830 of the Penal Code, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(C)An authorized emergency vehicle, as defined in Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, and used for fighting fires or responding to emergency fire calls by entities described in paragraph (2) of subdivision (b) of, or subdivision (c) or (d) of, Section 165 of the Vehicle Code, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(D)A publicly owned authorized emergency vehicle used by an emergency medical technician-paramedic, as defined in Section 1797.84, only as necessary to ensure the ability to respond to emergencies.
(E)A tactical vehicle operated by the military as necessary for testing or training purposes.
(F)New vehicles certified to meet the most stringent optional reduced emissions of oxides of nitrogen emission standard for four years from the time inspections begin under the program.
(b)The state board may establish licensing standards for persons engaged in the business of the inspection, diagnosis, and repair of heavy-duty motor vehicles. The board also may establish qualification standards or approval, operational, or licensure standards for testing equipment, including protocols, hardware, and software used for the submission of vehicle test data to the state board or its contractors.
(c)(1)As part of the program, the state board shall develop a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate. The state board shall issue the certificate to the legal owner, registered owner, or designee of a vehicle that, at the discretion of the state board, meets the requirements of the program so that vehicle owners and operators may easily demonstrate proof of compliance, as required pursuant to Sections 27158.1 and 27158.2 of the Vehicle Code.
(2)The Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate shall contain information determined to be necessary by the state board that includes, but need not be limited to, all of the following:
(A)Date issued.
(B)Date of expiration.
(C)Name and residence or business address or mailing address of the legal owner or registered owner.
(D)Vehicle identification number assigned to the vehicle.
(E)Description of the vehicle that includes the year, make, and model of the vehicle.
(d)The Department of Transportation, the Department of Food and Agriculture, and the Department of the California Highway Patrol may provide any necessary information to help facilitate the installation of equipment necessary to implement the program.
(e)The state board, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Food and Agriculture may develop initiatives for outreach and education to help ensure compliance with the program.
(f)(1)The state board shall request a permit to deploy equipment on the state highway system, as defined in Article 3 (commencing with Section 300) of Chapter 2 of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code, in accordance with Chapter 3 (commencing with Section 660) of Division 1 of the Streets and Highways Code and in cooperation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol.
(2)If the Department of Transportation denies a permit requested by the state board pursuant to paragraph (1), the Department of Transportation shall provide the state board the necessary information regarding how equipment can be deployed in a manner consistent with both the requirements of the program and other laws.
(g)The state board may inspect vehicles subject to this section in conjunction with the safety and weight enforcement activities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or at other locations selected by the state board in consultation with the Department of the California Highway Patrol. Inspection locations may include instate private facilities where fleet vehicles are serviced or maintained. The state board and the Department of the California Highway Patrol may conduct these inspections cooperatively or independently, and the state board may contract for assistance in the conduct of these inspections.
(h)(1)(A)The state board may issue a citation to the owner of a vehicle in violation of this section or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this section. The state board may require the operator of a vehicle to submit to a test procedure and may specify that refusal to submit is an admission constituting proof of a violation. The state board may require that, when a citation has been issued pursuant to this section, the owner of a vehicle in violation of the regulation shall be required to correct every deficiency specified in the citation within a timeframe determined by the state board, but that is not less than 45 days.
(B)A vehicle used exclusively in the conduct of agricultural operations shall be required to correct deficiencies specified in the citation within a timeframe determined by the state board that is not less than 75 days from the date of the citation.
(2)When deciding whether to issue a citation, the state board may take into account whether the owner of the vehicle has obtained a temporary permit to operate the vehicle pursuant to Section 4156.5 of the Vehicle Code.
(3)Except as provided in paragraph (4), a vehicle found in violation of this section or a regulation promulgated pursuant to this section shall not be prohibited from being used during this time.
(4)Notwithstanding paragraph (3), a vehicle found to have willfully tampered emission controls, including the vehicles onboard diagnostics system, shall not be operated.
(i)The state board shall provide an owner cited as violating this section an opportunity for an administrative hearing consistent with the process established pursuant to Article 3 (commencing with Section 60065.1) and Article 4 (commencing with Section 60075.1) of Subchapter 1.25 of Chapter 1 of Division 3 of Title 17 of the California Code of Regulations. Following notice and an opportunity for an administrative hearing, the state board, at its discretion, may use the procedure set forth in subdivision (j) of Section 44011.6 for a vehicle owner cited pursuant to this section.
(j)After an order imposing an administrative penalty becomes final pursuant to the hearing procedures identified in subdivision (i) and no petition for a writ of mandate has been filed within the time allotted for seeking judicial review of the order, the state board may apply to the Superior Court for the County of Sacramento for a judgment in the amount of the administrative penalty. The application, which shall include a certified copy of the final order of the administrative hearing officer, shall constitute a sufficient showing to warrant the issuance of the judgment.
(k)Upon the implementation of the program, the state board shall provide mechanisms for out-of-state owners of heavy-duty vehicles to establish and verify compliance prior to entering the state, including attainment of a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate.
(l)Upon the full implementation of the program, the state board shall sunset the requirements of the Periodic Smoke Inspection Program in Chapter 3.6 (commencing with Section 2190) of Division 3 of Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations.
(m)Within four years following the full implementation of the program, but not later than February 1, 2026, the state board shall provide the first of two biennial reports on its internet website. This report shall include, but is not limited to, enforcement, operational downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 2, 2025 | Ordered to inactive file at the request of Senator Archuleta. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | From Consent Calendar. |
| Aug 20, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Aug 19, 2025 | From committee: Be ordered to second reading file pursuant to Senate Rule 28.8 and ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jul 9, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (July 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Jun 19, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Jun 19, 2025 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Jun 18, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 18). |
| May 14, 2025 | Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and TRANS. |
| May 1, 2025 | In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment. |
| May 1, 2025 | Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 76. Noes 0. Page 1385.) |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | From committee: Do pass. To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (April 23). |
| Mar 25, 2025 | From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (March 24). Re-referred to Com. on APPR. |
| Mar 17, 2025 | Re-referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to Com. on TRANS. Read second time and amended. |
| Feb 10, 2025 | Referred to Com. on TRANS. |
| Jan 22, 2025 | From printer. May be heard in committee February 21. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Read first time. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 8, 2025 | Do pass, but first be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with the recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
|
| Jun 18, 2025 | Do pass and be ordered to the Consent Calendar | Senate Standing Committee on Environmental Quality |
Passed |
|
| May 1, 2025 | AB 272 Aguiar-Curry Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 23, 2025 | Do pass. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Appropriations |
Passed |
|
| Mar 24, 2025 | Do pass and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations] with recommendation: To Consent Calendar | Assembly Standing Committee on Transportation |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| California Bus Association | ** Support | |
| California Trucking Association | ** Support |
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 272 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: AB 272
Author: Aguiar-Curry (D)
Amended: 3/13/25 in Assembly
Vote: 21
SENATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE: 6-0, 6/18/25
AYES: Blakespear, Valladares, Dahle, Hurtado, Menjivar, Pérez
NO VOTE RECORDED: Gonzalez, Padilla
SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 15-0, 7/8/25
AYES: Cortese, Strickland, Archuleta, Arreguín, Blakespear, Cervantes, Dahle, Gonzalez, Grayson, Limón, Menjivar, Richardson, Seyarto, Umberg, Valladares
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/1/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
SOURCE: California Trucking Association
DIGEST:
This bill specifies the deadline for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide the first of the two currently required biennial reports on the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (HD I/M) to be December 31, 2026.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires CARB to adopt and implement a regulation for a HD I/M for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as specified (Health and Safety Code (HSC) § 44152(a)).
- Requires CARB to issue a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate to vehicle owners and operators, and requires vehicle owners to keep that certificate of compliance with the vehicle and present it to a peace officer upon demand, as specified (HSC § 44152 (c)).
- Requires that within four years following the full implementation of the program, CARB shall provide two biennial reports on its internet website including, but not limited, to enforcement, operation downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. (HSC § 44152 (m)).
This bill specifies that CARB must provide the first of two biennial reports on enforcement, downtime, emissions reductions, and cost-effectiveness of HD I/M by December 31, 2026.
Background
- Vehicle emissions. Mobile sources and the fossil fuels that power them are the largest contributors to the formation of ozone, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic diesel particulate matter. In California, they are responsible for approximately 80% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They also represent about 50% of GHG emissions when including emissions from fuel production, and more than 95% of toxic diesel particulate matter emissions. Statewide, more than 21 million out of over 39 million Californians live in areas that exceed the federal ozone standards; within these areas, there are many low-income and disadvantaged communities that are exposed to not only ozone, but also particulate and toxic, pollutant levels significantly higher than the federal standards which have immediate and detrimental health effects.
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. Senate Bill 210 (Leyva, Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019) directed CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive HD I/M regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021, with implementation to be phased in starting January 2023. Dubbed the Clean Truck Check, the program combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to identify vehicles in need of emissions related repairs and ensure any needed repairs are performed. The program is designed to provide reductions in criteria pollutant emissions to achieve the federal air quality mandates.
Comments
- Purpose of this bill. According to the author, “In 2019, Senate Bill 210 (Levya) authorized the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create the nation’s first smog check-style program for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This bill, known as the Clean Truck Check (CTC), mandated that CARB must publish two biennial reports on its website within four years of the program's full implementation. These reports are supposed to include information on enforcement methods, operational downtime, and estimates of emissions reduced along with an evaluation of cost-effectiveness. Fees and biannual testing requirements for the program began in 2024, with quarterly testing scheduled to start in 2027. This bill ensures that CARB delivers the first of its legislatively mandated reports on CTC’s implementation by December 31, 2026, so that impacted industries receive more information about the program’s operations and effectiveness before the increase in testing starts in 2027.”
- Why does this timing matter? Under existing law, CARB could release the first required report (about the enforcement, operational downtime, estimate of emissions reduced, and cost-effectiveness) anytime within four years of full implementation. However, more frequent testing requirements are set to increase starting in 2027. Making sure the report is out before that change helps make sure that change is supported by program outcomes, in case anything needs to be changed. It is a minor effect, but makes sense.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/18/25)
California Trucking Association (source)
California Bus Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/18/25)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/1/25
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Chen, McKinnor, Papan
Prepared by: Heather Walters / E.Q. / (916) 651-4108
8/25/25 17:18:59
**** END ****
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | AB 272 |
CONSENT
Bill No: AB 272
Author: Aguiar-Curry (D)
Amended: 3/13/25 in Assembly
Vote: 21
SENATE ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY COMMITTEE: 6-0, 6/18/25
AYES: Blakespear, Valladares, Dahle, Hurtado, Menjivar, Pérez
NO VOTE RECORDED: Gonzalez, Padilla
SENATE TRANSPORTATION COMMITTEE: 15-0, 7/8/25
AYES: Cortese, Strickland, Archuleta, Arreguín, Blakespear, Cervantes, Dahle, Gonzalez, Grayson, Limón, Menjivar, Richardson, Seyarto, Umberg, Valladares
SENATE APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE: Senate Rule 28.8
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/1/25 (Consent) - See last page for vote
SUBJECT: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
SOURCE: California Trucking Association
DIGEST:
This bill specifies the deadline for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide the first of the two currently required biennial reports on the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (HD I/M) to be December 31, 2026.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires CARB to adopt and implement a regulation for a HD I/M for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as specified (Health and Safety Code (HSC) § 44152(a)).
- Requires CARB to issue a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate to vehicle owners and operators, and requires vehicle owners to keep that certificate of compliance with the vehicle and present it to a peace officer upon demand, as specified (HSC § 44152 (c)).
- Requires that within four years following the full implementation of the program, CARB shall provide two biennial reports on its internet website including, but not limited, to enforcement, operation downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. (HSC § 44152 (m)).
This bill specifies that CARB must provide the first of two biennial reports on enforcement, downtime, emissions reductions, and cost-effectiveness of HD I/M by December 31, 2026.
Background
- Vehicle emissions. Mobile sources and the fossil fuels that power them are the largest contributors to the formation of ozone, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic diesel particulate matter. In California, they are responsible for approximately 80% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They also represent about 50% of GHG emissions when including emissions from fuel production, and more than 95% of toxic diesel particulate matter emissions. Statewide, more than 21 million out of over 39 million Californians live in areas that exceed the federal ozone standards; within these areas, there are many low-income and disadvantaged communities that are exposed to not only ozone, but also particulate and toxic, pollutant levels significantly higher than the federal standards which have immediate and detrimental health effects.
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. Senate Bill 210 (Leyva, Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019) directed CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive HD I/M regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021, with implementation to be phased in starting January 2023. Dubbed the Clean Truck Check, the program combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to identify vehicles in need of emissions related repairs and ensure any needed repairs are performed. The program is designed to provide reductions in criteria pollutant emissions to achieve the federal air quality mandates.
Comments
- Purpose of this bill. According to the author, “In 2019, Senate Bill 210 (Levya) authorized the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create the nation’s first smog check-style program for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This bill, known as the Clean Truck Check (CTC), mandated that CARB must publish two biennial reports on its website within four years of the program's full implementation. These reports are supposed to include information on enforcement methods, operational downtime, and estimates of emissions reduced along with an evaluation of cost-effectiveness. Fees and biannual testing requirements for the program began in 2024, with quarterly testing scheduled to start in 2027. This bill ensures that CARB delivers the first of its legislatively mandated reports on CTC’s implementation by December 31, 2026, so that impacted industries receive more information about the program’s operations and effectiveness before the increase in testing starts in 2027.”
- Why does this timing matter? Under existing law, CARB could release the first required report (about the enforcement, operational downtime, estimate of emissions reduced, and cost-effectiveness) anytime within four years of full implementation. However, more frequent testing requirements are set to increase starting in 2027. Making sure the report is out before that change helps make sure that change is supported by program outcomes, in case anything needs to be changed. It is a minor effect, but makes sense.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: Yes Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/18/25)
California Trucking Association (source)
California Bus Association
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/18/25)
None received
ASSEMBLY FLOOR: 76-0, 5/1/25
AYES: Addis, Aguiar-Curry, Ahrens, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Ávila Farías, Bains, Bauer-Kahan, Bennett, Berman, Boerner, Bonta, Bryan, Calderon, Caloza, Carrillo, Castillo, Connolly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, Elhawary, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gipson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark González, Hadwick, Haney, Harabedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Kalra, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, Muratsuchi, Nguyen, Ortega, Pacheco, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie-Norris, Quirk-Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Blanca Rubio, Sanchez, Schiavo, Schultz, Sharp-Collins, Solache, Soria, Stefani, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallis, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zbur, Rivas
NO VOTE RECORDED: Chen, McKinnor, Papan
Prepared by: Heather Walters / E.Q. / (916) 651-4108
8/21/25 16:45:20
**** END ****
SENATE COMMITTEE ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY
Senator Blakespear, Chair
2025 - 2026 Regular
Bill No: AB 272
Author: | Aguiar-Curry | ||
Version: | 3/13/2025 | Hearing Date: | 6/18/2025 |
Urgency: | No | Fiscal: | Yes |
Consultant: | Eric Walters | ||
SUBJECT: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
DIGEST: This bill specifies the deadline for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide the first of the two currently required biennial reports on the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (HD I/M) to be December 31, 2026.
ANALYSIS:
Existing law:
- Requires CARB to adopt and implement a regulation for a HD I/M for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as specified (Health and Safety Code (HSC) 44152(a)).
- Requires CARB to issue a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate to vehicle owners and operators, and requires vehicle owners to keep that certificate of compliance with the vehicle and present it to a peace officer upon demand, as specified (HSC 44152 (c)).
- Requires that within four years following the full implementation of the program, CARB shall provide two biennial reports on its internet website including, but not limited, to enforcement, operation downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. (HSC 44152 (m)).
This bill specifies that CARB must provide the first of two biennial reports on enforcement, downtime, emissions reductions, and cost-effectiveness of HD I/M by December 31, 2026.
Background
- Vehicle emissions. Mobile sources and the fossil fuels that power them are the largest contributors to the formation of ozone, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic diesel particulate matter. In California, they are responsible for approximately 80% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They also represent about 50% of greenhouse gas emissions when including emissions from fuel production, and more than 95% of toxic diesel particulate matter emissions. Statewide, more than 21 million out of over 39 million Californians live in areas that exceed the federal ozone standards; within these areas, there are many low-income and disadvantaged communities that are exposed to not only ozone, but also particulate and toxic, pollutant levels significantly higher than the federal standards which have immediate and detrimental health effects.
- Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program. Senate Bill 210 (Leyva) Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019 directed CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive HD I/M regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021, with implementation to be phased in starting January 2023. Dubbed the Clean Truck Check, the program combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to identify vehicles in need of emissions related repairs and ensure any needed repairs are performed. The program is designed to provide reductions in criteria pollutant emissions to achieve the federal air quality mandates.
Comments
- Purpose of Bill. According to the author, “In 2019, Senate Bill 210 (Levya) authorized the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create the nation’s first smog check-style program for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This bill, known as the Clean Truck Check (CTC), mandated that CARB must publish two biennial reports on its website within four years of the program's full implementation. These reports are supposed to include information on enforcement methods, operational downtime, and estimates of emissions reduced along with an evaluation of cost-effectiveness. Fees and biannual testing requirements for the program began in 2024, with quarterly testing scheduled to start in 2027. This bill ensures that CARB delivers the first of its legislatively mandated reports on CTC’s implementation by December 31, 2026, so that impacted industries receive more information about the program’s operations and effectiveness before the increase in testing starts in 2027.”
- Why does this timing matter? Under existing law, CARB could release the first required report (about the enforcement, operational downtime, estimate of emissions reduced, and cost-effectiveness) anytime within four years of full implementation. However, more frequent testing requirements are set to increase starting in 2027. Making sure the report is out before that change helps make sure that change is supported by program outcomes, in case anything needs to be changed. It is a minor effect, but makes sense.
DOUBLE REFERRAL:
If this measure is approved by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee, the do pass motion must include the action to re-refer the bill to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Related/Prior Legislation
SB 210 (Leyva, Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019) directs CARB to work in coordination with multiple state agencies in order to develop and implement a Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road trucks.
SOURCE:
California Trucking Association
SUPPORT:
None received
OPPOSITION:
None received
-- END --
Date of Hearing: April 23, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Buffy Wicks, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 272
Author:(Aguiar-Curry) – As Amended Ver:March 13, 2025
Policy Committee: | Transportation | Vote: | 16 - 0 |
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| ||
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|
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
Existing law requires the Air Resources Board (ARB) to publish two reports on its heavy-duty vehicle inspection and maintenance program, known as Clean Truck Check. This bill establishes a date—December 31, 2026—by which ARB must publish the first of the two reports.
FISCAL EFFECT:
No costs to ARB as ARB intends to publish the first Clean Truck Check report by the deadline established by this bill.
COMMENTS:
- Purpose. The author intends this bill to result in ARB releasing the first of two legislatively mandated reports on the Clean Truck Check program before ARB increases the frequency with which it inspects heavy-duty trucks for compliance with program requirements. According to the author, the report will include information on enforcement methods, operational downtime, estimates of emissions reductions and an evaluation of cost-effectiveness, all of which, the author and the bill’s sponsor (the California Trucking Association) contend, will lead to greater certainty in the trucking industry and more effective compliance with program requirements.
- Background. Consistent with the requirements of SB 210 (Leyva), Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019, ARB, in December 2021, approved a regulation to ensure the emissions control systems on a heavy-duty vehicle travelling on California roadways are properly functioning. ARB began to implement the regulatory program, known as Clean Truck Check, in January 2023, through periodic vehicle testing and enforcement to identify vehicles in need of emissions-related repairs and to ensure any needed repairs are made.
SB 210 directed ARB to issue, within four years of full implementation of Clean Truck Check, the first of two biennial reports on program enforcement, operation downtime and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. ARB has yet to issue the first report.
According to ARB, the program is in the testing cycle, which ends June 31, 2025. Following the testing cycle, ARB will have two full years of program data on which to base the report. ARB expects to publish the first Clean Truck Check report by no later than December 31, 2026, consistent with the deadline this bill would establish.
Analysis Prepared by: Jay Dickenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081
Date of Hearing: March 24, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION
Lori D. Wilson, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:AB 272 (
Author:Aguiar-Curry) – As AmendedF Ver:March 13, 2025
SUBJECT: Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program
SUMMARY: Specifies the deadline for the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to provide the first of the two currently required biennial reports on the Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program (HD I/M ) to be December 31, 2026.
EXISTING LAW:
- Requires CARB to adopt and implement a regulation for a HD I/M for non-gasoline, heavy-duty, on-road motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 14,000 pounds, as specified (Health and Safety Code (HSC) 44152(a)).
- Requires CARB to issue a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Compliance Certificate to vehicle owners and operators, and requires vehicle owners to keep that certificate of compliance with the vehicle and present it to a peace officer upon demand, as specified (HSC 44152 (c)).
- Allows specified state agencies to provide any necessary information to help facilitate the installation of equipment necessary to implement HD I/M, as well as develop initiatives for outreach and education to help ensure compliance with HD I/M (HSC 44152 (d)(e)).
- Requires CARB to request a permit to deploy equipment on the state highway system, as specified, and requires the Department of Transportation to provide CARB assistance in the permitting process when a permit request is denied, as specified (HSC 44152 (f)).
- Applies existing practices to HD I/M, allowing CARB to inspect vehicles in conjunction with the safety and weight enforcement activities of the Department of the California Highway Patrol or at other locations selected by CARB, as specified (HSC 44152 (g)).
- Requires that within four years following the full implementation of the program, CARB shall provide the first of two biennial reports on its internet website including, but not limited, to enforcement, operation downtime, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. (HSC 44152 (m)).
FISCAL EFFECT: Unknown
COMMENTS: Why regulate vehicle emissions? Mobile sources and the fossil fuels that power them are the largest contributors to the formation of ozone, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, fine particulate matter (PM2.5), and toxic diesel particulate matter. In California, they are responsible for approximately 80% of smog-forming nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. They also represent about 50% of greenhouse gas emissions when including emissions from fuel production, and more than 95% of toxic diesel particulate matter emissions. Statewide, more than 21 million out of over 39 million Californians live in areas that exceed the federal ozone standards; within these areas, there are many low-income and disadvantaged communities that are exposed to not only ozone, but also particulate and toxic, pollutant levels significantly higher than the federal standards which have immediate and detrimental health effects.
The National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS). The Clean Air Act of 1970 instructs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to set primary NAAQS to protect public health, and secondary NAAQS to protect plants, forests, crops and materials from damage due to exposure to six air pollutants. These pollutants include: particulate matter, ozone, nitrogen oxides, sulfur oxides, carbon monoxide, and lead.
Federal law (42 United States Code 7409 and 7410) requires that all states attain the NAAQS and develop State Implementation Plans (SIP) for nonattainment areas to attain the NAAQS, and attainment areas to maintain attainment. Failure of a state to reach attainment of the NAAQS by the target date can trigger penalties, including withholding of federal highway funds.
Under State law (Health and Safety Code (HSC) 39602), CARB is responsible for developing the SIP emission reduction strategies for cars, trucks, and other mobile sources to meet the requirements in the Clean Air Act. The California Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) is the State agency responsible for controlling pesticide emissions. Local air districts are primarily responsible for controlling emissions from stationary sources such as factories and power plants. CARB coordinates closely with the local air districts in the development of attainment plans which are then incorporated into the SIP.
GHG reduction goals. The Legislature has set a number of goals to reduce GHG emissions and address climate change. The Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006, AB 32 (Nuñez), Chapter 488, Statutes of 2006 and subsequent companion legislation SB 32 (Pavley), Chapter 249, Statutes of 2016, requires California to reduce statewide GHG emissions to 40% below the 1990 level by 2030. AB 1279 (Muratsuchi), Chapter 337, Statutes of 2022 establishes the policy of the state to achieve carbon neutrality as soon as possible, but no later than 2045. CARB is responsible for developing a Scoping Plan to detail how the state will achieve its GHG emissions reduction targets mandated by law.
Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program: Senate Bill 210 (Leyva) Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019 directed CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive HD I/M regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways. The Board approved the regulation on December 9, 2021, with implementation to be phased in starting January 2023. Dubbed the Clean Truck Check, the program combines periodic vehicle testing requirements with other emissions monitoring techniques and expanded enforcement strategies to identify vehicles in need of emissions related repairs and ensure any needed repairs are performed. The program is designed to provide reductions in criteria pollutant emissions to achieve the federal air quality mandates.
Committee comments: This bill specifies a date certain (December 31, 2026) for CARB to post the first of two biennial reports on their website. This is reasonable given that the program began phasing in January 2023.
According to the author: “In 2019, Senate Bill 210 (Leyva) authorized the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to create the nation’s first smog check-style program for medium and heavy-duty vehicles. This bill known as the Clean Truck Check (CTC), mandated that CARB must publish two biennial reports on its website within four years after the program's full implementation. These reports are supposed to include, but are not limited to, information on enforcement methods, operational downtime, and estimates of emissions reduced along with an evaluation of cost-effectiveness. Fees and biannual testing requirements for the program began in 2024, with quarterly testing scheduled to start in 2027. This bill will clarify that the California Air Resources Board (CARB) should deliver the first of two legislatively mandated reports on the nation’s first smog check program for trucks prior to the increase in testing frequency to four times a year in 2027.”
Arguments in support: According to the California Trucking Association, the sponsors of this bill, “In 2019, SB210 (Leyva) authorized the California Air Resources Board to develop and implement the nation’s first smog-check style program for medium and heavy duty vehicles. This program is currently known as “Clean Truck Check” (CTC). SB210 required CARB to, within four years following full implementation of the program, provide two biennial reports on its internet website. These reports were to include, but are not limited to, enforcement methods, operational downtime for impacted fleets, and an estimate of emissions reduced and cost-effectiveness. CARB was separately required to report information to the Assembly and Senate Transportation Committees prior to full implementation of CTC. To date, no such report has been submitted. Fees and two times a year annual testing requirements began in 2024. The program testing frequency will increase to four times a year beginning in 2027. AB 272 seeks to clarify the initial reporting deadline on this new program, the first of its kind in the nation, should occur in advance of the increase in testing frequency in 2027.”
Prior and related legislation: SB 210 (Leyva) Chapter 298, Statutes of 2019 directs CARB to develop and implement a comprehensive HD I/M regulation to ensure that vehicles’ emissions control systems are properly functioning when traveling on California’s roadways.
SB 44 (Skinner) Chapter 297, Statutes of 2019 requires CARB to update its 2016 mobile source strategy to include a comprehensive strategy for the deployment of medium duty and heavy-duty vehicles in the state.
SB 210 (Leyva) of 2017 required CARB to adopt and implement regulations for a Heavy-Duty Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Program for nongasoline, heavy-duty, on-road vehicles. SB 210 was referred to and not heard in this committee.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
California Trucking Association (sponsor)
Opposition
No opposition on file
Analysis Prepared by: Aaron Kurz / TRANS. / (916) 319-2093
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):