SACRAMENTO, Calif. — A legislative committee in California has voted against a proposal that aimed to exempt classic car owners from stringent smog-check regulations, despite celebrity support from comedian Jay Leno. The Assembly Appropriations Committee on Friday chose not to advance Senate Bill 712, authored by Republican Senator Shannon Grove of Bakersfield, which had garnered significant attention earlier this year.
Leno, a well-known classic car enthusiast with a collection nearing 200 vehicles, had advocated for the bill in Sacramento, arguing that the requirements for testing older cars significantly hinder ownership and restoration efforts. This measure proposed exemptions for cars manufactured before 1981, allowing these vehicles to bypass emissions testing every two years, along with smog tests at the time of purchase. Only vehicles with special “historical vehicle” license plates and those insured as “collector motor vehicles” would have qualified for this exemption.
The fate of the bill was revealed swiftly during a Friday hearing that addressed numerous other proposals on the committee’s agenda. Despite its rejection, the reason behind the committee’s decision remains unclear, with Democratic chairperson Assemblymember Buffy Wicks offering little insight after the hearing.
Supporters of the measure included California car clubs and the California Automotive Wholesalers’ Association. However, environmental organizations, such as the Bay Area Air Quality Management District and the California Air Pollution Control Officers Association, opposed the bill, highlighting concerns about its potential financial impact on the state. Critics warned that it could lead to substantial revenue losses for the Bureau of Automotive Repair and the Department of Motor Vehicles, amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars annually.
Grove expressed her disappointment following the committee’s decision, lamenting that the state did not prioritize the classic car culture cherished by many Californians. She emphasized the importance of preserving these vehicles, calling them “rolling pieces of history” that are beloved by enthusiasts across the state.
During earlier discussions, Leno had testified about the challenges classic car owners face in meeting the smog-check requirements. He noted that the process is often more complicated and costly compared to modern vehicles, which can undergo quick emissions testing. Leno further pointed out the difficulty in finding shops equipped to handle older models.
Before its rejection, Senate Bill 712 had passed the full Senate and an Assembly committee, with minimal opposition from progressive Democrats. The appropriations committees, which serve as gatekeepers for taxpayer-funded proposals, are known for quietly dismissing many politically sensitive bills through their suspense files.
With budget constraints looming over the state, Wicks emphasized the need for the legislature to prioritize fiscal responsibility. She stated that ensuring essential services for vulnerable communities remains a foremost concern as lawmakers navigate financial challenges.
This bill’s fate exemplifies the ongoing tension between the passion for classic vehicles and the state’s rigorous environmental protections, raising questions about how legislation can balance cultural interests with ecological responsibility.
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