Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2025–2026 REGULAR SESSION Assembly Bill No. 696 Introduced by Assembly Member Ransom February 14, 2025 An act to add and repeal Section 42450.6 of the Public Resources Code, relating to lithium-ion batteries. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 696, as introduced, Ransom. Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group. 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. This bill would require the secretary, on or before July 1, 2026, to convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on, policies pertaining to the handling and disposal of lithium-ion vehicle batteries in an emergency capacity. The bill would require the secretary to appoint members to the advisory group from specified departments, 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 battery recycling, with manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, and with the recycling industry. The bill would require the group to submit, on or before July 1, 2028, policy recommendations to the Legislature 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. Digest Key Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: NO Bill Text The people of the State of California do enact as follows: SECTION 1. Section 42450.6 is added to the Public Resources Code, to read: 42450.6. (a) On or before July 1, 2026, the Secretary for Environmental Protection shall convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group to review, and advise the Legislature on, policies pertaining to the handling and disposal of lithium-ion vehicle batteries in an emergency capacity. Until July 1, 2028, the advisory group shall meet at least quarterly. The advisory group shall consult with universities and research institutions that have conducted research in the area of battery recycling, with manufacturers of electric and hybrid vehicles, and with the recycling industry. (b) The Secretary for Environmental Protection shall appoint at least one member to the advisory group from each of the following: (1) The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. (2) The Department of Toxic Substances Control. (3) A vehicle manufacturer. (4) An organization that represents one or more vehicle manufacturers. (5) An electronic waste recycler or an organization that represents one or more electronic waste recyclers. (6) An automotive repair dealer or an organization that represents one or more automotive repair dealers. (7) An automobile dismantler or an organization that represents one or more automobile dismantlers. (8) An environmental organization that specializes in waste reduction and recycling. (9) A representative of the energy storage industry. (10) A lithium-ion vehicle battery manufacturer. (11) A standards-developing organization that has a focus on automotive engineering. (12) An organization that represents first responders who respond to battery fires. (c) On or before July 1, 2028, the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group shall submit policy recommendations to the Legislature, in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code, aimed at ensuring best standards and practices are created that allow first responders to respond to lithium-ion vehicle battery emergencies in a safe and efficient manner. In developing the policy recommendations, the advisory group shall consider both state and local solutions. (d) This section shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.