Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

Assembly Member Ransom's legislation establishing a Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group under the Office of the State Fire Marshal aims to develop comprehensive safety protocols for emergency situations involving electric vehicle batteries. The advisory group would review and recommend policies for managing battery fires, collision responses, submerged vehicle recovery, and other lithium-ion battery emergencies.

The Office of the State Fire Marshal must convene the group by December 31, 2026, appointing representatives from ten specified entities including environmental agencies, first responders, vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, and automotive engineering organizations. The group will meet quarterly through July 1, 2028, consulting with universities, research institutions, vehicle manufacturers, and emergency response personnel to inform their work.

By July 1, 2028, the advisory group must develop emergency response standards incorporating local, state, and national guidance to enable first responders to address lithium-ion battery incidents safely and efficiently. The provisions creating this temporary advisory body expire on January 1, 2029, unless extended by subsequent legislation.