Lithium-ion vehicle batteries: emergencies: advisory group.

Assembly Member Ransom's proposal to establish a specialized advisory group on lithium-ion vehicle battery emergencies reflects California's evolving response to safety challenges posed by the increasing prevalence of electric vehicles. The legislation directs the Secretary for Environmental Protection to convene the Lithium-Ion Car Battery Advisory Group by July 1, 2026, tasking it with developing comprehensive safety protocols for emergency situations involving vehicle batteries.

The advisory group would bring together representatives from key stakeholders, including the Office of Emergency Services, Department of Toxic Substances Control, Office of the State Fire Marshal, and certified unified program agencies. Additional members would come from first responder organizations, vehicle and battery manufacturers, automobile dismantlers, and automotive engineering standards organizations. This diverse membership aims to incorporate perspectives from emergency response, industry, and technical domains in addressing battery-related incidents such as fires, collision damage, and submerged vehicle recovery.

Under the bill's provisions, the advisory group would meet quarterly through July 2028, consulting with universities, research institutions, vehicle manufacturers, and first responders to develop its recommendations. The group must submit policy recommendations to the Legislature by July 1, 2028, focusing on standards and practices for first responders handling lithium-ion battery emergencies at both state and local levels. The advisory group's mandate would conclude on January 1, 2029, when the legislation's provisions expire.