From the SEMA Washington, D.C., office
Clearing its first hurdle, California Senate Bill (SB) 712, commonly known as "Leno's Law," has successfully passed the Senate Transportation Committee with a final vote of 12-2. The bill, which aims to exempt classic vehicles from smog check requirements, garnered strong bipartisan support.
Protecting California's Automotive Heritage
Authored by Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield) and backed by renowned comedian and car enthusiast Jay Leno, SB 712 seeks to preserve California's rich automotive history. The bill exempts vehicles 35 years or older from the state's stringent smog check requirements, ensuring that these iconic cars remain on the road and remain a part of California's cultural identity.
"These classic cars aren't just hobby vehicles—they represent generations of craftsmanship, culture, and community pride," said Senator Grove. "With this bill, we're protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts, and preserving a vital piece of California's heritage."
Access to Car Culture for the Next Generation
Supporters of the bill emphasize that classic cars, which are typically driven only on special occasions, have a minimal environmental impact compared to daily-driven vehicles. SEMA estimates that these vehicles represent less than 1% of California's registered vehicles.
"California helped invent car culture—from lowriders in East L.A. to muscle cars in the Central Valley. These cars tell the story," said Jay Leno. "SB 712 is about keeping that story alive. These vehicles are driven occasionally, not daily, and it just makes sense to treat them differently."
"That's what SB 712 is really about. It's about preserving access to automotive culture, especially for the next generation," added Mike Spagnola, president and CEO of SEMA, in his testimony alongside Jay Leno in the Senate committee hearing. "SB 712 ensures that future generations still have a way into car culture—without unnecessary barriers. This bill gives people a way in—to create, to connect, to belong."
Economic and Cultural Benefits
The passage of SB 712 is expected to have positive economic and cultural impacts. California's specialty automotive aftermarket industry supports more than 149,000 jobs and contributes $40.44 billion to the state's economy.
The bill aims to keep these jobs and businesses thriving by reducing regulatory burdens on classic car owners.
"This bill ensures California remains a welcoming home for car culture—whether you're restoring a '76 Trans Am, cruising in a lowrider, or just visiting your local classic car show," added Grove. "We're embracing the history, innovation, and pride of these collector cars."
Classic Car Rally at State Capitol
Before the hearing, Sen. Grove led a vibrant car cruise and press conference at the California State Capitol. The event featured a parade of classic cars, including Leno's own Pontiac Firebird, which he drove with Senator Grove riding shotgun. The press conference drew dozens of classic car enthusiasts who displayed their vehicles in front of the Capitol building. Leno emphasized the cultural and historical significance of classic cars, while Grove highlighted the bill's potential to preserve California's automotive heritage. "When I was younger, my dream car was a '70 Datsun 240Z. That car still means the world to me. But today's young collectors have their own icons. They're restoring the cars from the '80s and '90s that they grew up seeing in movies, games, and driveways—cars they have a personal connection to, just like I did with mine," stated Spagnola in his remarks. "They represent a new generation of cultural touchpoints and shared enthusiasm—and they deserve to be welcomed into the tradition, not left behind by outdated rules."
With the Senate Transportation Committee's approval, SB 712 will now move on to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it will be considered on Monday, April 28.
For more information on how to support SB 712 and to stay updated on its progress, voice your support here or contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at victorm@sema.org.