LENO’S LAW MADE PROGRESS, BUT IT WON’T HAPPEN IN 2025
SEMA reports Leno’s Law stalled in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, making it a no-go for 2025. The good news for the next time around: It passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
By The Editors
Sun, Sep 7, 2025 06:00 AM PST
Featured image above: Car aficionado Jay Leno and SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola gave testimony in a Senate committee hearing earlier this year, stressing the importance of passing SB 712 and how it ensures future generations will have a way into car culture without unnecessary barriers (SEMA photograph).
The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) reports the California Assembly Appropriations Committee held Leno's Law (SB 712), preventing it from moving forward in 2025. “While this decision is disappointing, it does not mark the end of the road for this law,” says Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs. “In fact, it signals the beginning of a new chapter in our fight to protect and preserve California's automotive heritage.”
What Leno’s Law Proposed
Leno's Law was sponsored by and named after the popular car aficionado Jay Leno. The bill proposed a new smog check exemption for vehicles insured as collector cars and displaying California Historical Vehicle license plates, provided they were between model years 1976 and 1986. These provisions were designed to target vehicles that are rarely driven, meticulously maintained, and owned for their historical and enthusiast value.
“This year, Leno's Law made historic strides,” says SEMA President and CEO Mike Spagnola. “It passed the Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support and cleared the Assembly Transportation Committee unanimously. These milestones represent the most significant progress on this issue in more than two decades.”
"We're disappointed that Leno's Law (SB 712) was held in committee, but proud of the momentum it created," said Spagnola. "This was the most progress on smog check reform in over 20 years. Thanks to the passion of enthusiasts, builders and small businesses, lawmakers seriously considered expanding California's exemption for the first time since 2004. The bill wasn't perfect, but it was a meaningful step forward. We're grateful to Senator Shannon Grove, Senator Dave Cortese and Jay Leno for their leadership. We'll be back to finish what we started."
The Next Step
Though SB 712 will not move forward this calendar year, SEMA is confident its journey has galvanized support across the state and laid the groundwork for future success. “The movement is growing, and the foundation laid this year is stronger than ever. SEMA remains committed to working with lawmakers, regulators and the community to craft a solution that honors California's legacy as the heart of car culture,” says Spagnola.
“The fight isn't over, and together, we'll keep the pedal down,” says Muñoz. For updates and ways to stay involved, contact Victor Muñoz, SEMA's senior manager for state government affairs, at [email protected].
