The performance and specialty segments of the aftermarket are celebrating the signing of two cornerstone laws that are designed to allow freer access to, and use of, classic performance cars and performance accessories.

California Governor Gavin Newsom signed “Leno’s Law” (Senate Bill 1392) at the garage owned by the bill’s namesake, entertainer and noted automotive enthusiast Jay Leno. The bill signing delivers significant reform to smog check requirements to appropriately balance environmental stewardship with cultural reverence.

The bill was sponsored by Leno and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

Newsom was joined at the signing ceremony by Leno, SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola, SEMA Chair Melanie White, Senior Manager State Government Affairs Victor Muñoz, Senator Dave Cortese, and advocates who participated in the effort to preserve California’s automotive heritage, including Francine Mata, co-founder and president of the Sacramento Lowrider Commission and a founding member of the California Lowrider Alliance, and Carmen Vera, co-owner of acclaimed restoration shop Pasadena Classic Car.

Leno’s Law, authored by Sen. Cortese with principal co-author Sen. Shannon Grove, creates a narrow, phased-in pathway to exemptions from California’s smog-check requirements for qualifying collector vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985. Leno’s Law was crafted to provide a carefully limited solution for vehicles typically preserved for shows, parades, charitable functions and historical exhibitions, rather than vehicles used for everyday transportation.

In addition, Newsom has signed SEMA-sponsored SB 1069 into law, establishing a new conditional approval pathway designed to help qualifying aftermarket emissions-related products reach the California market faster.

Authored by Senator Tim Grayson (D-Concord), the new law marks the culmination of a multi-year effort by SEMA and California lawmakers to create a new pathway for manufacturers that invest in emissions testing and compliance.

SB 1069 will allow qualifying manufacturers that submit complete CARB Executive Order applications, supported by required emissions testing and technical documentation, to receive conditional approval to sell, advertise, and install covered products while CARB completes its final review.

“SB 1069 is an important win for our industry, giving manufacturers that have invested in emissions testing and compliance a meaningful new pathway to bring qualifying products to market faster in California,” said SEMA CEO Mike Spagnola. “This law will help innovative products reach consumers sooner, give small businesses greater certainty to invest and grow, and help American companies remain competitive.”