California Gov. Gavin Newsom recently 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.

As shared in a SEMA press release, the new law—authored by Sen. Tim Grayson (D-Concord)—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.

Emissions-related automotive aftermarket products generally require a CARB Executive Order before they can be legally sold, advertised, or installed in California. Obtaining an EO requires manufacturers to invest in emissions testing, engineering, and technical documentation
demonstrating that their products meet California's applicable emissions standards.

SB 1069 will allow qualifying manufacturers that submit complete CARB EO 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. 

The pathway is designed to help compliant products reach California consumers sooner without changing the emissions standards manufacturers must meet or CARB's authority to ultimately approve or deny an EO.

SB 1069 takes effect Jan. 1, 2027. CARB will then implement the conditional approval program by July 1, 2028. SEMA has said it will continue working with CARB and the aftermarket industry as the program is developed and implemented.

“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. We thank Senator Grayson for his leadership, Governor Newsom for signing this legislation, and CARB for its willingness to work collaboratively with SEMA throughout this process.”