Air pollution: small off-road engines: voucher programs: local regulation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Celeste Rodriguez

The bill would expand local authority to run SORE voucher programs and subsidies, speeding adoption of cleaner engines and retrofits to reduce emissions.

From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on L. GOV. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 24). Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.

#airpollution #localregulation #smalloff-roadengines #voucherprograms

AB 2635 (2025-2026) – Air pollution: small off-road engines: voucher programs: local regulation

Purpose and intent

Proposes mechanisms related to reducing air pollution from small off-road engines (SOREs) by authorizing or supporting voucher programs and enabling local regulation where applicable.

The bill focuses on accelerating cleaner technologies and retrofits for SOREs to improve air quality, particularly in settings where these engines contribute to emissions.

Key provisions and changes

Establishes or expands voucher programs aimed at reducing emissions from small off-road engines. Vouchers are typically used to subsidize the purchase of cleaner engines, retrofit kits, or related equipment.

Enhances or clarifies local regulatory authority to implement or augment programs targeting SOREs, potentially enabling local agencies to administer voucher programs or enforce stricter standards consistent with state goals.

Updates or codifies procedures for the administration, funding, and oversight of voucher initiatives to ensure proper use of public funds and measurable emissions reductions.

May include criteria for eligibility, funding levels, application processes, and reporting requirements to track program effectiveness and environmental outcomes.

Could specify timelines for implementation, sunset provisions, or renewal requirements to ensure ongoing evaluation and alignment with statewide air quality targets.

Who would be affected

Local air districts and municipalities that elect to implement or participate in SORE voucher programs or related regulatory actions.

Small off-road engine users (e.g., residents, businesses, or industries relying on SOREs) who may access subsidies or be subject to updated local rules.

Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of SOREs who may encounter changes in demand, compliance requirements, or reporting obligations.

State agencies coordinating air quality programs and funding for environmental initiatives.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The bill has undergone multiple committee reviews and amendments, with actions including readings, amendments, and amendments-then-re-refer actions across committees (Natural Resources and Appropriations, among others).

Notable timeline notes:

Read second time, amended, and returned to second reading (May 18, 2026).
Passed committee with amendments and a "do pass" recommendation in mid-May 2026.
Initial hearing and suspense file considerations occurred in May 2026, with earlier actions in April and March 2026.

As of the latest actions, the bill has been amended and re-referred at least once, indicating ongoing refinement before final floor votes.

Practical implications

If enacted, the bill would likely expand California’s toolkit to reduce emissions from SOREs through subsidies and enhanced local regulatory capacity.

Local jurisdictions could tailor voucher programs to community needs, potentially speeding deployment of cleaner engines or retrofit technologies.

The effectiveness would depend on funding levels, clear eligibility, and robust reporting to demonstrate air quality benefits.

Additional notes

Co-sponsor: Celeste Rodriguez

Full legislative history shows active committee involvement and multiple rounds of amendments, suggesting ongoing negotiations on scope and implementation details.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, community advocates) or add a comparison to existing state programs dealing with SOREs and vouchers.