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Bill

Bill

AB 841

State Fire Marshal: personal protective equipment: battery fires.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Darsh Patel and 1 co-sponsor

California's State Fire Marshal must develop and enforce specialized PPE standards and training protocols for firefighters responding to lithium-ion battery fires to address emerging hazards from electric vehicles and energy storage systems.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 382, Statutes of 2025.
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Bill Summary · AB 841

Legislative bill overview

AB 841 requires the California State Fire Marshal to establish and enforce standards for personal protective equipment (PPE) that firefighters use when responding to battery fires, particularly lithium-ion battery incidents. The bill also mandates development of training protocols and safety guidelines for handling these specialized fire scenarios.

Why is this important

Lithium-ion battery fires have become increasingly common in California due to the proliferation of electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and consumer electronics. These fires burn hotter and longer than conventional fires, creating unique hazards that standard firefighter PPE may not adequately protect against, making specialized equipment and training a legitimate public safety concern.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost burden: Requiring new specialized PPE and training programs could increase operational expenses for local fire departments, raising questions about who funds these mandates
  • Implementation timeline: Establishing new standards and procuring equipment takes time; departments may face compliance pressure before resources are available
  • Standardization complexity: Battery fire characteristics vary widely depending on battery chemistry, size, and conditions, making one-size-fits-all standards potentially difficult to craft effectively

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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