California classic car owners and hot rodders just got some good news from Sacramento. Senate Bill 712, nicknamed “Leno’s Law” just cleared a big hurdle by passing the state’s Senate Appropriations Committee on May 23.

This bill could finally bring some relief from strict smog check rules for older collector cars that don’t see daily use.

So, what’s “Leno’s Law” all about? SB 712 proposes that collector cars 35 years or older — meaning 1990 models and earlier as of now — could skip the biennial smog check.

The main conditions are that these vehicles are mostly driven for fun, like car shows or on special occasions, and they might need to have historic vehicle registration and appropriate insurance.

The bill received a strong 12–2 vote in committee, showing solid bipartisan backing. This move came just a day after separate news regarding the U.S. Senate and California’s Electric Vehicle (EV) policies, marking a busy week for automotive legislation affecting the state.

Jay Leno has been a passionate voice for the bill. He said these classic cars “tell our story. SB 712 is about keeping that story alive.” He also emphasized that since “These vehicles are only driven occasionally… it makes sense to treat them differently.”

Senator Shannon Grove, the bill’s author, shared this view. She stated, “With this bill, we’re protecting small businesses, empowering car enthusiasts, and preserving a vital piece of California’s heritage.”

The Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) also pointed out potential economic benefits, noting the aftermarket automotive industry is a $40 billion business in California that supports over 149,000 jobs.

Now, before anyone gets too excited, it’s important to remember that current smog laws are still on the books. SB 712 still has more hoops to jump through in the legislature, including full Senate and Assembly votes, before it could possibly become law.

Until then, the advice for classic car owners is to be cautious about making emissions-related modifications, as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) would issue specific guidelines only after any new law passes.

Still, this is a really hopeful sign for folks who love California’s amazing car culture. Getting “Leno’s Law” this far through the legislative process is a big win, and it brings the dream of easier classic car ownership and enjoyment in the Golden State much closer to reality.