BILL NUMBER: AB 2795 AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN SENATE AUGUST 24, 1998 AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY MAY 26, 1998 INTRODUCED BYCommittee on Budget (Ducheny (Chair), Aroner, Brown, Cardenas, Cardoza, Cedillo, Davis, Gallegos, Keeley, Papan, Scott, Strom-Martin, Torlakson, and Wright)Assembly Member Oller (Coauthors: Senators Johannessen, Hurtt, and Thompson) MARCH 2, 1998An act relating to consumer affairs.An act to amend Sections 44000.5, 44011, 44012, 44013.5, 44014, 44015, 44017, 44020, 44021, 44024.5, 44033, 44036, 44045.5, 44050, 44056, 44060, 44062.1, 44081, and 44081.6 of, to add Section 44011.3 to, and to repeal Sections 44003, 44010.5, 44014.2, 44014.4, 44014.5, and 44014.7 of, the Health and Safety Code, and to amend Section 4000.3 of the Vehicle Code, relating to air pollution, and declaring the urgency thereof, to take effect immediately. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 2795, as amended,Committee on Budget_____ .Department of Consumer AffairsMotor vehicles: smog check program .Existing law provides for the existence in state government of a Department of Consumer Affairs. Various boards and commissions are within the jurisdiction of the department. This bill would express legislative intent to make necessary statutory changes to implement the Budget Act of 1998 relative to the Department of Consumer Affairs, including boards and commissions within the department.(1) Existing law establishes a motor vehicle inspection and maintenance (smog check) program, administered by the Department of Consumer Affairs; requires inspection of motor vehicles upon initial registration, biennially upon renewal of registration, upon transfer of ownership, and in certain other circumstances; and requires all motor vehicles that are registered in designated areas of the state to biennially obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance with motor vehicle emission standards, except for certain exempted motor vehicles. Existing law also provides for an enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program in each urbanized area of the state, any part of which is classified by the United States Environmental Protection Agency as a serious, severe, or extreme nonattainment area for carbon monoxide with a design value greater than 12.7 ppm, and in other areas of the state, as specified. This bill would repeal those provisions providing for an enhanced program and would make related changes. This bill would also permit every motor vehicle subject to the inspection program to be pretested, as defined. The bill would also require information contained in the renewal of registration notice to notify the owner of the vehicle of the right to have the vehicle pretested. (2) The bill would require the Bureau of Automotive Repair to provide reimbursement to eligible smog check station owners for certain costs incurred to comply with the enhanced smog check program from specified funds appropriated pursuant to the Budget Act of 1998. (3) The bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute. Vote:majority2/3 . Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee:noyes . State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:SECTION 1. It is the intent of the Legislature inSECTION 1. Section 44000.5 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44000.5. (a) The Legislature further finds and declares that the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program implemented under this chapter has, since 1984, provided beneficial emission reductions without undue inconvenience to California vehicle owners, and vehicle owners will benefit from the maintenance by the state of a substantially decentralized program giving them a choice among thousands of independent licensed stations able to perform both inspection and repair of vehicles. (b) With the enactment of this chapter, the Legislature does not intend to create a statutory presumption that any motor vehicle, solely by virtue of make, model, or year of manufacture, shall be classified or categorized as a "gross polluter" or a "gross polluting vehicle." (c)(1)With the enactment of this chapter, the Legislature does not intend to place an unreasonable burden on fleet vehicles with respect to compliance with smog inspection and maintenance regulations.(2) Fleet vehicles shall not be included in the certification requirements established pursuant to Section 44014.7.SEC. 2. Section 44003 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44003. (a) (1) An enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program is established in each urbanized area of the state, any part of which is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a serious, severe, or extreme nonattainment area for ozone or a moderate or serious nonattainment area for carbon monoxide with a design value greater than 12.7 ppm, and in other areas of the state as provided in this chapter. (2) The enhanced motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program established pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be assessed jointly by the department and the state board periodically to determine whether changes in the program may be warranted. On or before January 1, 2003, the department and the state board shall jointly issue a report to the Legislature based on those periodic assessments, recommending any modifications to the enhanced program to improve its operations and lessen its impact on consumers while still achieving the necessary emission reductions to attain air quality standards. (3) A basic vehicle inspection and maintenance program shall be continued in all other areas of the state where a program was in existence under this chapter as of the effective date of this paragraph. (b) The department may prescribe different test procedures and equipment requirements for those areas described in subdivision (a). Program components shall be operated in all program areas unless otherwise indicated, as determined by the department. In those areas where the biennial program is not implemented and smog check inspections are required to complete the requirements set forth in Sections 4000.1 and 4000.2 of the Vehicle Code, program elements that apply in basic areas, including test equipment requirements for smog check stations, shall apply. (c) (1) Districts classified as attainment areas may request the department to implement all or part of the program elements defined in this chapter. However, the department shall not implement the program established by Section 44010.5 in any area other than an urbanized area, any part of which is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a serious, severe, or extreme nonattainment area for ozone or a moderate or serious nonattainment area for carbon monoxide with a design value greater than 12.7 ppm. (2) Districts that include areas classified as basic program nonattainment areas pursuant to subdivision (a) may, except as provided in paragraph (1), request the implementation in those areas of test procedures and equipment required for enhanced program areas and any other program requirement specified for enhanced program areas.SEC. 3. Section 44010.5 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44010.5. (a) The department shall implement a program with the capacity to commence, by January 1, 1995, the testing at test-only facilities, in accordance with this chapter, of 15 percent of that portion of the total state vehicle fleet consisting of vehicles subject to inspection each year in the biennial program and that are registered in the enhanced program area, as established pursuant to paragraph (1) of subdivision (a) of Section 44003. (b) (1) The department shall increase the capacity of the program so that the capacity exists to commence, by January 1, 1996, the testing at test-only facilities of that portion of the state vehicle fleet that is subject to inspection and is registered in the enhanced program area, which is sufficient to meet the emission reduction performance standards established by the Environmental Protection Agency in regulations adopted pursuant to the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, taking into account the results of the pilot demonstration program established pursuant to Section 44081.6. (2) Upon increasing the capacity of the program pursuant to paragraph (1), the department shall afford smog check stations that are licensed and certified pursuant to Sections 44014 and 44014.2 the initial opportunity to perform the required inspections. The department shall adopt, by regulation, the requirements to provide that initial opportunity. (3) If the department determines that there is an insufficient number of licensed test-only smog check stations operating in an enhanced area to meet the increased demand for test-only inspections, the department may increase the capacity of the program by utilizing existing contracts. (c) The program shall utilize loaded mode dynamometer test equipment, as determined through the pilot demonstration program. (d) Vehicles in the enhanced program area which are not subjected to the program established by this section may be tested at smog check stations licensed pursuant to Section 44014 that use loaded mode dynamometers. (e) (1) The department may implement the program established pursuant to subdivision (a) through a network of privately operated test-only facilities established pursuant to contracts to be awarded pursuant to this section. (2) The initial contracts awarded pursuant to this section shall terminate not later than seven years from the date that the contracts were executed. (f) No person shall be a contractor of the department for test-only facilities in all air basins, exclusively, where the enhanced program is in effect unless the department determines, after a public hearing, that there is not more than one qualified contractor. The South Coast Air Basin shall have at least two contractors, and the combined enhanced program area that includes Bakersfield, Fresno, and Sacramento shall have at least two contractors. The department may operate test-only facilities on an interim basis while contractors are being sought. (g) (1) In awarding contracts under this section, the department shall request bids through the issuance of a request for proposal. (2) The department shall first determine which bidders are qualified, and then award the contract to the qualified bidder, giving priority to the test cost and convenience to motorists. (3) The department shall provide a contractual preference, as determined by the department, not to exceed 10 percent of the total proposal evaluation score, based on the following factors: (A) Up to 5 percent to bidders providing firm commitments to employ businesses that are licensed or otherwise substantially participating in the smog check program after January 1, 1994. (B) Up to 5 percent to bidders based on the extent to which bidders maximize the potential economic benefit of the smog check program on this state over the term of the contract. That potential economic benefit shall include the percentage of work performed by California-based firms, the potential of the total project work force who will be California residents, and the percentage of subcontracts that will be awarded to California-based firms. (4) Any contract executed by the department for the operation of a test-only facility shall expressly require compliance with this chapter and any regulations adopted by the department pursuant to this chapter. (h) The department shall ensure that there is a sufficient number of test-only facilities, and that they are properly located, to ensure reasonable accessibility and convenience to all persons within an enhanced program area, and that the waiting time for consumers is minimized. The department may operate test-only facilities on an interim basis to ensure convenience to consumers. The department shall specify in the request for proposal the minimum number of test-only facilities that are required for the program. Any contracts initially awarded pursuant to this section shall ensure that the contractors are capable of fulfilling the requirements of subdivision (a). (i) Any data generated at a test-only facility shall be the property of the state, and shall be fully accessible to the department at any time. The department may set contract specifications for the storage of that data in a central data storage system or facility designated by the department. (j) The department shall ensure an effective transition to the new program by implementing an effective public education program and may specify in the request for proposal a dollar amount that bidders are required to include in their bids for public education activities, to be implemented pursuant to Section 44070.5. (k) The department shall ensure the effective management of the test-only facilities and shall specify in the request for proposal that a manager be present during all hours of station operation. (l) The department shall ensure and facilitate the effective transition of employees of businesses that are licensed or otherwise substantially participating in the smog check program and may specify in the request for proposal that test-only facility management be Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified, or be certified by a comparable program as determined by the department. (m) As part of the contracts to be awarded pursuant to subdivision (e), the department may require contractors to perform functions previously undertaken by referee stations throughout the state, as determined by the department, at some or all of the affected stations in enhanced areas, and at additional stations outside enhanced areas only to the extent necessary to provide appropriate access to referee functions. (n) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, to avoid delays to the program implementation timeline required by this chapter or the Clean Air Act, the Department of General Services, at the request of the department, may exempt contracts awarded pursuant to this section from existing laws, rules, resolutions, or procedures that are otherwise applicable, including, but not limited to, restrictions on awarding contracts for more than three years. The department shall identify any exemptions requested and granted pursuant to this subdivision and report thereon to the Legislature. (o) This section shall not be implemented unless the memorandum of agreement described in Section 44081.6 is signed by both the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency. (p) The department shall implement the program established in this section only in urbanized areas classified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a serious, severe, or extreme nonattainment area for ozone or a moderate or serious nonattainment area for carbon monoxide with a design value greater than 12.7 ppm, and shall not implement the program in any other area. (q) If existing smog check stations, in order to participate in the enhanced program, have been required to make additional investments of more than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), the department shall submit recommendations to the Governor and the Legislature for any appropriate mitigation measures.SEC. 4. Section 44011 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44011.(a)All motor vehicles powered by internal combustion engines that are registered within an area designated for program coverage shall be required biennially to obtain a certificate of compliance or noncompliance, except for all of the following:(1)(a) Every motorcycle, and every diesel-powered vehicle, until the department, pursuant to Section 44012, implements test procedures applicable to motorcycles or to diesel-powered vehicles, or both.(2)(b) Any motor vehicle that has been issued a certificate of compliance or noncompliance or a repair cost waiver upon a change of ownership or initial registration in this state during the preceding six months.(3) (A)(c) (1) Prior to January 1, 2003, any motor vehicle manufactured prior to the 1974 model-year.(B)(2) Beginning January 1, 2003, any motor vehicle that is 30 or more model-years old.(4) (A)(d) (1) Any motor vehicle four or less model-years old.(B)(2) Any motor vehicle excepted by thisparagraphsubdivision shall be subject to testing and to certification requirements as determined by the department, if any of the following apply:(i)(A) The department determines through remote sensing activities or other means that there is a substantial probability that the vehicle has a tampered emission control system or would fail for other cause a smog check test as specified in Section 44012.(ii)(B) The vehicle was previously registered outside this state and is undergoing initial registration in this state.(iii)(C) The vehicle is being registered as a specially constructed vehicle.(iv)(D) The vehicle has been selected for testing pursuant toSection 44014.7 oranyotherprovision of this chapter authorizing out-of-cycle testing.(5)(e) Any motor vehicle or class of motor vehicles exempted pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 44024.5.(6)(f) Any motor vehicle that the department determines would present prohibitive inspection or repair problems.(7)(g) Any vehicle registered to the owner of a fleet licensed pursuant to Section 44020 if the vehicle is garaged exclusively outside the area included in program coverage, and is not primarily operated inside the area included in program coverage.(b) Vehicles designated for program coverage in enhanced areas shall be required to obtain inspections from appropriate smog check stations operating in enhanced areas.SEC. 5. Section 44011.3 is added to the Health and Safety Code, to read: 44011.3. Every motor vehicle that is subject to testing pursuant to this chapter may be pretested. As used in this section, a pretest is a smog inspection in which the motor vehicle is submitted to some or all of the required elements of the emissions inspection as specified in Section 44012, the results of which will not be reported to the Department of Motor Vehicles and for which a certificate will not be issued. A person choosing to have his or her vehicle pretested has the right to have a complete pretest of the vehicle unless the person requests a partial pretest. If the person requests a partial pretest, the licensed technician or an authorized representative of the licensed smog check station shall inform the vehicle owner that the partial pretest may not indicate the likelihood of the vehicle passing a subsequent official inspection. SEC. 6. Section 44012 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44012. The test at the smog check stations shall be performed in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department, pursuant to Section 44013, shall require, at a minimum, loaded mode dynamometer testing in enhanced areas, andtwo-speed testing in allotherprogram areas, and shall ensure all of the following: (a) Emission control systems required by state and federal law are reducing excess emissions in accordance with the standards adopted pursuant to subdivisions (a) and (c) of Section 44013. (b) Motor vehicles are preconditioned to ensure representative and stabilized operation of the vehicle's emission control system. (c) For other than diesel-powered vehicles, the vehicle's exhaust emissions of hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and oxides of nitrogen in an idle mode or loaded mode are tested in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department.In determining how loaded mode and evaporative emissions testing shall be conducted, the department shall ensure that the emission reduction targets for the enhanced program are met.(d) For other than diesel-powered vehicles, the vehicle's fuel evaporative system and crankcase ventilation system are tested to reduce any nonexhaust sources of volatile organic compound emissions, in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department. (e) For diesel-powered vehicles, if the department determines that the inclusion of those vehicles is technologically and economically feasible, a visual inspection is made of emission control devices and the vehicle's exhaust emissions in an idle modeor loaded modeare tested in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department. The test may include testing of emissions of any or all of the pollutants specified in subdivision (c) and, upon the adoption of applicable standards, measurement of emissions of smoke or particulates, or both. (f) A visual or functional check is made of emission control devices specified by the department, including the catalytic converter in those instances in which the department determines it to be necessary to meet the findings of Section 44001. The visual or functional check shall be performed in accordance with procedures prescribed by the department. (g) A determination as to whether the motor vehicle complies with the emission standards for that vehicle's class and model-year as prescribed by the department. (h) The test procedures may authorize smog check stations to refuse the testing of a vehicle that would be unsafe to test, or that cannot physically be inspected, as specified by the department by regulation. The refusal to test a vehicle for those reasons shall not excuse or exempt the vehicle from compliance with all applicable requirements of this chapter. SEC. 7. Section 44013.5 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44013.5. (a) If the department, in consultation with the state board, determines that substantial demand for emission retrofit devices exists, the department shall develop a program for the certification of emissions retrofit device installations by licensed installers. The department may require installers of emissions retrofit devices to be qualified pursuant to this chapter. The department may assess biennial license fees upon those installers in an amount not to exceed the reasonable cost of administering the emissions retrofit device certification program. (b) The certification shall be performed at a refereeor test-onlystation and shall be based on a visual inspection of the emissions retrofit device and its installation, and verification of the proper operation of any new or modified components that are a part of the emissions retrofit device, and not on the results of an emissions test. (c) The department shall develop a program for the identification of retrofitted vehicles at smog check stations and for providing information required for the inspection of those systems to smog check stations. (d) This section shall become inoperative pursuant to Section 33 of the act adding this section or, in any case, five years from the date determined pursuant to Section 32 of the act adding this section, and on the January 1 following the date upon which this section becomes inoperative, is repealed. SEC. 8. Section 44014 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44014. (a) Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, the testing and repair portion of the program shall be conducted by smog check stations licensed by the department, and by smog check technicians who have qualified pursuant to this chapter. (b)(1) A smog check station may be licensed by the department as a smog check test-only station and, when so licensed, need not comply with the requirement for onsite availability of current service and adjustment procedures specified in paragraph (3) of subdivision (b) of Section 44030. A smog check technician employed by a smog check test-only station shall be qualified in accordance with this section. (2)The department may authorize the placement of referees in qualifiedtest-onlysmog check stations to provide referee services as a matter of convenience to the public. The department shall supply those referees directly or through a contractor. A referee shall have no ownership interest in the facility at which the referee is located. Referees shall be solely responsible for issuing repair cost waivers, certificates of compliance or noncompliance, and hardship extensions, in accordance with regulations adopted by the department. The department may adopt regulations to establish qualification standards and any special administrative, operational, and licensure standards that the department determines to be necessary fortest-onlysmog check stations that perform referee services. (c) A smog check station may also be licensed as a repair-only station, and if so licensed, may perform repairs to reduce excessive emissions on vehicleswhichthat have failed the smog check test. Repair procedures and equipment requirements shall be established by the department. Technicians employed by a smog check repair-only station shall be qualified in accordance with this section. (d) Smog check technicians are qualified to test and repair only those classes and categories of vehicles for which they have passed a qualification test administered by the department. The department shall provide for smog check technicians to be qualified for different categories of motor vehicle inspection based on vehicle classification and model-year. (e) The consumer protection-oriented quality assurance portion of the program may be conducted by one or more private entities pursuant to contracts with the department. SEC. 9. Section 44014.2 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44014.2. The department shall develop a program for the voluntary certification of licensed smog check stations, or the department may accept a smog check station certification program proposed by accredited industry representatives. Such a certification program, which may be called a "gold shield" program, shall be for the purpose of providing consumers, whose vehicles fail an emissions test at a test-only facility, an option of services at a single location to prevent the necessity for additional trips back to the test-only facility for vehicle certification.SEC. 10. Section 44014.4 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44014.4. (a) A licensed smog check station that has been certified pursuant to Section 44014.2 may advertise that fact, and the advertisement may include the scope of work established by the program. (b) It is an unfair business practice and a violation of Section 17500 of the Business and Professions Code for any licensed smog check station that is not so certified to advertise as having obtained certification or as complying with the scope of work, code of ethics, or certification standards established by the certification program.SEC. 11. Section 44014.5 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44014.5. (a) The enhanced program shall provide for the testing and retesting of vehicles in accordance with Sections 44010.5 and 44014.2 and this section. (b) The repair of vehicles at test-only facilities shall be prohibited, except that the minor repair of components damaged by station personnel during inspection at the station, any minor repair that is necessary for the safe operation of a vehicle while at a station, or other minor repairs, such as the reconnection of hoses or vacuum lines, may be undertaken at no charge to the vehicle owner or operator if authorized in advance in writing by the department. (c) The department shall provide for the distribution to consumers by test-only facilities of a list, compiled by region, of smog check stations licensed to make repairs of vehicular emission control systems. A test-only facility shall not refer a vehicle owner to any particular provider of vehicle repair services. (d) The department shall establish standards for training, equipment, performance, or data collection for test-only facilities. (e) The department shall prohibit test-only facilities from engaging in other business activities that represent a conflict of interest, as determined by the department. (f) The test-only facility may charge a fee, established by the department, sufficient to cover the facility's cost to perform the tests or services, including, but not limited to, referee services and the issuance of waivers and hardship extensions required by this chapter. In addition, the station shall charge and collect the certificate fee established pursuant to Section 44060. This subdivision shall apply only to facilities contracted for pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 44010.5. (g) The department shall ensure that there is a sufficient number of test-only facilities to provide convenient testing for the following vehicles: (1) All vehicles identified and confirmed as gross polluters pursuant to Section 44081 and Section 27156 of the Vehicle Code. (2) (A) Vehicles initially identified as gross polluters by a smog check station licensed as a test-and-repair station and certified pursuant to Section 44014.2 may be issued a certificate of compliance by a test-only facility or by the licensed smog check station certified pursuant to Section 44014.2 at which they were initially identified as a gross polluter. (B) For purposes of this section, the department may conduct a pilot program to allow vehicles initially identified as gross polluters to be repaired and issued a certificate of compliance by a facility licensed and certified pursuant to Section 44014.2. For the purposes of this pilot program, the department may adopt regulations imposing additional station requirements. (3) All vehicles designated by the department pursuant to Sections 44014.7 and 44020. (4) Vehicles issued an economic hardship extension in the previous biennial inspection of the vehicle. (h) The department shall provide a sufficient number of test-only facilities authorized to perform referee functions to provide convenient testing for those vehicles that are required to report to, and receive a certificate of compliance from, a test-only facility by this chapter, including all of the following: (1) All vehicles seeking to utilize state-operated financial assistance or inclusion in authorized scrap programs. (2) All vehicles unable to obtain a certificate of compliance from a licensed smog check station pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 44015. (3) Any other vehicles that may be designated by the department. (i) Gross polluters shall be referred to a test-only facility, or a test-and-repair station that is both licensed and certified pursuant to Sections 44014 and 44014.2 and is participating in the pilot program pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (g), for a postrepair inspection and retest pursuant to subdivision (g). Simply passing the emissions test shall not be a sufficient condition for receiving a certificate of compliance. A certificate of compliance shall only be issued to a vehicle that does not have any defects with its emission control system or any defects that could lead to damage of its emission control system, as provided in regulations adopted by the department.SEC. 12. Section 44014.7 of the Health and Safety Code is repealed.44014.7. (a) The department shall require 2 percent of the vehicles required to obtain a certificate of compliance each year in enhanced program areas to receive their certificate from a test-only facility. (b) The department may require a number not to exceed 2 percent of the vehicles required to obtain a certificate of compliance each year in basic program areas to receive their certificate from a test-only facility. (c) The vehicles specified in subdivisions (a) and (b) shall be selected at random. The vehicles may be included among the vehicles subject to subdivision (d) of Section 44010.5, to the extent that the vehicles are registered in enhanced program areas. The review committee may review the selection process to ensure that it is a statistically significant representation of the vehicles subject to the basic and enhanced programs. The department shall select the vehicles and the Department of Motor Vehicles shall notify the owners of their obligation under this section pursuant to Section 4000.3 of the Vehicle Code. Selection shall be made from vehicles in an area where a test-only facility is located.SEC. 13. Section 44015 of the Health and Safety Code, as amended by Chapter 92 of the Statutes of 1998, is amended to read: 44015. (a) A licensed smog check station shall not issue a certificate of compliance, except as authorized by this chapter, to any vehicle that meets the following criteria: (1) A vehicle that has been tampered with. (2) A vehicle that, prior to repairs, has been initially identified by the smog check station as a gross polluter.Certification of a gross polluting vehicle shall be conducted by a designated test-only facility, or a test-and-repair station that is both licensed and certified pursuant to Section 44014 and 44014.2 and is participating in the pilot program pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 44014.5.(3) A vehicle described in subdivision (c). (b) If a vehicle meets the requirements of Section 44012, a smog check station licensed to issue certificates shall issue a certificate of compliance or a certificate of noncompliance. (c) (1) A repair cost waiver shall be issued, upon request of the vehicle owner, by an entity authorized to perform referee functions for a vehicle that has been properly tested but does not meet the applicable emission standards when it is determined that no adjustment or repair can be made that will reduce emissions from the inspected motor vehicle without exceeding the applicable repair cost limit established under Section 44017 and that every defect specified by paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 43204, and by paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 43205, has been corrected. A repair cost waiver issued pursuant to this paragraph shall be accepted in lieu of a certificate of compliance for the purposes of compliance with Section 4000.3 of the Vehicle Code. No repair cost waiver shall exceed two years' duration. No repair cost waiver shall be issued until the vehicle owner has expended an amount equal to the applicable repair cost limit specified in Section 44017. (2) An economic hardship extension shall be issued, upon request of a qualified low-income motor vehicle owner, by an entity authorized to perform referee functions, for a motor vehicle that has been properly tested but does not meet the applicable emission standards when it is determined that no adjustment or repair can be made that will reduce emissions from the inspected motor vehicle without exceeding the applicable repair cost limit, as established pursuant to Section 44017.1, that every defect specified in paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 43204, and in paragraphs (2) and (3) of subdivision (a) of Section 43205, has been corrected, that the low-income vehicle owner would suffer an economic hardship if the extension is not issued, and that all appropriate emissions-related repairs up to the amount of the applicable repair cost limit in Section 44017.1 have been performed. (d) No repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension shall be issued under any of the following circumstances: (1) If a motor vehicle was issued a repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension in the previous biennial inspection of that vehicle. A repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension may be issued to a motor vehicle owner only once for a particular motor vehicle belonging to that owner. However, a repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension may be issued for a motor vehicle that participated in a previous waiver or extension program prior to January 1, 1998, as determined by the department. For waivers or extensions issued in the program operative on or after January 1, 1998, a waiver or extension may be issued for a motor vehicle only once per owner. (2) Upon initial registration of all of the following: a direct import motor vehicle, a motor vehicle previously registered outside this state, a dismantled motor vehicle pursuant to Section 11519 of the Vehicle Code, a motor vehicle that has had an engine change, an alternate fuel vehicle, and a specially constructed vehicle. (e) Unless the certificate is issued to a licensed automobile dealer, a certificate of compliance or noncompliance shall be valid for 90 days. If the certificate is issued to a licensed automobile dealer, the certificate shall be valid for 180 days. (f) A test may be made at any time within 90 days prior to the date otherwise required. SEC. 14. Section 44017 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44017. (a)Except as otherwise provided in this section or Section 44017.1, aA motor vehicle owner shall qualify for a repair cost waiver only after expenditure ofnot less than four hundred fifty dollars ($450)an amount for repairs, including parts and labor.as follows:(b) The limit established pursuant to subdivision (a) shall not become operative until the department issues a public notice declaring that the program established pursuant to Section 44010.5 is operational in the relevant geographical areas of the state, or until the date that testing in those geographic areas is operative using loaded mode test equipment, as defined in this article, whichever occurs first. Prior to that time, the following cost limits shall remain in effect:(1) For motor vehicles of 1971 and earlier model years, fifty dollars ($50). (2) For motor vehicles of 1972 to 1974, inclusive, model years, ninety dollars ($90). (3) For motor vehicles of 1975 to 1979, inclusive, model years, one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125). (4) For motor vehicles of 1980 to 1989, inclusive, model years, one hundred seventy-five dollars ($175). (5) For motor vehicles of 1990 to 1995, inclusive, model years, three hundred dollars ($300). (6) For motor vehicles of 1996 and later model years, four hundred fifty dollars ($450).(c)(b) The department shall periodically revise the repair cost limits specified insubdivisionssubdivision (a)and (b)in accordance with changes in the Consumer Price Index, as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics.(d)(c) No repair cost limit shall be imposed in those cases where emissions control equipment is missing or is partially or totally inoperative as a result of being tampered with. SEC. 15. Section 44020 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44020. Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the department may license any registered owner of a fleet of 10 or more motor vehicles subject to this chapter, who so elects, to implement and conduct the tests and to perform necessary service and adjustment on the fleet's vehicles under this chapter, subject to all of the following conditions: (a) The registered owner's facilities or personnel, or both, or a designated contractor of the registered owner, shall be licensed by the department as a fleet smog check station, and the test and repair system shall conform, in the department's determination, with all provisions of this chapter and all rules and regulations adopted by the department. The regulations shall provide for adequate onsite inspection by the department. Mobile testing equipment certified by the department may be used in accordance with procedures established by the department. The department may prohibit the use of mobile testing equipment if violations occur. (b) A license issued under this section is subject to Sections 44035, 44050, and 44072.10, and may be suspended or revoked by the department whenever the department determines, on the basis of random periodic spot checks of the owner's inspection system and fleet vehicles, that the system fails to conform or that certificates of compliance have been issued by the owner in violation of regulations adopted by the department. Any person licensed to conduct tests and service and adjustments under this section is deemed to have consented to provide the department with whatever access, information, and other cooperation the department reasonably determines are necessary to facilitate the random periodic spot checks. (c) The department or its contractor, on a random periodic basis, shall inspect or observe the inspections performed by licensed fleet smog check stations on not less than 2 percent of the total business fleet vehicles subject to this chapter. (d) A fleet owner licensed to conduct tests or make repairs pursuant to this chapter shall issue certificates of compliance for motor vehicles. The cost limits in Section 44017 and the economic hardship extension provisions in this chapter shall not apply to any motor vehicle owned by a fleet owner licensed pursuant to this section. (e) Notwithstanding subdivision (d), certificates of compliance or noncompliance prepared solely for the disposal or sale of motor vehicles owned by a fleet owner licensed pursuant to this section shall be subject to the cost limits in Section 44017. (f) The department shall establish initial and renewal license fees, which shall not exceed the reasonable costs of administering this section. (g)Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, fleets consisting of vehicles for hire or vehicles which accumulate high mileage, as defined by the department, shall go to a test-only station when a smog check certificate of compliance is required. Initially, high mileage vehicles shall be defined as vehicles which accumulate 50,000 miles or more each year. In addition, fleets which do not operate high mileage vehicles may be required to obtain certificates of compliance from the test-only station if they fail to comply with this chapter. (h)Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the department shall have the authority, by regulation, to require testing of vehicle fleets consistent with regulations adopted by the Environmental Protection Agency, if necessary to meet the emission reduction performance standard established by the agency, as determined by the department. SEC. 16. Section 44021 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44021. (a) (1) The Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee is hereby created to analyze the effect of the improved inspection and maintenance program established by this chapter on motor vehicle emissions and air quality. The functions of the review committee shall be advisory in nature and primarily pertain to the gathering, analysis, and evaluation of information. (2) The members of the review committee shall receive no compensation, but shall be reimbursed by the department for their reasonable expenses in performing committee duties. The state board and the department shall provide the review committee with any necessary technical and clerical support in its evaluation and study. (3) (A) The review committee shall consist of 13 members, nine to be appointed by the Governor, two by the Senate Committee on Rules, and two by the Speaker of the Assembly. All members shall be appointed to four-year terms, and the Governor shall appoint from among his or her appointees the chairperson of the review committee. (B) The appointees of the Governor shall include an air pollution control officer froman enhanceda program nonattainment area, three public members, an expert in air quality, an economist, a social scientist, a representative of the inspection and maintenance industry, and a representative of stationary source emissions organizations. (C) The appointees of the Senate Committee on Rules shall include an environmental member with expertise in air quality, and a representative from the inspection and maintenance industry. (D) The appointees of the Speaker of the Assembly shall include an environmental member with expertise in air quality, and a representative of a local law enforcement agency charged with prosecuting violations of this chapter inan enhanceda program nonattainment area. (4) In preparing its evaluations of program effectiveness as provided in paragraph (1), the review committee shall consult with the Department of the California Highway Patrol, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any other appropriate agencies, as well as the department and the state board, shall schedule and conduct periodic meetings in the performance of its duties, and shall meet and consult with local, state, and federal officials involved in the evaluation of motor vehicle inspection and maintenance programs. At the request of the committee, the department or the state board may, on behalf of the committee, contract with independent entities to assist in the committee's evaluations. (b) The review committee shall submit periodic written reports to the Legislature and the Governor on the performance of the program and make recommendations on program improvements at least every 12 months. The review committee's reports shall quantify the reduction in emissions and improvement in air quality attributed to the program. Any reports, other than those required by this section, that the review committee is required to provide pursuant to this chapter shall also be transmitted to the Secretary for Environmental Protection and the Secretary for State and Consumer Services. (c) The review committee shall work closely with all interested parties in preparing the information required by subdivisions (a) and (b) and shall consider the reports provided pursuant to subdivision (e). The review committee shall hold at least one public hearing on its findings and recommendations prior to submitting its reports. The reports shall include statutory language to implement its recommendations, and shall recommend the timeframe for making any changes to the program. The review committee shall seek comments from the department, the Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of the California Highway Patrol, and the state board prior to submitting its reports, and those comments shall be published as an appendix to the report. (d) The review committee shall participate in the demonstration program authorized by Section 44081.6, as provided by that section. (e) The state board, in cooperation with the department, shall periodically submit reports to the review committee. The reports shall include an assessment of the impact on emissions of continuing the exemption from inspection of motor vehicles newer than five years old; a comparison of the actual mass emission reductionsbeingachieved by the enhanced program to those required by the State Implementation Plan; and recommendations to improve the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of the program, including specific recommendations addressing any discrepancy between emissions achieved and those in the State Implementation Plan. The first report shall be submitted not later than January 1, 2000, and reports shall be submitted triennially thereafter. In preparing the reports, the state board shall use data collected during inspections and repair, and data collected using roadside measurements, and may conduct additional testing, as determined to be necessary, to accurately quantify the mass emissions reduced. SEC. 17. Section 44024.5 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44024.5. (a) The department shall compile and maintain statistical and emissions profiles of motor vehicles that are subject to the motor vehicle inspection program. The department may use data from any source, including remote sensing data and other motor vehicle inspection program data, to develop and confirm the validity of the profiles. (b) The department, in cooperation with the state board, shall perform periodic analyses of the statistical and emissions profiles created pursuant to subdivision (a). The department and the state board, in consultation with the Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee, may determine that, in addition to the vehicles excepted pursuant to Section 44011, certain other motor vehicles may be excepted from the biennial certification requirements of this chapter without significantly compromising the emission reduction objectives set forth in the State Implementation Plan (SIP). (c) The department may conduct a pilot program to except from the biennial certification requirement those vehicles that may be jointly determined by the department and the state board, after consultation with the Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee, to warrant exception. The department shall provide written notification to the Legislature specifying the number of vehicles to be exempted as well as the geographic location and duration of the pilot program not less than 30 days prior to the implementation of the pilot program. The department shall submit the results of the pilot program to the state board and the Inspection and Maintenance Review Committee for review. Subject to the approval of the Environmental Protection Agency as an amendment to the SIP, the department may establish the exception program as a permanent program. (d) For vehicles four model years old or less, the department shalluse test data generated pursuant to Section 44014.7 todevelop statistical and emissions profiles. The department may use data from any source, including remote sensing data, warranty repair and recall data, and other motor vehicle inspection program data, to develop and confirm the validity of the data. If the department and state board jointly determine that the emissions from a class of motor vehicles would potentially compromise the emission reduction objectives set forth in the SIP, the state board shall consider appropriate corrective action, including, but not limited to, recall pursuant to Section 43105. SEC. 18. Section 44033 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44033. (a)(1)Any facility meeting the requirements established by the department pursuant to this chapter may be licensed as atest-only,test and repair,or repair-only smog check station. A licensed smog check station shall display an identifying sign prescribed by the department in a manner conspicuous to the public.(2) A licensed smog check station certified pursuant to Section 44014.2 shall display an identifying sign prescribed by the department.(b) No licensed or certified smog check station shall require, as a condition of performing the test, that any needed repairs or adjustment be done by the person, or at the facility of the person, performing the test. (c) If a motor vehicle, including a commercial vehicle, is tested at a facility licensed to perform tests and repairs pursuant to this chapter, the facility shall provide the customer with a written estimate pursuant to Section 9884.9 of the Business and Professions Code. The written estimate shall contain a notice to the customer stating that the customer may choose another smog check station to perform needed repairs, installations, adjustments, or subsequent tests. (d) Charges for testing or repair, or both, shall be separately stated. (e) The department shall require the posting of station licenses and qualified technicians' certificates prominently in each place of business so as to be readily visible to the public. SEC. 19. Section 44036 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44036. (a) The consumer protection-oriented quality assurance portion of the motor vehicle inspection program shall ensure uniform and consistent tests and repairs by all qualified smog check technicians and licensed smog check stations throughout the state, and shall include a number of stations providing referee functions available to consumers. (b) All licensed smog check stations shall utilize original equipment and replacement parts that are certified by the department. The department shall charge a fee for certification testing of the equipment or the replacement parts. The fee for certification testing of equipment shall be fixed by the department based upon its actual costs of certification testing, shall be calculated from the time that the equipment is submitted for certification testing until the time that the certification testing is complete, and shall not exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000). The fee for certification testing of replacement parts shall be determined by the department based upon its actual costs of certification testing, shall be calculated from the time that the replacement part is submitted for certification testing until the time that the certification testing is complete, and shall not exceed two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500). The department shall adopt, and may revise, standards for certification and decertification of the equipment, which may include a device for testing of emissions of oxides of nitrogen. As expeditiously as possible, the department shall adopt equipment standards that include a test analyzer system containing all of the following: (1) A microprocessor to control test sequencing, selection of proper test standards, the automatic pass or fail decision, and the format for the test report and the recorded data file. The microprocessor shall be capable of using a standardized programming language specified by the department. (2) An exhaust gas analysis portion with an analyzer for hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide that is designed to accommodate an optional oxides of nitrogen analyzer.An oxides of nitrogen analyzer shall be required in the enhanced program areas.(3) Equipment necessary to perform visual and functional tests of emission control devices required by the department. (4) A device to accept and record motor vehicle identification information, including a device capable of reading bar code information pursuant to regulations of the state board. The device shall have the ability to identify, with the cooperation of the Department of Motor Vehicles, smog inspections performed on vehicles sold by used car dealers. (5) A device to provide a printed record of the test process and diagnostic information for the motorist. (6) A mass storage device capable of storing not less than the minimum amount of program software and data specified by the department. (7) A device to provide for the periodic modification of all program and data files contained on the mass storage device, using a standardized form of removable media conforming to specifications of the department. (8) A device that provides for the storage of test records on a standardized form of removable media conforming to specifications of the department. (9) One or more communications ports conforming to the specifications established by the department as necessary to provide real time communication, or communication that is consistent with maintaining a superior quality assurance program and efficient information transfer, between the test equipment and the centralized computer data base through the computer network maintained by the department pursuant to Section 44037.1. (10) An interface capable of monitoring equipment used with loaded mode testing, idle testing, on board diagnostic testing, or other tests prescribed by the department. (11) Any other features that the department determines are necessary to increase the effectiveness of the program, including, but not limited to, a loaded mode dynamometer for purposes of oxides of nitrogen detection, and other equipment necessary to detect nonexhaust-related volatile organic compound emissions, such as found in fuel system evaporative emissions and crankcase ventilation emissions. (c) The department shall require all smog check stations to use equipment meeting the requirements of subdivision (b) as soon as possible, but not later than January 1, 1996. However, the department may defer the requirement for any equipment, external to the chassis of the test analyzer system, needed to read bar code information, until a substantial portion of the vehicles subject to this chapter are equipped with bar code labels. Prior to the imposition of a requirement for equipment meeting the requirements of subdivision (b), every smog check station shall use equipment meeting the specifications of the department in effect on January 1, 1988. (d) The quality assurance portion shall provide for inspections of licensed smog check stations, data collection and forwarding, equipment accuracy checks, operation of referee stations, and other necessary functions. If the services are contracted for pursuant to subdivision (e) of Section 44014, the department shall prepare detailed specifications and solicit bids from private entities for the implementation of the quality assurance functions. (e) The department may revise the specifications for equipment annually if the cost thereof is less than 20 percent of the total system cost. A more comprehensive revision to the specifications may be required not more often than every five years. (f) (1) Equipment manufacturers shall furnish to the department, and shall install, software updates as specified by the department. The department shall allow equipment manufacturers six months, from the date the department issues its proposed specifications for periodic software updates, to obtain department approval that the updates meet the proposed specifications and to install the updates in all equipment subject to the updates. During the first 30 days of the six-month period, the manufacturers shall be permitted to review and to comment upon the proposed specifications. However, notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department may order manufacturers to install software changes in a shorter period of time upon a finding by the department that a previously installed update does not meet current specifications. A manufacturer's failure to furnish or install software updates as so specified is cause for the department to decertify the manufacturer's test analyzer system or to issue a citation to the manufacturer. The citation shall specify the nature of the violation and may specify a civil penalty not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each day the manufacturer fails to furnish or install the specified software updates by the specified period. In assessing a civil penalty pursuant to this subdivision, the department shall give due consideration, in determining the appropriateness of the amount of the civil penalty, to factors such as the gravity of the violation, the good faith of the manufacturer, and the history of previous violations. (2) The citations shall be served pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 11505 of the Government Code. The manufacturer may request a hearing in accordance with Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code. A request for a hearing shall be submitted in writing within 30 days of service of the citation, and shall be delivered to the office of the department in Sacramento. Hearings and related procedures under this subdivision shall be conducted in the same manner as proceedings for adjudication of an accusation underthatChapter 5 (commencing with Section 11500) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code , except as otherwise specified in this article. (3) If within 30 days from the date of service of the citation, the manufacturer fails to request a hearing, the citation shall be deemed the final order of the department. (4) Any failure to comply with the final order of the department for payment of a civil penalty, or to pay the amount specified in any settlement executed by the licensee and the Director of Consumer Affairs, is cause for decertification of the manufacturer's test analyzer system. SEC. 20. Section 44045.5 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44045.5. (a) This section describes the qualifications to be met by smog check technician applicants effective January 1, 1995. The department shall, by regulation, establish requirements for the licensure of smog check technicianswhichthat are necessary to enable the program to meet the applicable emission reduction performance standards, to include, at a minimum: (1) Either of the following: (A) Certification standards for all technicians in the programwhichthat are equivalent or superior to the standards applicable for certification by an established national certification or accrediting institution to perform service on automotive engines and electrical systems. (B) Successful completion of a training program certified by the department under Section 44045.6. (2) In addition to the requirement in paragraph (1), a minimum of two years' experience performing repairs to motor vehicle emission control systems or experience approved by the department, or an associate degree in an automotive technology curriculum or an equivalent degree as determined by the department. (3) An examination process that effectively determines whether applicants are all of the following: (A) Knowledgeable regarding the visual, functional, and exhaust and evaporative emissions inspection and testing procedures specified by the department, including a demonstrated understanding of loaded mode testing principles, purpose, procedures and equipment. (B) Knowledgeable regarding misfire detection, air injection testing, closed-loop system testing, and generic idle adjustment procedures specified by the department.(C) Capable of using emissions manuals and tuneup labels to properly identify required emission control systems and components on any vehicle subject to the enhanced program.(4)Not later than July 1, 1995, theThe examination shall use state-of-the-art technology, which may include computer simulations or other computer-based examination formats to determine whether applicants can properly identify, diagnose, and repair emission-related problems. The department may contract for the development and administration of this examination. (b) The department shall not license any technician unless the department has determined that the person is able to perform the inspection, testing, and repair tasks required under the program on all vehicles subject to the program, except that the department may limit this requirement to specified makes or models of vehicles if a technician requests licensing limited to specified makes or models of vehicles. (c) The department may establish more than one category or level of licensure, and may provide for the licensing of interns or trainees if those persons do all of their test and repair work under the supervision of a licensed technician. (d) The department shall require the renewal of smog check technician licenses every two years, and shall establish any necessary and appropriate requirements for renewal. SEC. 21. Section 44050 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44050. (a) If, upon investigation, the department has probable cause to believe that a licensed smog check station,a test-only station contractor,or a fleet owner licensed under Section 44020 has violated this chapter, or any regulation adopted pursuant to this chapter, the department may issue a citation to the licensee, contractor,or fleet owner. The citation shall specify the nature of the violation and may specify a civil penalty assessed by the department pursuant to Section 44051 or 44051.5. (b) If, upon investigation, the department has probable cause to believe that a qualified smog check technician has violated Section 44012, 44015, 44016, or 44032, or any regulation of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter, the department may issue a citation to the technician. The citation shall specify the nature of the violation and, in addition, whichever of the following applies: (1) For a first citation, the smog check technician shall successfully complete one or more retraining courses prescribed by the department pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 44031.5. (2) For a second citation, the smog check technician shall successfully complete one or more retraining courses prescribed by the department pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 44031.5 and the technician shall perform inspections or repairs pursuant to this chapter under the direction of a technician in good standing, as defined by the department. (3) For a third citation, the smog check technician shall successfully complete an advanced retraining course prescribed by the department and shall perform no inspection or repair pursuant to this chapter until that completion. (4) For a fourth citation, the smog check technician's qualification may be permanently revoked. (c) The citation shall be served pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 11505 of the Government Code. SEC. 22. Section 44056 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44056. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Sections 44051 and 44051.5, any person who violates this chapter, or any order, rule, or regulation of the department adopted pursuant to this chapter, is liable for a civil penalty of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) and not more than two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for each day in which each violation occurs. Any action to recover civil penalties shall be brought by the Attorney General in the name of the state on behalf of the department, or may be brought by any district attorney, city attorney, or attorney for a district. (b) The penalties specified in subdivision (a) do not apply to an owner or operator of a motor vehicle, except an owner or operator who does any of the following: (1) Obtains, or who attempts to obtain, a certificate of compliance, noncompliance or a repair cost waiver, or an economic hardship extension without complying with Section 44015. (2) Obtains, or attempts to obtain, a certificate of compliance, a repair cost waiver, or economic hardship extension by means of fraud, including, but not limited to, offering or giving any form of financial or other inducement to any person for the purpose of obtaining a certificate of compliance for a vehicle that has not been tested or has been tested improperly. (3) Registers a motor vehicle at an address other than the owner's or operator's residence address for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this chapter. (4) Obtains, or attempts to obtain, a certificate of complianceby other means when required to report to the test-only facilitywithout complying with this chapter after being identified as a tampered vehicle or gross polluter pursuant to Section 44015 or 44081. (c) Any person who obtains or attempts to obtain a repair cost waiver, or economic hardship extension pursuant to this chapter by falsifying information shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than one hundred fifty dollars ($150) and not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall be made ineligible for receiving any repair assistance of any kind pursuant to this chapter. SEC. 23. Section 44060 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44060. (a) The department shall prescribe the form of the certificate of compliance or noncompliance, repair cost waivers, and economic hardship extensions. (b) The certificates, repair cost waivers, and economic hardship extensions shall be in the form of an electronic entry filed with the department, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and any other person designated by the department. The department shall ensure that the motor vehicle owner or operator is provided with a written report, signed by the licensed technician who performed the inspection, of any test performed by a smog check station, including a pass or fail indication, and written confirmation of the issuance of the certificate. (c) (1) The department shall charge a fee to a smog check station, includinga test-only station, anda station providing referee functions, for a motor vehicle inspected at that station that meets the requirements of this chapter and is issued a certificate of compliance, a certificate of noncompliance, repair cost waiver, or economic hardship extension. (2) The fee charged pursuant to paragraph (1) shall be calculated to recover the costs of the department and any other state agency directly involved in the implementation, administration, or enforcement of the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program, and shall not exceed the amount reasonably necessary to fund the operation of the program, including all responsibilities, requirements, and obligations imposed upon the department or any of those state agencies by this chapter, that are not otherwise recoverable by fees received pursuant to Section 44034. (3) Except for adjustments to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index, as published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the fee for each certificate, waiver, or extension shall not exceed seven dollars ($7). (4) Fees collected by the department pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund. It is the intent of the Legislature that a prudent surplus be maintained in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund. If the surplus exceeds the reasonable costs of administration of the programs specified in this chapter and in Chapter 20.3 (commencing with Section 9880) of Division 3 of the Business and Professions Code, the department shall, by regulation, prescribe a lower fee for the certificates, waivers, and extensions. (d) (1) Motor vehicles exempted under paragraph (4) of subdivision (a) of Section 44011 shall be subject to an annual smog abatement fee of four dollars ($4). Payment of this fee shall be made to the Department of Motor Vehicles at the time of registration of the motor vehicle. (2) Fees collected pursuant to this subdivision shall be deposited on a daily basis into the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund. (e) The sale or transfer of the certificate, waiver, or extension by a licensed smog check stationor test-only stationto any other licensed smog check station or to any other person, and the purchase or acquisition of the certificate, waiver, or extension, by any person, other than from the department, the department's designee, or pursuant to a vehicle's inspection or repair conducted pursuant to this chapter, is prohibited. (f) Following implementation of the electronic entry certificate under subdivision (b), the department may require the modification of the analyzers and other equipment required at smog check stations to prevent the entry of a certificate that has not been issued or validated through prepayment of the fee authorized by subdivision (c). (g) The fee charged by licensed smog check stations to consumers for a certificate, waiver, or extension shall be the same amount that is charged by the department. SEC. 24. Section 44062.1 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44062.1. (a) The department shall offer a low-income repair assistance program beginning March 1, 1998, through entities authorized to perform referee functions. (b) (1) The repair assistance program shall be available to eligible individuals based on a maximum income level of 175 percent of the federal poverty level, as published quarterly in the Federal Register by the Department of Health and Human Services. (2) The department shall offer low-income repair cost assistance, funded by the High Polluter Repair or Removal Account in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund created pursuant to subdivision (a) of Section 44091 and revenues generated by the smog impact fee pursuant to Section 6262 of the Revenue and Taxation Code, to individuals who obtain an economic hardship extension, based on the cost-effectiveness and air quality benefit of the needed repair. Repair assistance may include retesting costs. (3) An applicant for low-income repair assistance shall file an application on a form prescribed by the department and shall certify under penalty of perjury that the applicant meets the applicable eligibility standards. (4) Verification of low-income eligibility shall be based on at least one form of documentation, as determined by the department, including, but not limited to, (A) an income tax return, (B) an employment warrant, or (C) a form of public assistance verification. (c) The low-income repair assistance program shall be funded by the High Polluter Repair or Removal Account until June 30, 1998. Thereafter, a minimum of twenty million dollars ($20,000,000) shall be made available annually for the program through funding provided by revenues generated by the smog impact fee pursuant to Section 6262 of the Revenue and Taxation Code. (d) All repairs subsidized by the state through the program shall be performed at a repair station licensed and certified pursuant toSectionsSection 44014and 44014.2at the time of testing and application for an economic hardship extension. Repair shall be based upon a preapproved list of repairs for cost-effective emission reductions. (e) The qualified low-income motor vehicle owner receiving repair assistance pursuant to this section shall contribute a copayment equivalent to the repair cost limit, as determined by the department as specified in Section 44017.1, either in cash, or in emissions-related partial repairs as verified by atest-onlylicensed smog check station pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) of Section 44015, or a combination thereof. If the repair cost exceeds the applicable repair cost limit, the department shall inform a qualified low-income motor vehicle owner of all options for compliance at the time of testing and repair. (f) The department shall collect data from the program to provide information on how to improve the program. Data collection shall include all of the following: (1) The number of low-income motor vehicle owners that are eligible for repair assistance. (2) The number of eligible motor vehicle owners that use repair assistance funds. (3) The potential for fraud. (4) The average repair bills. (5) The types of repairs being done. (6) The amount of partial repairs done prior to receipt of repair assistance. (7) The emissions benefits of providing repair assistance. (g) The department shall collect data and develop information and shall report to the Legislature on or before April 1, 1999, on eligibility criteria, program participation, the cost of vehicle repairs, and the funding resources needed to implement the program. (h) For purposes of this section, "low-income motor vehicle owner" means a person whose income does not exceed 175 percent of the federal poverty level. SEC. 25. Section 44081 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44081. (a) (1) The department, in cooperation with the state board, shall institute procedures for auditing the emissions of vehicles while actually being driven on the streets and highways of the state. The department may undertake those procedures itself or seek a qualified vendor of these services. The primary object of the procedures shall be the detection of gross polluters. The procedures shall consist of techniques and technologies determined to be effective for that purpose by the department, including, but not limited to, remote sensing. The procedures may include pullovers for roadside emissions testing and inspection. The department shall consider the recommendations of the review committee based on the outcome of the pilot demonstration program conducted pursuant to Section 44081.6. (2) The department may additionally use other methods to identify gross polluting vehicles for out-of-cycle testing and repair. (b) The department shall, by regulation, establish a program for the out-of-cycle testing and repair of motor vehicles found, through roadside auditing, to be emitting at levels that exceed specified standards. The program shall include all of the following elements: (1) Emission standards, and test and inspection procedures and regulations, adopted in coordination with the state board, applicable to vehicles tested during roadside auditing. Emission standards for issuance of a notice of noncompliance to a gross polluter shall be designed to maximize the identification of vehicles with substantial excess emissions. (2) Procedures for issuing notices of noncompliance to owners of gross polluters, either at the time of the roadside audit, or subsequently by certified mail, or by obtaining a certificate of mailing as evidence of service, using technologies for recording license plate numbers. The notice of noncompliance shall provide that, unless the vehicle is brought to adesignated test-only facility, or atest-and-repair station that is both licensed and certified pursuant toSectionsSection 44014and 44014.2 and is participating in the pilot program pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 44014.5,for emissions testing within 30 days, the owner will be required to pay an administrative fee of five hundred dollars ($500) to be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the next annual registration renewal or the next change of ownership of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. Commencing on the 31st day after issuance of the notice of noncompliance, the fee shall accrue at the rate of five dollars ($5) per day up to the five hundred dollars ($500) maximum. (3) Procedures for the testing of vehicles identified as gross polluters bya designated test-only facility, ora test-and-repair station that is both licensed and certified pursuant toSectionsSection 44014and 44014.2 and is participating in the pilot program pursuant to subparagraph (B) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (g) of Section 44014.5,to confirm that the vehicle exceeds the minimum emission standard for gross polluters set by the department. (4) Procedures requiring owners of vehicles confirmed as gross polluters to have the vehicle repaired, resubmitted for testing, and obtain a certificate of compliance from a designated test-only facility or removed from service as attested by a certificate of nonoperation from the Department of Motor Vehicles within 30 days or be required to pay an administrative fee of not more than five hundred dollars ($500), to be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the next annual registration renewal or the next change of ownership, whichever occurs first. Commencing on the 31st day after issuance of the notice of noncompliance, the fee shall accrue at the rate of five dollars ($5) per day up to the five hundred dollars ($500) maximum. The registration of a vehicle shall not be issued or renewed if that vehicle has been identified as a gross polluter and has not been issued a certificate of compliance. Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 9250.18 of the Vehicle Code, any revenues collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to this subdivision and Section 9250.18 of the Vehicle Code shall be deposited in the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund. If the ownership of the vehicle is transferred, the administrative fee provided for in this subdivision shall be waived if the vehicle is brought into compliance. (5) A procedure for notifying the Department of Motor Vehicles of notices of noncompliance issued, so that the Department of Motor Vehicles may provide effective collection of the administrative fee. The Department of Motor Vehicles shall cooperate with, and implement the requirements of, the department in that regard. (c) The department may adopt any other regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this section, as determined by the department. (d) Upon the request of the department, the Department of the California Highway Patrol shall provide assistance in conducting roadside auditing, to consist of (1) the stopping of vehicles and traffic management, and (2) the issuance of notices of noncompliance to gross polluters. The department shall reimburse the Department of the California Highway Patrol for its costs of providing those services. The Department of Transportation and affected local agencies shall provide necessary assistance and cooperation to the department in the operation of the program. (e) There shall be no repair cost limit imposed pursuant to Section 44017 for any repairs that are required to be made under the roadside auditing program, except as provided in subdivision (c) of Section 44017. (f) This section does not apply to vehicles operating under a valid repair cost waiver or economic hardship extension issued pursuant to Section 44015. SEC. 26. Section 44081.6 of the Health and Safety Code is amended to read: 44081.6. (a) The California Environmental Protection Agency, the state board, and the department, in cooperation with, and with the participation of, the Environmental Protection Agency, shall jointly undertake a pilot demonstration program to do all of the following: (1) Determine the emission reduction effectiveness of alternative loaded mode emission tests compared to the IM240 test. (2) Quantify the emission reductions, above and beyond those required by Environmental Protection Agency regulation or by the biennial test requirement, achievable from a remote sensing-based program that identifies gross polluting and other vehicles and requires the immediate repair and retest of those gross polluting vehiclesat a test-only station established by this chapter. (3)Determine if high polluting vehicles can be identified and directed to test-only stations using criteria other than, or in addition to, age and model year, and whether this reduces the number of vehicles which would otherwise be subject to inspection at test-only stations. (4)Qualify emission reductions above and beyond those that are required by the regulations of the Environmental Protection Agency, achievable from other program enhancements pursuant to this chapter.(5) Determine the extent to which the capacity of the test-only station network established pursuant to Section 44010.5 needs to be expanded to comply with Environmental Protection Agency performance standards.(b) The California Environmental Protection Agency shall enter into a memorandum of agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency to establish the protocol for the pilot demonstration program. The memorandum of agreement shall ensure, to the extent possible, that the Environmental Protection Agency will accept the results of the pilot demonstration program as the findings of the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. The pilot demonstration program shall be conducted pursuant to the memorandum of agreement. (c) The review committee established pursuant to Section 44021 shall review the protocol for the pilot demonstration program, as established in the signed memorandum of agreement, and recommend any modification that the review committee finds to be appropriate for the pilot demonstration program. Any such modification shall become effective only upon the written agreement of the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Protection Agency. (d) The department shall contract, on behalf of the committee, with an independent entity to ensure quality control in the collection of data pursuant to the pilot demonstration program. The department shall also contract, on behalf of the committee, for an independent analysis of the data produced by the pilot demonstration program. (e) Any contract entered into pursuant to this section shall not be subject to any restrictions that are applicable to contracts in the Government Code or in the Public Contract Code. The department shall report to the Legislature any action that is taken in accordance with this subdivision. (f) To the extent possible, the pilot demonstration program shall be conducted using equipment, facilities, and staff of the state board, the department, and the Environmental Protection Agency. (g) The pilot demonstration program shall provide for, but not be limited to, all of the following: (1) For the purposes of this section, any vehicle subject to the inspection and maintenance program may be selected to participate in the pilot demonstration program regardless of when last inspected pursuant to this chapter. (2) Registered owners of vehicles selected to participate in the pilot demonstration program shall make the vehicle available for testing within a time period and at a testing facility designated by the department. If necessary, the department shall increase the capacity of the existing referee network in the area or areas where the pilot demonstration program will be operating, in order to accommodate the convenient testing of selected vehicles. (3) If the department finds that a vehicle is emitting excessive emissions, the vehicle owner shall be required to make necessary repairs within the existing cost limits and return to a testing facility designated by the department. The vehicle owner shall have additional repairs made if the repairs are requested and funded by the department. The department shall also fund the cost of any necessary repairs if the owner of the vehicle has, within the last two years, already paid for emissions-related repairs to the same vehicle in an amount at least equal to the existing cost limits, in order to obtain a certificate of compliance or an emission cost waiver. (4) Vehicle owners who fail to bring the vehicle in for inspection or fail to have repairs made pursuant to this section shall be issued notices of noncompliance. The notice shall provide that, unless the vehicle is brought to a designated testing facility for testing, or repair facility for repairs, within 15 days of notice of the requirement, the owner will be required to pay an administrative fee of not more than five dollars ($5) a day, not to exceed two hundred fifty dollars ($250), to be collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles at the next annual registration renewal or the next change of ownership of the vehicle, whichever occurs first. Commencing on the 31st day after issuance of the notice of noncompliance, the fee shall accrue at the rate of five dollars ($5) per day up to the two hundred fifty dollars ($250) maximum. Except as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 9250.18 of the Vehicle Code, any revenues collected by the Department of Motor Vehicles pursuant to this subdivision and Section 9250.18 of the Vehicle Code shall be deposited into the Vehicle Inspection and Repair Fund by the Department of Motor Vehicles. (h) The Department of Motor Vehicles, the Department of Transportation, local agencies, and the state board shall provide necessary support for the program established pursuant to this section. (i) As soon as possible afterthe effective date of this sectionSeptember 30, 1994 , the department and the state board shall develop, implement, and revise as needed, emissions test procedures and emissions standards necessary to conduct the pilot demonstration program. SEC. 27. Section 4000.3 of the Vehicle Code is amended to read: 4000.3. (a) Except as otherwise provided in Section 44011 of the Health and Safety Code, the department shall require biennially, upon renewal of registration of any motor vehicle subject to Part 5 (commencing with Section 43000) of Division 26 of the Health and Safety Code, a valid certificate of compliance issued in accordance with Section 44015 of the Health and Safety Code. The department, in consultation with the Department of Consumer Affairs, shall develop a schedule under which vehicles shall be required biennially to obtain certificates of compliance. (b) The Department of Consumer Affairs shall provide the department with information on vehicle classes that are subject to the motor vehicle inspection and maintenance program. (c) The department shall include any information pamphlet provided by the Department of Consumer Affairs with notification of the inspection requirement and with its renewal notices. The information pamphlet in the renewal notice shall also notify the owner of the motor vehicle of the right to have the vehicle pretested pursuant to Section 44011.3 of the Health and Safety Code. SEC. 28. (a) It is the intent of the Legislature to reimburse smog check station owners for the reasonable costs incurred as a result of complying with the regulations for enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance areas. (b) The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) shall provide reimbursement from funds appropriated pursuant to Item 1111-001-0582 of Section 2.00 of the Budget Act of 1998 to eligible smog check station owners for appropriate costs including, but not limited to, both of the following: (1) All reasonable equipment and installation costs associated with complying with BAR regulations for enhanced vehicle inspection and maintenance areas. (2) Costs associated with reasonable structural building modifications made to accommodate the equipment. (c) For purposes of implementing this section, the BAR shall determine all of the following: (1) The proper documentation required to verify reimbursable expenses pursuant to subdivision (b). (2) The scope of acceptable and reasonable reimbursement costs. (3) A reasonable deadline for the submission of claims from affected smog check and test-only station owners. SEC. 29. This act is an urgency statute necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety within the meaning of Article IV of the Constitution and shall go into immediate effect. The facts constituting the necessity are: In order to make statutory changes to implement the Budget Act of 1998 at the earliest possible time, it is necessary that this act take effect immediately.enacting this act to make the necessary statutory changes to implement the Budget Act of 1998 relative to the Department of Consumer Affairs, including boards and commissions within the department.