Sen. Reyes backs SB 969 to streamline EV-charger accuracy testing

Senator Reyes presented SB 969 to update how electric vehicle (EV) chargers are tested for accuracy, saying the bill removes procedural barriers that can slow deployment of charging stations across California.

"The existing process by which these chargers are regulated is slowing EV charger deployment," the author said, and the bill would preserve county authority to test chargers while allowing factory testing when equipment has already been certified. Witnesses from industry and environmental groups urged approval. "We are desperately trying to get 300 units installed every day to meet the state's ambitious climate and environmental goals," Reid Addis of the Electric Vehicle Charging Association told the committee. He said factory testing will reduce costs and speed installations.

Marquise King Mason of the Natural Resources Defense Council said SB 969 "strikes that balance," arguing the measure focuses oversight "where it matters most on measurement, accuracy, transparency, and consumer trust" while making the regulatory framework more scalable. Committee members asked procedural questions but offered no opposition witnesses during testimony.

The committee moved to concur in assembly amendments and initially recorded the vote as 6-0 when some members were absent; later roll-call entries in the transcript show the committee report was completed with a recorded 10-0 result after absent members were called. The committee placed the bill on call for absent members before reporting it to the floor.