California Bill Aims to Reform CARB Approval Process for Aftermarket Auto Parts

SEMA-sponsored legislation would streamline pathway for emissions-compliant products to reach market faster

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A new SEMA-sponsored Senate bill in California aims to speed up the approval process and reduce costs for aftermarket auto parts companies seeking emissions compliance clearance from the California Air Resources Board (CARB). The legislation would set specific timelines for CARB to adhere to when reviewing applications for Executive Orders (EOs), which greenlight the sale of emissions-compliant aftermarket products in the state. It would also provide partial fee refunds to companies if CARB fails to meet the proposed timeline requirements.

Why it matters

The current CARB EO approval process can take 12-18 months, or up to 2 years in some cases, which SEMA says is too long and deprives companies of the opportunity to bring their innovative, emissions-compliant products to the California market in a timely manner. This legislation is intended to streamline the process, reduce costs, and ensure California consumers have access to the cleanest aftermarket auto parts available.

The details

Senate Bill 1069, authored by Sen. Tim Grayson, D-Concord, would require CARB to state within 30 days whether an EO application is in order, and then approve or deny it within the following 60 days. If CARB misses these deadlines, the applicant would be entitled to a 50% refund of their application fees, which can reach thousands of dollars per product. The bill would also allow applicants a 30-day "cure" period if their application is initially denied, to keep the process on track.

  • SEMA has assisted with approximately 50% of all aftermarket EOs issued by CARB over the last 10 years.
  • SEMA's compliance team has completed over 800 CARB EO applications for members during this time period.

The players

SEMA

The Specialty Equipment Market Association, a trade association representing the automotive aftermarket industry. SEMA has invested over $30 million in the past 10 years to help the aftermarket industry with emissions compliance, and operates two emissions compliance centers in California and Michigan.

Sen. Tim Grayson

A Democratic state senator representing California's 7th Senate District, who authored the SEMA-sponsored Senate Bill 1069 to reform the CARB EO approval process.

California Air Resources Board (CARB)

The state agency responsible for regulating air pollution control in California, including approving Executive Orders (EOs) for aftermarket auto parts to ensure emissions compliance.

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What they’re saying

“This is a necessary bill for lawmakers to prove to their constituents that they're serious about clean air in California and providing small businesses with a pathway to thrive. SEMA has invested heavily to support aftermarket businesses that seek to serve the California marketplace with innovative products that adhere to state and federal emissions laws.”

— Mike Spagnola, SEMA CEO (sema.org)

“California's automotive enthusiasts deserve the opportunity to buy these products for their cars and trucks, and the path must be cleared for businesses that have committed to work to meet our state's standards.”

— Sen. Tim Grayson (sema.org)

What’s next

The California State Senate will consider and vote on Senate Bill 1069 in the coming legislative session.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to streamline the CARB approval process for aftermarket auto parts, reducing delays and costs for companies seeking to bring emissions-compliant products to the California market. If passed, it could help ensure California consumers have greater access to innovative, environmentally-friendly aftermarket parts for their vehicles.