The revised "Leno's Law" (SB 1392) has now passed the California legislature, and is expected to be signed by the governor this month. (Thanks George!)

If signed, it will mark the most significant progress in over two decades for California classic car laws and automotive preservation.

Leno’s Law introduces a narrow, phased-in pathway strictly for qualifying collector vehicles manufactured between 1976 and 1985.

The proposed rollout schedule for the exemption includes:

January 1, 2028: Vehicles manufactured before model year 1981 become exempt.
2029–2033: The exemption expands by one model year annually.
2033: Full implementation, exempting qualifying vehicles manufactured before model year 1986.

To prevent abuse and ensure the law targets true hobbyists rather than daily commuters, the bill carries strict collector-use requirements. 

Vehicle owners must either carry specialized collector-car insurance or verify that the vehicle is driven fewer than 1,000 miles per year. 

The existing smog exemption for pre-1976 vehicles will remain entirely unchanged.

https://www.hemmings.com/stories/lenos-law-passes-california-legislature-historic-smog-check-reform-heads-to-governors-desk