Building standards: qualified plug-in photovoltaic systems.

The bill was reformatted from a traditional legislative document layout (with line numbers, page breaks, and centered headers) to a web-based presentation format that includes website navigation elements (search, version selector, share links, etc.). No changes to the substantive text of the bill were made.

Changed 'the commission shall adopt' to 'the commission may adopt,' converting a mandatory requirement into permissive authority. The commission is no longer required to adopt plug-in photovoltaic building standards but is instead authorized to do so.

Removed the requirement that the plug-in system be able to 'isolate from the premises wiring' in order to provide backup power during outages. The new language simply requires the ability to 'provide limited backup power functions during outages' without specifying an isolation mechanism.

Added explicit language that the standards apply only to buildings 'constructed after the adoption of the first triennial edition' of the code, clarifying that existing buildings are not subject to the new requirements.

Assembly Member Rogers was added as a coauthor of the bill.

Reworked the definition of 'qualified plug-in photovoltaic system.' Removed the prior language about preventing 'circuit overloading and unintended export onto the distribution grid' and replaced it with a new condition (4) requiring certification under UL 3700 or an equivalent standard, with safety features to 'prevent fire and electrical hazards.'

Removed 'with a ground fault circuit interrupter' from the description of the standard alternating current electrical outlet to which the plug-in system connects, broadening the types of outlets that may be used.

The commission's duty to adopt building energy standards for plug-in photovoltaic systems was changed from mandatory ('shall') to discretionary ('may'), meaning the commission is no longer required to adopt these standards.

The word 'mandatory' was removed from references to the building energy standards, further softening the obligation from a binding requirement to a permissive one.

The phrase 'new construction' was removed from descriptions of the building electrical circuit features, though the provision still applies to buildings constructed after the applicable code edition is adopted.

The term 'outlet' was replaced with 'receptacle' in two places (subdivision (b)(3) and (c)(1)) to use more precise electrical code terminology.

The deadline for the commission to adopt mandatory standards was changed from the first triennial code edition adopted after January 1, 2027 to the first triennial code edition adopted after June 1, 2031, delaying implementation by at least four years.

The requirement now applies only to new construction buildings rather than all buildings. The language 'mandatory building standards for building electrical circuit features' was changed to 'mandatory building energy standards for new construction building electrical circuit features.'

The bill now explicitly lists single-family residential dwellings alongside multiunit residential dwellings and nonresidential developments, rather than using the broader term 'residential dwelling.' This makes the applicability to single-family homes explicit rather than implied.

The definition of 'qualified plug-in photovoltaic system' was substantially expanded to require: (1) design for connection through a standard electrical outlet, (2) intent to offset the customer's onsite electricity consumption, (3) compliance with the most recent National Electrical Code and California Electrical Code, and (4) certification under UL 3700 or an equivalent standard. The original definition only required UL or equivalent certification with safety features to prevent circuit overloading and unintended grid export.

Throughout the bill, the term 'building standards' was changed to 'building energy standards,' potentially narrowing the type of standards required to those specifically related to energy performance rather than general building code requirements.