Public Resources.

Document format changed from a formal chaptered publication (with authentication header, page numbers, and column headers) to a web-based bill text page with navigation menus, search tools, and version history links.

A 'Digest Key' section was added showing Vote: MAJORITY, Appropriation: YES, Fiscal Committee: YES, Local Program: YES, which summarizes the bill's procedural attributes in a structured format.

Header changed from enrolled bill format (Senate/Assembly passage dates) to chaptered law format with Chapter 81 designation and Governor's approval date of July 13, 2026.

Page numbering changed from 'SB 168' references to 'Ch. 81' references throughout the document.

Establishes a new zero-emission electric vehicle incentive program funded by the 2026 Budget Act (Items 3900-101-3228 and 3900-102-0115) for first-time ZEV buyers. Incentives are provided at point of sale through grant agreements with manufacturers, with price caps of $50,000 for new vehicles and $25,000 for used vehicles, a curb weight limit of 8,500 pounds, and a sunset date of September 1, 2031.

Modifies the Wildfire Fund Continuation Account by changing the administrator's determination from whether 'additional annual contributions' are needed to whether 'those annual contributions' (the base contributions) are needed, and adds reporting requirements including annual plans of operations and reports to the Legislature and Department of Finance.

Specifies that moneys appropriated in Item 3360-108-0001 of the Budget Act of 2021 for the Distributed Electricity Backup Assets Program are also available for the Demand Side Grid Support Program, with encumbrance and expenditure extended to June 30, 2027.

Creates an exception to the vehicle price caps for California-headquartered zero-emission vehicle companies (defined as corporations with US headquarters in California whose entire fleet is ZEVs), allowing incentives regardless of MSRP or sales price. Includes a severability clause if a court finds this provision invalid.

Requires participating manufacturers to disclose the state's portion of the incentive to consumers and prohibits resale or release of incentivized vehicles in another state for at least 4 years after purchase or lease.

Establishes procedures for catastrophic wildfire proceedings including filing deadlines (45 days after administrator or commission request), prehearing conference within 25 days of filing, scoping memorandum within 30 days, and a proposed decision deadline of 12 months from filing (extendable by up to 6 months for good cause).

Changes the allocation metric used for the $6 billion fire risk mitigation capital expenditure equity rate base prohibition from a previously specified metric to the Wildfire Fund allocation metric in Section 3280(a)(2) or Section 3299.3, and adds a December 31, 2035 expiration date for the provision.

Exempts contracts with the Western Climate Initiative, Incorporated from the State Contract Act provisions relating to acquisition of information technology goods and services, classifying such contracts as membership agreements.

Requires the Energy Commission vice chair to receive a salary at the midpoint between regular members and the chairperson, operative July 1, 2027.

Updates Water Code Section 80506 definitions to incorporate the Continuation Account alongside the Wildfire Fund, with the 'Account' definition becoming operative only upon all large electrical corporations electing to participate.