The proposed bill, HB2546, aims to exempt vehicles manufactured in or after the 2018 model year from the Annual Emissions Inspection Program, contingent upon the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) approval of modifications to the Vehicle Emissions Testing Program. This exemption would allow newer vehicles to bypass emissions testing, which is currently mandated for vehicles in specific metropolitan areas of Arizona. Vehicles manufactured between 1975 and 2017 would still be required to undergo emissions and tampering inspections. Additionally, the bill prohibits the Arizona Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ) from adopting air pollution emission standards for off-road vehicles and engines marketed in Arizona from 1999 to 2017.

Key changes in the bill include the explicit requirement for emissions inspections for vehicles manufactured before 2018, the establishment of a pilot program for remote vehicle inspections, and the clear exemption of vehicles manufactured after 2018 from emissions testing. The bill also mandates that the ADEQ notify the Arizona Legislative Council by September 1, 2027, regarding the EPA's approval status of the proposed modifications to the emissions testing protocols, ensuring compliance with federal air quality standards before the new regulations take effect.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 49-542, 49-542.04, 49-542.05, 49-543, 15-1444, 15-1627, 49-546, 35-146, 35-147, 28-6991, 49-447, 088-11, 28-2153, 28-2154, 28-2151, 49-558.02, 41-1026, 28-1100, 28-1103, 28-1144
House Engrossed Version: 49-542, 49-542.04, 49-542.05, 49-543, 15-1444, 15-1627, 49-546, 35-146, 35-147, 28-6991, 49-447, 088-11, 28-2153, 28-2154, 28-2151, 49-558.02, 41-1026, 28-1100, 28-1103, 28-1144