Just like his fleet of antique cars, Leno's Law is not dead yet. The California bill that would remove emissions testing from a slightly newer generation of classic and collector cars was championed by comedian and car buff Jay Leno, but was rejected by lawmakers in September. Now it's back, with some new wording that could see it get a friendlier reception this time around. 1976 Has Been The Limit Of 'Classic' For 20 Years Bring A Trailer California Senate Bill 712 was called Leno's Law, because it focused on cool old cars, and the former late-night host was a massive champion of it. The bill would have made more vehicles exempt from the state's smog testing requirements, which are some of the most strict in the world. But even though the bill was less generous in terms of cars that would get exemptions than the standards that came before it, legislators voted against it.The new bill, Senate Bill 1392, was introduced by California State Senators Dave Cortese and Shannon Grove. Once again, the bill looked to expand the requirements for what would count as a classic or collector vehicle and exempt them from emissions testing.Currently, in California, all vehicles built in model year 1976 or newer require emissions testing every other year. Any vehicle built that year or newer has to have all of its factory emissions equipment installed and working. Most vehicles need to get a tailpipe test as well. Any vehicle that's older is exempt, and has been for decades.The new proposal would push that requirement from model year 1976 to 1981, beginning at the start of next year. From 2027 through 2032, the base year would move once a year, so at the end of the period, all vehicles model year 1985 and older would be exempt. This Is For Collector Cars, Not Your Beat-Up Malaise Daily Driver Bring A Trailer Well, not quite ALL vehicles. The bill would require them to be collector vehicles. That means that they can't be a daily driver, and they have to have collector insurance. "Is used primarily in shows, parades, charitable functions, and historical exhibitions for display, maintenance, and preservation, and is not used as the owner’s primary mode of transportation," is the text of the bill."Classic car owners are not daily commuters — they are preservationists," said Senator Dave Cortese. "These vehicles are driven sparingly, carefully maintained, and celebrated as part of California’s automotive heritage. This bill strikes a thoughtful balance between protecting our environment and supporting a $40.44 billion small business economy."Leno spoke in support of the new bill. SEMA, which represents the companies that make and sell aftermarket parts and accessories, also supports the new bill.California first started emissions testing vehicles in 1974, with its first comprehensive program beginning in 1984. These rules have had a massive effect on car culture in America because of exemptions for classic cars. Vehicles 1975 and older had almost free rein of engine swaps, while newer models had to have performance parts and engine swaps that met an extensive and complex set of rules.This change would not appear to allow more freedom to modify the newer models. For owners, though, not having to potentially spend thousands to bring a barely driven classic into compliance is a big deal.SB-1392 was referred to the committee on transportation in early March. It is set for hearings on April 14.