The Bureau of Automotive Repair (BAR) will convene a hybrid public session on Thursday, July 30, 2026. The gathering satisfies Government Code section 11123.5 and will be streamed live, allowing both on-site attendance in Sacramento and remote participation via Webex. The meeting is slated to run from 9:30 a.m. until the close of business, roughly 1:00 p.m., and will feature updates on smog-check performance, regulatory revisions, and industry case studies.
Where and how to attend
In-person guests should report to the Department of Consumer Affairs headquarters, room 2, Hearing Room, located at 1747 North Market Blvd., Sacramento, CA 95834. Remote attendees can join the interactive Webex session using the password BAR730, while those who only wish to view the broadcast may select the read-only live webcast link. All participants will be asked to provide a name or a unique identifier; those who decline to share an email may use a placeholder such as xxxxx@. The moderator will rely on these identifiers to manage public commentary.
Agenda highlights
The agenda begins with a welcome from BAR Chief Patrick Dorais, followed by a legislative and regulatory snapshot presented by Linda Janssen of the BAR Executive Office. Donny Seyfer of the National Automotive Service Task Force will explain how to access original equipment service information, while Jonathan Gee of the Engineering and Research Branch will deliver the 2026 Smog Check Performance Report and the latest EPA findings.
After a brief 15-minute intermission, the session resumes with a program-evaluation update from Clay Leek, a BAR case study led by Bill Thomas, and statistical handouts covering enforcement and licensing metrics. The meeting concludes with an open floor for public comments on items not listed in the agenda, a preview of the next Advisory Group meeting scheduled for Thursday, October 22, 2026, and an official adjournment.
Industry representatives
A range of automotive-related organizations have confirmed attendance. Those marked with an asterisk will be present in the Sacramento hearing room: Automotive Maintenance and Repair Association/Motorist Assurance Program (Jeff Cox), Automotive Service Councils of California (David Kusa), California Auto Body Association (Jack Molodanof), California Automotive Foundation (Kim McPhaul), and Preventative Automotive Maintenance Association (Matthew Webb). Other groups, such as the American Automobile Association – Northern California (Bryan Pearson) and the Specialty Equipment Market Association (Dean Schlingmann), will join remotely. Any changes to representation will be reported during the opening introductions.
Public participation rules
Members of the public may observe or comment without any obligation to disclose personal details, though a name or initials are required for speakers. Each speaker will be allotted a maximum of two minutes. Requests for disability accommodations should be directed to Zach Richardson at (279) 260-2367 or via email at [email protected] at least five business days before the meeting to ensure proper arrangements.
The BAR Advisory Group operates under Business and Professions Code section 9880.4, and this session serves as its formal platform for stakeholder engagement, policy briefing, and transparent reporting on the state’s smog-check program.
