What SB 886 does
Summary from the Legislative Counsel's Digest of the enrolled text, September 4, 2026. Read the full text on leginfo.
How it got here
Senator Padilla introduced SB 886 on . The text was amended 0 times, and heard in 6 committee hearings before its final floor votes.
- Senate Floor, May 26, 2026: 28 ayes, 8 noes.
- Assembly Floor, August 31, 2026: 62 ayes, 7 noes.
- Senate Floor, August 31, 2026: 28 ayes, 10 noes.
Committee votes along the way:
- Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications, March 17, 2026: Do pass as amended, but first amend, and re-refer to the Committee on [Appropriations], 12-4.
- Senate Appropriations, April 13, 2026: Placed on suspense file, 7-0.
- Senate Appropriations, May 14, 2026: Do pass as amended, 5-2.
- Assembly Utilities and Energy, June 24, 2026: Do pass as amended and be re-referred to the Committee on [Appropriations], 14-0.
- Assembly Appropriations, August 13, 2026: Do pass., 12-2.
Who supports and opposes SB 886
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy analysis dated June 23, 2026 lists 34 organizations in support and 11 in opposition. When Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications first listed positions on March 16, 2026, the count was 21 in support and 16 opposed. By the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy analysis of June 23, 2026 it was 34 to 11.
In support: 350 Humboldt: Grass Roots Climate Action; AARP; California State Association of Electrical Workers; California State Pipe Trades Council; Climate Action California; Coalition of California Utility Employees; Imperial; City of; and 26 more.
Opposed: Bay Area Council; Calasian Chamber of Commerce; California African American Chamber of Commerce; California Chamber of Commerce; California Hispanic Chambers of Commerce (CHCC); California Manufacturers & Technology Association (CMTA); Data Center Coalition; Pacific Gas and Electric Company; and 3 more.
Read the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy analysis.
What happens next
It reached the Governor's desk on September 9, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
The Governor can sign the bill, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until the decision, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect. If signed, most provisions take effect January 1, and implementation moves to the agencies named in the bill.
What it means for data center organizations
Two decisions follow from a bill at this stage. The first is whether to weigh in with the Governor's office before the thirty-day window closes. The second is how to prepare for implementation if it becomes law: which agency writes the rules, when the comment period opens, and which obligations begin January 1.
The data centers group at Capitol Axis handles that for data center clients.
Questions about SB 886
What does SB 886 do?
SB 886 concerns california technology innovation and ratepayer protection act. See the Legislative Counsel's Digest on leginfo for the full summary.
Has SB 886 passed the California Legislature?
It reached the Governor's desk on September 9, 2026. Bills presented after the Legislature adjourned on August 31 must be signed or vetoed within thirty days.
Who supports and opposes SB 886?
The Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy analysis dated June 23, 2026 lists 34 organizations in support and 11 in opposition. Supporters include 350 Humboldt: Grass Roots Climate Action; AARP; California State Association of Electrical Workers. Opponents include Bay Area Council; Calasian Chamber of Commerce; California African American Chamber of Commerce.
What happens next with SB 886?
The Governor can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Until then, sign and veto request letters are the remaining channel, and the Department of Finance's enrolled bill report carries weight on anything with a fiscal effect.