CA AB588

Creates a lithium battery working group under the Office of the State Fire Marshal to identify safety issues with lithium batteries and charging infrastructure in residential and commercial buildings not already addressed in the 2025 California Building Standards Code

Requires the working group to recommend solutions including informational bulletins, guidance documents, educational materials, and voluntary or mandatory building standards, with initial findings due by January 1, 2027

Mandates working group membership to include the State Fire Marshal, representatives from fire districts, fire chiefs, professional firefighters, the Building Standards Commission, a professor with lithium battery chemistry expertise, local building departments, property owners, and licensed electrical contractors

Appropriates an unspecified amount from the Building Standards Administration Special Revolving Fund to cover operational costs, research, guidance documents, training materials, and development of building standards related to lithium battery safety