Now you know part of the reason I moved from California. It wasn't all that long ago that you had to have a 1955 or newer vehicle smogged when you bought it or transferred title (my '58 Ford P/U, my '58 Chevy wagon, my '55 Victotria, my '58 Chevy P/U) in California. We really need to fight these guys in every state!
The Demoncrats are at this. And it is nothing new. Most cars do pass anyways, becuase the required levels to meet aren't the same accross the board as new cars. My dad's '85 El Camino just passed easy... it's nothing to worry about, they just want the "junk" off the road. Like you said pre'76 are EXEMPT Barbara Boxer is the devil!!!! She shouldn't even call herself an American.
As I recall from an article in our local paper a few months ago, Arnie (who I voted for Unfortunately) Recently signed legislation that essentially did away with the 25 year old rule and froze everything at the 77 level.... everything built after that year has to be smogged, if I'm remembering correctly.