[TheOracleAtLilac]

IIRC, there was a Snell rating for helmets (Motorcycle Safety Foundation). Would be a simple matter to add the preferred Snell # to the vehicle code.

[Betis70]

I'd guess they will use the DOT standard (gov. agency) versus the Snell standard (private company). Not all helmet manufacturers submit their helmets to get a Snell rating.

I doubt this ruling will change much in the long-term as I can't see CA repealing their helmet law.