RCRC members are encouraged to share letters addressed to state and federal representatives and regulatory bodies with RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties.
AB 57 (Quirk) Telecommunications: Wireless Telecommunication Facilities: Assembly Bill 57 would establish “deemed granted” approval for all wireless telecommunication facilities siting and collocation applications when a local government fails to meet the Federal Communications Commission’s “Shot Clock Rule.” Status: AB 57 awaits a hearing in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. RCRC Position: Oppose
AB 243 (Wood) Medical Marijuana Cultivation: Assembly Bill 243 would address various factors concerning the cultivation of medical marijuana, including environmental health and enforcement issues. Status: AB 243 gained passage in the Senate Governance & Finance Committee and awaits consideration in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. RCRC Position: Support if Amended
AB 266 (Bonta) Medical Marijuana: Assembly Bill 266 would establish a statewide regulatory, licensing, and enforcement framework for medical marijuana. Status: AB 266 awaits consideration in both the Senate Health Committee and the Senate Governance and Finance Committee. RCRC Position: Support if Amended
AB 323 (Olsen): California Environmental Quality Act: Exemption: Roadway Improvement. Assembly Bill 323 would extend the sunset, until January 1, 2020, on an exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act for projects to repair, maintain, and make minor alterations to existing roadways, provided the project is carried out by a city or county with a population of less than 100,000, to improve public safety and meets other specified conditions. Status: Signed into law by the Governor. RCRC Position: Support
AB 325 (Wood): Community Development Block Grant Program: Funds. Assembly Bill 325 would require the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to respond to completed Community Development Block Grant applications within 60 days, and if the applicant is denied by the state agency, requires HCD to list the reasons for denial and what steps need to be taken for approval. Status: Gained passage in the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee. RCRC Position: Support
AB 327 (Gordon): Public Works: Volunteers. Assembly Bill 327 would extend the sunset set to expire January 1, 2017 until January 1, 2024 extending the exemption from the definition of “public works” for any work performed by a volunteer, a volunteer coordinator, or by members of the California Conservation Corps or certified Community Conservation Corps. Status: Signed into law by the Governor. RCRC Position: Support
AB 390 (Cooper): Criminal Law: DNA Evidence: Assembly Bill 390 would restore the ability of government officials to collect DNA samples from adult offenders convicted of offenses that were recently converted from felonies to misdemeanors. Status: AB 390 was amended and re-referred to the Senate Public Safety Committee. RCRC Position: Support
AB 1104 (Rodriguez) Search Warrants: Assembly Bill 1104 would clarify existing statute regarding the circumstances for issuing a search warrant for possession of a controlled substance. Status: AB 1104 gained passage in both the Assembly and Senate, and awaits the Governor’s consideration. RCRC Position: Support
AB 1262 (Wood) Telecommunications: Universal Service: Assembly Bill 1262 would provide monies within the California Advanced Services Fund to support regional broadband deployment and expansion. Status: AB 1262 awaits consideration on the Senate Floor. RCRC Position: Support
AB 1347 (Chiu) Public Contracts Claims: Assembly Bill 1347 would make various revisions to the claims resolution process that would require non-binding mediation to resolve a dispute on all public contracts. Status: AB 1347 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Oppose
AB 1436 (Burke): In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS): Authorized Representative. Assembly Bill 1436 would permit all In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) applicants and recipients to designate an authorized representative to accompany, assist, or represent an applicant in the application process, or a recipient in the direction of services, and eligibility redetermination process. Status: Placed on Suspense in the Senate Appropriations Suspense File. RCRC Position: Support
SB 321 (Beall): Motor Vehicle Fuel Taxes: Rates: Adjustments: Senate Bill 321 would revise the process used by the Board of Equalization for adjusting the price-based excise tax rate on motor vehicle fuels. Status: SB 321 awaits consideration in the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. RCRC Position: Support
SB 326 (Beall) Courts: Penalties: Emergency Services Funding: Senate Bill 326 would extend the Emergency Medical Air Transportation Act to ensure that rural communities have access to life-saving care for both residents and tourists. Status: SB 326 awaits final consideration in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Position: Support
SB 643 (McGuire) Medical Marijuana: Senate Bill 643 would establish a state regulatory and licensing framework for medical marijuana. Status: SB 643 awaits consideration in the Assembly Health Committee. RCRC Position: Pending