The Barbed Wire - March 15, 2024

March 15, 2024
State Gray Wolf Compensation Program in Jeopardy
Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2104 (Soria) - Community College Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program
U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee Holds Hearing on Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management 
Cannabis Banking Legislation Expected to Move Forward Once Government Funding is Addressed
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

State Gray Wolf Compensation Program in Jeopardy

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Wolf Livestock Compensation Grants program could be in jeopardy due to the state’s impressive budget shortfall. The program was established and funded in 2021 to compensate livestock owners for depredation experienced with the presence of gray wolves.  Since gray wolves began to repopulate California in the mid-2010s, wolf packs have now been established in six RCRC member counties. And with the animal designated as endangered under the California Endangered Species Act, it limits ranchers' ability to mitigate wolf presence impacts on their livestock.  

RCRC was instrumental in securing the initial $3 million funding allocation that was included in the 2021-22 State Budget package for the program, which was subsequently developed by CDFW and a wide-ranging group of stakeholders. To date, CDFW has received 102 applications projected to exhaust the program's current funds. Given California’s budget shortfall, the state’s (and legislature’s) willingness to replenish the funds and continue issuing grants to impacted livestock owners is in jeopardy.  

RCRC has been in discussions with the California Natural Resources Agency and CDFW advocating for the program; however, it would be very helpful if the Legislature hears directly from impacted counties on the importance of funding the program. A template letter to the appropriate budget committees can be downloaded here.  Please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton with any questions or for more information.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2104 (Soria) - Community College Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program

RCRC supports Assembly Bill 2104, authored by Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria (D-Fresno). This measure would direct the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges to establish a pilot program to allow up to 15 community college districts to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. 

Rural areas with smaller populations that are farther from urban centers often have the lowest supply of health professionals per capita. Additionally, California does not have a high concentration of the four-year universities needed for graduate degree health professionals; however, often these communities have access to community college programs. 

A recent study by the Healthforce Center at the University of California, San Francisco, which examines the healthcare workforce landscape in RCRC and the County Medical Services program (CMSP) counties, found that the Imperial Valley (Imperial), North Central region (Butte, Colusa, Glenn, Tehama), and the San Joaquin Valley (Kings, Madera, Merced, Tulare) sub-regions have the lowest ratios of RNs per capita in the state. 

To meet our nursing workforce needs and extend these career opportunities to Californians throughout the state, the role of California’s community college system must expand to offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. AB 2104 will expand the affordability of and access to these degrees. It will also demonstrate the feasibility of future expansion to additional community college districts. 

RCRC’s letter of support can be found here. For additional information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett

U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resource Committee Holds Hearing on Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management 

On March 12, 2024, the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources held a hearing titled “The Findings and Recommendations of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission.” The hearing discussed the findings and recommendations of the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission (Commission), established under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Several Senators raised issues of particular importance to RCRC including the new USFS Old Growth Proposed Rule; Good Neighbor Authority; affordable housing for firefighters; and firefighter salaries.  

Ranking Member, John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), asked how the Biden administration's old-growth forest management policy would help confront the wildfire crisis. Ms. Meryl Harrell, the USDA Deputy Under Secretary of Natural Resources and the Environment, explained that the old-growth strategy is a complement to a structural wildfire strategy, emphasizing the need for proactive stewardship and adaptive management strategies to reflect risk on the ground. Ms. Kelly Norris, State Forester for Wyoming's State Forestry Division, stressed the importance of actively managing forests to protect old-growth, as wildfire is a leading cause of loss of old-growth. She highlighted the flexibility and adaptability of their contracting systems and administration as reasons for their effectiveness. 

Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nevada) inquired about potential solutions to address firefighter’s housing needs. Ms. Harrell responded that the recommendations made by the Commission have included providing support for workforce housing; investing in housing facilities; waiving fair market value; and creating partnerships with local community housing partners. When asked about firefighter salaries and benefits, Ms. Harrell emphasized the need for permanent pay increases; retirement benefits; housing; and investments in physical and mental health.  

Lawmakers have expressed intentions to pursue permanent pay raises for federal firefighters. The bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 5169), sponsored by Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), and the companion legislation sponsored by Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), S. 2272, are current examples of the ongoing advocacy for a permanent solution to the firefighter pay disparity. RCRC has actively advocated for permanent action to sustain pay increases for federal wildland firefighters, in recognition of the importance of retaining fire suppression forces on federally managed lands.  

For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton

Cannabis Banking Legislation Expected to Move Forward Once Government Funding is Addressed

With the passage of a minibus funding measure on March 8th, there remain six federal agencies facing a funding deadline of March 22nd.  Once the final funding package is passed, Senate leadership is expected to resume focus on several legislative priorities, including the Secure and Fair Enforcement Regulation (SAFER) Banking Act (S. 2860), which would provide protections for federally regulated financial institutions that serve state-sanctioned cannabis businesses. Many financial institutions do not currently provide services to state-sanctioned cannabis businesses, due to the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance. 

Currently co-sponsored by 36 Senators, the SAFER Banking Act advanced out of the Senate Banking Committee in late September on a vote of 14-9, at which time it was placed on the Senate legislative calendar, and now awaits a date for floor action. During a news conference about legislative priorities last week, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, “We first have to fund the government. The supplemental is very important. But after that, you will see us turn to many of the bills that we passed: the SAFER [Banking] Act, safety on the rails, RECOUP [Act]—so many other things.”  For more information, contact RCRC policy advocate, Sarah Dukett

BULLETIN BOARD

Announcements regarding hearings, grants, and public comment notices of importance to California's rural counties.

 

Proposed SGMA Fee Change at March State Water Board meeting

At its March 19th meeting, The State Water Resources Control Board will consider a change to its fee structure for state fees under the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA). The proposed change is listed as Item 4 in the published agenda, and public comment will be considered. For more information about what will be discussed, review the agenda item here. The full agenda is available here.
 

Applications for Federal Bridge Investment Program Due March 19, 2024

Applications are open for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s competitive Bridge Investment Program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Nearly $10 billion in multi-year funding (FY 2023-FY2026) is available for local government planning grants and bridge project grants. Bridge Project grants may be used for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection. Applications must be received by March 19, 2024. For more information including eligibility and how to apply, see here.

 

United Policyholders’ 2024 California Home Insurance Survey

The United Policyholders, a non-profit consumer organization that informs and advocates for insurance consumers and disaster survivors nationwide, has released its 2024 California Home Insurance Survey. Homeowners that have experienced insurance rate increases, recently been dropped by their insurer, or had to replace their home insurance, are encouraged to take this confidential annual survey. The information collected is utilized by United Policyholders to monitor and report on pricing availability and to develop helpful resources for the benefit of California residents. Take the survey here.

Learn more about United Policyholders and find informational resources regarding home insurance and disaster recovery on their website at www.uphelp.org.  
 

Upcoming Public Hearings on AT&T’s Request to Discontinue Landline Service

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person and virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding AT&T’s pending Application to discontinue copper landline phone service (more information here).  Public comments may also be submitted here. If approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability. Alternative services, such as Voice Over IP (VoIP_ and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts. RCRC opposes AT&T’s Application and is a formal party to the proceeding. 

Remaining Public Hearings

WHEN 

FORMAT 

LOCATION 

March 19, 2024, 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. 

Virtual only 

Remote access via webcast or phone. 
Live video broadcast with English or Spanish captions via webcast: www.adminmonitor.com/ca/cpuc 
Phone: 1-800-857-1917, passcode: 6032788# 

 

Employment Opportunities

Colusa County

Colusa County is seeking an Assistant County Administrative Officer. Salary: $132,300.00 - $216,780.00. This recruitment is open until filled. To learn more or to apply, see here. Colusa County offers an excellent benefit package.

Mendocino County

 

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

Katherine “Katie” Delbar, of Potter Valley, has been reappointed to the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, where she has served since 2016. Delbar has been County Executive Director at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency for Humboldt and Del Norte Counties since 1998 and for Mendocino and Lake Counties since 1992. She was a Program Technician for the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service from 1989 to 1992. She is a member of Potter Valley Community Parks and Recreation and of the Mendocino County Cattlemen’s Association. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Delbar is a Republican.

Patrick Eaton, of Sonora, has been appointed Associate Director of Reception Centers at the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Eaton has been Warden at Sierra Conservation Center since 2021, where he has held several positions since 2002, including Acting Warden, Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Correctional Captain, Correctional Lieutenant and Correctional Sergeant. He was a Correctional Sergeant at Central California Women’s Facility from 2000 to 2002, and a Correctional Officer there from 1999 to 2000. Eaton was a Correctional Officer at Salinas Valley State Prison from 1996 to 1999. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $197,280. Eaton is a Republican.

Glenn MacNeur Holley, of Sacramento County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Placer County Superior Court. Holley has served as a Commissioner at the Placer County Superior Court since 2019. He was a Partner at Schuering Zimmerman & Doyle LLP from 2006 to 2019 and an Attorney at Tweedy & Holley, A Law Corporation from 2003 to 2006. Holley was an Attorney and Partner at Bolling Walter and Gawthrop PC from 1989 to 2003. He was an Attorney at Jacoby and Meyers LLC from 1987 to 1989, at Jensen and Roggeveen from 1986 to 1987 and at the Law Office of Joan Poulos in 1986. Holley earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Western State College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Eugene S. Gini, Jr. Holley is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $238,479.

Bridget Kolakosky, of Woodland, has been appointed Deputy Director for Legislative and Governmental Affairs at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services. Kolakosky has served as Deputy Director of Policy and Public Affairs at the State Council of Developmental Disabilities since 2021. She served as Legislative Director for State Senator Holly Mitchell, State Assemblymember Tony Thurmond and State Assemblymember Toni Atkins from 2012 to 2020. Kolakosky was a Legislative Consultant for State Assemblymember Bob Blumenfield from 2009 to 2012 and a Legislative Aide for State Senator Carole Migden from 2007 to 2008.  She is a member of the California Native Plant Society and the Woodland Tree Foundation. Kolakosky earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Loyola Marymount University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $154,632. Kolakosky is a Democrat.

Marlo S. Nisperos, of Solano County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Solano County Superior Court. Nisperos has served as an Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings since 2019. She was a Sole Practitioner from 2016 to 2019 and a Partner at the Law Offices of Nisperos and Small from 2015 to 2016. Nisperos served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Solano County District Attorney’s Office from 2006 to 2015. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Los Angeles. Nisperos fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Earl B. Nelson. She is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $238,479.

WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS

RCRC press releases and related news clips about RCRC and our member counties. Please note that a subscription may be required to read some external publications.

 

How soaring PG&E rates are impacting California’s EV owners – The San Francisco Chronicle

California pushes for electric vehicle adoption to combat climate change, planning to ban new gasoline car sales by 2035. However, a recent 20% rate hike by Pacific Gas and Electric Co. has raised the cost of charging electric cars. 

 

Water is life. It's also energy — whether you like dams or hate them – The Los Angeles Times

Recent rainfall and snowfall in California and the American West have boosted both water supplies and energy generation, particularly through hydroelectric power, regardless of opinions on dams.

 

CA isn't on track to meet climate change mandates, report says – CalMatters

A new analysis concludes that unless California almost triples its rate of cutting greenhouse gases, the state won’t meet its 2030 climate change target. Some emissions were rising.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties.

 

AB 6   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation plans: Solutions for Congested Corridors Program: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.   This bill would have amended reporting and transportation project review requirements, under SB 375 (2008), for the state’s 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), for project information pertaining to climate and greenhouse gas emissions impacts. The bill would have required MPOs to send technical methodologies to CA Air Resources Board for review before project selection and approval can commence.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was TRANS. on 6/14/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 7   (Friedman)   Transportation: planning: project selection processes.   This bill would have required all transportation projects funded, at least in part, through major state or federal funding programs to incorporate several, specified principles that include improving road safety, conformity with federal streamlined project principles, ADA compliance, water and air quality impacts, climate impacts, and access to disadvantaged communities, among others.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/11/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 62   (Mathis)   Statewide water storage: expansion.   Would have established a statewide goal to increase above- and below-ground water storage capacity by a total of 3,700,000 acre-feet by the year 2030 and a total of 4,000,000 acre-feet by the year 2040. The bill would have required the Department of Water Resources, in consultation with the state board, to take reasonable actions to promote or assist efforts to achieve the statewide goal, as provided. The bill would require the department, beginning July 1, 2027, and on or before July 1 every 2 years thereafter until January 1, 2043, in consultation with the state board, to prepare and submit a report to the Legislature on the progress made to achieve the statewide goal.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 66   (Mathis)   Natural Resources Agency: water storage projects: permit approval.   Would have required CA Natural Resources Agency, or the relevant state agency, to approve the necessary permits for specified storage projects within 180 days from receiving a permit application, and would deem those permits approved if approval does not occur within this time period.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 68   (Ward)   Land use: streamlined housing approvals: density, subdivision, and utility approvals.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   No Position   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 422   (Alanis)   Natural Resources Agency: statewide water storage: tracking.   Would have required CA Natural Resources Agency, on or before June 1, 2024, to post on its publicly available internet website information tracking the progress to increase statewide water storage, and to keep that information updated.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 429   (Bennett)   Groundwater wells: permits.   If 1% of domestic wells were to go dry in a critically overdrafted basin, this bill would prohibit a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency from approving a permit for a new groundwater well or for an alteration to an existing well in a basin subject to the act and classified as a critically overdrafted basin unless the city county or well permitting agency obtains written verification from a groundwater sustainability agency that the proposed well would not be inconsistent with any sustainable groundwater management program AND the proposed well would not decrease the likelihood of achieving a sustainability goal for the basin covered by the plan.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 460   (Bauer-Kahan)   State Water Resources Control Board: water rights and usage: interim relief: procedures.   This bill would authorize CA State Water Board to issue, on its own motion or upon the petition of an interested party, an interim relief order in appropriate circumstances to implement or enforce these and related provisions of law. The bill would provide that a person or entity that violates any interim relief order issued by the board would be liable to the board for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed the sum of $10,000 for each day in which a violation occurs and $5,000 for each acre-foot of water diverted in violation of the interim relief order.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 6/7/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 491   (Wallis)   Local government: fines and penalties.   Provides effectual tools for addressing illicit land use activities, including unlicensed cannabis operations by (1) streamlined judicial reviewed for minor administrative penalties (under $25,000) imposed for unpermitted cannabis activities; (2) efficient collection of final penalty order (i.e. after administrative/judicial review is complete), in the same manner presently used for pesticide enforcement fines; (3) clarifies that priority of real property liens used to collect administrative penalties for these violations, by providing that such liens have the same priority as a judgement lien.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 9/25/2023-Measure version as amended on September 13 corrected.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 817   (Pacheco)   Open meetings: teleconferencing: subsidiary body.   AB 817 would provide a narrow exemption under the Ralph M.Brown Act for non-decision-making legislative bodies currently governed by Act, such as advisory bodies and commissions, to participate in two-way virtual teleconferencing without posting physical location of members. In addition, AB 817 would remove barriers to entry for appointed and elected office by allowing non-decision-making legislative bodies to participate virtually as long as they do not have the ability to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/25/2024-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 54. Noes 8.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1168   (Bennett)   Emergency medical services (EMS): prehospital EMS.   Would overturn an extensive statutory and case law record that has repeatedly affirmed county responsibility for the administration of emergency medical services and with that, the flexibility to design systems to equitably serve residents throughout their jurisdiction.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/12/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1272   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.   This bill would have required State Water Board to establish a program, in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife, to adopt principles and guidelines for diversion and use of water in coastal watersheds, as specified, during times of water shortage for drought preparedness and climate resiliency. The bill would have required that the principles and guidelines provide for the development of watershed-level plans to support public trust uses, public health and safety, and the human right to water in times of water shortage, among other things.   Location: Senate Desk   Status: 9/14/2023-Withdrawn from Engrossing and Enrolling. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Held at Desk.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1337   (Wicks)   State Water Resources Control Board: water diversion curtailment.   This bill would have expanded the instances when the diversion or use of water is considered a trespass, and would have directed State Water Board to adopt regulations for various water conservation purposes, including, but not limited to, to prevent the waste, unreasonable use, unreasonable method of use, or unreasonable method of diversion of water, and to implement these regulations through orders curtailing the diversion or use of water under any claim of right.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 6/7/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1563   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.   This bill would have required a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency to obtain a written verification from the groundwater sustainability agency that manages the basin or area of the basin where the well is proposed to be located determining that, among other things, the extraction by the proposed well is consistent with any sustainable groundwater management program.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was GOV. & F. on 6/22/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1616   (Lackey)   California Cannabis Tax Fund: Board of State and Community Corrections grants.   AB 1616 would require the Board of State and Community Corrections to prioritize local governments whose programs seek to address the unlawful cultivation and sale of cannabis when disbursing grants from California Cannabis Tax Fund. The bill would also authorize the board to make grants to local governments that ban both indoor and outdoor commercial cannabis cultivation or ban retail sale of cannabis or cannabis products.   Location: Senate Public Safety   Status: 6/26/2023-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB S. (Ayes 9. Noes 2.) (June 26). Re-referred to Com. on PUB S.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1785   (Pacheco)   California Public Records Act.   Would prohibit local agencies from posting an assessor’s parcel number associated with an elected or appointed official on the internet without their written permission.   Location: Assembly Judiciary   Status: 3/6/2024-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1951   (Fong, Vince)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: roadside wildfire prevention projects.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/14/2024-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2104   (Soria)   Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.     Location: Assembly Higher Education   Status: 2/20/2024-Referred to Com. on HIGHER ED.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2266   (Petrie-Norris)   California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project: vehicle eligibility.   Requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to authorize a voucher for a public or private fleet issued under the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project program to be used for the acquisition of a zero-emission vehicle with a gross vehicle weight greater than 8,500 pounds.   Location: Assembly Transportation   Status: 2/26/2024-Referred to Coms. on TRANS. and NAT. RES.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Leigh (1)

AB 2276   (Wood)   Forestry: timber harvesting plans: exemptions.   AB 2276 extends the sunset date to January 1, 2031 for three important exemptions from timber harvest plan requirements necessary for small land owners to perform fuels treatment and vegetation maintenance on their properties for the purpose of wildfire mitigation.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/6/2024-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2302   (Addis)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 2/26/2024-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2346   (Lee)   Organic waste reduction regulations: procurement of recovered organic waste products.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/26/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2514   (Aguiar-Curry)   Solid waste: organic waste.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/4/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2528   (Arambula)   Williamson Act contracts: cancellation fees.   The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, otherwise known as the Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to enter into contracts with owners of agricultural land to preserve the land to agricultural use, as specified. Current law authorizes the cancellation of a contract under certain circumstances. Current law requires the city or county to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of contract if the city and county approves a cancellation of a contract. Current law authorizes the city or county to charge a cancellation fee in an amount equal to 12.5% of the cancellation valuation of the property. This bill would instead require that the cancellation fees be transmitted by the county treasurer to the Controller within 45 days of the execution of a certification of cancellation of contract.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 3/11/2024-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2746   (Villapudua)   Employee Housing Act: agricultural housing.     Location: Assembly Housing and Community Development   Status: 3/4/2024-Referred to Com. on H. & C.D.    Staff:  John (1)

AB 2787   (Patterson, Joe)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/11/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2902   (Wood)   Organic waste: reduction regulations: exemptions.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 3/4/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 3011   (Bains)   Electricity: rates: unreasonable hardship.     Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 3/11/2024-Referred to Com. on U. & E.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

SB 23   (Caballero)   Water supply and flood risk reduction projects: expedited permitting.   This bill would have authorized a state agency, defined to mean any agency, board, or commission, including the state board or the regional boards, with the power to issue a permit that would authorize a water supply project or authorize a flood risk reduction project, to take specified actions in order to complete permit review and approval in an expeditious manner. The bill would have made findings and declarations related to the need to expedite water supply projects and flood risk reduction projects to better address climate change impacts while protecting the environment.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 399   (Wahab)   Employer communications: intimidation.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. on 7/11/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 418   (Padilla)   California Prison Redevelopment Commission.   Would establish the California Prison Redevelopment Commission and articulate its responsibilities including its composition, with a focus on developing recommendations for repurposing closed state prison facilities.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/16/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Mary-Ann (1)

SB 584   (Limón)   Laborforce housing: Short-Term Rental Tax Law.     Location: Assembly Housing and Community Development   Status: 6/29/2023-June 28 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 624   (Alvarado-Gil)   Horse racing: state-designated fairs: allocation of revenues: gross receipts for sales and use tax.     Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation Suspense File   Status: 7/10/2023-July 10 set for first hearing. Placed on REV. & TAX. suspense file. July 10 hearing. Held in committee and under submission.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Mary-Ann (1)

SB 675   (Limón)   Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/12/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 820   (Alvarado-Gil)   Cannabis: enforcement: seizure of property.   Adapts the same seizure of property provisions currently applicable to unlicensed manufacturing of alcoholic beverages (i.e., moonshining), to cover unlicensed commercial cannabis activities. In addition, SB 820 would invest enforcement proceeds in the Cannabis Control Fund to support equity business.   Location: Assembly Desk   Status: 1/29/2024-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 945   (Alvarado-Gil)   The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act.   SB 945, the Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act, would require the State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, and the State Air Resources Board to create, operate, and maintain a statewide integrated wildfire smoke and health data platform that, among other things, would integrate wildfire smoke and health data from multiple databases.   Location: Senate Health   Status: 3/11/2024-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 952   (Dahle)   Personal income taxes: Fire Safe Home Tax Credits Act.   SB 952 would offer tax credits to lower income property owners for home retrofits and vegetation management activities in order to mitigate the risks from high severity wildfire events.   Location: Senate Revenue and Taxation   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 960   (Wiener)   Transportation: planning: transit priority projects: multimodal.   Would require all transportation projects funded or overseen by the Department of Transportation to provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities unless an exemption is documented and approved, as specified.   Location: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/28/2024-Set for hearing April 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 961   (Wiener)   Vehicles: safety equipment.   The Department of the California Highway Patrol regulates the safe operation of specified vehicles, including motortrucks of 3 or more axles that are more than 10,000 pounds, truck tractors, trailers, semitrailers, and buses. Current federal law regulates required safety equipment on vehicles, including rear impact guards on certain large trucks to prevent rear underrides in collisions with passenger vehicles. This bill would require certain trucks and trailers to also be equipped with side guards, as specified.   Location: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/28/2024-Set for hearing April 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 973   (Grove)   Williamson Act: cancellation: solar energy projects.   The Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to contract with a landowner to limit the use of agricultural land located in an agricultural preserve designated by the city or county to preserve the land, subject to conditions of the contract, that may include an agreement to a specified valuation of the land for purposes of property taxation. The act authorizes a landowner to petition the city council or board of supervisors, as applicable, for cancellation of the contract under specified circumstances and imposes a cancellation fee equal to 12.5% of the fair market value of the land without the restriction of the contract. This bill would authorize a board or council to grant a petition for cancellation where the land subject to the contract is located in a basin under the jurisdiction of an adjudicated watermaster or the groundwater sustainability agency. The bill would require the landowner to commit to limiting the amount of water rights to a specific solar energy project, as defined, that uses less water than the agricultural use. The bill would also require the board or council to make specified findings, including that the solar energy project use is being permitted that will use less water than the agricultural use.   Location: Senate Local Government   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and E.Q.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1004   (Wilk)   Income taxes: exclusions: wildfires.   SB 1004, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, would provide an exclusion from gross income for any qualified taxpayer, as defined, for amounts received for costs and losses associated with wildfires.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 3/14/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1045   (Blakespear)   Composting facilities: zoning: air and water permits.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/12/2024-Set for hearing April 24.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1046   (Laird)   Organic waste reduction: program environmental impact report: composting facilities.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/5/2024-Set for hearing March 20.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1064   (Laird)   Cannabis.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on RLS.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/8/2024-Set for hearing April 3.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1116   (Portantino)   Unemployment insurance: trade disputes: eligibility for benefits.     Location: Senate L., P.E. & R.   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1143   (Allen)   Household hazardous waste: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/8/2024-Set for hearing April 3.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1159   (Dodd)   California Environmental Quality Act: roadside wildfire risk reduction projects.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/8/2024-Set for hearing April 3.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1175   (Ochoa Bogh)   Organic waste: reduction goals: local jurisdictions: waivers.   Would require the State Air Resources Board to consider alternatives to census tracts, as provided, when deciding the boundaries of a low-population or elevation waiver and would require low-population waivers to be valid for a period of 10 years.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/8/2024-Set for hearing April 3.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1269   (Padilla)   Safety net hospitals.     Location: Senate Health   Status: 3/12/2024-March 20 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1280   (Laird)   Waste management: propane cylinders: reusable or refillable.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 3/8/2024-Set for hearing April 3.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)