The Legislature wraps up the end of the first year of the two-year Regular Legislative Session without agreement on new transportation revenues/reforms.  Governor Jerry Brown intervened last week by unveiling a framework to reach a deal on new transportation revenues; however, it became increasingly clear this week that no deal was in sight, and the Governor’s transportation package was ultimately not considered in the final days of the Regular Session. 

Senate President Pro Tem Kevin DeLeon and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins announced the formation of a Conference Committee on Transportation as supported and called for by the Fix Our Roads Coalition (of which RCRC is a member).  While details are still forthcoming, the Transportation Conference Committee will be comprised of representatives of both parties and from both houses of the Legislature, although the exact composition is unclear at this time.  The Transportation Conference Committee could meet anytime during the legislative recess, and/or the commencement of the 2016 Regular Session in January, in an attempt to reach an agreement over new transportation revenues and reforms to the system to ensure monies are better spent. 

There have been a number of legislative proposals introduced over the past several months, which have included a variety of tax and fee increases, reforms to the California Department of Transportation, and constitutional protections for various transportation revenues, among others.  We anticipate similar proposals will be considered during the Transportation Conference Committee.  RCRC will continue to be engaged in this process and will provide updates as additional information become available.