This week, the Assembly Local Government Committee approved the RCRC-opposed Senate Bill 649, authored by Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego). SB 649 would eliminate local consideration of the aesthetic and environmental impacts of “small cell” structures and force counties to lease space to wireless companies at a rate set by the bill.
RCRC Delegate Supervisor Kim Dolbow Vann of Colusa County presented as one of the lead witnesses in opposition of SB 649. The Assembly Local Government Committee heard testimonies and debated the bill for over two and a half hours. Ultimately, SB 649 gained passage in the Assembly Local Government Committee with five “Aye” votes, one “No” vote, and two abstentions. The sole vote in opposition was casted by Assembly Member Sebastian Ridley-Thomas (D-Los Angeles), while Assembly Members Anna Caballero (D-Salinas) and Richard Bloom (D-Santa Monica) abstained from the vote.
SB 649 will be amended to address issues identified by the Assembly Local Government Committee staff before it is sent to the Assembly Communications & Conveyance Committee. It is expected to be heard in the Assembly Communications & Conveyance Committee on July 12th. RCRC and a coalition of local government partners continue to work hard to defeat this poorly-crafted bill, and RCRC has been in discussions with legislators and key staff to share the extensive and negative impacts this bill will have on local governments.
RCRC continues to urge Member Counties to join in opposition of this legislation. The text of the bill can be accessed here.
RCRC’s joint opposition letter can be accessed here. RCRC’s press release can be accessed here.