The Barbed Wire - January 19, 2024

RCRC Celebrates 2024 Officers and Honors Rural Leadership Award Recipients

RCRC gathered at its annual reception on Wednesday, January 17th, to celebrate the RCRC 2024 Officers and to honor the recipients of the 2023 Rural Leadership Awards.  

The Rural Leadership Awards are presented to two public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of, and distinctive leadership regarding rural county issues. RCRC honored Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (SD-4), for her role in tackling unlicensed cannabis operations, securing budgetary resources for rural counties, and advocating on key issues of importance for rural communities, such as property insurance, energy, and wildfire. The second recipient was Assembly Member Vince Fong (AD-32) for his leadership championing policies to mitigate and prevent wildfires and efforts to enhance the accountability, effectiveness, and efficiency of state spending. 

The 2024 RCRC Officers were installed during the Board of Directors meeting earlier that day, with the official Oath of Office administered by California State Senator John Laird (SD-17). RCRC Chair, Monterey County Supervisor Chris Lopez; First Vice Chair, Modoc County Supervisor Geri Byrne; Second Vice Chair, Mariposa County Supervisor Miles Menetrey; and Immediate Past President, Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter, were recognized at the reception for leading the organization in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties.  

Read the full press release here. 

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 491 (Wallis) - Local Government: Fines and Penalties

Assembly Bill 491, authored by Assembly Member Greg Wallis (R- Palm Springs) and sponsored by RCRC, enhances local enforcement mechanisms against unlicensed cannabis activities. 

Rural communities have been inundated with unlicensed and unregulated cannabis activity that is undermining the health and safety of residents as well as regulated cannabis businesses. While counties and cities are currently authorized to enforce local ordinances through several methods, including imposition of administrative penalties, the existing penalty statutes were primarily designed for ordinary zoning and building violations.  Experience has shown that these processes are not always well suited to addressing large-scale illegal commercial cannabis operations. This leaves local law enforcement agencies and code enforcement departments struggling to deal with the growth of illicit cannabis activities.  

To strengthen enforcement mechanisms for local jurisdictions, AB  491 provides additional tools for addressing illicit land use activities, including unlicensed cannabis operations. Specifically, AB 491 establishes: (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 judgment lien. 

Local jurisdictions are a critical partner to successfully regulate the commercial cannabis marketplace. AB 491 will bolster safe access to the cannabis market by providing additional enforcement mechanisms to efficiently shutdown unlawful operators that undermine the legal marketplace and undercut local economies. 

Counties wishing to support this legislation may use the draft support letter available for download here. 

AB 491 is currently in the Senate Rules Committee, awaiting policy committee referral. For more information, please contact Sarah Dukett, RCRC Policy Advocate.

Upcoming Webinar on SB 54 Single Use Packaging Law

SB 54 (Allen) of 2022 requires manufacturers of single use packaging and food service ware to take responsibility for the management and recycling of the products they introduce into the stream of commerce. The draft regulatory text can be found here.   

CalRecycle has not yet initiated the formal rulemaking process but is expected to do so in the near future.  That action will trigger a 45-day comment period during which RCRC and other stakeholders will be able to provide formal comments, express concerns, and suggest modifications to the proposed regulations.  

The California Resource Recovery Association (CRRA) will be holding a two-hour webinar on January 25, 2024 from 12-2pm.  Speakers include Timothy Burroughs (Alameda County Waste Management Authority), Tedd Ward (Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority), Doug Kobold (California Product Stewardship Council), and Kyra Seymour (Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority).  Register here. 

For more information, contact John Kennedy, RCRC Senior Policy Advocate. 

New Congressional Bipartisan Tax Deal Includes Protection for Wildfire Victims

On January 16, Congress Member La Malfa reported that the new tax framework package agreed to by the House Ways and Means Committee and the Senate Committee on Finance includes the Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Act (H.R. 4970). Co-authored by Congressmen Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale) and Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena), H.R. 4970 excludes from gross income, for income tax purposes, any amount received after 2019 and before 2026 by an individual taxpayer as a qualified wildfire relief payment. The payment is defined as compensation for expenses or losses incurred by a federally declared forest or range fire disaster. This includes a tax exemption for emotional distress, lost wages, legal fees, and additional living expenses. The new package is expected to pass quickly, now that there is an agreement between the House and the Senate. A summary of the full tax bill is available here. 

U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Evacuation Route Planning

On January 17, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla (D-California) and Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana) introduced the Emergency Vehicle and Community (EVAC) Planning Act, which would develop guidelines designed to improve emergency evacuation preparedness for state and local governments. In recent years, limited evacuation routes have become heavily congested during wildfire emergencies, preventing escape from the flames.  The EVAC Planning Act would direct the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and distribute guidance for states, territories, Tribes, and local governments to use when conducting transportation infrastructure planning. The Act is endorsed by the National Association of Counties (NACo). Read more about the bill here: one-pager | full text 

Congress Passes Short Term Stopgap Funding Extension

On January 18, the U.S. Senate and the House of Representatives approved a stopgap measure to extend government spending authority into March. Specifically, the measure affects the four appropriations bills set to lapse after January 19, by extending those to March 1, and the remaining eight bills set to expire February 2 are extended to March 8. With a $1.66 trillion topline agreement having been reached earlier this month, Appropriators are currently determining how the funds will be split between the twelve bills. At the time of this writing, the stopgap measure awaits President Biden’s signature. Read more about the congressional votes and ongoing discussions here. Read the Barbed Wire next week for information about specific impacts on California’s rural counties.

Last Chance! Annual RCRC Communications Survey for County Board Supervisors and Administrative Officers

RCRC aims to continuously provide our member counties with engaging and informative content. For that purpose, RCRC is currently evaluating our communications methods and asking all of our member county Board Supervisors and County Administrative Officers to provide input by taking a quick survey. The input gathered will assist RCRC in tailoring our communications content to best fit the interests and needs of our member counties, and may help inform updates to RCRC Strategic Plan. The brief survey (3-5 minutes) is available here. 

BULLETIN BOARD

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

New Student Debt Relief Benefit Available to County Employees

NACo’s Public Promise Insurance announces a new employee retention benefit that will help your public employees significantly reduce or even eliminate their student loan payments!

Did you know that 4 million Americans currently qualify for student debt relief or that 100% of full-time county employees qualify for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program? Even though they may qualify, it is extremely cumbersome for an employee to apply and receive the full value of their loan forgiveness.  Through NACo's partnership with student loan forgiveness tool, Savi, your employees now have access to an easy-to-use tool that can scan 150+ available student debt relief programs and identify the amount of relief they can expect to receive. Learn more about the Public Promise Insurance benefit here.

Mendocino County Seeks County Counsel

Mendocino County is seeking applicants for the position of County Counsel. Salary range: $200,000 Annually. This position is open until filled. For more information or to apply, see here.

Request for Proposal - Feasibility Study Analysis and Business Management Plan for a Business Incubator

The Siskiyou Economic Development Council (SEDC) is seeking proposals from qualified professionals to complete a feasibility study, analysis, and potential implementation plan for a business incubator to be located in Yreka, California. The final documents will be leveraged in future planning to assist and support the development and growth of small business entrepreneurs within Yreka and throughout the Siskiyou County region.

This project is being funded by a grant from the US Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) and the final report(s) will need to comply accordingly. The contract will not exceed a total amount of $65,000 and will be completed by no later than June 17, 2024. The use of Federal funds requires that this contract adheres to all 2CFR 200 regulations. The successful bidder must be registered and active with SAM.gov.

The deadline for proposal submission is January 31, 2024. View the RFP here. For more information about Siskiyou Economic Development Council, visit their website here.

Common Threads North 2024 Dinner and Awards to Honor Six Women in Agriculture from RCRC Member Counites - Tickets on Sale Now

Join Common Threads North on Wednesday, April 3rd as they celebrate and honor women in agriculture. The six 2024 Common Threads North Honorees are all members of RCRC counties: Colleen Cecil (Glenn County); Terry Dereniuk (Lake County); Carol Dobbas (Sierra County); Kelli Evans (Sutter County); Robin Flournoy (Placer County); and Sue Knox (Tehama County). 

Sponsorships for the 2024 Common Threads North Dinner & Awards are now being accepted. For additional information about the dinner and awards, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit the Common Threads North website here or contact the Butte Ag Foundation at (530) 533-1473.

Registration Now Open for Calforests 2024 FSI Conference, February 26-27

Register today for the California Forestry Association (Calforests) Forestry Strategies and Innovations (FSI) Conference 2024, where Calforests will bring together leaders from California’s public, private, nonprofit, tribal, economic, and environmental sectors to spark critical conversations about forest management, wildfire protection, and sustainability.

Attendees have the chance to: 

• Collectively evaluate and improve best practices
• Share important knowledge and innovations
• Engage with key stakeholders to find out how to work collaboratively

Date: February 26-27, 2024
Location: Sacramento

See here for more information and register today.

$1.5 Billion Available through the 2024 RAISE Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2024. The program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the state and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that may be harder to support through other U.S. DOT grant programs. For recent examples of funded projects, see the list of 2023 awarded projects here.

RAISE projects are reviewed and evaluated on statutory criteria of safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. Projects designated “RCN Program Extra” during the new FY 2023 Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program competition and submitted for consideration under the FY 2024 RAISE NOFO will have a greater opportunity to be advanced during the FY 2024 RAISE evaluation process, as described in the NOFO.  

Half of the funding will go to projects in rural areas, and half of the funding will go to projects in urban areas. At least $15 million in funding is guaranteed to go towards projects located in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities, and projects located in these areas will be eligible for up to 100 percent federal cost share, as directed by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

As in previous years, the Department is encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can address climate change, ensure racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity. The Department also intends to use the RAISE program to support lowering costs for household budgets, wealth creation and the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, the incorporation of strong labor standards, and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships. 

The NOFO is available here. The deadline for applications is 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2024, and selections will be announced no later than June 27, 2024.

HCD Launches New Codes and Standards Online Services Portal

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has launched a new, user-friendly online portal — Codes and Standards Online Services (C&S OS). C&S OS is designed for the public, HCD business partners, and Codes and Standards customers to access many HCD services online. 

C&S OS features include: 

• Track the status of your application or complaint
• Submit some mobilehome permit and registration and titling applications online – anytime, from anywhere
• No additional fees required
• Google Translate™ available in several languages

With C&S OS, you can now:

• Apply for duplicate title and registration cards 
• Update registered and legal owner addresses
• Apply for alteration permits and insignia inspections
• Request a technical service inspection
• And more!

More services are coming soon! Check the HCD website often for new services and application types. C&S OS can be accessed through the HCD website: www.hcd.ca.gov. 

For more information, see Information Bulletin 2023-01.

Questions? Please email CSOS@hcd.ca.gov. 

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.

Sarah Fogarty, of Lone Pine, has been appointed to the 18th District Agricultural Association, Eastern Sierra Tri-County Fair Board of Directors. Fogarty has been an Elementary School Teacher for the Lone Pine Unified School District since 2014. She was an Elementary School Teacher for the Carson City School District from 2005 to 2010. Fogarty earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Nevada, Reno and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Fogarty is a Republican.

Judith Freyman, of Rocklin, has been reappointed to the Occupational Safety and Health Appeals Board, where she has served since 2012. Freyman was Western Operations Director for Mercer ORC Western Occupational Safety and Health Group from 2001 to 2012. She was Assistant General Counsel at ConAgra Refrigerated Foods from 1980 to 2001. Freyman earned a Juris Doctor degree from Loyola Law School, Chicago and a Bachelor of Journalism degree from the University of Missouri. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $153,287. Freyman is registered without party preference.

Jana Ganion, of Arcata, has been appointed Senior Advisor for Offshore Wind. Ganion has been Director of Sustainability and Government Affairs at the Blue Lake Rancheria since 2004. Ganion is Co-Chair of the U.S. Department of Energy, Indian Country Energy and Infrastructure Working Group and Alternate Director of the Redwood Coast Energy Authority Board of Directors. She is a member of the PG&E Sustainability Advisory Council, SB 350 Disadvantaged Communities Advisory Group, U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management California Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force, and the California Integrated Climate Adaptation and Resiliency Program Technical Advisory Council. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Western Washington University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $180,000. Ganion is a Democrat. 

James “Jim” McQuillen, a Yurok enrolled tribal citizen from Del Norte County, has been reappointed to the State Board of Education, where he has served since 2020. McQuillen has served as Director of Education for the Yurok Tribe since 2004. He has previously served as an American Indian Education Administrator, Family Therapist, and Consultant to the Del Norte County Unified School District. McQuillen has also served as a School Administrator for the Del Norte County Unified School District, Lecturer at Humboldt State University, and Director of the Child and Family Services Program at United Indian Health Services. McQuillen is an active cultural practitioner hailing from a ceremonial lead family from the Lower Klamath River. He earned a Master of Arts degree in Counseling Psychology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Sacramento State University. He is a licensed Marriage Family Therapist and holds a Pupil Personnel Services credential. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. McQuillen is a Democrat.
 
Serge Mistivar, of Lemoore, has been appointed Chief of Primary Care Services for the California Department of State Hospitals, Coalinga, where he has served as Chief Physician and Surgeon since 2022. He was a Physician and Surgeon at the California Department of State Hospitals, Coalinga from 2020 to 2022. He was Medical Director of the Adult Medicine Division/Physician for the Healthcare Network of Southwest Florida from 2014 to 2020. He was Medical Director of Urgent Care at EAMC-Lanier Hospital - Urgent Care from 2012 to 2014 and a Physician for the Roman Medical Group from 2010 to 2011. He was a Physician for the Florida Community Health Center from 2007 to 2010. Mistivar is a member of the American Medical Association and the American Osteopathic Association. He earned a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from the New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting from Hunter College of the City University of New York. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $356,724. Mistivar is registered without party preference. 

Fallon Okwuosa, of Rocklin, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director for Public Affairs at the Department of General Services. Okwuosa has served as an Information Officer at the Department of General Services since 2021. She held several roles at NBCUniversal, Inc. for “Access Hollywood” and “Access Hollywood LIVE” from 2013 to 2019, including Segment Producer, Associate Segment Producer and Editorial Assistant. Okwuosa was a Researcher and Booker at CBS Television Distribution for “The Doctors” talk show in 2013. She was a Production Assistant at Reelz from 2012 to 2013. Okwuosa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communication and Journalism from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $108,480. Okwuosa is a Democrat. 

Judith Recchio, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director and Chief Counsel, Office of Legal Services at the California Department of Health Care Services, where she has been Interim Deputy Director and Chief Counsel since 2023, and a Senior Assistant Chief Counsel since 2018. She was a Deputy Attorney General and Supervising Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice from 2006 to 2018. She was Of Counsel at Harrang, Long, Gary & Rudnick from 2005 to 2006. She was Partner at Tomlinson Zisko LLP from 2003 to 2005 and at Skjerven Morrill LLP from 2001 to 2003. Recchio earned a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $217,896. Recchio is a Democrat. 

Haydee Rodriguez, of El Centro, has been reappointed to the State Board of Education, where she has served since 2020. Rodriguez has been a Teacher at Central Union High School District since 2005. She was a Teacher at Holtville High School from 2003 to 2005. Rodriguez was a Teacher at East Palo Alto Academy from 2001 to 2003. She is a member of the California Teachers Association, Journalism Education Association, and National Council for the Social Studies. Rodriguez earned a Master of Arts degree in Education from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Science from San Diego State University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Rodriguez is a Democrat.

IN THE NEWS

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.

No turning back: The largest dam removal in U.S. history begins – Capital Public Radio

The largest dam removal in U.S. history reached a pivotal stage as reservoirs on the Klamath River were lowered last week. The opening of a bypass tunnel gate at the base of the Iron Gate dam marked a historic moment, allowing pent-up sediment to surge through and symbolizing a positive shift for the Yurok Tribe and the river's future. The removal of three hydroelectric dams aims to restore habitat access for salmon, steelhead, and Pacific lamprey. While heralded as a significant achievement, challenges and uncertainties persist, especially for local communities near the dams, emphasizing the delicate balance between restoration and local concerns.

Dream for All: Lottery may spread out down payment help – CalMatters

California will allocate an additional $250 million for down payment assistance to first-time homebuyers, addressing concerns about the previous program benefiting those already in the home purchase process. The "shared appreciation" model continues, providing up to 20% of the purchase price or $150,000. Changes include a lottery system to distribute funds, replacing the first-come, first-serve model. The California Housing Finance Agency aims to reach a diverse group, with vouchers for 1,700 to 2,000 winners. The program targets those with steady income and a credit score above 660, promoting homeownership dreams for a wider audience.

Vince Fong can run to succeed Kevin McCarthy – CalMatters

Vince Fong, chosen successor to Kevin McCarthy, can run for Congress as the state law restricting simultaneous candidacy no longer applies, ruled a Sacramento County Superior Court judge. The decision revives the succession plan after McCarthy's unexpected exit. Fong, endorsed by McCarthy, faced rejection for running in multiple races. The ruling, minutes before the candidate list deadline, favors Fong, who sees it as a victory for district voters. However, Secretary of State Shirley Weber plans to appeal, expressing concern about consequences. McCarthy's retirement triggered a succession scramble and court battle.

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 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/10/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)    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 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/19/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 68   (Ward)   Land use: streamlined housing approvals: density, subdivision, and utility approvals.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/12/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 3/16/2023)   Position:   No Position   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 78   (Ward)   Grand juries.   AB 78 makes changes in Section 890 of the Penal Code, which would increase the per diem rate paid to civil and criminal grand juries from the current statutorily required $15 per day to an amount “equal to seventy percent of the county median daily income.” SB 78 lacks a mechanism to cover the additional cost this bill imposes on counties.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 3/22/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (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: 1/12/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was W.,P. & W. on 2/9/2023)   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: 1/12/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was W.,P. & W. on 3/2/2023)   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.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 9/25/2023-Measure version as amended on September 13 corrected.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 702   (Jackson)   Local government financing: juvenile justice.   This measure would redirect Juvenile Justice Crime Prevention Act (JJCPA) funds, revise the composition of local Juvenile Justice Coordinating Councils (JJCC), and recast various elements of required multiagency juvenile justice plans. AB 702 diverts meaningful and long-standing investments in local systems, particularly during the ongoing implementation of interrelated juvenile justice reforms, most notably realignment (SB 823, 2020 and SB 92, 2021) and the closure of the Division of Juvenile Justice on June 30, 2023.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/12/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was PUB. S. on 12/06/2023)   Position:   Oppose   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: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 1/18/2024-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 909   (Hoover)   Solid Waste Disposal and Codisposal Site Cleanup Program.   Makes illegally disposed hazardous wastes eligible for funding under the CalRecycle’s illegal dumping grant program.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/19/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 944   (Irwin)   Fire stations: alternative power generation.   Requires fire stations to have an alternative method to provide power generation for at least 96 hours during power outages.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/10/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 998   (Connolly)   Biomass energy facilities: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: report.   Requires the Energy Commission to issue a report on the utility-scale biomass combustion facilities still in operation as of January 1, 2024. The report must include an assessment of operational factors of each facility, a comparison of direct combustion compared to other biomass energy technologies, and a recommended strategy, if appropriate, to repower biomass combustion facilities to noncombustion conversion technologies. The report must include recommendations and strategies related to areas where combustion biomass facilities may be shut down or repowered, including strategies related to baseload power generation, processing waste, and job training.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 7/10/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1000   (Reyes)   Qualifying logistics use projects.   Prohibits local governments from approving warehouse development projects located within 1,000 feet of a large variety of sensitive receptors. Imposes new conditions on local approval of warehouse projects between 750-1000 feet of those sensitive receptors, in addition to mitigation measures required under CEQA.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 1/12/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(1). (Last location was L. GOV. on 01/10/2024)   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  John (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 1713   (Gipson)   Local agencies: federal funds: reports.   AB 1713 would require state agencies that receive federal funds subject to an expiration date to submit a written report to the Legislature no later than one year before the funding expiration date with a summary of how funds have been expended, and to provide a plan for the remaining funds to be expended. The bill would also require local agencies to include a similar report on an agenda of a public meeting of their legislative body. Local governments rely on federal funding to provide numerous local services on behalf of the state, much of which is associated with our role as the provider of federal entitlement programs, like Medi-Cal, CalWORKs, etc. Accordingly, local governments seek to maximize federal funding opportunities to provide these necessary services to the residents we serve. Unfortunately, AB 1713 would require local governments to be in a state of perpetual reporting or – in most instances – require duplicative reporting.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/28/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (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 2 year   Status: 5/19/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(5). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/15/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 367   (Seyarto)   Farm, ranch, and public lands cleanup and abatement: grant program.   Creates a grant program to facilitate the proper disposal of illegally dumped waste on state and federal lands.   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:  John (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 551   (Portantino)   Mental health boards.   Would divert 20% of the prevention and early intervention funds from the Mental Health Services Fund (MHSA), to provide direct services on school campuses.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(14). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support If Amended   Staff:  Sarah (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: Senate Second Reading   Status: 1/18/2024-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (January 18).   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)