The Barbed Wire - January 26, 2024

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

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person as well as virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding AT&T’s pending Application to discontinue copper landline phone service. 

AT&T is a “Carrier of Last Resort” (COLR) and, thereby, required to provide “Plain Old Telephone Service,” also known as POTS or landline phone service, upon request to all residential and business customers. POTS has a uniform set of minimum service standards and regulations that does not extend to new technologies that provide similar service, such as wireline Voice Over IP (VoIP). While it is not unusual for one company to replace another as a COLR, AT&T is requesting permission to abandon its COLR obligation without finding a replacement.  

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 VoIP and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including no obligation to provide reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts.  

Public comments may also be submitted here.  

RCRC opposes AT&T’s Application and is a formal party to this proceeding. For more information, see the CPUC website here, or contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Tracy Rhine or RCRC Policy Advocate Leigh Kammerich.

Public Hearing Schedule 

Board of Forestry Proposes Changes for Utility Vegetation Management Activities:  Will Impair Landowner Ability to Maintain Defensible Space

On January 23, 2024, the Board of Forestry’s Management Committee released proposed amendments to the Forest Practice Rules (Proposed Amendments) concerning utility vegetation management performed by electrical utilities and public agencies. 

Over the last few years, PG&E has disputed the applicability of California’s Forest Practice Rules to utility vegetation management activities. It has largely claimed that it does not need to submit notices of exemption for vegetation management work because the trees are not removed for “commercial purposes.”  PG&E proposed modifications to the Forest Practice Rules in 2021 and formally requested in October 2023 that the Board of Forestry open a rulemaking to address these issues. 

The Proposed Amendments create a new “de minimis maintenance and repair” exemption, which is intended to streamline vegetation management operations within rights of way, but which could have a significant and costly impact on landowners attempting to maintain defensible space requirements. 

Under the newly proposed “de minimis exemption,” the cutting and removal of trees within a public or private utility’s legally recorded easement are exempt from landowner notification requirements and fuels management obligations that would otherwise apply under the Forest Practice Rules. This means that utilities that do vegetation management work within a legally recorded right of way would not have to either notify the landowner or remove felled wood even within the landowner’s defensible space perimeter.    

The Proposed Amendments would establish treatment requirements for felled wood outside of the right of way, also negatively impacting landowner ability to maintain defensible space.  In particular, proposed 14 CCR 1114(f)(3) requires fuels over 1” in diameter and brush within 150’ of a legally permitted habitable structure to be chipped, burned, or removed within 45 days.  Slash that is more than 150’ from a legally permitted habitable structure would have to be treated to achieve a maximum post-harvest depth of 18” above the ground within one year. The major problem with these requirements is that they impose clean-up standards around legally permitted habitable structures; however, the landowner is obligated by Public Resources Code Section 4291 to maintain defensible space around all structures, not just those that are both legally permitted and habitable.  This potentially exposes landowners to tens of thousands of dollars in extra costs to clean up after utility vegetation management activities – burdens that the last few years have shown many property owners are unable to bear. 

It should be noted that the de minimis maintenance and repair exemption cannot be claimed for cutting and removal of trees in the additional right-of-way width enhancements as described in the existing 14 CCR 1104.1(d) and (f)). 

The Proposed Amendments also seek to: 

• Clarify that the removal of trees for purposes with a reasonable nexus to a commercial activity (like providing utility service or transportation along transportation corridors) constitutes a “commercial purpose” and thereby triggers application of the Forest Practice Rules. 

• Prohibit public or private utilities from materially impairing the ability of the landowner to sell, barter, exchange, or trade felled trees. 

• Require landowner notification prior to public or private utilities cutting or removing trees located outside a legally recorded easement. 

• Require utilities to have “danger trees” identified by a Registered Processional Forester, their supervised designee, or a professionally certified arborist. 

The Management Committee’s publication of Proposed Amendments to the Forest Practice Rules is the first step in what is expected to be a long regulatory process.  RCRC will engage on this proposal to ensure that utilities are able to conduct necessary vegetation management while also protecting residents from the legitimization of many of the burdens rural landowners have faced over the last several years. 

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

RCRC and CSAC to Join California Energy Commission Panel on Renewable Energy Land Use Decisions

The California Energy Commission (CEC) will host an all-day workshop on February 1, 2024, to discuss environmental and land use implications of renewable energy development.

RCRC Senior Policy Advocate John Kennedy and CSAC Policy Advocate Ada Waelder will join a panel with renewable energy developers, environmental, and environmental justice organizations focused on land use opportunities and challenges related to reaching the state’s SB 100 renewable energy goals.

Under SB 100 (Chaptered in 2018), California is expected to meet all of its energy needs with renewable and zero-carbon resources by 2045.  To achieve those goals, the CEC estimates that California needs to triple the current build rate for solar and wind energy projects; and to increase the battery storage build rate 800% above 2020 levels.

CEC’s SB 100 Land Use Workshop is on February 1, 2024 (9:30am-4:00pm) and will be both in person at the Warren-Alquist State Energy Building (1516 Ninth Street, Sacramento, Rosenfeld Hearing Room) and online via Zoom: 

https://zoom.us/
Webinar ID: 891 3576 3377
Passcode: 954725

Kennedy and Waelder will also be joining another CEC workshop on February 23 focused on permitting and siting of battery energy storage systems.

RCRC, CSAC, and CalCitites jointly hosted a Renewable Energy Permitting Webinar in late 2023 to share best practices and explore challenges and opportunities related to renewable energy permitting.

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

Department of Pesticide Regulation Seeks Substantial Mill Tax Increase to Fund New Personnel and Expanded Operations

As part of the Governor’s Proposed Budget for the 2024-25 Fiscal Year, the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) submitted a Budget Change Proposal (BCP) seeking to increase the mil assessment on pesticides sold in the state to fund 117 positions. The BCP is intended to: 

• Address DPR’s structural budget deficit; 
• Protect human health and safety; 
• Support existing programs, including County Agriculture Commissioners; 
• Enhance DPR’s enforcement authority; 
• Enhance DPR’s efforts to promote sustainable pest management as an alternative to application of higher-risk pesticides; and 
• Accelerate registration of new pesticides. 

Fee Increases

The mil assessment, which generates roughly 80% of DPR’s funding, is a fee paid by retailers, manufacturers, and wholesalers when pesticides are first sold into the state.  The mil assessment also supports local County Agricultural Commissioners.  An independent study of DPR’s mill assessment found that DPR is “critically underfunded”, thereby jeopardizing its ability to operate its existing programs to protect people and the environment from pesticide risks.  The mil assessment has been statutorily fixed at 2.1 cents per dollar in sales.  DPR proposes to increase the mil assessment to 2.86 cents per dollar in sales over a three-year period, which is expected to generate about $25 million annually.  DPR also seeks statutory changes to allow it to further increase the fee up to 3.39 cents per dollar after a public review process.  

DPR’s BCP also notes that it will be proposing increases to its pesticide registration fees and licensing fees later in 2024.   

Personnel Increases

DPR requests 117 new positions, which is less than the 149-position gap identified in a 2023 workload study.  Those positions include: 

• Pesticide Registration – 12 positions 
• Pesticide Environmental Evaluation – 17 positions 
• Pesticide Human Health Evaluation – 2 positions 
• Research and Alliance Grants – 4 positions 
• Pest Management Alternatives Support – 7 positions 
• Administrative Support – 22 positions 
• State Pesticide Enforcement Actions – 6 positions 
• Licensing and Certification – 3 positions 
• Worker Health and Safety Programs – 3 positions 
• Product Compliance and Mill Auditing – 7 positions 
• Pesticide Use Evaluation and Technical Support – 5 positions 
• Environmental Evaluation and Technical Support – 6 positions 
• Statewide Oversight of Local Enforcement Programs – 6 positions 
• Technology Needs – 7 positions 

County Agriculture Commissioners

DPR is proposing to “increase engagement and collaboration with all stakeholders to identify concerns and opportunities with pest management” including “at the county level through DPR’s local partners, including training and development of [County Agriculture Commissioner] staff.”  DPR is seeking 20 positions to improve public participation, access, and transparency and 3 positions to support and oversee local County Agriculture Commission enforcement programs and train those local agencies.  DPR is also seeking to increase funding for local County Agriculture Commissioners for hosting educational events and community meetings.  Lastly, DPR is seeking to centralize contracting for pesticide takeback programs on behalf of County Agriculture Commissioners. 

Enforcement

Other trailer bill language (proposed by DPR, but not currently available) would modify the statute of limitations for violations of pesticide use laws and the timeframe during which appeals can be made to the Director of DPR. 

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

Despite Committee Intention to Act on Farm Bill by March, Timeline for Passage Remains Uncertain

The Farm Bill, extended by one year in November amidst political impediments, is set to expire on September 30, 2024. House Agriculture Committee Chairman, Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), in recent months, has stated repeatedly that he aims to move on the bill by March. Despite these optimistic plans, the 2024 timeline for passage remains uncertain. Hurdles such as negotiating government spending bills, securing floor time, and navigating challenges during an election year are complicating next steps on the bill. With the recently extended appropriations deadlines of March 1 and March 8 and the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization also set to expire in March, the schedule is tight. Bipartisan agreement is vital, yet debates over budget allocation, spending priorities, and potential cuts— particularly in areas like nutrition programs and climate-smart agriculture— are expected to present obstacles, and extensive debates are anticipated over disparities between the House and Senate versions of the measure. The Farm Bill plays a crucial role in rural America, encompassing over a trillion dollars for essential food, farm, conservation, and rural development programs.  

Congress Introduces Legislation to Address Affordable Housing Crisis and Fund New Units Across California

 On January 23rd, U.S. Representatives John Garamendi (D-CA) and Joyce Beatty (D-OH) reintroduced updated legislation to help address the affordable housing crisis. The HOME Investment Partnerships Reauthorization and Improvement Act aims to significantly increase federal funds for affordable housing nationwide. The legislation addresses chronic underfunding, enhancing HOME's ability to provide down payment and home repair assistance, support Community Land Trusts, and increase funding access for nonprofits. The measure authorizes $5 billion for The HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) in fiscal year 2024, with a five percent annual increase through 2028.  HOME is the largest federal affordable housing block grant, aiding state and local housing agencies since 1990. Since 1992, in California, HOME has invested $5.27 billion, built or preserved 121,727 homes, assisted 43,840 families, supported 277,318 jobs, and generated $19.2 billion in local income. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) also introduced companion legislation (S. 3644) in the Senate this week. 

SPECIAL FEATURE! Seven Government IT Truisms That Non-IT Leaders Need to Know

With technological advancements moving at a frenzied pace, it has become increasingly important for local government leaders to be technologically literate—not just in utilizing tools but in steering information technology (IT) to transform their organizations. In this special feature, the Director of Nevada County’s Information & General Services Agency, Steve Monaghan, provides seven IT truisms for local government leadership that are intended to drive engagement and conversations within your organization's leadership teams. Read the article here.

The views and opinions expressed in this feature article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of the Rural County Representatives of California or its affiliates.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Public Webinars on Draft Priority Climate Action Plan Under the US EPA Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program

The California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) and the California Air Resources Board (CARB) invite you to participate in a series of three virtual public webinars to present the draft version of the state’s Priority Climate Action Plan, developed for the U.S. EPA’s Climate Pollution Reduction Grant (CPRG) Program.
The webinars are divided by region:
 

Central Valley/San Joaquin
Date:          January 31, 2024
Time:          3-5 pm
Location:    Remote via Zoom
Register Here
 

Southern California
Date:         February 1, 2024
Time:         9:30-11:30 am
Location:   Remote via Zoom
Register Here
 

Northern California
Date:          February 1, 2024
Time:          3-5 pm
Location:    Remote via Zoom
Register Here

Applications Open for Federal Bridge Investment Program

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. 

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.

Employment Opportunities

Mendocino County

• County Counsel. Salary range: $200,000 Annually. This position is open until filled. For more information or to apply, see here.
• Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. Salary range: $125,112.00 - $152,068.80 annually. This position is open until filled - screening on February 12, 2024. For more information, or to apply, see here.
• Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. Salary range: $88,899.20 - $108,076.80 annually. This position is open until filled - screening on February 12, 2024. For more information, or to apply, see here.

Monterey County

• Monterey County is seeking applicants for the position of County Counsel. Salary range: $219,471 - $299,753. Excellent benefits package. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: February 25, 2024. 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.

Darius Anderson, of Kenwood, has been appointed to the California Fish and Game Commission. Anderson has been Founder and Owner of Platinum Advisors since 1998. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications from George Washington University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Anderson is registered without party preference.

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.

350,000 Californians are now on the FAIR Plan, the last resort for fire insurance. Now what? – Capital Public Radio

The FAIR Plan, a last resort insurance for those who cannot receive fire coverage, continues to be overwhelmed, causing delays and policy lapses. The Department of Insurance seeks solutions, but legislative efforts stalled. Despite improvements, concerns about solvency and rising premiums persist, impacting individuals and local institutions.

California ranks high worldwide for rapidly depleted groundwater – Cal Matters

California grapples with a serious groundwater crisis, with some areas like Cuyama Valley, San Joaquin Valley, and San Diego ranking among the world's fastest-declining aquifers. Despite the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act targeting over-pumping, wells are still drying up. This global issue is marked by conflicts over water, emphasizing the urgency for effective interventions. Successful measures are crucial to tackle groundwater decline, especially for global food systems heavily dependent on irrigation.

Why are so many EV charging stations broken in California? – Los Angeles Times

California faces growing concerns about its unreliable public EV charging system, hampering widespread adoption. Despite the state's substantial $1 billion investment in charger subsidies, there are no penalties for low reliability. Major charger providers, including ChargePoint, Electrify America, and Blink, experience downtime 20-30% of the time. The issue is compounded by scattered oversight and the absence of penalties. Inadequate data and unclear charger counts further worsen the situation. As California targets 250,000 chargers by 2025, stakeholders advocate for improved accountability, performance standards, and stronger enforcement to align with ambitious climate goals.

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: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/10/2023)    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: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/19/2023)    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 Dead   Status: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 3/22/2023)   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: 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 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 Dead   Status: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/19/2023)   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 Dead   Status: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/10/2023)   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 Dead   Status: 1/18/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(2). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/15/2023)    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 Third Reading   Status: 1/23/2024-From inactive file. Ordered to third reading.   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 Third Reading   Status: 1/22/2024-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (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 Rules   Status: 1/24/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 23.   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 Rules   Status: 1/24/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 23.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)