The Barbed Wire - March 8, 2024

Board of Forestry to Host a Workshop on Utility Vegetation Management and Permit Exemptions

On March 19th, the California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) and Board of Forestry (BOF) will hold an in-person workshop in Sacramento to discuss proposed amendments to the Forest Practice Rules regarding vegetation management performed by electrical utilities and public agencies.  The workshop seeks broad input from stakeholders and works towards a solution prior to a formal rulemaking process.  

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.  Generally, PG&E has disputed the applicability of California’s Forest Practice Rules to utility vegetation management activities.  A recent BOF Staff Report correctly challenged those arguments and provided an overview of the proposal and stakeholders concerns expressed at the first meeting on the issue in January 2024.   

The Proposed Amendments to the Forest Practice Rules seek to streamline utility vegetation management permitting requirements but create several significant issues that will impose severe burdens on landowner efforts to maintain defensible space and will create public safety hazards.   

Under the proposal, utilities would only be required to remove felled wood and debris within 150’ of an “approved legally permitted structure;” however, utilities would be relieved of that obligation within the utility’s right-of-way.  California defensible space requirements apply to all structures, regardless of whether a permit was required or obtained.  This mismatch between the Proposed Amendments and existing defensible space laws creates a significant burden for landowners to remove those fuels – burdens that many landowners are either physically or financially unable to perform.  Worse yet, relieving utilities from having to remove felled wood and slash within the right-of-way would allow them to dispose of flammable fuels within legally required defensible space perimeters, regardless of the safety or access risks created.  Similarly, the Proposed Amendments create a false impression that utilities may leave felled wood and slash within public rights-of-way, which would constitute a public nuisance per se. 

Many stakeholders and state agencies have raised concerns about the Proposed Amendments. RCRC’s concerns can be viewed here.  

RCRC appreciates that the Board is taking a step back to facilitate deeper discussions about the underlying issues. RCRC seeks to create greater certainty and clearer expectations for the execution of utility vegetation management activities, as those activities are integral to reducing wildfire risk and improving energy reliability in high-risk communities.   

Details on the workshop can be found here. For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate John Kennedy.

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1269 (Padilla) – Safety Net Hospitals

RCRC supports Senate Bill 1269, authored by Senator Steven Padilla (D-San Diego), which defines “safety net hospital”. This measure will help deliver health equity by allowing policymakers to support vulnerable health care patients and their providers.

Rural hospitals, and those that serve large Medi-Cal populations, are struggling to meet the growing needs of vulnerable communities and the expanding Medi-Cal population. They face the challenge of lower reimbursement rates and, in 2022, safety net hospitals lost $864 million from operations. Nearly two-thirds of safety net hospitals are operating at a loss.

These safety net providers are often the only available health care in the rural and under resourced communities. The communities also rely on these safety net providers as economic drivers. The state cannot afford to lose these providers, and creating a definition allows future policies to be developed to ensure their continued operation.

Defining ”safety net hospital” is critical for addressing the unique needs of those hospitals when developing far-reaching health care policies.

RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For additional information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Sarah Dukett.

CalRecycle Begins Formal Rulemaking Process for SB 54 Single Use Packaging Regulations

On March 8, CalRecycle began the formal rulemaking process for regulations to implement SB 54 (Allen) of 2022.  This measure 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.  

CalRecycle’s notice can be found here, the proposed regulatory text can be found here, and the Initial Statement of Reasons can be found here. 

CalRecycle’s filing of the regulations with the Office of Administrative Law triggers a 45-day public review and comment period.  RCRC and the Rural Counties’ Environmental Services Joint Powers Authority (ESJPA) will work with other stakeholders and local government organizations to review the regulations and provide formal comments and suggested modifications to CalRecycle.   

As RCRC previously noted:  “SB 54 marks a tremendous paradigm shift for solid waste management in California, where local governments have traditionally borne the full responsibility for achieving the state’s solid waste management and recycling directives…In particular, SB 54 requires single use packaging manufacturers to ensure that covered material is recyclable or compostable, create and fund end markets, and bear responsibility for costs incurred by local agencies and recycling service providers associated with the collection, storage, handling, and marketing of those products.  The measure is clear that the Legislature intends to ensure that local jurisdictions will be made financially whole for any new costs incurred associated with the measure.”   

Under SB 54, all local jurisdictions must include those covered materials CalRecycle determines to be recyclable or compostable in their collection and recycling/composting programs, unless they receive an exemption or extension from CalRecycle.  Pursuant to SB 54, CalRecycle was required to determine what categories of covered materials are recyclable and compostable – that list is found here.  Importantly, those 19 counties with fewer than 70,000 residents (and cities within those counties) may exempt themselves from this requirement.   Locals are not precluded from collecting additional materials not included on that list.   

SB 54 was specifically drafted to avoid many of the pitfalls associated with SB 1383 (organic waste recycling) and ensure that local governments will be reimbursed by the producer responsibility organization for any associated implementation costs.  That reimbursement process and mechanism have not yet been established and will likely occur through direct discussions with the Circular Action Alliance (the producer responsibly organization selected by CalRecycle to implement SB 54’s requirements) rather than through the formal rulemaking process. 

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

Congress Works to Pass Funding Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown

This week, Congress has been working to pass a $460 billion “minibus funding bill, which includes 6,628 earmarks, totaling $12.7 billion. The House of Representatives passed the funding bill on March 6th, with a vote of 339-85. Of note, Secure Rural Schools was not included in the House passed bill, but it has been reported that Senator Crapo is working to offer the reauthorization of SRS as an amendment, with Senator Wyden as a co-sponsor.  At the time of this writing, the Senate is voting on the measure in hopes to pass it by midnight to avoid a partial government shutdown.

Worthy of note, the name of the late Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-California), who passed away in September, is attached to 112 earmarks totaling $235 million in the bill. Among these earmarks are 69 projects totaling $102.2 million, that were jointly offered with Senator Alex Padilla (D-California). In total, California stands to receive over $700 million in earmarked funding. 

Among other things, the funding package: 

• "Fully funds WIC—protecting essential benefits for nearly 7 million women and kids nationwide and ensuring no one will be put on a waitlist or denied assistance.

• Invests in hiring new air traffic controllers and rail safety inspectors to keep people safe and reduce delays for passengers. 

• Protects vital rental assistance to help millions of households keep a roof over their head and protects key programs to help build more housing. 

• Sustains critical infrastructure programs to keep rebuilding America’s roads, bridges, and so much more. 

• Rejects drastic cuts to core environmental and conservation programs—and extreme riders that would block progress to tackle the climate crisis. 

• Fully funds veterans’ medical care and benefits—and delivers historic investments to increase mental health services for veterans, help end veteran homelessness, and support women veterans’ health care. 

• Strengthens our investments in cutting-edge scientific research. 

• Protects resources our farmers and ranchers count on." 

There is a push to pass another six-bill package, which would contain more earmarks, by March 22. This deadline is nearly six months past the start of the fiscal year on September 30. 

Congressional Minibus Spending Deal to Avert Firefighter Pay Cut

The minibus spending bill, which Congress has been working to approve this week, guarantees federal firefighters a continued pay increase until the end of September, in accordance with the 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, the bill allocates funds to maintain the temporary salary adjustment for wildland firefighters through fiscal year 2024. 

The initial minibus spending bill allocates $4 billion for federal firefighting, representing a 20% reduction. However, over $2 billion is reserved for potential future needs, in addition to carryover funds accessible by the agencies. Despite concerns about a potential "pay cliff," lawmakers have expressed intentions to pursue permanent pay raises for federal firefighters. The bipartisan Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act (H.R. 5169), sponsored by Representative Joe Neguse (D-Colorado), and the companion legislation sponsored by Senator Kyrsten Sinema (I-Arizona), S. 2272, are examples of the ongoing advocacy for a permanent solution to the firefighter pay disparity. 

BULLETIN BOARD

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

United Policyholders’ 2024 California Home Insurance Survey

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

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

CARB To Host Q&A Session for Local Governments on Advanced Clean Fleets Rule

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a public online question and answers (Q&A) session on the Advanced Clean Fleets (ACF) requirements, including how to obtain individualized fleet assistance. The ACF regulations apply to local government agencies (among others) and affect medium- and heavy-duty on-road vehicles with a gross vehicle weight greater than 8,500 pounds, as well as off-road yard tractors. Interested participants are encouraged to submit their questions in advance here by March 8, 2024; registration is limited. For more information, please visit CARB’s ACF webpage.

WHAT: Q&A Session with State and Local Government Agency Fleets
WHEN: Tuesday, March 12, 2024, 9am – 11am
WHERE: Virtual via Zoom, register here
 

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

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

Remaining Public Hearings

Employment Opportunities

Colusa County

Colusa County is seeking an Assistant County Administrative Officer. Salary: $132,300.00 - $216,780.00. This recruitment is open until filled. The next application review is March 14, 2024. To learn more or to apply, see here.
Colusa County offers an excellent benefit package.

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. 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. For more information, or to apply, see here.

Applications for Federal Bridge Investment Program Due March 19, 2024

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

HCD Launches Plumas County 2021 ReCoverCA Disaster Recovery Program - Apply Today!

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has launched its 2021 ReCoverCA Housing Programs for residents of Plumas County!

Homeowners impacted by the 2021 Dixie Fire – including owner-occupants and landlords willing to rent their properties as affordable, single-family homes – may be eligible for the Single-Family Reconstruction (SFR) or Single-Family Mitigation Retrofits (SFM) Programs. 

The Single-Family Reconstruction (SFR) Program offers eligible homeowners and landlords who lost homes in the Dixie Fire up to $500,000 to help rebuild damaged or destroyed homes. The Single-Family Mitigation Retrofits (SFM) Program provides funds for defensible space and home hardening needs on homeowners’ properties. Eligible homeowners can apply for up to $50,000 for mitigation activities that bring a property into compliance with California Wildland Urban Interface Code.

Visit the ReCoverCA website for the 2021 applications, program details, eligibility, policies and procedures, fact sheets, and application instructions. 

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.

Ann Carroll, of Davis, has been appointed Chief Counsel at the California Department of Water Resources, where she has served as Deputy General Counsel since 2019 and was Acting General Counsel in 2021. Carroll held several roles at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control from 2012 to 2019, including Assistant Chief Counsel and Senior Staff Counsel. She was Staff Counsel at the State Water Resources Control Board from 2009 to 2012. Carroll held several roles at the California District Attorneys Association from 2006 to 2009, including Circuit Prosecutor and Research Attorney. She is a member of the North Davis Elementary Parent Teacher Association and the Davis Odd Fellows. Carroll earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications and a Bachelor of Science degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology from the University of Arizona. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Carroll is a Democrat. 

Oscar De Haro, of St. Helena, has been appointed to the 25th District Agricultural Association, Napa Town and Country Fair Board of Directors. De Haro was Assistant Superintendent and Vice President of Student Affairs at Napa Valley College from 2006 to 2022. He was Dean of Students at Mendocino Community College from 1998 to 2005. De Haro earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and Public Administration from California State University, San Jose and a Master of Arts degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from California State University, Sonoma. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. De Haro is a Democrat.  

SG Ellison, of Sonoma, has been appointed to the Fast Food Council. Ellison has been CEO and Franchisee of Diversified Restaurant Company since 2019, and was previously President from 2014 to 2019. He has been CEO of First Street Development since 2013. Ellison is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Arizona State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ellison is registered without party preference.

Michael Gallo, of Merced, has been reappointed to the California State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2012. Gallo has been Chief Executive Officer of Joseph Gallo Farms, maker of Joseph Farms Cheese, since 1985, and Co-Owner since 1972. He is a member of the Merced Subbasin Groundwater Sustainability Agency Board of Directors, Merced Elks, Italo American Lodge, Merced Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Merced College President’s Circle. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Gallo is a Republican.

Thomas Gibson, of West Sacramento, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director at the California Department of Water Resources, where he has served as Chief Counsel since 2021. He held multiple positions at the California Natural Resources Agency from 2014 to 2020, including Deputy Secretary, Special Counsel for Water, Undersecretary, and General Counsel. Gibson held multiple positions at the California Department of Fish and Wildlife from 2007 to 2014, including General Counsel and Assistant Chief Counsel. He held several roles at Best, Best, & Krieger LLP from 2002 to 2008, including Partner and Associate. Gibson was an Associate at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara PC from 1999 to 2002 and at Kronick, Moskovitz, Tiedemann & Girard PC from 1997 to 1999. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $209,712. Gibson is registered without party preference.

Raymond Johnson, of Mariposa, has been appointed to the 35-A District Agricultural Association, Mariposa County Fair Board of Directors. Johnson has been an Engineering Operator at Yosemite National Park since 2017. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Johnson is a Republican.

Michele Perrault, of Plumas Lake, has been appointed Chief Deputy Director of Policy at the California Department of Finance, where she has served as Deputy Director of Legislation since 2022. She was Executive Director of Communications at the Roseville City School District from 2021 to 2022. Perrault was Director of the Administrative Services Division at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing from 2015 to 2021. She was Advocacy and Communications Director at the California State University Chancellor’s Office from 2005 to 2016. Perrault earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Government from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $226,212. Perrault is a Democrat.  

Kimberly Vaughan, of Mariposa, has been appointed to the 35-A District Agricultural Association, Mariposa County Fair Board of Directors. Vaughan has been CEO of LGBT Weddings Inc. since 2015 and of Kimberly Vaughan Enterprises LLC since 2005. She earned a Business of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. She is a member of the Mariposa Butterfly Festival, NAACP and the Human Rights Council. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Vaughan is a Democrat. 
 

WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS

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

Broadband rollout hits a snag as it navigates an economic downturn – Agri-Pulse

California is racing forward in deploying broadband internet to unserved and underserved communities as it taps into an unprecedented level of state and federal investment. RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine, was quoted in the article, emphasizing the importance of maintaining funding for middle-mile infrastructure in rural and disadvantaged communities

Bankruptcy hits a California almond-growing conglomerate amid slump – Los Angeles Times

For much of the last decade, almonds have been such a lucrative crop that growers and investment firms have poured money into planting new orchards across vast stretches of California farmland.

Why rural schools say California leaders have forgotten them – Cal Matters

At some rural schools, construction projects are left undone, teaching jobs are unfilled and students who need specialized services don’t get them.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AB 1951   (Fong, Vince)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: roadside wildfire prevention projects.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/12/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

AB 2528   (Arambula)   Williamson Act contracts: cancellation fees.   The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, otherwise known as the Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to enter into contracts with owners of agricultural land to preserve the land to agricultural use, as specified. Current law authorizes the cancellation of a contract under certain circumstances. Current law requires the city or county to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of contract if the city and county approves a cancellation of a contract. Current law authorizes the city or county to charge a cancellation fee in an amount equal to 12.5% of the cancellation valuation of the property. This bill would instead require that the cancellation fees be transmitted by the county treasurer to the Controller within 45 days of the execution of a certification of cancellation of contract.   Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/14/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 15.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

AB 2787   (Patterson, Joe)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.     Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/16/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 17.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

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

AB 3011   (Bains)   Electricity: rates: unreasonable hardship.     Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/17/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 18.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SB 945   (Alvarado-Gil)   The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act.   SB 945, the Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act, would require the State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, and the State Air Resources Board to create, operate, and maintain a statewide integrated wildfire smoke and health data platform that, among other things, would integrate wildfire smoke and health data from multiple databases.   Location: Senate Health   Status: 3/1/2024-Set for hearing March 20.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

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

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

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

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

SB 1004   (Wilk)   Income taxes: exclusions: wildfires.   SB 1004, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, would provide an exclusion from gross income for any qualified taxpayer, as defined, for amounts received for costs and losses associated with wildfires.   Location: Senate Revenue and Taxation   Status: 3/7/2024-Set for hearing March 13.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1045   (Blakespear)   Composting facilities.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

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

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

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 1143   (Allen)   Household hazardous waste: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1159   (Dodd)   California Environmental Quality Act: roadside wildfire risk reduction projects.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and N.R. & W.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1175   (Ochoa Bogh)   Organic waste: reduction goals: local jurisdictions: waivers.   Would require the State Air Resources Board to consider alternatives to census tracts, as provided, when deciding the boundaries of a low-population or elevation waiver and would require low-population waivers to be valid for a period of 10 years.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1269   (Padilla)   Safety net hospitals.     Location: Senate Health   Status: 3/1/2024-Set for hearing March 20.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1280   (Laird)   Waste management: propane cylinders: reusable or refillable.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/29/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and JUD.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)