The Barbed Wire - May 6, 2022

Revised Fire Safe Regulations Proposal Approved for Public Comment Period

On Thursday, the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) voted to publish its revised Fire Safe Regulations proposal for a 15-day public comment period. The modified text, released as part of the board meeting materials, is significantly narrowed from the previous version discussed in January, largely limiting its focus to those specific items outlined in Senate Bill 901 (Chapter 626, Statutes of 2018), such as development requirements for fuel breaks, greenbelts, and ridgelines. BOF staff stated during the board discussion that the revised draft would be released in the next several days, at which time the 15-day comment period will begin. For more information, contact Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2201 (Bennett) – Permitting Requirements on Groundwater Sustainability Agencies

RCRC, together with CSAC, has expressed opposition to Assembly Bill 2201, authored by Assembly Member Steve Bennett (D – Santa Barbara). AB 2201 would impose new permitting requirements on groundwater sustainability agencies (GSAs) before the local approval of new or altered groundwater wells within the jurisdiction of that GSA. Among the bill’s requirements, the bill would require a GSA to provide a written finding to the local permitting authority that the new or altered well is consistent with its groundwater sustainability plan, and that the new or altered well would not interfere with the production of nearby wells and would not adversely impact or damage nearby infrastructure. The bill would also require a GSA to publicly post, for at least 30 days, well applications under its consideration, and allow for public comment during that posting period. The bill does create an exemption, however, for domestic use wells that extract less than two-acre feet of water annually, incorporating the exemption in the Governor’s current drought emergency order.  

RCRC and CSAC have conveyed several concerns to the author, including concern over the litigation risk of altering a currently ministerial process into a discretionary one, as well as the litigation risk from the denial of an application due to statutory factors outlined in this bill that are broad and inexact. Several other groups, including agricultural advocacy organizations, business and local agency associations, and groundwater agency associations have expressed many concerns as well—concerns also reflected in RCRC and CSAC’s joint letter of opposition. Read RCRC’s letter of opposition here. 

AB 2201 passed out of the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee on a tight 8-5-2 (effectively 8-7) vote, and is currently before the Assembly Appropriations Committee for further consideration. For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sidd Nag.

CPUC Requests Local Government Input

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) requests local government participation in its Broadband Survey. This survey is specifically designed for local governments and will help the CPUC assess each community's broadband assets, broadband needs, and interest in participating in state grant programs. In addition, the survey will help establish a point of contact for the CPUC to communicate directly with local governments that need assistance with meeting their broadband needs. The CPUC is asking for responses by May 30, 2022. While the survey will remain open, timely responses will ensure the CPUC is able to focus engagement and funding to meet the needs of your community. For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine.

Survey Link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/X8WWRHX

Governor’s Task Force Concludes Wildfire Preparedness Week with Meeting in RCRC Member County of Sonoma

After more than two years of virtual meetings, the Governor’s Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force convened for the first time in person on Thursday and Friday at a two-day event hosted by RCRC member Sonoma County. The meeting capped off Wildfire Preparedness Week in California, an annual week-long event to help raise awareness of the state’s forest health and wildfire mitigation needs. State, federal, local and non-profit leaders in forest health and wildfire prevention attended this two-day event. Among the attendees were RCRC Board Members Supervisor Stacy Corless (Mono County), Supervisor James Gore (Sonoma County), and Supervisor Diane Dillon (Napa County). Supervisor Corless also serves on the Task Force’s Executive Team as RCRC’s representative in her role as Immediate Past Chair.

California Natural Resources Secretary Wade Crowfoot, who co-chairs the Task Force, announced $98 million in new forest health grants through CAL FIRE. The funding is part of the $1.5 billion wildfire and forest resilience package approved by Governor Gavin Newsom in the 2021-22 State Budget Package.  The Task Force will next meet on July 21, 2022 in Sacramento. For more information, visit the Task Force website. For more information on the new forest health grants, see the press release here.

USDA Forest Service Budget Justification Hearing

On April 28th, during a hearing on the USDA Forest Service (USFS) budget in the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies, appropriators proposed billions of dollars in funding and 1,500 additional firefighters to better protect communities and property from what could be another year of intense U.S. wildfires. U.S. Forest Service Chief, Randy Moore, told the committee that the USFS is trying to move away from past practices that failed to provide enough resources to those areas at highest risk, “that is where our focus will be: on the landscapes where the risk to lives, homes, communities, and natural resources is greatest.”  

Chief Moore also testified in the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies on Wednesday. During his Senate testimony, Moore stated that his agency is struggling to compete with counties, states, and private employers that are also hiring firefighters, “there’s a lot of competition in the labor market for these skills.” He expressed confidence his agency will be prepared, however, noting it will continue its hiring push into July, can bring on contract workers, and can onboard emergency firefighters known as “administratively determined” employees. 

President Biden proposed $9 billion in total Forest Service funding in fiscal 2023, which is a $1.5 billion boost over fiscal 2022 levels. The 2023 budget request includes $2.7 billion for wildland fire management (a $751 million increase), and $2.2 billion for managing National Forest System lands (a $394 million increase).  

U.S. Senators Call for Additional Funding for Zero-Emission School Buses

Last week, U.S. Senators Dianne Feinstein and Alex Padilla sent a letter to the Senate and House Appropriations Subcommittees on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies to request at least $300 million in new funding for zero-emission school buses in the fiscal year 2023 appropriations bill. The letter also calls on the subcommittee to increase access to zero-emission buses and charging infrastructure for school districts in historically underserved and rural communities.  

Calls for Action Amid Rise in Crime in California Illegal Marijuana Grows

On Monday, May 2nd, U.S. Representative Mike Garcia (R-Palmdale) spoke to U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland during a Commerce, Justice, and Science Appropriations Subcommittee hearing on the U.S. Department of Justice’s (DOJ) Fiscal Year 2023 budget request. During the hearing, Garcia urged Attorney General Garland to support law enforcement by removing the federal stipulation that caps the overtime local law enforcement can charge to “the federal grant buckets of money”. Garcia cited the experience of the Los Angeles County Marijuana Eradication Team, which focuses on combating illegal marijuana growing operations. He stipulated that the overtime cap harms these eradication efforts by forcing experienced members of the Marijuana Eradication Team to cycle off the team once they reach the cap.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

DWR Launches 'Save Our Water' Campaign with Resources for Residents on Water Conservation Measures

Currently, more than 95% of the state is in “severe drought” and does not have enough water to meet the needs of California’s homes, businesses, farms and wildlife. Water supply shortages are anticipated to pose a huge challenge for the entire West, particularly in the upcoming summer months. In order to prepare, the California Department of Water Resources has launched a “Save Our Water” campaign with resources for residents on how to make small changes in their water usage to help conserve water and mitigate further severity of drought conditions. Resources, including an informational toolkit, are available to share with the public at www.saveourwater.com. Please distribute generously among county staff and agencies, and reach out to RCRC Policy Advocate, Sidd Nag or DWR for additional assistance and/or suggestions on getting the word out to county constituents.

 

Save the Date: Webinar on County Drought Planning Requirements for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems

In September 2021, Senate Bill 552 (SB 552) was signed by Governor Newsom and enacted into law. SB 552 includes new responsibilities and requirements at both the state and local level to help small water systems and rural communities reduce their risk of inadequate water supply amid a water shortage event. This is the first of three virtual workshops to inform and solicit input from stakeholders on the development of a guidebook to support the preparation of County Drought Plans which focus on state small water systems and domestic wells as required under SB 552. During this first workshop, DWR and State Water Board staff will review the SB 552 requirements for counties and the plan to develop a guidebook as technical assistance, and solicit input on needed tools and considerations that could help counties meet the requirements. The virtual workshop is open to County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties.

Date:          June 2, 2022
Time:          10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Location:    Zoom 

Register Here

 

Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.

In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.

 

Career Opportunity in Del Norte County

Del Norte County seeks a Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch. This position has branch level administrative responsibility of the department (Public Works Branch), including a variety of contract management and intra- and inter-agency coordination activities under general direction of the Community Development Department Director. Under an administrative team concept, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs work of personnel in the Public Works Branch which includes the Engineering and Surveying Division, Roads Division, County Service Area (sewer collection system), and Flood Control District. Additional information is available here, or view details and apply online.

 

Career Opportunity in Plumas County

The County of Plumas seeks a County Administrative Officer.  The CAO is a contracted, at-will position both appointed by and accountable to the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for enforcement of all County codes, ordinances and regulations, the conduct of all financial activities, and the efficient and economical performance of the County’s operations.  First review of qualified applicants scheduled for May 6, 2022.  For additional information and to view the job posting click here.

 

Career Opportunity – California Farm Bureau

The California Farm Bureau is seeking a Political Coordinator to provide support to the Department of Political Affairs by assisting with campaign reporting, fundraising, grassroots activities, political donations, and coordinating special events to further the California Farm Bureau’s political objectives and grow its political presence at the state and federal level. The job description is available here. Resumes may be submitted directly to the California Farm Bureau Federation’s Director of Political Affairs, Steven Fenaroli.

 

California Water Management Research Needs Virtual Workshop May 27th, Hosted By Water UCI

Join Water UCI for a one-half day workshop aimed at prioritizing the most urgent research needs for water resilience in California. The workshop will consist of a series of large and small discussions on issues of water equity, sustainability, research translation, as well as a review of the survey results. Water UCI looks forward to hearing from stakeholders about what research is most urgent and how it can best be applied.

Date: May 27, 2022
Time: 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM
RSVP Here

 

Sierra Nevada Conservancy Launches New Grant Programs to Conserve Lands and Boost Local Economies

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has launched its 2022 Strategic Land Conservation and Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant programs. The Vibrant Recreation and Tourism Directed Grant Program supports efforts to enhance and develop sustainable recreation and tourism opportunities, as well as increase access to public lands in the Sierra Nevada region. The Strategic Land Conservation Directed Grant Program conserves lands through the planning and implementation of fee-title and conservation-easement acquisitions that provide access for public use or to public lands, safeguard lands threatened by conversion, and protect lands that provide critical resilience to climate change. 

Applicants interested in applying for a grant are encouraged to discuss project ideas with an SNC Area Representative. Concept Proposals must be submitted by May 6, 2022. If invited, full proposals will be due July 22, 2022. Awards will be made starting in December 2022. 
 

USDOT Opens Application Window for Competitive Grants to Support Infrastructure Projects

On Wednesday, March 23^rd, United States Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced $2.9 billion in competitive grants is available for major infrastructure projects as part of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. While there are three major grant programs with funding up for grabs, including the Rural Surface Transportation Grant Program (RURAL), USDOT has combined the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)  into a single application to reduce the burdens on state, regional and local government applicants, as well as make it easier to apply for more than one program at a time. Up to $300 million is available this year for rural highway, bridge, and tunnel projects that help improve access to an agricultural, commercial, energy, or transportation facilities that support the rural economy. 

The application deadline is May 23, 2022 at 11:59pm EST. The NOFO can be found here. For more information, including frequently asked questions or how to apply, see here. 

 

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.

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.

 

Biden Administration Awards Nearly $77 Million to Expand Internet Access for Dozens of Tribes – Broadband USA

The Coyote Valley Band of Pomo Indians in Mendocino County were awarded $596,796 in grant funding through the federal Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program to increase internet capacity and service for Tribal households as well as Tribal government facilities and other anchor institutions. The project will strengthen internet services by purchasing and installing equipment that will enable the Tribe to provide internet service for the entire reservation. The project will also promote internet adoption activities, including distance learning, telework, and entrepreneurship.

 

Feds will release less water from Colorado River reservoir – Los Angeles Times

In an effort to boost the shrinking Lake Powell reservoir, the second-largest reservoir on the Colorado River, the federal government announced Tuesday that it will hold back a large quantity of water this year to reduce risks of the lake falling below a point at which Glen Canyon Dam would no longer generate electricity.

 

California approves bullet train link from Central Valley to Bay Area. Here’s what it means for housing, jobs – San Francisco Chronicle

The High Speed Rail Authority Board unanimously approved plans and environmental clearance for the segment between San Jose and Merced last week. Now, the agency estimates the line will open for service in 2031.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

 

AB 522   (Fong)   Forestry: Forest Fire Prevention Exemption   The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt specific forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, and duration, intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption. Assembly Bill 522 extends the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to January 1, 2026 to aid forest landowners with wildfire prevention activities.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 870   (Santiago)   Hazardous materials: liens.    Provides that when the Department of Toxic Substances Control determines that a contaminated site must be remediated, and issues a cost estimate to the property owner for the estimated cost of remediation, the amount in the cost estimate shall constitute a lien on the property that takes priority over all other liens, including liens for local property taxes and special assessments.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1001   (Garcia, Cristina)   Environment: mitigation measures for air quality impacts: environmental justice.   Modifies the California Environmental Quality Act by: 1) Requiring air and water quality impacts to a disadvantaged community to be mitigated in that community; 2) Requiring local agencies to give consideration to the principles of environmental justice by ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/4/2022-Re-referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1078   (Patterson)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.   Exempts residential buildings damaged or destroyed in a disaster during the 2020 calendar year from having to install solar energy systems under the California Energy Commission’s recently adopted building requirements.   Location: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act secondary egress route projects undertaken by a public agency for a subdivision in a high fire threat area that was evaluated by the Board of Forestry.   Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/4/2022-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 3/30/2022-Referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1434   (Friedman)   Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1454   (Bloom)   The California Beverage Container and Litter Reduction Act.   Assembly Bill 1454 makes several changes to the Beverage Container Recycling Program, including creation of a new $25,000 startup loan for the creation of new recycling centers in unserved or underserved areas and increased payments to redemption centers with an even greater increase in rural areas.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was E.Q. on 6/16/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1547   (Reyes)   Air pollution: warehouse facilities.   AB 1547 allows the Air Resources Board to regulate indirect sources of air pollution and requires local governments to undertake many other actions to identify and address the potential environmental impacts of warehouse development projects.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.   AB 1608 would remove county authority to combine the duties of the Sheriff with the duties of the Coroner. The bill appears to require counties with a combined Sheriff-Coroner function to either combine the Coroner with another authorized elected office, transition to a standalone elected Coroner, or replace the Coroner model with a Medical Examiner office.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 4/21/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1642   (Salas)   California Environmental Quality Act: water system well and domestic well projects: exemption.   Exempts from CEQA, vital projects to prevent or mitigate failure of a well that would leave residents without an adequate supply of drinking water. This exemption only applies to those wells in areas designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as being at high risk or medium risk in the state’s annual Drinking Water Needs Assessment.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/5/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 55. Noes 2.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1644   (Flora)   Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: California Jobs Plan Act of 2021.   The California Jobs Plan Act of 2021 requires the state board to work with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to update, by July 1, 2025, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund funding guidelines for administering agencies to ensure that all applicants to grant programs funded by the fund meet specified standards, including fair and responsible employer standards and inclusive procurement policies, as provided. Existing law exempts from these standards applicants for certain types of projects. This bill would exempt applicants for projects for healthy forest and fire prevention programs and projects, and the completion of prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects from these standards.   Location: Assembly Consent Calendar   Status: 5/5/2022-Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1696   (Lee)   Elections: nonpartisan candidates’ party preference.   Current constitutional and statutory law prohibits including the party preference of a candidate for nonpartisan office, defined as any judicial, school, county, or municipal office, including the Superintendent of Public Instruction, on the ballot for that office. This bill would require the ballot for the above offices, except for judicial offices, to contain the candidate’s party preference or, if applicable, lack of party preference.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was ELECTIONS on 3/10/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1717   (Aguiar-Curry)   Public works: definition.   Assembly Bill 1717 requires prevailing wage to be paid for public works projects funded by public dollars related to community wildfire prevention, vegetation management and fuels treatment.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/27/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1749   (Garcia, Cristina)   Community Air Protection Blueprint: community emissions reduction programs: toxic air contaminants and criteria air pollutants.   Prohibits approval or issuance of permits for projects that contribute to an increase in air pollutants or toxic air contaminants in a CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged community unless the agency finds that increased emissions caused by the project (combined with cumulative emissions from other sources) will not cause or contribute to additional negative public health impacts on individuals living and working in that community. Requires the state to identify measures to reduce criteria air pollutant and toxic air contaminant emissions in CalEnviroScreen disadvantaged communities.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/27/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1757   (Ward)   Groundwater sustainability agency.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/28/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1784   (Smith)   Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014: groundwater sustainability projects: grants and loans.      Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/4/2022-From printer. May be heard in committee March 6.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1814   (Grayson)   Transportation electrification: community choice aggregators.   Allows community choice aggregators to file applications with the state for approval of programs and investments to accelerate widespread transportation electrification.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was U. & E. on 2/18/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1832   (Rivas, Luz)   Waters subject to tidal influence: hard mineral extraction.   Prohibits the State Lands Commission and local trustees of granted public trust lands from granting leases or issuing permits for extraction or removal of hard minerals (not including rock, gravel, sand, silt, and coal) from tidelands and submerged lands.   Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/5/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 62. Noes 0.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/27/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/27/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/5/2022-Read third time. Urgency clause adopted. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 61. Noes 0.). In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead pipes.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/27/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 3.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1944   (Lee)   Local government: open and public meetings.   AB 1944 would authorize members of local legislative bodies to teleconference from a remote location without making the address of that location public. Additionally, the bill requires that – for those local agencies that elect to use teleconferencing for its legislative body meetings – a video stream is made available to members of the public, including an opportunity to provide public comment via telephone or videoconference option.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 5/5/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1952   (Gallagher)   Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.    Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act projects funded by the $500 million set aside for the Infill Infrastructure Grant Program of 2019.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 2/18/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1953   (Maienschein)   Drinking water: accessible water bottle refill stations.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/27/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1956   (Mathis)   Solid waste: woody biomass: collection and conversion.   Creates a new grant program administered by CalRecycle to fund woody biomass collection and disposal by rural counties with a population of 250,000 or less.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/4/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 5/3/2022-In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2201   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/28/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2208   (Kalra)   Fluorescent lamps: sale and distribution: prohibition.     Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 4/28/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2258   (Wood)   Local government: wildfire safety improvements.     Location: Assembly Banking and Finance   Status: 4/25/2022-Re-referred to Com. on B. & F.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/26/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2419   (Bryan)   Environmental justice: federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Justice40 Oversight Committee.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/27/2022-Coauthors revised. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 6. Noes 2.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2421   (Rubio, Blanca)   Water: unlicensed cannabis cultivation.   AB 2421 would amend the California State Water Code to provide authority to county counsels and city attorneys to civilly prosecute and enjoin water theft. It would also amend the California Fish and Game Code to authorize county counsels to civilly prosecute and enjoin water pollution. By removing existing limitations on prosecutorial authority, the bill provides more tools for local governments to use against the harmful community impacts of illicit cannabis cultivation as well as the degradation of our water and other natural resources.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/4/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2449   (Rubio, Blanca)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.   AB 2449 would authorize remote participation in local public meetings if at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a location clearly identified on the agenda that is also open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the local agencies. In order to do so, the local agency must appropriately post agendas, members of the legislative body attending the meeting by teleconference must participate in both audio and video formats, and members of the public must have call-in and internet-based access for attending and participating in the meetings.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 5/5/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/26/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 11. Noes 1.) (April 26). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/27/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 1.) (April 27). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Consent Calendar   Status: 5/5/2022-Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2647   (Levine)   Local government: open meetings.   This measure would clarify that writings distributed to the majority of a local legislative body less than 72 hours before a meeting can be posted online to satisfy the Brown Act if physical copies are made available for public inspection at the beginning of the next regular business day at a public office or designated location.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 5/5/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2677   (Gabriel)   Information Practices Act of 1977.   Would remove the exemption of local agencies from the Act, which deals with the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 4/25/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

ACA 1   (Aguiar-Curry)   Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.    ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 4/22/2021-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Tracy (1)

ACA 13   (Mathis)   Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 4/7/2022-Referred to Coms. on W.,P., & W. and NAT. RES.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AJR 5   (Rivas, Luz)   Wild free-roaming horses and burros: protection: roundup moratorium.   AJR 5 would urge the federal government to declare a moratorium on all further wild horse and burro round-ups and would urge the United States Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to introduce and support populations in areas of California where wild horses and burros were historically present.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 8/25/2021-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 12   (McGuire)   Local government: planning and zoning: wildfires.   Senate Bill 12 requires that the Office of Planning and Research, among other things, coordinate with appropriate entities, including state, regional, or local agencies, to establish a clearinghouse for climate adaptation information for use by state, regional, and local entities, as provided. This bill would require the safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element or the hazard mitigation plan, on or after July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first.   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 7/14/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was H. & C.D. on 6/24/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 37   (Cortese)   Contaminated Site Cleanup and Safety Act.   Senate Bill 37 eliminates the ability to use a “common sense exemption” under the California Environmental Quality Act for any projects undertaken at over 40,000 sites throughout the state that appear on the Cortese List of currently or formerly contaminated properties. Instead allows specified types of projects to use either a statutory or categorical CEQA exemption is certain circumstances are met   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

SB 38   (Wieckowski)   Beverage containers.   Replaces the existing Beverage Container Recycling Program (Bottle Bill) with a new recycling program administered by beverage container manufacturers and increases the CRV from $0.05 to $0.10 per container if the state fails to achieve specified recycling rates. Repeals the $10.5 million annually set aside for payments to cities and counties to address recycling and litter.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 2/14/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. (Amended 2/14/2022)   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act.   SB 54 requires manufactures of single-use, disposable packaging and food service ware to ensure that those products sold, distributed, or imported into the state are either recyclable or compostable.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support In Concept   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Insurance   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on INS. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on INS.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 359   (Caballero)   Climate change: Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program.   Senate Bill 359 requires the Department of Conservation to develop and implement the Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program to assist the County of Merced to develop and adopt a climate action plan through the use of a scenario-planning tool developed by the department and provide financial assistance to private landowners in implementing activities resulting from the use of the scenario-planning tool set forth in the adopted climate action plan.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 463   (Dahle)   Water: landowner or water right holder right to modify, repair, or replace jointly used conduits.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 3/18/2022-March 22 set for second hearing canceled at the request of author.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/25/2022-April 25 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/4/2022-April 4 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 915   (Min)   Firearms: state property.   SB 915, which would prohibit the sale of firearms on any state- or county-owned property, including fairgrounds from holding gun shows and, as a result, erode the revenue stream that would be derived from legal gun shows on these premises.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/4/2022-April 4 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/25/2022-April 25 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 931   (Leyva)   Deterring union membership: violations.   Authorizes PERB claim alleging employer deterred or discouraged union membership, up to $100,000 fine ($1,000 per employee impacted) and attorney’s fees for employee organization.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/2/2022-May 2 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 938   (Hertzberg)   The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.     Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 953   (Min)   Oil and gas leases: state waters: State Lands Commission.   Requires the State Lands Commission to terminate all remaining oil and gas leases under its jurisdiction in tidelands and submerged lands within state waters.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 4/29/2022-Set for hearing May 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/4/2022-April 4 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling: reports: electronic submittal: wine and distilled spirits.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 4/29/2022-Set for hearing May 9.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: state of emergency or emergency condition: retaliation.   SB 1044 would prohibit an employer from taking or threatening any adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leaving, a workplace because the employee feels unsafe due to a state of emergency or an emergency condition, and (2) permit employees to access their mobile device or other communications device.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/4/2022-April 4 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.   SB 1100 would clarify the rules around when individuals can be removed for willfully interrupting a meeting.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and JUD.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1127   (Atkins)   Workers’ compensation: liability presumptions.   SB 1127 proposes to shorten the time provided for employers to investigate claims from 90 to 30 days for any claim covered by a presumption statute, and 60 days for all other claims. The bill proposes new and unprecedented penalties all claims covered by presumption statutes up to $100,000.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 4/4/2022-April 4 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1186   (Wiener)   Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act.   SB 1186 undermines the intent of MAUCRSA by (1) eliminating a local jurisdiction's ability to prohibit medical cannabis retail activities, regardless of the needs or conditions in the jurisdiction, and (2) restricting the ability for the large number of jurisdictions that permit and regulate cannabis retailers to set appropriate local regulations which are developed in a public process.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 4/29/2022-Set for hearing May 9.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 4/29/2022-Set for hearing May 9.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1220   (Hurtado)   Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 4/13/2022-April 19 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1235   (Borgeas)   Air pollution: portable equipment: emergency events.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was E.Q. on 3/2/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 4/21/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1326   (Caballero)   Cannabis: interstate agreements.   SB 1326 would allow the cross jurisdictional import and export to other states, of cannabis and cannabis products by authorizing the Governor to enter into an agreement to provide lawful interstate commerce. SB 1326 requires the agreement to include public health, safety, and labeling standards, a system to regulate and track cannabis items, collection of applicable taxes, and that out of state cannabis items delivered to California be tested, packaged, and labeled in compliance with California state law.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/2/2022-May 2 hearing: Placed on APPR suspense file.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1338   (Umberg)   Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.   SB 1338 reflects Governor Newsom’s vison for creating a new civil court process to reach and treat individuals living with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and psychiatric disorders. These new Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts would work with public defenders, county behavioral health, and a new class of trained “supporters” to assist individuals with treatment, medication, and housing. CARE Courts require significant engagement and resources from counties.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 5/4/2022-May 9 hearing postponed by committee.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1426   (Caballero)   Cannabis: water pollution crimes.   Would make it a misdemeanor or felony to plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process more than 50 living cannabis plants, or any part thereof, and where that activity involves theft of groundwater, unauthorized tapping into a water conveyance or storage infrastructure, digging an unpermitted, illegal well, or the pollution of groundwater, as specified. This bill would also clarify that causing substantial environmental harm to public resources includes groundwater.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 5/2/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)