The Barbed Wire - September 11, 2020

Republican Coronavirus Relief Package Proposal

On Tuesday, Republicans in the U.S. Senate unveiled a targeted coronavirus (COVID-19) relief package, a plan that is much smaller than what lawmakers on both sides of the aisle spent weeks arguing over. The bill, released by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) and commonly referred to as the “Skinny” bill, does not include any direct funding for state and local governments nor funding for another round of stimulus checks for Americans. However, it does contain a $300 per week federal unemployment benefit through the end of the year, another round of Paycheck Protection Program funding, liability protections, $105 billion for schools, and an additional $16 billion for coronavirus testing. Legislative language would also make a Treasury Department loan to the United States Postal Service, authorized under the CARES Act in March, forgivable.

On Thursday, the bill failed to receive the 60 votes needed on the Senate Floor to end debate and allow for a vote on the bill as-is. All but one Republican Senator voted to end debate (paramount to what the vote would be on the bill) and all Democrats voted “no”. It is unclear on the next steps are in Congress to provide another relief package. House Democrats passed a $3.4 trillion plan in May, but that package has languished in the Senate as Republicans and the Trump Administration have expressed that its price tag is too large and is an over-reach on other policy matters that extend beyond COVID-19.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2459 (Bigelow) – Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: Mariposa County & Napa County

On Wednesday, Governor Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2459, authored by Assembly Member Bigelow (R-Madera), into law. RCRC was a co-sponsor of AB 2459, which authorizes the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) to issue up to ten (10) additional new original on-sale alcoholic beverage licenses in Mariposa County to bona fide public eating places that have a seating capacity for fifty (50) or more persons. Under the bill, the Mariposa County Board of Supervisors will have the ability to determine the timing of new licenses that can be made available.

In addition, AB 2459 also allows for a similar structure to increase the number of alcoholic beverage licenses in Napa County.

The number of retail alcoholic beverage licenses for either on- or off-premises consumption is limited based on population ratios of a city/county’s residents. The ratios that the ABC currently utilizes does not consider non-resident visitors to a given county. In many of RCRC member counties, tourism is the economic engine of the local economy and can draw millions of visitors annually. Yosemite National Park, much of which is in Mariposa County, is no different and neither is Napa County’s famed wine industry.As such, the limited number of alcoholic beverage licenses in Mariposa County and Napa County does not reflect the growing need of lodging with full food and beverage services. RCRC believes AB 2459 will benefit both of its member counties as the number of visitors continue to grow.

Read RCRC’s request for the Governor Newsom’s signature here.

An Insider’s Look at What Became of the 2020 Legislative Session After “Normal” Went Out the Window

The latest episode of the Hometown California podcast is now available! (Download Now)

The California Legislature is on recess as the tumultuous 2020 Legislative Session has come to a close. Tempers flared and the clock ran out as lawmakers worked late into the night on Monday, August 31st to pass legislation before the midnight hour. After such an unusual legislative spring and summer, listen in as RCRC’s Paul A. Smith speaks with Barbara Glaser of the California Hospital Association and Jean Hurst of HBE for an insider’s look at what became of the 2020 Legislative Session after the coronavirus pandemic through “normal” out the window.

In case you missed it last week, you can check out the second part of the conversation with Jeremy White of Politico when Paul and Jeremy take a non-partisan look at the rest of the ballot measures slated for the November 2020 ballot. Find that episode and more here.

Wildfires Highlight the Importance of One of California’s Most Under-Appreciated Assets: County Fairs

Our system of “county-fairs” is one of California’s most under-appreciated assets, brought to the forefront during the current fires raging through parts of the state. In an opinion piece published this week, Mariposa County Supervisor and former RCRC Chair, Kevin Cann, explains that fairground facilities are emergency operations centers; temporary housing for people who have been evacuated and/or lost their homes; secure housing for horses, livestock and other animals during emergencies; and, most importantly, a staging facility for firefighting crews and equipment. Cann sheds light on the State’s long-standing lack of investment in fairground facilities, advising that “the State is seeking to shut down or otherwise disinvest in them, even while utilizing these spaces to protect the health and welfare of firefighting crews doing battle in the current, disastrous fire season.”

Read the full opinion piece here.

Government Funding Legislation – Avoiding A Shutdown

On Sunday, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said he and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) have agreed to avert any government shutdown at the end of the fiscal year on September 30^th by passing a “clean” continuing resolution separately from COVID-19 relief negotiations. Secretary Mnuchin said he expected the funding would last through early December, although the date has not yet been agreed upon. A spending bill into December would allow lawmakers to return to the Capitol for a “lame-duck” session following the election and complete spending legislation for the 2021 Fiscal Year that starts October 1.

Request for Surface Transportation Extension

On Wednesday, the National Association of Counties, along with a coalition of 87 other trade associations, unions and organizations, wrote a letter to congressional leadership calling for a one-year surface transportation extension. The current surface transportation authorization expires September 30, just three weeks away. In addition to a straight extension, the signatories asked for $37 billion in emergency funding for state departments of transportation as well as asked lawmakers to, “ensure solvency of the Highway Trust Fund for the duration of the extension at a minimum.”

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Rail Safety Precautions That Save Lives, Raising Community Awareness

September 21-27, 2020 is Rail Safety Week. Led by Operation Lifesaver, this annual event educates and spreads awareness about the importance of taking precautions around trains.

Even though safety is the number one commitment between industry, roads managers and municipal first responders, rail tragedies still occur. Last year, in California, there were 189 deaths related to pedestrian trespassing and grade-crossings. Increasing community awareness, and safety education continue to be the best strategies for preventing rail tragedies. In a recent blog post, Operation Lifesaver sheds light on the issue and provides tips to keep drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists safe when encountering rail crossings.

For materials or information about how your community can participate in Rail Safety Week, see here.

 

Application Deadline Extended for Community Development Block Grant Program

Due to recent wildfires, the California Department of Housing and Community Development has amended the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus Response Round 1 (CDBG-CV1) , extending the application deadline from August 31, 2020 to September 21, 2020.

Funding for this NOFA is made available pursuant to the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act. Funding is available on an allocation basis for eligible non-entitlement jurisdictions, and will serve the same jurisdictions as the state administered CDBG program.

The CDBG-CV1 funding provides support for communities impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic with various types of assistance, including:

• Businesses and microenterprises/Economic development
• Public services
• Acquisition of real property to be used for treatment or recovery of infectious diseases
• Medical and homeless facility improvements

Applications are being accepted through HCD’s online Grants Network, eCivis. Find more information on the CDBG Website and send questions to CDBG@hcd.ca.gov.

 

HCD Announces Help for Those Affected by Northern California Wildfires in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties

On August 22, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that the White House approved California's request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bolster the state's emergency response to wildfires burning in Northern California and support impacted residents in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, and Yolo Counties.

This declaration helps people in those counties through support and services that includes:

• Crisis counseling
• Housing and unemployment assistance
• Legal services

If you sustained losses from the Northern California fires in Lake, Monterey, Napa, San Mateo, Santa Cruz, Solano, Sonoma, or Yolo Counties, you can now apply for assistance.

To begin the process:

1. Apply online with the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) OR
2. Call 800-621-FEMA (3362) or 800-462-7585 (TTY).

HCD encourages the use of online applications whenever possible. For additional information and important details, see the entire HCD announcement here.

 

CARB to Host Regulatory Training for Public Agencies

The California Air Resources Board will be hosting a  compliance overview of the Truck and Bus Rule, Off-Road Regulation, and Portable Equipment on October 8, 2020. Course topics include the following:

Truck and Bus Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Engine Model Year Schedule
• Exemptions & Extensions
• How to Report for Regulation Flexibilities
• Broker and Dispatcher Requirements
• DMV Registration

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP):

• Regulation Applicability
• Program Updates

In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Requirements Currently in Effect
• Future Compliance Deadlines

Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) & Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):

• PERP Eligibility
• Program Requirements
• ATCM Program & Updates
• Enforcement & Inspections

DATE:            October 8, 2020
TIME:             1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:     Register

 

Bureau of Reclamation Seeks Public Input on Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement About Proposal to Raise Shasta Dam

The Bureau of Reclamation is seeking public input on the Shasta Lake Water Resources Investigation Draft Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) related to the proposal to raise the 600-foot-tall Shasta Dam by 3% (or an additional 18.5 feet). This proposed project would increase water storage capacity in the Shasta Lake reservoir by 634,000 acre-feet or more than 200 billion gallons—enough water to support two million people a year. The resulting dedicated environmental storage is anticipated to improve water quality in the Sacramento River below the dam by lowering water temperatures for anadromous fish survival, such as Chinook salmon and other fish that migrate from the ocean to rivers to spawn.

The supplemental EIS provides information relevant to Reclamation’s application of Clean Water Act Section 404(r), updates modeling to be reflective of the 2019 Biological Opinions, and provides an updated analysis on effects to the McCloud River. View the Draft Supplemental EIS here. Submit comments to David Brick, Bureau of Reclamation, CGB-152, 2800 Cottage Way, Sacramento, CA 95825, via telephone at 916-202-7158 (TTY 1-800-877-8339) or via email at dbrick@usbr.gov. Comments are due by close of business on September 21, 2020.

 

State Water Board Now Accepting SAFER Advisory Group Applications

The State Water Board is now accepting applications for the Safe and Affordable Funding for Equity and Resilience (SAFER) Advisory Group, which provides the State Water Board with advice on the Safe and Affordable Drinking Water Fund Expenditure Plan and other SAFER-related policies. Applications will be accepted through September 30, 2020.

There are 10 seats open for the 2020 application period. Applicants will be selected and notified by Winter 2020. County resource staff and other interested parties are encouraged to apply. The electronic application form is available on the SAFER Advisory Group website here.

The SAFER Advisory Group website will be updated with tools and resources regularly, so keep checking the website for more information.

 

HCD Announces the Release of the Homekey Notice of Funding Availability

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has announced the release of the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for $600 million in Homekey funds. The grant funding is available to cities, counties , or other local public entities within California to purchase and rehabilitate housing, as well as hotels, motels, vacant apartment buildings, and other buildings and convert them into interim or permanent, long-term housing. Prior to submitting an application, all applicants are required to engage in a pre-application consultation. All applications are due by September 29, 2020. Visit the Homekey webpage to learn more.

 

Career Opportunities

• Colusa County Seeks Assistant Director of Public Works/Road Commissioner

The county of Colusa is accepting applications for the position of Assistant Director of Public Work/Road Commissioner. The position is open until filled. Details are available here.

 

Amendment to the Federal 2019-20 Community Development Block Grant

The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) has released an amendment to the federal 2019-20 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). The NOFA applies to state CDBG non-entitlement cities and counties applying for funding under Community Development activities, Special Allocations for Economic Development, Colonia, and Native American Communities.

This amendment only affects the Economic Development (ED) set-aside and:

• Removes the competitive process, allowing all applications, both program and project, to be reviewed and approved on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Extends the ED program application deadline to September 15, 2020.
• Makes other changes to program activity limits and requirements for proof of capacity, while providing more local flexibility in ED program design and implementation.

You can access the 2019-2020 CDBG NOFA amendment and links to the online application here.

 

RCRC Annual Meeting in Napa County Cancelled

The RCRC Annual Meeting 2020 has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. As a result, the RCRC September Board of Directors Meeting will take place on September 16, 2020 via Zoom.

The Annaul Meeting was scheduled to occur in Napa County this September. Planning is underway to hold a future Annual Meeting in Napa – most likely in 2022 – in order to enjoy the beauty of the County as well as contribute to its economic recovery. More information on the return to Napa will be forthcoming after consideration and action by the RCRC Board of Directors.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

Resource pages, deadline extensions, and available programs to assist communities impacted by COVID-19.
 

DWR Provides Tips for Holding Online Meetings to Address Groundwater Sustainability Plans

As Groundwater Sustainability Plans are being developed to meet the January 2022 deadline, several counties (and water agencies) have asked for advice for engaging stakeholders and interested parties through online resources. In response to community interest, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Sustainable Groundwater Management Office has put together examples, tips, and tactics to consider. The DWR tips are available here.

 

Coronavirus Relief Available from the Small Business Administration

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering several coronavirus relief options to help alleviate the financial hardships resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The programs have received an overwhelming number of applications from businesses, so be sure to check the SBA website for the latest updates on the status of these programs.

• The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) closed on August 8, 2020.
• The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
• SBA Express Bridge Loans can be used to bridge the gap for businesses while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan; small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
• SBA Debt Relief provides a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in programs for other disasters, the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance portal is available here.

 

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

 

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event. We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources. CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

LEGISLATION AND REGULATORY UPDATE

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

 

 

Assembly Bill 434 (Daly): Housing Financing Programs: Uniform Procedures.Assembly Bill 434 authorizes the Department of Housing and Community Development, in administering the Multifamily Housing Program, to establish set asides for specific project types or projects that serve specific target populations. Authorizes Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program funds to be used for additional purposes, including loans for the construction or rehabilitation of rental housing for lower income agricultural employees. Status: AB 434 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 570 (Aguiar-Curry): Broadband Services: State Advanced Services Fund. Assembly Bill 570 would have authorized local educational agencies to report to the Department of Education their pupils' estimated needs for computing devices and internet connectivity adequate for at home learning. Authorizes the Board of Supervisors of a county to acquire, construct, improve, maintain, and operate broadband internet access services. AB 570 would have required the Office of Planning and Research to provide long range planning and research, as the comprehensive state planning agency. Status:AB 570 failed passage in the Senate. RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 995 (Garcia): Hazardous Waste. Assembly Bill 995 creates a new governance structure for the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) and increases a wide variety of fees to partially offset DTSC’s fiscal imbalance. Specifically, AB 995 establishes a new board to oversee and establish goals for DTSC’s operation and consider appeals from permit decisions. AB 995 requires the state to establish a task force to make recommendations on changes to the existing fees and taxes that fund DTSC’s operations and the cleanup of contaminated sites. Status: AB 995 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Concerns

Assembly Bill 1080 (Gonzalez)/Senate Bill 54 (Allen): Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction. Assembly Bill 1080/SB 54 would have required the state to reduce the waste associated with single use packaging and products 75 percent by 2030, requires the state to set standards for what is considered recyclable and compostable, and promotes the development of in-state manufacturing that uses recycled materials. Status: AB 1080 and SB 54 failed passage when the Legislative clock ran out of time for their consideration. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1958 (Cooper): State Plan of Flood Control: Facilities. Assembly Bill 1958 would have protected critical flood protection infrastructure by bolstering the maintenance of levees throughout California. Status: AB 1958 failed passage in the Senate Natural Resources & Water Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2167 (Daly): Homeowners Insurance IMAP. Assembly Bill 2167 would have established the Insurance Market Action Plan program under which residential property insurance policies in a county may qualify for IMAP protection, if the requirements of the program are met. AB 2167 would have required a rate required as part of an IMAP filing to be subject to the prior approval of the Commissioner and in accordance with Proposition 103. Status: AB 2167 failed passage in the Senate. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2168 (McCarty, Chiu, Reyes): Planning and Zoning: Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Permit Application Approval. Assembly Bill 2168 would have required an application to install an electric vehicle (EV) charging station to be deemed complete within 5 business days if the municipality has not determined the application to be incomplete. Deems an EV charging application approved within 15 business days if the local building official has not made findings that the proposed installation could have adverse impacts. This is an urgency measure and would take effect immediately. Status: AB 2168 failed passage in the Assembly Local Government Committee.” RCRC Status: Oppose

Assembly Bill 2296 (Quirk): Local Primacy Agencies. Assembly Bill 2296 authorizes the State Water Resources Control Board to delegate partial responsibility for the Safe Drinking Water Act's administration and enforcement by means of a local primacy delegation agreement. Authorizes the state board, for counties that have not been delegated primary responsibility as of January 2021, to offer an opportunity for the county to apply for partial or primary responsibility if the state board determines that it needs assistance. Status: AB 2296 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2323 (Friedman): California Environmental Quality Act: Exemption. Assembly Bill 2323 would have made several changes to improve the utility of various CEQA exemptions while maintaining adequate environmental protections. Among other things, AB 2323 allows CEQA exemptions to be used on infill, low-income, and agricultural housing projects proposed within the boundaries of a state conservancy. Status: AB 2323 failed passage in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2421 (Quirk): Emergency Standby Generators. Assembly Bill 2421 requires local agencies to make the installation of an emergency standby generator within the physical footprint of a macro cell tower site that meets specified requirements a permitted use subject only to local agency administrative review. Status: AB 2421 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2459 (Bigelow): Alcoholic Beverage Licenses: County of Mariposa Assembly Bill 2459 would authorize the Alcoholic Beverage Control to issue up to 10 additional new original on sale alcoholic beverage licenses to bona fide public eating places in Mariposa County that have a seating capacity for 50 or more persons. Status: AB 2459 has been signed into law by the Governor. RCRC Status: Support/Co-Sponsor

Assembly Bill 2642 (Salas): Multi-benefit Land Conversion Incentive Program. Assembly Bill 2642 would have required the Department of Conservation to establish and administer a program named the Multi-benefit Land Conversion Incentive Program for purposes of providing grants to groundwater sustainability agencies, or other specified entities designated by groundwater sustainability agencies, for the development or implementation of local programs supporting or facilitating multi-benefit land conversion at the basin scale. Status: AB 2642 failed passage in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3012 (Wood): Residential Property Insurance. Assembly Bill 3012 requires, for a total loss of a furnished residence related to a declared state of emergency, a residential property insurer to provide a payment for contents of no less than a certain percent of the policy limit without requiring an itemized claim. Requires a notice of nonrenewal for a policy to be accompanied by certain information, including information about the Home Insurance Finder and FAIR plan policies. Status: AB 3012 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3030 (Kalra): Resource Conservation: Land and Ocean Conservation. Assembly Bill 3030 would have declared it to be the goals of the state to protect thirty percent of land areas and waters, to help advance the protection thirty percent of the nation's oceans, and to support regional, national, and international efforts to protect at least thirty percent of the world's land areas and waters and thirty percent of the world's ocean. AB 3030 would have declared it a further goal of the state to improve access to nature for all people in the state. Status: AB 3030 failed passage in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Oppose

Assembly Bill 3074 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildfire Risk: Defensible Space. Assembly Bill 3074 relates to defensible space. Requires more intense fuel reductions between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and to create an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of the structure, as provided. Status: AB 3074 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3164 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildland Urban Interface. Assembly Bill 3164 requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to develop a wildland urban interface wildfire risk model to determine the risk for a community or parcel within a local responsibility area or state responsibility the department to establish, and consult with, an advisory workgroup, with specified members, to develop the model. Requires the department to update the model and guidelines when fire hazard severity zones are revised. Status: AB 3164 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3256 (Garcia): Bond Act. Assembly Bill 3256 would have enacted the Economic Recovery, Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in a specified amount to finance projects for an economic recovery, wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection program. Status: AB 3256 failed passage in the Assembly Rules Committee. To note, the deadline for submission to the Secretary of State for the November 2020 ballot was June 25, 2020. RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 45 (Allen): Wildfire, Drought, and Flood Protection Bond Act 2020. Senate Bill 45 would have enacted the Wildfire, Drought, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2020, which, if approved by voters, authorizes the issuance of bonds to finance projects to restore fire damaged areas, reduce wildfire risk, create healthy forests and watersheds, reduce climate impacts on urban areas and vulnerable populations, protect water supply and water quality, protect rivers, lakes and streams, reduce flood risk, protect fish and wildlife from climate impacts, and protect coastal lands and resources. Status: SB 45 failed passage in the Assembly. To note, the deadline for submission to the Secretary of State for the November 2020 ballot was June 25, 2020. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 68 (Galgiani): Hazardous Waste: Treated Wood Waste. SB 68 repeals the sunset date for the existing regulatory framework for disposal of treated wood waste. Without this change, there will be very limited disposal options for treated wood wastes, thereby significantly increasing management and disposal costs associated with those wastes. Status: SB 68 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Position: Support

Senate Bill 182 (Jackson): Local Government: Planning and Zoning: Wildfires. SB 182 creates a structure of increased fire risk strategies to be used by local governments to plan and permit for housing development in a VHFRA, defined as state, local and locally designated Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zones (VHFHSZ). This bill adds reducing development pressure in VHFRA as an objective of the Regional Housing Need Allocation (RHNA) plan through considering allocating a lower portion of housing to a jurisdiction, if appropriate, due to the risk to life and safety to catastrophic wildfire. Status: SB 182 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 292 (Rubio): Wildfire Risk Reporting. SB 292 would have created the algorithm to identify counties eligible under the Insurance Market Action Plan (IMAP) program as well as form a commission to convene stakeholders to develop regionally specific community hardening standards that have the propensity for reducing loss due to wildfires. Status: SB 292 failed passage in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 872 (Dodd): Residential Property Insurance: State of Emergency. Senate Bill 872 relates to actions taken during a state of emergency. Requires an insurer of residential property to provide extensions to collect the full replacement cost of an insured acting in good faith and with reasonable diligence encounters delays in approval for, or reconstruction of, the property that are beyond the insured's control. Requires coverage for loss of use relating to a state of emergency to be for a specified period, plus an extension, as specified. Status: SB 872 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 974 (Hurtado): California Environmental Quality Act: Water Systems. Senate Bill 974 exempts from CEQA certain projects that benefit a small community water system that primarily serves one or more disadvantaged communities or that benefit a non-transient noncommunity water system that serves a school that serves one or more disadvantaged communities, by improving the small community water system's or non-transient noncommunity water system's water quality, water supply, or water supply reliability, or by encouraging water conservation. Status: SB 974 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 989 (Dahle): Sierra Nevada Conservancy: Sierra Nevada Region. Senate Bill 989 would have modified areas listed under the definitions of the Sierra Nevada Region and its subregions as specified for purposes of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy. Status: SB 989 failed passage in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1130 (Gonzalez): Telecommunications: California Advanced Services Fund. Senate Bill 1130 would have made changes to the California Advanced Services Fund that would require broad band projects to provide high quality, future proof infrastructure to be eligible for state funding. Status: SB 1130 failed passage in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1159 (Hill): Workers Compensation: Coronavirus. Senate Bill 1159 would provide enhanced workers’ compensation presumption benefits for coronavirus infections. Status: SB 1159 awaits the consideration of the Governor. RCRC Status: Oppose