The Barbed Wire - September 4, 2020

RCRC’s Rural Rundown of the 2020-21 State Budget Package as Revised August 31st

In the late hours of Monday, August 31^st, the Legislature approved ten additional budget trailer bills that assist in the implementation of the 2020-21 State Budget Package. The latest actions by the Legislature address changes to the current fiscal year budget, property tax assessment appeals, education finance, juvenile justice, criminal justice administrative fees, and cannabis. Unfortunately, the revised State Budget Package does not include an expenditure plan for the Assembly Bill 32 Cap-and-Trade Auction proceeds. The State Budget Package also does not address the wildfire prevention allocation package proposal that was subject of much consideration in the final week of the 2020 Legislative Session.

In late June, the Legislature approved a large aspect of the 2020-21 State Budget Package. Those actions by the Legislature and the Governor enacted sixteen budget trailer bills that assist in implementing the 2020-21 State Budget Package, as well as revise the main Budget Bill which was passed on June 15^th.

The Governor has until September 30^th to act on the bills which comprise the revised State Budget Package. It is expected the Governor will sign these additional budget trailer bills with minimal-to-no-changes.

Read RCRC’s revised Rural Rundown here, which reflects a number of updates to the State Budget Package. The updates are highlighted in yellow.

2020 End of Session Wrap Up…Coming Soon

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 to pass legislation before the midnight hour. After such an unusual legislative spring and summer, the next few months are a welcomed break from the hustle and bustle. Be on the lookout for an end of session wrap up in an upcoming episode of the Hometown California podcast when RCRC sits down with Jean Hurst of HBE and Barbara Glaser of the California Hospital Association for an insider’s look at what became of the 2020 Legislative Session after the coronavirus pandemic through “normal” out the window.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 890 (Wood) – Nurse Practitioner Independent Practice

RCRC is requesting that Governor Newsom sign into law Assembly Bill 890, authored by Assembly Member Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg).  AB 890 allows Nurse Practitioners (NPs) that meet specified requirements to practice independently and without physician and surgeon supervision.

Specifically, AB 890 authorizes a certified NP to practice without physician supervision in limited practice settings, and beginning January 1, 2023, allows an NP that has completed a three-year transition to practice, to also provide health care services outside of the limited practice settings.

Due to California’s significant shortage of health service providers in underserved and rural areas, many children and adults face significant challenges accessing quality services. AB 890 will help bridge the access gap by allowing NPs to provide full healthcare services in areas where physician care is unfeasible.

RCRC’s request for signature letter can be accessed here. AB 890 was supported by RCRC throughout the legislative process and currently awaits consideration by Governor Newsom. Please contact Tracy Rhine, RCRC Legislative Advocate, at (916) 447-4806 or trhine@rcrcnet.org for more information.

RCRC’s California Ballot Measure Conversation Continues in Hometown California Episode 6

In the latest episode of the Hometown California podcast, our host, Paul A. Smith, continues the conversation with Jeremy B. White of Politico about the twelve ballot measures California voters will decide this November. Together, Paul and Jeremy provide a nonpartisan look at each ballot measure. They discuss the support and opposition arguments and financing behind the propositions, and provide insight about the impact of each measure on rural counties. (Download now)

This is the second of two episodes in a series about California's November 2020 ballot initiatives, recorded on August 20, 2020. This episode covers

• Proposition 19: The Home Protection For Seniors, Severely Disabled, Families, and Victims of Wildfire Disasters Act
• Proposition 20: Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act
• Proposition 21: Rental Affordability Act
• Proposition 22: Protect App-Based Drivers and Services Act
• Proposition 23: Protect the Lives of Dialysis Patients Act
• Proposition 24: The California Privacy Rights and Enforcement Act
• Proposition 25: Senate Bill 10 – Bail Reform Referendum

If you missed the discussion about the first five ballot measures, be sure to listen to Hometown California Episode 5.

And be on the lookout for this episode of Hometown California coming soon in Spanish.

Visit Politico on the web at politico.com
Follow Politico California on Twitter @politicoca
California Playbook: Subscribe Here
More from Politico about the California November 2020 Ballot Initiatives: Available Here

RCRC Vice Chair Stacy Corless Highlights the Need for Permanent PILT and SRS Funding

As Americans are under public health restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic, many are turning to the nation’s public lands for recreation. But the public-land counties that contain National Forests and National Parks are facing heightened financial burdens amid the coronavirus economic crisis. In an opinion piece published earlier this week, Mono County Supervisor and RCRC Vice Chair, Stacy Corless, highlighted the need for permanent funding of the Payments in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) and Secure Rural Schools (SRS) programs, established by Congress to provide funding for public-land counties. In California, more than 75% of U.S. Forest Service land lies within RCRC member counties.

Supervisor Corless serves as Chair of the National Association of Counties (NACo) Public Lands Management Subcommittee.

Surface Transportation Extension (the Highway Bill)

With the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act, commonly referred to as the Highway Bill, expiring in less than a month, lawmakers in both chambers of Congress are beginning to acknowledge the inevitability of a surface transportation extension, likely lasting one year. A yearlong extension would give the next Congress time to get organized, which will be especially key if either chamber or the White House changes party control. The extension could pass by unanimous consent as a standalone bill or be attached to a continuing resolution to keep the government funded, which has the same September 30^th deadline. Additionally, the extension and or continuing resolution could end up attached to a fifth coronavirus relief package, which is currently hindered in partisan gridlock. To read more about what the FAST Act provides for California’s rural counties, see here.

Coronavirus Relief Package Negotiations

On Tuesday, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) said she spoke to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin over the phone, but the pair failed to bridge a chasm between their proposals for more coronavirus relief. Speaker Pelosi said in a statement after the 36-minute conversation that, “Sadly, this phone call made clear that Democrats and the White House continue to have serious differences understanding the gravity of the situation that America’s working families are facing.” Speaker Pelosi indicated the sides stand far apart on the price tag for a fifth package designed to alleviate economic and health-care crises fueled by the pandemic. House Democrats first proposed more than $3 trillion in spending, but later said they would accept a $2.2 trillion bill. The Trump Administration has not gone higher than roughly $1.3 trillion. Meanwhile, Senate Republicans are drafting a “skinny” relief package that is expected to cost less than the measure they proposed in July. It is expected to include a weekly $300 boost in federal unemployment benefits until the end of December, liability protections, another round of payments for the Paycheck Protection Program, and $105 billion for education. The lower price tag on the "skinny" bill could win over some Republican members of the U.S. Senate who were wary of the GOP's $1 trillion July plan. Senate Republican Conference Chairman John Barrasso (R-Wyoming) said they are considering a vote on the legislation next week after the Senate returns from its August recess. Democrats have already rejected taking a “piecemeal” approach to coronavirus relief, and it’s highly unlikely they will support the new proposal.

Legalizing Marijuana - House Vote

In a legislative update for September, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) announced that the Marijuana Opportunity, Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act will be voted on during the week of September 21^st. The MORE Act would remove cannabis from the Controlled Substances Act and erase some cannabis criminal records. The legislation was introduced in the House of Representatives by House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jerrold Nadler (D-New York) last year and was referred to several other committees after clearing the Judiciary Committee. It is not clear whether those committees will waive jurisdiction or mark-up the bill in order for it to get vote on the House Floor. If the House approves the bill, there will still be an open question about whether the Republican-controlled U.S. Senate would follow suit. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) is a strong advocate for hemp, but he has maintained steadfast opposition to broader marijuana reform. That said, he did hold closed-door meetings with industry representatives last year.

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.

Upcoming Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) Meeting Hosted by the U.S. EPA

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) is holding a Farm, Ranch and Rural Communities Advisory Committee (FRRCC) meeting September 10-11, 2020. The FRRCC is a policy-oriented committee that meets twice per year to provide policy advice, information, and recommendations to the U.S. EPA Administrator on a range of environmental issues and policies that are of importance to agriculture and rural communities. More info on FRRCC here.

Register here.

SAFER Advisory Group Meeting and Question and Answer Webinar

The SAFER Adviory Group will meet on September 11, 2020 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This meeting is by remote participation only. A webcast will be available here. If you wish to comment on an agenda item or would like addiontal information, the notice is available in English or Spanish.

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 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 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 2173 (Dahle): Fairgrounds: National or State Emergency: Assembly Bill 2173 would have declared the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation related to fairgrounds during a national emergency or state of emergency. Status: AB 2173 failed passage in the Assembly Agriculture Committee. RCRC Status: Support

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 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 awaits the consideration of 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

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 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 431 (McGuire): Mobile Telephony Service Base Transceiver Station Tower.  Senate Bill 431 would have required the commission, in consultation with the Office of Emergency Services, to develop and implement performance reliability standards for all mobile telephony service base transceiver station towers, commonly known as "cell towers," located within a commission-designated Tier 2 or Tier 3 High Fire Threat District.  These are actions the CPUC is currently undertaking pursuant to its own authority.  Status: SB 431 failed passage in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Watch

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 1156 (Archuleta): Lithium Ion Batteries: Illegal Disposal: Fire Prevent. Senate Bill 1156 would have required the state to develop model protocols and training programs for responding to fires caused by lithium ion batteries in solid waste collection vehicles and at transfer stations, processing stations, and disposal facilities. Solid waste enterprises would be required to adopt such protocols and training programs in consultation with local fire marshals. Status: SB 1156 failed passage in the Senate.  RCRC Status: Support