The Barbed Wire - March 3, 2023

Energy Commission Announces Tool to Connect EV Charging Project Partners

The California Energy Commission (CEC) recently released a “Matchmaking Tool” to connect potential site hosts with potential project leads for applications under the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program, a $5 billion federal program that will provide California $384 million over 5 years to build out Level 3/DC fast charge electric vehicle (EV) charging stations along federally-designated Alternative Fuel Corridors. The purpose of the NEVI program is to deploy an interconnected network of convenient, affordable, reliable and equitable charging infrastructure across the country including those along interstates for ease of travel to neighboring states, and rural state routes. Initially, the state will prioritize segments that have infrastructure gaps. The tool can be accessed here.

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 75 (Roth) – Courts: Judgeships

RCRC supports Senate Bill 75, authored by Senator Richard Roth (D-Riverside). As introduced, this measure would authorize 26 new superior court judgeships, subject to appropriation.  If funded in the budget, any new judgeships would be allocated to counties in the state in accordance with the Judicial Council's Judicial Needs Assessment.  

In recent years, the judicial branch has received funding for the fifty judgeships authorized by AB 159 (Statutes of 2007, Chapter 722). However, a critical need for additional judicial resources in some underserved areas of the state continues to exist. Based on the Judicial Council’s 2022 Judicial Needs Assessment, seventeen counties require additional judgeships for a total requirement of ninety-eight new judicial positions in the State. Nine of those 17 counties are rural and account for fifteen of the judicial positions needed, in order to provide appropriate access to justice for residents living in remote regions of the state.  

Every day, rural counties see the real impacts of our overwhelmed justice system in case dismissals, delayed trials, and more. In addition, the workload of the courts continues to grow with new programs like CARE Court that require additional staffing to meet new demands. Providing access to the judicial system in a timely fashion, to every Californian regardless of zip code, begins with properly authorizing and funding judicial positions in every corner of the state.

AB 75 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee. RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Sarah Dukett.

USDA Invests More than $48.6 Million to Manage Risks, Combat Climate Change

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will invest more than $48.6 million this year through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership. This year, the USDA Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) will invest in 14 new projects, bringing together agricultural producers, forest landowners, and National Forest System lands to improve forest health using available Farm Bill conservation programs and other authorities. One of the 14 programs focuses on Trinity County, California for fire resiliency in rural communities. This project is part of an ongoing effort to protect the rural communities and natural resources of Trinity County in northwestern California. Building on two past Joint Chiefs projects, this project will address high-risk cross-boundary threats by strategically treating forests on both private and national forestlands. It will also address new threats created by the post-fire landscape from the 2020 and 2021 wildfires. Spearheaded by the Trinity County Collaborative Group, diverse stakeholders from across the spectrum of local and regional interests are working together to reduce and mitigate wildfire threats to communities and landowners, protect and improve water quality and supply for communities and industry, and improve habitat conditions for at-risk species while assisting in habitat recovery in areas recently impacted by wildfires. 

U.S. Senators Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Keep Federal Dollars Flowing to Lake Tahoe

On March 1st, U.S. Senators Alex Padilla and Dianne Feinstein, along with Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D- Nevada) and Jacky Rosen (D-Nevada) introduced bipartisan, bicameral legislation (S. 612) to extend the Lake Tahoe Restoration Act (the Act) through 2034. The companion bill (H.R. 1274) was introduced by Representative John Garamendi (D-Richvale), and Nevada Representatives Susie Lee, Dina Titus, and Steven Horsford.  The Act was first passed in 2000 and, at the time, authorized $300 million for the restoration of the lake and surrounding basin. In 2016, when the Act was reauthorized, the fund increased to $415 million. $300 million is still available to spend; however, with the current authorization set to expire in 2024, reauthorization is necessary this year to prevent an interruption in conservation and restoration.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

CPUC To Hold Workshop on Fast Trip, Unplanned Outages and Distribution Reliability in Response to RCRC Joint Motion

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold a workshop to dive deeper into customer impacts associated with Fast Trip power outages, such as the frequent Enhanced Powerline Safety Setting (EPSS) program outages impacting many counties within PG&E’s service territory, and how to address the growing energy reliability risks associated with catastrophic wildfire and other climate change factors such as extreme heat, prolonged drought, and torrential downpours.

DATE:        March 17, 2023
TIME:         9:00 AM to 2:00 PM
WHERE:    Virtual via Webex, link here
HOW:         Meeting Number (Access Code): 2482 859 2623; Password: 2023. Or dial 1-800-857-1917 (Passcode 1673482#)

RCRC joined Pioneer Community Energy, Sonoma Clean Power Authority, East Bay Community Energy, and Marin Clean Energy inpetitioning the CPUC to develop rules to ensure that utility fast trip outages are implemented in a manner that protects public health, safety, and welfare. As a result, these entities have been invited to make a presentation on how power outages affect residents and businesses, the interaction between public safety partners, and how utilities can better support customers. RCRC welcomes any input on these topics to help inform its participation in the workshop.  For more information, or to learn how to participate in the workshop, please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate.

 

Training: Land Use Planning for Wildfire (Free!) 

The Board of Forestry and Fire Protection announces the launch of the CAL FIRE / Office of the State Fire Marshal’s Introduction to Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California Trainings.  

These free, all-day, in person trainings are open to land use planners, fire marshals, fire chiefs, fire mitigation specialists, building officials, and other professionals from government agencies and the private sector engaged in planning, policy, development review and/or approval activities in California. 

The following is a list of upcoming trainings across the state. 

• March 7, 2023 – Roseville 
• March 9, 2023 – Morgan Hill 
• April 18, 2023 – Del Rey 
• April 20, 2023 – Los Osos 

Space is limited. For more information and to register, see here. 

view flyer

 

Upcoming PG&E Wildfire Safety Webinars

PG&E hosts online webinars throughout each year for anyone who is interested in learning more about the Community Wildfire Safety Program. These virtual gatherings allow community members to learn more about wildfire safety and emergency preparedness, meet with PG&E representatives, ask questions and share feedback. For anyone who is not able to join a live webinar, presentations and video recordings of our past webinars are available on the PG&E website here. 

The next webinar is scheduled for March 8, 2023 -  South Bay & Central Coast Town Hall
Counties served: South Bay & Central Coast Region: Monterey, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz

Join webinar 
Attendee Dial In: 1-800-779-1425
Conference ID: 5186895

For a full list of upcoming webinars, see here.

 

DWR County Drought Resilience Planning Assistance Webinar

DWR will provide financial and direct technical assistance to counties for developing their County Drought Resilience Plan per SB 552 to provide needed water shortage protection and emergency response for state small water systems and domestic wells. Local elected officials, County offices for planning, emergency services, public health and or other mission-related departments or divisions, and other interested parties are encouraged to attend.

Date: Thursday, March 16, 2023
Time: 1:00PM – 2:30PM
Location: Virtual via Zoom

Register Here

A meeting agenda and related materials will be shared ahead of the meeting.  Additional references are available at the links below.

• County Drought Resilience Plan Guidebook. The public comment period has been concluded and DWR will finalize the guidebook in early 2023. https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/SB-552
• Water Shortage Vulnerability Scoring and Tool with data provided by State agencies to assist counties in preparation of water shortage risk assessment and County Drought Resilience Plan.https://water.ca.gov/Programs/Water-Use-And-Efficiency/SB-552/SB-552-Tool

 

 

County of Shasta Invites Responses to RFP 23-19 for Health Officer Services

The County of Shasta, California invites responses to Request for Proposals (RFP) 23-19 to provide Health Officer services to preserve and protect the public health of the County.  Any contracted Health Officer must be available full time to provide medical oversight and expertise to Public Health’s programs and services, work with state and local Public Health leadership and community partners to control and prevent the spread of communicable disease, chronic disease and injury, and promote health and wellbeing in Shasta County.

A non-mandatory Responder’s Conference is scheduled for 2pm on March 1, 2023, at 1450 Court Street, Suite 352, Redding, CA 96001.

RFP Closing Date: March 10, 2023 at 2pm.

GET ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND SUBMIT YOUR PROPOSAL ONLINE at www.shastacounty.gov/purchasing/page/competitive-procurements, or visit 1450 Court Street, Suite 348, Redding CA 96001.

Contact Leticia Swanson at 530-229-8244 or llswanson@co.shasta.ca.us with any questions.

 

Career Opportunities

Mendocino County

• The County of Mendocino is seeking an Emergency Services Coordinator to oversee the function of an Operational Area Office of Emergency Services. The final filing date is March 17, 2023. For full job description and to apply, prospective candidates should visit  here.

Sierra County

• The County of Sierra is seeking a Director of Health and Social Services, responsible for the management and administration of Department of Health and Social Services.  A full description and qualifications are available here. For more information, visit the county website here or call (530) 289-2879.
• The Sierra County Department of Transportation is recruiting for a Transportation Planner II or III, depending on qualifications. This position is open until filled. For more information, see the county website here or call 530-289-2879

Tuolumne County

• The County of Tuolumne is seeking qualified candidates for Chief Deputy Assistant County Clerk & Auditor-Controller, a Chief Deputy Assistant department head who will have primary supervision and administrative oversight of the department and may assume full responsibility of the office in the absence of the County Clerk & Auditor Controller.  Requires bachelor’s degree in accounting or related and to meet one (1) of four (4) additional qualifications as outlined in the full job announcement. Please visit https://ca-tuolumnecounty.civicplushrms.com/careers/  Salary range: $10,455 - $12,709 /mo. Closes Sunday, March 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EOE

• Tuolumne County Public Works is seeking an experienced integrated waste professional with extensive knowledge of environmental regulations and compliance to oversee the collection, transportation and disposal of solid waste and hazardous materials, provide public outreach and training, promote recycling programs, maintain two closed landfills, and negotiate and monitor contracts for environmental and landfill services. The Director of Solid Waste, as a key member of the management team, will oversee a staff of four and provide expert advice and support to the Director, Board members, and the community.  Bachelor’s degree and three years’ experience in solid waste management with two years at a supervisory or higher level. Flexible schedule 90/8 or 20%-40% telework considered for right candidate. Position is open until filled. EOE For additional details, see here.

Yolo County

• The County of Yolo is seeking an innovative, forward thinking, and politically astute executive leader to become the new Director of Community Services. The annual salary range for the Director of Community Services position is $173,396 - $210,764, depending upon experience and qualifications. The County of Yolo also offers an attractive benefits package. For more information, or to apply online visit the website of Bob Murray & Associates here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: March 5, 2023.

• The County of Yolo is recruiting to fill one (1) regular, full-time position in the class of Public Information Officer (PIO) at the County Administrator's Office. The role of the Public Information Officer is to manage the County’s communications with the public through press releases, social media, videos, live media and the County website. The PIO informs and engages the community and other stakeholders regarding County activities, services, and strategies.  The PIO also functions as the County Spokesperson which requires knowledge of County programs and policies. As a member of the County Emergency Operations Center personnel, the PIO also acts in a lead capacity in disseminating information during an emergency. The full job announcement can be found here. This position is open until filled.

 

CMSP Offering Healthcare Infrastructure Development Matching Grant

The CMSP Healthcare Infrastructure Development Matching Grant program (HID Matching Grant) will help CMSP counties and non-profits contracted with CMSP counties to expand their physical capacity to provide healthcare and behavioral health services by providing required local level match funds for state, federal or other infrastructure grants.  Up to $10 Million may be awarded!  Awards range up to $500,000 for projects serving a single CMSP county and up to $ 1,000,000 for projects serving multiple CMSP counties. HID Matching Grant applications will be accepted on a rolling basis, beginning February 1, 2023 through June 1, 2023.   Applications will be considered as they are received and will be submitted to the Governing Board for consideration at an upcoming regularly scheduled public meeting of the Board. Completed applications must be submitted to grants@cmspcounties.org by June 1, 2023. To learn full program details and requirements, or to download an application, visit the CMSP website 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.

Next Trainings: Kern, Tulare, Kings and Fresno Counties, March 3, 2023; and Tehama, Glenn, Butte, Colusa, Yuba and Sutter Counties, March 10, 2023

 

Access the State Grants Portal for a Multitude of Funding Opportunities

Billions of dollars are up for grabs to public agencies and other entities, including tribes and businesses. Grant seekers can access a centralized portal of grant and loan opportunities here, or sign up to receive new grant opportunities delivered straight to your inbox

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

S. Patricia Stock, of Chico, has been reappointed to the State Board of Food and Agriculture, where she has served since 2022. Stock has been Dean of the College of Agriculture at California State University, Chico since 2021. She was Director of the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences at the University of Arizona, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences from 2019 to 2021, where she was a Professor in the Department of Entomology and the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences from 2001 to 2021. Stock was an Assistant Curator and Senior Museum Scientist for the Nematode Collection at the University of California, Davis from 1999 to 2001. She is a member at the Society of Nematologists, the International Symbiosis Society and the Organization of Nematologists of Tropical America. Stock is the Vice President at the Society for Invertebrate Pathology. She earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Natural Sciences from Universidad Nacional de la Plata. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Stock is a Democrat.

Christopher Valadez, of Salinas, has been reappointed to the State Board of Food and Agriculture, where he has served since 2019. Valadez has been President of the Grower-Shipper Association of Central California since 2019. He was Director of Environmental, Governmental and Regulatory Affairs at the California Fresh Fruit Association from 2008 to 2019. Valadez was a Deputy District Director in the Office of Congressman George Radanovich from 2004 to 2008. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Valadez is registered without party preference.

IN THE NEWS

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

 

PG&E Leaves Behind 100,000+ Felled Trees – NBC Bay Area

In response to widespread complaints, more than a dozen counties across Northern California have teamed up to urge PG&E finish its vegetation management efforts by removing the dead trees and flammable debris left by crews clearing power lines. More than a dozen fire-ravaged counties across Northern California are warning about the new fire threat posed by PG&E’s failure to remove more than 100,000 trees it cut during stepped-up efforts to ease the fire danger around its power lines.

 

The broadband objective: equitable expansion in Nevada County – The Union

On Tuesday February 28th, the Nevada County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution to certify the Final Environmental Impact Report (FEIR) requirements passed down from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for the county’s Broadband Project. The proposed program would expand access to broadband technology throughout unincorporated Nevada County and the incorporated communities of the City of Grass Valley, Nevada City and the Town of Truckee. 

 

California Lawmaker Introduces Bill to Keep Rural Hospitals From Closing as They Work to Meet Seismic Compliance – MedCity News

Assembly Member Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg) recently introduced legislation designed to keep California’s small and rural hospitals from closing as they work to meet seismic safety compliance requirements. The bill would require California’s Department of Health Care Access and Administration to provide grant funding to small and rural hospitals so they can achieve compliance amid times of severe financial distress.

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: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 491, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/22/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   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 Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 749, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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: Senate Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was THIRD READING on 8/11/2022)   Position:   Oppose   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: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 859, Statutes of 2022.   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 Chaptered   Status: 8/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 202, Statutes of 2022.   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 Vetoed   Status: 9/28/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1778   (Garcia, Cristina)   State transportation funding: freeway projects: poverty and pollution: Department of Transportation.   Would require Caltrans to review highway expansion projects in areas of concern identified by the Healthy Places Index (a non-state generated index of localities affected by certain environmental impacts), and would preclude state funding in areas that fall within the bottom 50th percentile of that index.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. TRANS. on 6/1/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 764, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/13/2022-Vetoed by Governor.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/15/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 325, Statutes of 2022.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead service lines.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)    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: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. GOV. & F. on 6/8/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1953   (Maienschein)   Drinking water: accessible water bottle refill stations.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/27/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1985   (Rivas, Robert )   Organic waste: recovered organic waste product procurement targets.   Phases in CalRecycle's SB 1383 local organic waste procurement requirements by requiring local jurisdictions to procure 30% of regulatory targets by 2023, 65% by 2024, and 100% by 2025.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 344, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 480, Statutes of 2022.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2201   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.   This bill would prohibit a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency from approving a permit for a new groundwater well or for an alteration to an existing well in a basin subject to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and classified as medium- or high-priority unless it obtains a written verification, from the groundwater sustainability agency that manages the basin that, among other things, the extraction by the proposed well is consistent with any sustainable groundwater management program established in any applicable groundwater sustainability plan adopted by that groundwater sustainability agency or an alternate plan approved or under review by the Department of Water Resources.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was CONCURRENCE on 8/30/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2237   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation improvement plan: sustainable communities strategies: alternative planning strategy: state transportation funding.   This bill would require that those projects and programs included in each regional transportation improvement program also be consistent with the most recently prepared sustainable communities strategy of the regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission, or, if applicable, the alternative planning strategy, and state and federal air quality standards. The bill would prohibit funds collected from any local transportation tax measure passed on or after January 1, 2023, from being spent until the transportation projects or programs to be funded by the tax measure are included in the most recently adopted sustainable communities strategy of the applicable regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission or, if applicable, the alternative planning strategy. The bill would presumably extend the requirement that RTPAs and other local non-metropolitan transportation agencies develop a sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. TRANS. on 6/16/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2258   (Wood)   Local government: wildfire safety improvements.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was A. B. & F. on 4/20/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.   Increases the maximum fine for the dumping of commercial quantities of waste by a business that employs more than 10 employees from $3,000 to $5,000 for the first conviction, from $6,000 to $10,000 for the second conviction, and from $10,000 to $20,000 for the third and any subsequent convictions. Clarifies that the dumping of commercial quantities of waste includes waste dumped on another person's residential property.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 784, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2419   (Bryan)   Environmental justice: federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Justice40 Advisory Committee.   This bill would require a minimum of 40% of funds received by the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to be allocated to projects that provide direct benefits to disadvantaged communities as designated by the CalEnviroScreen Tool and a minimum of an additional 10% be allocated for projects that provide direct benefits to low-income households and low-income communities, as provided. The bill would create a California Justice40 Advisory Committee to advise state agencies on administration of the funds.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.   Requires producers of batteries to establish a stewardship program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and management of those products.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 351, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (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 Chaptered   Status: 9/13/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 285, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/8/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. G.O. on 6/8/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2481   (Smith)   Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.   Makes several changes to laws related to transportation of household hazardous waste (HHW) and operation of household hazardous waste collection facilities (HHWCFs). AB 2481 is intended to clarify and resolve ambiguities in existing law while reducing administrative and financial burdens on local governments that administer HHWCFs; provide flexibility for operation of local HHWCFs; and facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 499, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 6/20/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 23, Statutes of 2022.    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 Chaptered   Status: 9/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 971, Statutes of 2022.   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 Vetoed   Status: 9/19/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.   Requires the state to undertake various actions to consider and promote the use of biomass energy generation and wood products manufacturing.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/8/2022)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was L. GOV. on 4/22/2021)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Tracy (1)

ACA 13   (Mathis)   Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was W.,P. & W. on 4/7/2022)    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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 8/25/2021)   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 Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. H. & C.D. on 5/24/2022)   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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 8/29/2022)   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Solid waste: reporting, packaging, and plastic food service ware.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 6/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. INS. on 5/5/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 396   (Bradford)   Forestry: electrical transmission or distribution lines: clearances: notice and opportunity to be heard.   Exempts electrical utilities from liability for vegetation management activities undertaken to reduce wildfire risk.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was CONCURRENCE on 8/4/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/25/2022)   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: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/3/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.   Establishes an expedited process for the state's review and approval of electrical utility undergrounding projects.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 819, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   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 Chaptered   Status: 7/21/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 145, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/27/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 606, Statutes of 2022.   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 Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 823, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/1/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 89, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/3/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling.   Expands the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program, for which consumers must pay a $0.05 or $0.10/container deposit, to wine and distilled spirits.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/27/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 610, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: 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 Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 829, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 8/22/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 171, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1109   (Caballero)   California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: bioenergy projects.   Extends SB 901 BioRAM biomass energy facility contracts by an additional five years. Requires any incremental procurement of electricity products from bioenergy resources by a new BioRAM contract or contract extension of 5 years or longer in duration to be from a resource that meets emission limits equivalent to, or more stringent than, the best available retrofit control technology determined at the time of procurement.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 364, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (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 Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 835, Statutes of 2022.   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 Chaptered   Status: 9/18/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 395, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.   Imposes "covered electronic device" fees on battery embedded products at the point of sale to pay for the management and disposal of those products.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 370, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.   Prohibits the sale of disposable propane cylinders beginning January 1, 2028.   Location: Senate Vetoed   Status: 9/29/2022-Vetoed by the Governor. In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1266   (Borgeas)   Income taxes: credits: designated wildfire zones.   Provides a tax credit of 50 percent of the amount paid, up to $3,500, for the purchase of a backup power generator ($5,000 for purchase of a solar battery) for use in a residence or by a small business located in a very high fire hazard severity zone.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was REV. & TAX on 6/2/2022)   Position:   Support   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 Chaptered   Status: 9/18/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 396, Statutes of 2022.   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 Chaptered   Status: 9/14/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 319, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/16/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)