The Barbed Wire - June 14, 2024

June 14, 2024
New Statewide COLR Legislation Introduced to Discontinue Legacy Phone Service and Consumer Protections
Legislature Sends Budget to Governor's Desk Ahead of June 15th Deadline
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1193 (Menjivar) - Airports: Leaded Aviation Gasoline
Farm Bill Update: U.S. Senate Republicans Release Framework
Federal Legislation Introduced to Improve Equity and Transparency in Reservation Systems for Public Lands
USDA Announces Nearly $66M for Conservation Work with States, Tribes, Private Landowners
ICYMI: RCRC Gubernatorial Appointments Webinar Available Online
REMINDER - RCRC’s Eighth Annual Rural County Photo Contest is Underway NOW
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

New Statewide COLR Legislation Introduced to Discontinue Legacy Phone Service and Consumer Protections

On Monday, June 10th, Assembly Bill 2797 (McKinnor) was“gutted and amended” to (1) phase out Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) protections; and (2) begin a process—with no oversight—to remove basic phone service. AB 2797 would erode Universal Service Rules and ensure hard-to-serve and unprofitable areas have no guaranteed access to basic voice services, disproportionately affecting rural counties and disadvantaged communities. 

This action comes on the heels of the recent issuance of a draft Proposed Decision by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) rejecting AT&T’s controversial Application for COLR Relief with prejudice, concluding that legal and factual analysis is fatally flawed and erroneously misconstrues the CPUC’s Universal Service Rules. The Proposed Decision, as well as a new proceeding on COLR Rules, will be considered at the CPUC’s June 20, 2024, Voting Meeting. In response to the CPUC’s rejection, AT&T is sponsoring AB 2797, which applies to all Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs) with COLR status; to view a map of carrier territories, see here.  

COLR status ensures the availability of basic “plain old telephone service” (POTS) to any residential or business customer in its service territory to ensure universal access to safe, reliable, and affordable telephone service. POTS also has a uniform set of minimum service standards and regulations that does not extend to new technologies that provide similar service, such as wireline VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) or wireless phones. AB 2797 requires telephone corporations to identify, as part of the relief notice to discontinue legacy voice service: (1) a census block of the telephone corporation’s service territory where there is no population or where the company has no basic exchange telephone service customers; or (2) a census block designated as urban where 2 or more different service providers offer alternative voice services, as defined, to customers, or both. Census areas affected by AB 2797 can be viewed here. There is no process established by AB 2797 to dispute errors or reject COLR relief that gets “noticed” by a telecommunications carrier. 

RCRC opposes AB 2797. For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate Tracy Rhine.

Legislature Sends Budget to Governor's Desk Ahead of June 15th Deadline

On Thursday, June 13 (ahead of the constitutional deadline of June 15th to pass a balanced budget for the next fiscal year) the Legislature passed the Budget Act of 2024 (Assembly Bill 107), as well as two additional budget related bills, Senate Bill 154 (Suspension of Proposition 98) and Senate Bill 167 (Taxation and Revenues). These measures now head to the Governor’s Desk, where he must act by June 27th. While the 2024-25 fiscal year begins July 1st, the result of ongoing budget negotiations may be reflected in a “budget bill junior” (likely AB/SB 108) or in other budget related bills, known as budget trailer bills. 

RCRC has prepared some key highlights of the 2024-25 Budget Package, by topic area, that may be of interest to California’s rural counties. View the highlights here.  

It should be noted, as in the past, this is budget legislation representing the Legislature’s priorities in negotiations with the Governor. The June 15 deadline was created in a 1970 voter-approved measure to require a legislative budget bill for gubernatorial action about two weeks before the start of the state fiscal year. In addition to the Budget Act, the legislature may also pass additional legislation, known as budget trailer bills. To learn more about the trailer bill content, visit the Department of Finance website where most of the content has been posted for the past several weeks or months. Although the trailer bills may address budget implementation, due to differences between the Legislative proposal and the Governor’s proposed May Revise, the “serious” conversations between the Governor and Legislative leaders continue in private.

To view RCRC's earlier highlights of the Governor's May Revise, find the Rural Rundown here.

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1193 (Menjivar) - Airports: Leaded Aviation Gasoline

RCRC opposes Senate Bill 1193 (Menjivar), which threatens the viability of rural airports by directing them to prohibit the sale of low-leaded 100 octane gasoline (the single commercial standard aviation fuel). This measure poses particularly significant impacts to rural airports. 

Specifically, low-leaded 100 octane gasoline is the only type of fuel compatible with the entirety of the piston-engine airplane fleet flown in RCRC counties. Its sale also serves as a major revenue source for several airports which rely on fuel sales to stay operational.  The public health imperative to eliminate leaded fuel in transportation gasoline is intended to eliminate health risks; however, sufficient alternatives are not available on the market at this time. There is currently no airport commercially selling unleaded aviation gasoline, nor is there an unleaded gasoline product on the market that meets both Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) safety standards and industry standards. 

Further, the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 explicitly prohibits all airports that sold low-leaded aviation gas at any point in 2022 from restricting or prohibiting the sale of that same fuel until the end of 2030, unless the FAA validates and certifies an unleaded alternative before then. This bill puts California airport operators in the position of having to violate state law to comply with federal law in order to avoid being fined the penalty of $5000 a day; or to violate federal law by complying with state law. 

Although SB 1193 was amended to allow counties to delay the requirement by a year for an unleaded gas switch with a vote of their boards of supervisors, the mechanism opens the county to litigation challenges. 

This measure places local airports in financial jeopardy and local governments at significant litigation risk, with a timeline only slightly more ambitious than the current federal process for certifying an unleaded alternative.  

See RCRC’s letter of opposition here. For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate, Siddharth Nag.

Farm Bill Update: U.S. Senate Republicans Release Framework

On Tuesday, June 11, Republicans on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, released their priorities and framework for the next farm bill. This moves the committee one step closer to consideration of the five-year food and farm legislation. The ranking Republican Member, John Boozman (R-Arkansas), said this framework meets the call to put more farm in the farm bill. An overview of the framework and title by title highlights are available here

The framework focuses on modernizing the farm safety net; facilitating the expansion of access to overseas markets; fostering breakthroughs in agricultural research; investing in rural communities; increasing investment in conservation; and maintaining base level funding for nutrition programs. 

The framework includes similar priorities as those set out by House Republicans, further solidifying the opposing stances of Republicans and Democrats on hot-button issues, including nutrition benefits and climate change. With a diminishing number of weeks in session before the November elections and minimal compromise so far, the prospect of another farm bill extension seems likely.  

Federal Legislation Introduced to Improve Equity and Transparency in Reservation Systems for Public Lands

On June 12, Senator Alex Padilla announced legislation to expand access to nature for Americans; improve the visitor reservation process and experience on federal lands, including national parks; and enhance fee transparency. TheReview and Evaluation of Strategies for Equal Reservations for Visitor Experiences (RESERVE) Federal Land Act received a hearing Wednesday in the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee (ENR).

The number of visitors to America’s public lands has significantly increased in recent years: the National Park Service reported 325.5 million recreation visits across the country in 2023, an increase of 13 million visits from 2022. Many iconic recreational areas and national parks in California, from Yosemite to Lake Tahoe, suffer from overcrowding, vehicle congestion, limited parking, and degrading natural resources.

The bill would direct the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to study reservation systems across federal lands, including campsites, hiking permits, climbing passes, and other outdoor recreation activities. The report would be due in 18 months and would cover reservation system design, system user demographics, and data availability and accessibility.

The study would also investigate the fee structure and transparency of Recreation.gov, the government’s centralized travel planning platform and reservation system for 14 federal agencies. Specifically, the study would examine how revenue from fees for reservation systems is split between and spent by federal land units, federal agencies, and third-party contractors, as well as how this information can be better communicated to users. It would also evaluate ways to improve the dissemination of information about users’ odds of being approved for a reservation.

USDA Announces Nearly $66M for Conservation Work with States, Tribes, Private Landowners

On Tuesday, June 11, Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Xochitl Torres Small announced that USDA is investing nearly $66 million for projects to reduce wildfire risk, protect water quality and improve forest health across the nation as part of the Administration’s Investing in America agenda.
 
Deputy Secretary Torres Small also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Western Governors’ Association, reestablishing the framework for cooperatively responding to the many challenges faced across western landscapes. The MOU amplifies the scale of shared stewardship work between participating states and the USDA. It also fosters better integration of forest and rangeland health and wildfire risk reduction projects across different land ownerships.
 
Of the total investment announced, $12 million is being provided through the USDA Forest Service’s Good Neighbor Authority, allowing the agency to collaborate with state forestry agencies, Tribes and counties to mitigate wildfire risk and enhance forest, rangeland and watershed health. This funding will support 22 projects across 13 states. Nearly $9 million of the funding will be allocated to support projects in several states that are part of the Western Governors' Association member states, including Arizona, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming.
 
The Department is also investing $55 million of the total funding to reduce wildfire risk, and improve water quality and forest health through the Joint Chiefs’ Landscape Restoration Partnership. This collaborative effort between USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Forest Service aims to work with private, state, and Tribal landowners to conserve forests and agricultural lands alongside federally managed lands while safeguarding communities. The $55 million investment will support 41 projects -- including 10 new projects -- across 11 states.

ICYMI: RCRC Gubernatorial Appointments Webinar Available Online

On Thursday, RCRC held a webinar hosted by Sierra County Supervisor Lee Adams and featuring Appointments Secretary Morgan Carvajal, providing valuable insights into the intricacies of the gubernatorial appointments process. With around 4,000 gubernatorial appointments impacting education, healthcare, environmental protection, and public safety, understanding the application process and responsibilities associated with these roles is vital for those looking to contribute to California's diverse landscape.

For those who were unable to attend or would like to revisit the webinar content, a recording of the webinar is available here. For those eager to take the next steps, we encourage you to:

  • Browse the list of current vacancies on the Office of the Governor’s boards and commissions.
  • Submit an application.”

REMINDER - RCRC’s Eighth Annual Rural County Photo Contest is Underway NOW

RCRC’s 8th Annual Rural County Photo Contest is going on now!  The contest invites individuals to submit their photographs capturing life in rural California and showcasing the beautiful scenery, activities, communities, history, and charm of RCRC’s 40 member counties.  

The first prize winner will receive a $300 gift card, the winning photograph will be featured during the September RCRC Board of Directors Meeting and in related print, online, and social media presentations.  

Photo entries (limit 3) should be sent to photocontest@rcrcnet.org and must include:  

  • Location where the photo was taken, including the county in which it was taken; and  

  • Photographer’s full name and email address.  

All entries must be received by 11:59 p.m. on June 30th. Visit www.rcrcnet.org/photo-contest for details & official contest rules. View RCRC’s press release here

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

County HR Roundtable Discussion June 12th

Wednesday, June 12 | 1-2:30pm
To meet the workforce challenges of today and into the future, counties must find new and innovative ways to reach qualified applicants. Workforce shortages are already impacting the essential services local governments need to provide.

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is seeking input from HR Directors, Hiring Managers, and other local government leaders to help identify barriers to employment for promising candidates and develop solutions that improve talent pipeline development opportunities in the public sector. 

ILG is hosting a VIRTUAL Roundtable discussion to ensure the focus of their workforce initiatives and pilot programming align with the specific needs of local government partners. Topics will include: talent acquisition strategies/methods, strategies to actively recruit, innovative ways to update policies, and more.

RSVP Here

 

June 17th Workgroup Meeting of the Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners (DRIP) Collaborative

The Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners (DRIP) Collaborative will hold a workgroup meeting to refine proposed recommendations under the Drought Relevant Data Focus Area. 

When: June 17, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
Where: California Natural Resources Agency, 715 P St, Sacramento, Room 08-202 (eighth floor) | Zoom

 

June 18th CalRecycle Webinar to Preview the Electronic Annual Report, System Functionality, and Assistance

CalRecycle will hold a webinar to preview the Electronic Annual Report (EAR), functionality of the system, and answer questions about how to fill the report out. CalRecycle staff will be available to answer questions relating to the EAR and reporting requirements.

Date: Tuesday, June 18, 2024
Time: 1:30 PM-3:30 PM
Register Here

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. To ask clarifying questions during the webinar, please register using the Zoom link. If you would like to send questions beforehand, please send to the LoGIC inbox (logic@calrecycle.ca.gov) and indicate that the question(s) is/are for the EAR webinar.

Webinars are being recorded and will be posted to the website as an implementation resource as soon as the materials are made ADA compliant. For those unfamiliar with the EAR, we suggest watching previously recorded webinars that provide a full walkthrough of the reporting system here.
 

2024 Public Meetings of the Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners (DRIP) Collaborative

Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2024 meetings of the Department of Water Resources DRIP (Drought Resilience Interagency & Partners) meetings. Members of the public may observe each meeting and provide public comments in-person (Sacramento) or remotely. Click the links below for information about each upcoming meeting.

July 12, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

October 18, 2024 | 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

 

Employment Opportunities

Mendocino County

 

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.

 

Betty Andrews, of Santa Rosa, has been appointed to the Central Valley Flood Protection Board. Andrews has been a Consulting Engineer and Strategic Advisor since 2021. She held multiple roles at Environmental Science Associates from 2010 to 2021, including Vice President/Principal Engineer and Project Director. Andrews held multiple roles at Philip Williams and Associates Ltd. from 1990 to 2010, including Principal, Project Manager, Staff Engineer and Chair of the Board of Directors. She was a Graduate Student Intern at the California Department of Water Resources from 1988 to 1989. Andrews was Conservation Director of Friends of the River from 1981 to 1987. She is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, the Salmonid Restoration Federation and the Floodplain Management Association. Andrews earned a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the University of California, Davis and a Bachelor of Science degree in Technology and Human Affairs from Washington University in St. Louis. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $55,738. Andrews is a Democrat.   

Janet C. Frank, of Monterey, has been reappointed to the California Commission on Aging, where she has served since 2020. Frank has been Owner and Chief Executive Officer of Applied Aging Resources since 2001. She has been a Faculty Associate at the University of California, Los Angeles Center for Health Policy Research since 2013 and an Adjunct Associate Professor of Community Health Sciences at the University of California, Los Angeles School of Public Health since 1997. She served in several positions at the University of California, Los Angeles from 1983 to 2013, including Assistant Director for Academic Programs in the Multicampus Program for Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology at the David Geffen School of Medicine and Assistant Director of Continuing Education in Health Sciences at the University Extension Department of Health Sciences. Frank earned a Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Science degree in Gerontology and Bachelor of Science degree in Social Welfare from the University of Southern California. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Frank is a Democrat.  

Albert Gallegos, of West Sacramento, has been appointed to the 40th District Agricultural Association, Yolo County Fair Board of Directors. Gallegos has been ACE Deputy of Technology and Finance for Yolo County since 2022. He was a Senior Development Director for the San Francisco Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2019 to 2020. Gallegos was a Senior Development Director for the Sequoia Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2016 to 2019. He was Director of Field Service and Chief Operating Officer for the Golden Empire Council for Boy Scouts of America from 2012 to 2016. Gallegos was Scout Executive/Chief Executive Officer for the Monterey Bay Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2005 to 2012 and an Assistant Scout Executive for the Pacific Skyline Council of the Boy Scouts of America from 2002 to 2005. Gallegos earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Management from Saint Mary’s College of California. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. He is a Democrat. 

Doug Houston, of Auburn, has been appointed to the 20th District Agricultural Association, Gold Country Fair Board of Directors. Houston has been a Principal Partner at Houston Magnani and Associates since 2015. He is a member of the Placer Land Trust Board of Directors. Houston earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Houston is registered without party preference.

Jamie Jensen, of Eureka, has been appointed to the California Commission on Aging. Jensen has been Owner and Consultant of HealingOrgs.com since 2014 and an Associate Professor at California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt since 2008. She was a Planner and Contract Manager for Area 1 Agency on Aging from 2010 to 2013. Jensen was a Family Consultant at the Redwood Caregiver Resource Center from 2006 to 2009. She was a Medical Social Worker for St. Joseph’s Health Systems from 2007 to 2009. Jensen was a Nursing Assistant, Dementia Care Specialist, and Health Educator for the Humboldt Senior Resource Center from 1995 to 2023. She is a member of the Gerontological Society of America, the Humboldt County Human Rights Commission, Hospice of Humboldt, Area 1 Agency on Aging, and the Community Health Alliance of Humboldt-Del Norte. Jensen earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Human and Organizational Systems from Fielding Graduate University and a Master of Social Work degree and Bachelor of Social Work degree from California State Polytechnic University, Humboldt. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Jensen is a Democrat.  

Jeremy Kirk, of Hidden Valley Lake, has been appointed Deputy Administrator of the Veterans Home of California, Yountville. Kirk has been Direct Construction Supervisor II for the California Department of Veterans Affairs since 2023 and has served in several positions there since 2015, including Stationary Engineer and Plumber, Water and Sewage Plant Supervisor, and Chief Engineer II. Kirk was a General Contractor/Project Foreman with RNW Construction & JK Home Services from 2005 to 2015. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $147,132. Kirk is a Democrat.

Jamie Romas, of West Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director in the Office of Communications at the California Department of Health Care Services. Romas has been Special Assistant to the State Librarian at the California State Library since 2019. She was a Communications Consultant from 2016 to 2019. Romas was an Executive Speechwriter in the Office of California Attorney General Kamala Harris from 2014 to 2016. She was Senior Vice President of Mercury Public Affairs from 2012 to 2013. Romas earned a Juris Doctor degree from Emory University School of Law and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $147,132. Romas is a Democrat.

Bethel Vercruyssen, of Auburn, has been appointed to the 20th District Agricultural Association, Gold Country Fair Board of Directors. Vercruyssen has been Care Manager at Downs Fiduciaries since 2021 and Owner of Guide Right LLC since 2018. She was a Program Manager at the California Department of Corrections from 2001 to 2016. Vercruyssen earned a Master of Social Work degree from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Vercruyssen is registered without party preference.

Allison Wagaman, of West Sacramento, has been appointed Special Assistant at the California Exposition and State Fair. Wagaman has served as a Scheduler and Legislative Aide in the Office of State Assemblymember Jasmeet Bains from 2023 to 2024. She was a Scheduler and Executive Assistant in the Office of State Senator Monique Limon from 2021 to 2022 and a Scheduler and Executive Assistant in the Office of State Senator Dave Min in 2021. Wagaman was a Scheduler and Legislative Aide in the Office of State Assemblymember Ed Chau from 2018 to 2021 and Executive Assistant in the Office of State Senator John Chiang from 2017 to 2018. Wagaman was a Staff Services Analyst, Conference and Webinar Coordinator for the State Treasurer’s Office Local Agency Investment Fund from 2014 to 2017. She was an Office Technician for the Contractors State License Board from 2012 to 2014. Wagaman earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $76,788. Wagaman is a Democrat.

WEEKLY NEWS CLIPS

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

 

Rural Californians feel left behind on internet access – Spectrum News 1

RCRC President and CEO, Patrick Blacklock, discussed the state's middle mile broadband program and the impact of Governor Newsom's $2 billion funding cuts. Despite these challenges, Blacklock highlighted that potential federal funds could help mitigate the impact.

 

CA dams need repairs. But Newsom plans to cut grants in half – CalMatters

Aiming to store more water and protect the public, legislators are negotiating with the governor to restore $50 million to help repair 42 aging dams throughout the state.

 

California releases home insurance plan for wildfire areas – Sacramento Bee

Homeowners in areas at high risk of wildfires could have an easier time finding insurance coverage in the future under an eagerly-awaited proposal released Wednesday by the Department of Insurance.

 

Guest commentary: California must not backtrack on its broadband for all promise – Monterey Hearld

In a recent Op-Ed, Monterey County Supervisor and former State Assemblymember Luis A. Alejo addresses the state's plan to cut $2 billion in essential broadband funding needed to complete ongoing projects.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

AB 6   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation plans: reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.  This bill would have amended reporting and transportation project review requirements, under SB 375 (2008), for the state’s 18 metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs), for project information pertaining to climate and greenhouse gas emissions impacts. The bill would have required MPOs to send technical methodologies to CA Air Resources Board for review before project selection and approval can commence.   Location: Senate Transportation   Status: 6/11/2024-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

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

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

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

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

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

AB 460   (Bauer-Kahan)   State Water Resources Control Board: water rights and usage: civil penalties.   This bill would authorize CA State Water Board to issue, on its own motion or upon the petition of an interested party, an interim relief order in appropriate circumstances to implement or enforce these and related provisions of law. The bill would provide that a person or entity that violates any interim relief order issued by the board would be liable to the board for a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed the sum of $10,000 for each day in which a violation occurs and $5,000 for each acre-foot of water diverted in violation of the interim relief order.   Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 6/12/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 491   (Wallis)   Local government: fines and penalties.   would provide effectual tools for addressing illicit land use activities, including unlicensed cannabis operations by (1) streamlined judicial reviewed for minor administrative penalties (under $25,000) imposed for unpermitted cannabis activities; (2) efficient collection of final penalty order (i.e. after administrative/judicial review is complete), in the same manner presently used for pesticide enforcement fines; (3) clarifies that priority of real property liens used to collect administrative penalties for these violations, by providing that such liens have the same priority as a judgement lien.   Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 6/3/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 817   (Pacheco)   Open meetings: teleconferencing: subsidiary body.   AB 817 would provide a narrow exemption under the Ralph M.Brown Act for non-decision-making legislative bodies currently governed by Act, such as advisory bodies and commissions, to participate in two-way virtual teleconferencing without posting physical location of members. In addition, AB 817 would remove barriers to entry for appointed and elected office by allowing non-decision-making legislative bodies to participate virtually as long as they do not have the ability to take final action on legislation, regulations, contracts, licenses, permits, or other entitlements.   Location: Senate Local Government   Status: 6/5/2024-In committee: Set, second hearing. Failed passage. Reconsideration granted.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

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

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

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

AB 1563   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.   This bill would have required a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency to obtain a written verification from the groundwater sustainability agency that manages the basin or area of the basin where the well is proposed to be located determining that, among other things, the extraction by the proposed well is consistent with any sustainable groundwater management program.   Location: Senate Local Government   Status: 5/22/2024-Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

AB 1785   (Pacheco)   California Public Records Act.   Would prohibit local agencies from posting an assessor’s parcel number associated with an elected or appointed official on the internet without their written permission.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/12/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (June 11). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1957   (Wilson)   Public contracts: best value construction contracting for counties.   would authorize any county in the state to utilize the best-value contracting model and eliminates the statutory sunset on such authority.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 6/13/2024-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 37. Noes 0.). In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2037   (Papan)   Weights and measures: electric vehicle chargers.   Current law regulates advertising that indicates the price of motor vehicle fuel, including electricity sold as a motor vehicle fuel. Current law requires a county sealer to enforce the advertising requirements. Current law defines “correct,” for purposes of testing and verifying the accuracy of a weighing or measuring device, as a weight or measure or a weighing, measuring, or counting instrument that meets certain tolerance and specification requirements. This bill would authorize a county sealer to test and verify as correct any electric vehicle charger operated by a public agency, as defined, that is located in the county in which the sealer has jurisdiction. The bill would require a county sealer to condemn and seize, or cause to be marked with a tag or other device with the words “out of order,” an incorrect, as defined, electronic vehicle charger operated by a public agency, as specified. The bill would authorize a county board of supervisors to charge an annual registration fee for the cost of inspecting and testing an electric vehicle charger operated by a public agency, as specified.   Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 6/10/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 10). Re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2079   (Bennett)   Groundwater extraction: large-diameter, high-capacity water wells: permits.   The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the Department of Water Resources to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. Current law authorizes any local agency or combination of local agencies overlying a groundwater basin to decide to become a groundwater sustainability agency for that basin and imposes specified duties upon that agency or combination of agencies, as provided. Current law requires the State Water Resources Control Board to adopt a model water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment ordinance implementing certain standards for water well construction, maintenance, and abandonment and requires each county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, not later than January 15, 1990, to adopt a water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment ordinance that meets or exceeds certain standards. Under current law, if a county, city, or water agency, where appropriate, fails to adopt an ordinance establishing water well, cathodic protection well, and monitoring well drilling and abandonment standards, the model ordinance adopted by the state board is required to take effect on February 15, 1990, and is required to be enforced by the county or city and have the same force and effect as if adopted as a county or city ordinance. This bill would require a local enforcement agency, as defined, to perform specified activities at least 30 days before determining whether to approve a permit for a new large-diameter, high-capacity well, as defined. By imposing additional requirements on a local enforcement agency, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/11/2024-In committee: Set, first hearing. Failed passage.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2104   (Soria)   Community colleges: Baccalaureate Degree in Nursing Pilot Program.     Location: Senate Education   Status: 6/5/2024-Referred to Com. on ED.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2149   (Connolly)   Gates: standards: inspection.     Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 5/29/2024-Referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 2199   (Berman)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: residential or mixed-use housing projects.     Location: Senate Housing   Status: 6/6/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on HOUSING.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2266   (Petrie-Norris)   California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project: vehicle eligibility.   Requires the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to authorize a voucher for a public or private fleet issued under the California Hybrid and Zero-Emission Truck and Bus Voucher Incentive Project program to be used for the acquisition of a zero-emission vehicle with a gross vehicle weight greater than 8,500 pounds.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/25/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was TRANS. on 2/26/2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Leigh (1)

AB 2276   (Wood)   Forestry: timber harvesting plans: exemptions.   AB 2276 extends the sunset date to January 1, 2031 for three important exemptions from timber harvest plan requirements necessary for small land owners to perform fuels treatment and vegetation maintenance on their properties for the purpose of wildfire mitigation.   Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/12/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2302   (Addis)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/6/2024-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2330   (Holden)   Endangered species: incidental take: wildfire preparedness activities.   AB 2330 would streamline the process for fuels treatment projects for local governments that require an incidental take of a candidate species.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 5/29/2024-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2344   (Petrie-Norris)   Fire prevention: grant programs: reporting.   AB 2344 would require the Governor's Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force to publicly post information regarding the allocation of funds from grant programs to provide better information regarding how the state's resources are being utilized for forest resilience projects.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/16/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/10/2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2346   (Lee)   Organic waste reduction regulations: procurement of recovered organic waste products.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/15/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2469   (Committee on Emergency Management)   Emergency Management Assistance Compact: California Wildfire Mitigation Financial Assistance Program.   AB 2469 extends the sunset of the California Wildfire Mitigation Program from July 1, 2025 to July 1, 2030.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/11/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on N.R. & W. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 15. Noes 0.) (June 11). Re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2528   (Arambula)   Williamson Act contracts: cancellation: energy projects.   The California Land Conservation Act of 1965, otherwise known as the Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to enter into contracts with owners of agricultural land to preserve the land to agricultural use, as specified. Current law authorizes the cancellation of a contract under certain circumstances. Current law requires the city or county to execute and record a certificate of cancellation of contract if the city and county approves a cancellation of a contract. Current law authorizes the city or county to charge a cancellation fee in an amount equal to 12.5% of the cancellation valuation of the property. This bill would instead require that the cancellation fees be transmitted by the county treasurer to the Controller within 45 days of the execution of a certification of cancellation of contract.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/16/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/15/2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2787   (Patterson, Joe)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/4/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (June 4). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2797   (McKinnor)   Telephone corporations: carriers of last resort: tariffs.   This bill would commence a process, with no oversight, to no longer require any telephone corporation to be a Carrier of Last Resort (COLR) in a specified manner, and discontinue legacy voice service. A telecommunications service provider designated as a COLR has an obligation to provide basic telephone service, commonly landline plain old telephone service (POTS), to any customer in its service territory to ensure universal access to safe, reliable, and affordable telephone service. AB 2797 requires telephone corporations to identify, as part of the relief notice, (1) a census block of the telephone corporation’s service territory where there is no population or where the company has no basic exchange telephone service customers, or (2) a census block designated as urban where 2 or more different service providers offer alternative voice services, as defined, to customers, or both. Alternative technologies have no equivalent consumer protections, such as minimum service quality standards or reliable access to 9-1-1.   Location: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 6/12/2024-Re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Tracy (1)

AB 2902   (Wood)   Organic waste: reduction regulations: exemptions.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 5/29/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 3150   (Quirk-Silva)   Fire safety: fire hazard severity zones: defensible space: State Fire Marshal.   AB 3150 would allow for members of the public to petition the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to review the Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps for potential reclassifications based on new data, and would shift certain responsibilities regarding the maps from the Board of Forestry to the OSFM.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/5/2024-Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and G.O.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 3238   (Garcia)   California Environmental Quality Act: electrical infrastructure projects.     Location: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 6/12/2024-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 399   (Wahab)   Employer communications: intimidation.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 8/16/2023-August 16 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author. (Set for hearing on 06/19/2024)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

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

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

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

SB 707   (Newman)   Responsible Textile Recovery Act of 2024.   Creates a Responsible Textile Recovery Act to require producers to establish a stewardship program for collection and recycling of apparel and textiles that are unsuitable for reuse by a consumer.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/10/2024-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 820   (Alvarado-Gil)   Cannabis: enforcement: seizure of property.   Adapts the same seizure of property provisions currently applicable to unlicensed manufacturing of alcoholic beverages (i.e., moonshining), to cover unlicensed commercial cannabis activities. In addition, SB 820 would invest enforcement proceeds in the Cannabis Control Fund to support equity business.   Location: Assembly Public Safety   Status: 6/11/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 17. Noes 0.) (June 11). Re-referred to Com. on PUB. S.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 945   (Alvarado-Gil)   The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act.   SB 945, the Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act, would require the State Department of Public Health, in consultation with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, the Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force, and the State Air Resources Board to create, operate, and maintain a statewide integrated wildfire smoke and health data platform that, among other things, would integrate wildfire smoke and health data from multiple databases.   Location: Assembly Health   Status: 6/13/2024-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 946   (McGuire)   Personal Income Tax Law: Corporation Tax Law: exclusions: wildfire mitigation payments.   SB 946 would exclude payments from the California Wildfire Mitigation Program, the state's pilot grant program to aid low income homeowners with home hardening retrofits, from eligibility for state income taxes.   Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 960   (Wiener)   Transportation: planning: complete streets facilities: transit priority projects.   Would require all transportation projects funded or overseen by the Department of Transportation to provide comfortable, convenient, and connected complete streets facilities unless an exemption is documented and approved, as specified.   Location: Assembly Transportation   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on TRANS.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 961   (Wiener)   Vehicles: safety equipment.   The Department of the California Highway Patrol regulates the safe operation of specified vehicles, including motortrucks of 3 or more axles that are more than 10,000 pounds, truck tractors, trailers, semitrailers, and buses. Current federal law regulates required safety equipment on vehicles, including rear impact guards on certain large trucks to prevent rear underrides in collisions with passenger vehicles. This bill would require certain trucks and trailers to also be equipped with side guards, as specified.   Location: Assembly Transportation   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Coms. on TRANS. and P. & C.P.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 972   (Min)   Methane emissions: organic waste: landfills.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 973   (Grove)   Williamson Act: cancellation: solar energy projects.   The Williamson Act, authorizes a city or county to contract with a landowner to limit the use of agricultural land located in an agricultural preserve designated by the city or county to preserve the land, subject to conditions of the contract, that may include an agreement to a specified valuation of the land for purposes of property taxation. The act authorizes a landowner to petition the city council or board of supervisors, as applicable, for cancellation of the contract under specified circumstances and imposes a cancellation fee equal to 12.5% of the fair market value of the land without the restriction of the contract. This bill would authorize a board or council to grant a petition for cancellation where the land subject to the contract is located in a basin under the jurisdiction of an adjudicated watermaster or the groundwater sustainability agency. The bill would require the landowner to commit to limiting the amount of water rights to a specific solar energy project, as defined, that uses less water than the agricultural use. The bill would also require the board or council to make specified findings, including that the solar energy project use is being permitted that will use less water than the agricultural use.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/2/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was L. GOV. on 2/21/2024)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1004   (Wilk)   Income taxes: exclusions: wildfires.   SB 1004, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2020, would provide an exclusion from gross income for any qualified taxpayer, as defined, for amounts received for costs and losses associated with wildfires.   Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1045   (Blakespear)   Composting facilities: zoning.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and L. GOV.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1046   (Laird)   Organic waste reduction: program environmental impact report: small and medium compostable material handling facilities or operations.     Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 6/12/2024-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1060   (Becker)   Property insurance underwriting: risk models.   SB 1060 would encourage companies offering property insurance in California and utilizing risk assessment models in their underwriting to account for home hardening, defensible space, and community wildfire risk mitigation measures in their models.   Location: Assembly Insurance   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on INS.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1064   (Laird)   Cannabis: operator and separate premises license types: excessive concentration of licenses.     Location: Assembly B.&p.   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on B. & P.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on E.S. & T.M.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1101   (Limón)   Fire prevention: prescribed fire: state contracts: maps.   SB 1101 streamlines the process for CAL FIRE to enter into contracts for prescribed fire operations for the purpose of fuels treatment projects.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/10/2024-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1116   (Portantino)   Unemployment insurance: trade disputes: eligibility for benefits.     Location: Assembly Insurance   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on INS.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1143   (Allen)   Household hazardous waste: producer responsibility.     Location: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials   Status: 6/13/2024-Re-referred to Coms. on E.S. & T.M. and NAT. RES. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1156   (Hurtado)   Groundwater sustainability agencies: conflicts of interest: financial interest disclosures.   The Sustainable Groundwater Management Act requires all groundwater basins designated as high- or medium-priority basins by the Department of Water Resources to be managed under a groundwater sustainability plan or coordinated groundwater sustainability plans, except as specified. Existing law requires a groundwater sustainability plan to be developed and implemented for each medium- or high-priority basin by a groundwater sustainability agency. Current law authorizes any local agency or combination of local agencies overlying a groundwater basin to decide to become a groundwater sustainability agency for that basin, as provided. Current provisions of the Political Reform Act of 1974 prohibit a public official from making, participating in making, or attempting to use their official position to influence a governmental decision in which they know or have reason to know that they have a financial interest, as defined. However, current law permits a public official to make or participate in the making of a governmental decision, even if the public official knows or has reason to know that the official has a financial interest, if the official’s participation is legally required for the action or decision to be made. Current law makes a knowing or willful violation of the act a misdemeanor and subjects offenders to criminal penalties. This bill would require members of the executive team, board of directors, and other groundwater management decision makers of groundwater sustainability agencies to annually disclose any economic or financial interests pursuant to the Political Reform Act of 1974 that may reasonably be considered to affect their decision-making related to groundwater management, as provided.   Location: Assembly Elections   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on ELECTIONS.   Position:   No Position   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1159   (Dodd)   California Environmental Quality Act: roadside wildfire risk reduction projects.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1175   (Ochoa Bogh)   Organic waste: reduction goals: local jurisdictions: waivers.   Would require the State Air Resources Board to consider alternatives to census tracts, as provided, when deciding the boundaries of a low-population or elevation waiver and would require low-population waivers to be valid for a period of 10 years.   Location: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 6/11/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 10). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1269   (Padilla)   Safety net hospitals.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/2/2024-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was HEALTH on 2/29/2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1280   (Laird)   Waste management: propane cylinders: reusable or refillable.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1361   (Blakespear)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: local agencies: contract for providing services for people experiencing homelessness.     Location: Assembly Housing and Community Development   Status: 6/11/2024-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on H. & C.D. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 10). Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1420   (Caballero)   Hydrogen.     Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 6/3/2024-Referred to Coms. on U. & E. and NAT. RES.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)