The Barbed Wire - February 16, 2024

Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 1046 (Laird) - Composting Facility Program Environmental Impact Report

RCRC supports Senate Bill 1046, authored by Senator John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), which seeks to facilitate the development of small and medium-sized compost facilities to help the state achieve its SB 1383 organic waste recycling goals.   

Specifically, SB 1046 requires CalRecycle to develop a programmatic environmental impact report (EIR) for small and medium-sized compost facilities to streamline the siting and permitting processes for those facilities. 

SB 1383 implementation is estimated to cost over $20 billion and require the construction of 50-100 new organic waste recycling facilities, which can be difficult to site and permit.   

The California Environmental Quality Act allows specific projects to “tier” off a more comprehensive programmatic environmental impact report (EIR). Once a programmatic EIR has been finalized (and any legal challenges resolved), subsequent projects can rely on that document and applicable mitigation measures.  As such, subsequent projects do not need to “recreate the wheel” and can instead focus their CEQA analyses on project-specific impacts that were not contemplated and discussed in the programmatic EIR.  This approach can reduce costs, the time required for CEQA review, and litigation delays. 

CalRecycle developed a programmatic EIR for anaerobic digestion facilities and CalFire adopted a programmatic EIR to facilitate wildfire fuel reduction work. 

RCRC believes SB 1046 will help increase organic waste recycling, reduce pollution, help local governments comply with SB 1383, and create in-state manufacturing jobs.  

RCRC’s letter of support is available here. For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.

SAFE HOME Act Introduced to Protect Homeowners from Wildfires

U.S. Representative Kevin Kiley (R-Rocklin) has introduced the Supporting Affordable Fire Emergency Hardening through Optimized Mitigation Efforts (SAFE HOME) Act (H.R. 6861). This Act aims to provide relief to Californians who are facing difficulties in affording higher home insurance rates and in making their homes more resistant to fires. 

Specifically, the SAFE HOME Act (H.R. 6861) would: 

• Create a 25% refundable tax credit for wildfire mitigation (home hardening).
  - Credit is capped at $25,000 a year. 

• Include a phaseout starting at $200k and drops by 25% every $25,000 in income above $200,000. At $300,000 the credit is fully phased out. 

• Include an inflation adjustment for any year after 2024 equal to the cost-of-living adjustment. 

Click here to view the text of the bill.  For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.

CalRecycle Director Steps Down

This week, CalRecycle Director Rachel Machi Wagoner announced she will be stepping down from her role with the department effective March 5, 2024. The news comes amid grumblings at the State Legislature and elsewhere of discontent with the department’s direction under Wagoner’s leadership, particularly as CalRecycle has struggled to effectively implement new organics recycling mandates.  

Wagoner’s tenure began in December 2020 when Governor Gavin Newsom gave her the appointment, moving from her post as his deputy legislative secretary. The appointment surprised many at the time due to Wagoner’s lack of practical experience in the solid waste and recycling realm, which proved frustrating for RCRC and ESJPA members during the subsequent implementation of SB 1383 organics regulations. Wagner’s process also came under scrutiny by the state’s Little Hoover Commission (LHC), a nonpartisan review board charged with making recommendations to the Administration and Legislature. The 2023 LHC report on SB 1383 contradicted many of the policies and enforcement actions put in place under Wagoner’s leadership.  

Governor Newsom is now tasked with appointing Wagoner’s successor, who will inherit not only SB 1383 implementation, but the job of completing new measures to implement the state’s single-use plastics mandates.  

For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton. 

USDA Disaster Resources for Rural Communities

The United State Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides a host of resources for those affected by recent natural disasters.  

The USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) is the first point of contact for farmers and ranchers who might be affected by a disaster. A fact sheet is available, providing essential information on various FSA programs available. The USDA’s Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool can assist producers in identifying the type of aid needed. Read about California’s FSA Executive Director here. 

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) offers disaster assistance to farmers, ranchers, and communities through programs like the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), Technical Assistance, and the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) Program. More information about NRCS is available here, and contacts for the California State office are available here. 

While FEMA should be the primary contact for rural communities affected by a disaster, USDA Rural Development provides support to homeowners, businesses, and communities to aid in recovery and rebuilding. Rural Development can be instrumental in providing a long-term response to disasters, including repairs to homes, essential community facilities, and rural water systems. A Disaster Resiliency and Recovery Resources Guide for Rural Communities is available here. View the California Contacts page here. 

Affordable Connectivity Program No Longer Accepting Applications

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) stopped accepting new applications and enrollments as of February 8th. The ACP was established in 2021 through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law to help ensure that households can afford broadband by providing a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Unless Congress provides additional funding, April is projected to be the last month that enrolled households will receive the full benefit.   

All households enrolled in the ACP at the time of the enrollment freeze will remain enrolled through the final month of ACP service, unless they are required to be de-enrolled under Federal Communication Commission (FCC) rules. Households that are de-enrolled may not re-apply or re-enroll during the enrollment freeze. 

ACP-enrolled households are urged to review written notices about the ACP-wind-down from their internet company and the ACP administrator, Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Households are also encouraged to consult their internet company to understand how the end of the ACP will affect their internet service and bill. To see enrollment percentages in California counties, click here.  

For more information and updates, visit the Affordable Connectivity website and view the available resources, including the ACP Wind-Down Fact Sheet | FAQ’s | Webinar Video | PowerPoint Slides (PDF).  

To learn about the FCC Lifeline Program and qualification requirements, see here. 

BULLETIN BOARD

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

Upcoming Public Hearings on AT&T’s Request to Discontinue Landline Service

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) will hold in-person and virtual public forums to receive customer input regarding AT&T’s pending Application to discontinue copper landline phone service (more information here).  Public comments may also be submitted here. If approved by the CPUC, over 580,000 affected AT&T customers would be left with fewer options in terms of choice, quality, and affordability. Alternative services, such as Voice Over IP (VoIP_ and wireless, have no obligation to serve a customer or to provide equivalent services to AT&T landline customers, including reliable access to 9-1-1 or LifeLine program discounts. RCRC opposes AT&T’s Application and is a formal party to the proceeding. 

Remaining Public Hearings

CALED Annual Training Conference - ELEVATE! April 2024

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) Annual Conference, “Elevate” will be April 10-12, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Sonoma Wine Country in Santa Rosa, California. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about new economic development opportunities, connect with your peers, and get inspired to elevate your economy, businesses, and community! Early Bird registration ends February 16th. For details and registration see here.

Applications for Federal Bridge Investment Program Due March 19, 2024

Applications are open for the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration’s competitive Bridge Investment Program, created by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Nearly $10 billion in multi-year funding (FY 2023-FY2026) is available for local government planning grants and bridge project grants. Bridge Project grants may be used for bridge replacement, rehabilitation, preservation, and protection. Applications must be received by March 19, 2024. For more information including eligibility and how to apply, see here. 

Student Debt Relief Benefit Available to County Employees

NACo’s Public Promise Insurance announces a new employee retention benefit that will help your public employees significantly reduce or even eliminate their student loan payments!

Did you know that 4 million Americans currently qualify for student debt relief or that 100% of full-time county employees qualify for the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program? Even though they may qualify, it is extremely cumbersome for an employee to apply and receive the full value of their loan forgiveness.  Through NACo's partnership with student loan forgiveness tool, Savi, your employees now have access to an easy-to-use tool that can scan 150+ available student debt relief programs and identify the amount of relief they can expect to receive. Learn more about the Public Promise Insurance benefit here.

Employment Opportunities

Colusa County

Colusa County is seeking an Assistant County Administrative Officer. Salary: $132,300.00 - $216,780.00. This recruitment is open until filled, first application review February 26, 2024. To learn more or to apply, see here.
Colusa County offers an excellent benefit package.

Humboldt County

• Humboldt County is seeking an Economic Development Specialist. Salary range: $63,502.40 - $81,494.40 Annually. Applications must be submitted no later than 11:59 PM Pacific, on March 1, 2024. For more information, or to apply, see here.

Mendocino County

• County Counsel. Salary range: $200,000 Annually. This position is open until filled. For more information or to apply, see here.
• Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. Salary range: $125,112.00 - $152,068.80 annually. This position is open until filled. For more information, or to apply, see here.
• Assistant Agricultural Commissioner/Sealer of Weights and Measures. Salary range: $88,899.20 - $108,076.80 annually. This position is open until filled. For more information, or to apply, see here.

Monterey County

• Monterey County is seeking applicants for the position of County Counsel. Salary range: $219,471 - $299,753. Excellent benefits package. If you are interested in this outstanding opportunity, please visit www.bobmurrayassoc.com to apply online. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call Gary Phillips at (916) 784-9080. Filing Deadline: February 25, 2024. For more information, or to apply, see here.

Yolo County

• Yolo County Assessor/Clerk-Recorder/Elections (ACE) is currently seeking one (1) highly skilled and dedicated individual to join the team as a regular, full-time Deputy Assessor.

Hiring Incentive: ACE is excited to roll out its Pilot Hiring Incentive Program for first-time external Deputy Assessors hires during Fiscal Year 2023-2024. Don’t miss the opportunity to be eligible for $10,000 in financial incentive payments after completion of the applicable probationary period!

To Apply: Interested applicants are encouraged to submit an online County of Yolo Employment Application, resume, verification of education, and responses to the supplemental questions at the time of filing. For important details and application instructions, see the job announcement here. Closing Date: February 23, 2024, 11:59 p.m. Pacific

Common Threads North 2024 Dinner and Awards to Honor Six Women in Agriculture from RCRC Member Counites - Tickets on Sale Now

Join Common Threads North on Wednesday, April 3rd as they celebrate and honor women in agriculture. The six 2024 Common Threads North Honorees are all members of RCRC counties: Colleen Cecil (Glenn County); Terry Dereniuk (Lake County); Carol Dobbas (Sierra County); Kelli Evans (Sutter County); Robin Flournoy (Placer County); and Sue Knox (Tehama County). 

Sponsorships for the 2024 Common Threads North Dinner & Awards are now being accepted. For additional information about the dinner and awards, or to learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit the Common Threads North website here or contact the Butte Ag Foundation at (530) 533-1473.

1.5 Billion Available through the 2024 RAISE Grant Program

The U.S. Department of Transportation has published a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for $1.5 billion in grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grant program for 2024. The program helps communities around the country carry out projects with significant local or regional impact. RAISE discretionary grants help project sponsors at the state and local levels, including municipalities, Tribal governments, counties, and others complete critical freight and passenger transportation infrastructure projects. The eligibility requirements of RAISE allow project sponsors to obtain funding for projects that may be harder to support through other U.S. DOT grant programs. For recent examples of funded projects, see the list of 2023 awarded projects here.

RAISE projects are reviewed and evaluated on statutory criteria of safety, environmental sustainability, quality of life, mobility and community connectivity, economic competitiveness and opportunity including tourism, state of good repair, partnership and collaboration, and innovation. Projects designated “RCN Program Extra” during the new FY 2023 Reconnecting Communities and Neighborhoods (RCN) Program competition and submitted for consideration under the FY 2024 RAISE NOFO will have a greater opportunity to be advanced during the FY 2024 RAISE evaluation process, as described in the NOFO.  

Half of the funding will go to projects in rural areas, and half of the funding will go to projects in urban areas. At least $15 million in funding is guaranteed to go towards projects located in Areas of Persistent Poverty or Historically Disadvantaged Communities, and projects located in these areas will be eligible for up to 100 percent federal cost share, as directed by Congress in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

As in previous years, the Department is encouraging applicants to consider how their projects can address climate change, ensure racial equity, and remove barriers to opportunity. The Department also intends to use the RAISE program to support lowering costs for household budgets, wealth creation and the creation of good-paying jobs with the free and fair choice to join a union, the incorporation of strong labor standards, and training and placement programs, especially registered apprenticeships. 

The NOFO is available here. The deadline for applications is 11:59 PM EST on February 28, 2024, and selections will be announced no later than June 27, 2024.

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.

Jeffrey Keil, of Roseville, has been appointed Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Human Resources. Keil has been Labor Relations Officer at the California Department of Justice since 2017 and was a Classification, Performance and Labor Analyst there from 2014 to 2017. He held several roles at On Assignment from 2011 to 2013, including Senior Recruiter and Recruiter. Keil was a Life Sciences Recruiter at PROVEN Inc. from 2010 to 2011. He was a National Recruiter for Culver Careers from 2009 to 2010. Keil is Past President of the Statewide Labor Relations Forum. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Management of Human Resources and Organizational Behavior from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $133,032. Keil 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.

Big PG&E rate hikes threaten small CA town hub – CalMatters

Increases in electricity rates are a significant concern in many rural communities, affecting not just residents but the small businesses on which they rely.

Learning Recovery Is Uneven for Urban and Rural School Districts – Public Policy Institute of California

Four years since the onset of the pandemic, progress in closing learning gaps for K–12 students is limited. Urban and rural districts have seen the slowest progress, with math and English proficiency falling for both in California.

PG&E drops diversion options from its PVP proposal, Mendocino County officials report – Ukiah Daily Journal

Mendocino County officials said they will continue working on options for maintaining water diversions between the Eel and Russian rivers, despite the announcement by the PG&E last week that it will no longer include plans formulated by a regional group for modification of the hydroelectric plant’s infrastructure.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

AB 6   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation plans: Solutions for Congested Corridors Program: 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 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was TRANS. on 6/14/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   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: interim relief: procedures.   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 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 491   (Wallis)   Local government: fines and penalties.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 9/25/2023-Measure version as amended on September 13 corrected.   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 Rules   Status: 1/25/2024-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. (Ayes 54. Noes 8.) In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 909   (Hoover)   Solid Waste Disposal and Codisposal Site Cleanup Program.   Makes illegally disposed hazardous wastes eligible for funding under the CalRecycle’s illegal dumping grant program.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 944   (Irwin)   Fire stations: alternative power generation.   Requires fire stations to have an alternative method to provide power generation for at least 96 hours during power outages.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 998   (Connolly)   Biomass energy facilities: State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission: report.   Requires the Energy Commission to issue a report on the utility-scale biomass combustion facilities still in operation as of January 1, 2024. The report must include an assessment of operational factors of each facility, a comparison of direct combustion compared to other biomass energy technologies, and a recommended strategy, if appropriate, to repower biomass combustion facilities to noncombustion conversion technologies. The report must include recommendations and strategies related to areas where combustion biomass facilities may be shut down or repowered, including strategies related to baseload power generation, processing waste, and job training.   Location: Senate 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 7/10/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1000   (Reyes)   Qualifying logistics use projects.   Prohibits local governments from approving warehouse development projects located within 1,000 feet of a large variety of sensitive receptors. Imposes new conditions on local approval of warehouse projects between 750-1000 feet of those sensitive receptors, in addition to mitigation measures required under CEQA.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2024-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  John (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 2 year   Status: 7/14/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(10). (Last location was GOV. & F. on 6/22/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 2024)   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 2302   (Addis)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.     Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/13/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2330   (Holden)   Endangered species: authorized take: routine fuel management activities.     Location: Assembly Print   Status: 2/13/2024-From printer. May be heard in committee March 14.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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 367   (Seyarto)   Farm, ranch, and public lands cleanup and abatement: grant program.   Creates a grant program to facilitate the proper disposal of illegally dumped waste on state and federal lands.   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:  John (1)

SB 399   (Wahab)   Employer communications: intimidation.     Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/1/2023-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(11). (Last location was APPR. on 7/11/2023)(May be acted upon Jan 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 675   (Limón)   Prescribed grazing: local assistance grant program: Wildfire and Forest Resilience Task Force.     Location: Assembly 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:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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 Desk   Status: 1/29/2024-Read third time. Passed. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.) Ordered to the Assembly. In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 945   (Alvarado-Gil)   The Wildfire Smoke and Health Outcomes Data Act.     Location: Senate Health   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Coms. on HEALTH and E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 952   (Dahle)   Personal income taxes: Fire Safe Home Tax Credits Act.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 1/23/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after February 22.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 960   (Wiener)   Transportation: planning: transit priority projects: multimodal.   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: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/14/2024-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: Senate Transportation   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Com. on TRANS.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1004   (Wilk)   Income taxes: exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 2/2/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 3.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1046   (Laird)   Organic waste reduction: program environmental impact report: composting facilities.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/14/2024-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1064   (Laird)   Cannabis.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 2/9/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 10.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Rules   Status: 2/13/2024-From printer. May be acted upon on or after March 14.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)