The Barbed Wire - February 23, 2024

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2902 (Wood) - Organic Waste Reduction Regulations

RCRC is pleased to sponsor Assembly Bill 2902, authored by Assembly Member Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg). This measure seeks to provide additional flexibility to local governments implementing the CalRecycle’s SB 1383 organic waste diversion regulations. 

CalRecycle’s SB 1383 regulations impose many requirements on local agencies; are generally tailored to work within the solid waste collection system that exists in urban areas; and are often poorly suited to deal with the needs and challenges of lower-population and rural areas.  The regulations provide very little flexibility to accommodate differing local needs, meaning the greatest implementation challenges and cost increases will likely occur in rural and sparsely populated areas of the state. 

AB 2902 extends the existing rural exemption under which the state’s 19 counties with fewer than 70,000 residents (and cities within those counties) are exempt from SB 1383’s collection and procurement obligations. Those 19 counties are Lake; San Benito; Tehama; Tuolumne; Calaveras; Siskiyou; Amador; Lassen; Glenn; Del Norte; Colusa; Inyo; Plumas; Mariposa; Trinity; Mono; Modoc; Sierra; and Alpine.  The bill also provides three years for rural jurisdictions that outgrow that population cap to come into full compliance with SB 1383. 

For slightly larger counties, AB 2902 allows the 12 non-rural counties that generate less than 200,000 tons of solid waste annually (El Dorado, Humboldt, Imperial, Kings, Mendocino, Madera, Napa, Nevada, Shasta, Yuba, Sutter, and Yolo Counties) to submit an alternative organic waste management plan for most of their unincorporated areas to CalRecycle for approval.  That process is expected to provide more flexibility for CalRecycle to take into consideration and accommodate unique local needs and challenges. 

AB 2902 also seeks to provide more flexibility for CalRecycle to consider granting additional “elevation waivers” for areas below 4,500’ in elevation and where nearby bear populations pose a public safety and animal welfare risk.  Other components of AB 2902 seek to increase local benefits from edible food recovery programs; sustain the use of organics for local animal feed practices; promote carbon farming; adjust procurement targets to exclude populations covered by exemptions; facilitate the development of smaller-scale community composting programs; and reinforce existing caselaw that local compost and mulch give aways as well as rebates are not a gift of public funds. 

RCRC’s letter of support is available here.  RCRC strongly suggests that counties send individual support letters. A template that can (and should) be tailored by counties to reflect their needs and priorities can be downloaded here.  For more information, contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, John Kennedy. 

USDA Invests Nearly $500 Million to Confront the Wildfire Crisis

On February 20th, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack announced the investment of nearly $500 million to expand work on the USDA Forest Service’s Wildfire Crisis Strategy to reduce risk to communities, critical infrastructure and natural resources. This funding is part of the Biden Administration’s Investing in America agenda. 

Approximately $400 million of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law funds will be allocated to ongoing efforts on the 21 priority landscapes designated under the Wildfire Crisis Strategy, while an additional $100 million will be allocated under the new Collaborative Wildfire Risk Reduction Program established by the Forest Service to expand work outside these landscapes.  The new program will use hazardous fuels funds from the Inflation Reduction Act to treat areas outside the 21 priority landscapes in high-risk wildfire areas of the Wildland Urban Interface. The program allows national forests, in collaboration with Tribes, communities and partners in 24 qualifying states (including California), to build local capacity for projects to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health to protect communities, infrastructure, water quality and adjacent landowners. Criteria for the Pacific Southwest Region (California) can be found here. 

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

USDA Invites Grant Applications to Help Ag Producers Applying for Renewable Energy Funding

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development is inviting grant applications from organizations to provide hands-on assistance to agricultural producers applying for Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) funding, which will lower energy costs and make energy efficiency improvements in rural areas. $16 million is being made available through the REAP Technical Assistance Grant (TAG) Program to provide additional support to farmers, ranchers and rural small business owners seeking REAP funds. 

Eligible recipients for these grants include state, Tribal or local governments; colleges and universities; electric cooperatives and utility companies; and for-profit and nonprofit organizations. Recipients may use the funds to: 

• Help rural agricultural producers and small business owners apply for REAP funding. 

• Provide information on how business owners and agricultural producers can improve the energy efficiency of their operations and use renewable energy technologies and resources. 

• Conduct required energy assessments and audits. 

• Help agricultural producers and small business owners with planning construction and development of renewable energy or energy efficiency projects. 

• Assist with the completion of environmental reports and/or documentation required for submittal of applications. 

Applications must be submitted by March 15, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time. For additional information and submission details, see page 12815 of the Feb. 20 Federal Register here. 

For more information, contact RCRC Policy and Local Assistance Manager, Eric Will. 

RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES

A monthly update regarding the important work of RCRC's affiliated entities, providing innovative services for the benefit of rural communities.

Golden State Connect Authority Project Update  

While waiting for decisions on Federal Fund Account (FFA) Last Mile grant applications from the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), preparations are underway to complete CPUC Loan Loss Reserve program applications. Golden State Connect Authority will be submitting thirty-seven applications to the Loan Loss Reserve program – one to support the financing structure for project areas in each of GSCA’s FFA Last Mile grant applications.

Both the FFA Last Mile program and the Loan Loss Reserve program were established under SB 156 in July 2021. The FFA Last Mile program provides $2 billion to internet service providers and network administrators specifically for the deployment of broadband infrastructure. The state established the Loan Loss Reserve program with an initial allocation of $750 million to provide funds to local governments, tribes, and non-profit organizations to securitize debt (bonds, loans, etc.) used for deploying broadband infrastructure.

Throughout the two intervening state budget cycles, the allocation for both these programs has been reduced despite the need, as evidenced in the massive amount requested, more than $4.6 billion, in the 484 FFA Last Mile applications received. It is anticipated that the Loan Loss Reserve program will be similarly over-subscribed. Every dollar reduced from the initial allocation under SB 156 equates to households and businesses that will not have access to quality broadband.

Golden State Connect Authority will be ready to submit applications when the Loan Loss Reserve program application window opens!
 

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

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

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.

1.5 Billion Available through the 2024 RAISE Grant Program - Application Deadline February 28

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Arturo “Roberto” Arias III, of Brawley, has been appointed Warden of Calipatria State Prison, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2022 and has held several positions since 2018, including Chief Deputy Administrator and Correctional Administrator. He served in several positions at Centinela State Prison from 1999 to 2010, including Captain, Classification and Parole Representative and Correctional Counselor II and I. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $187,884. Arias is registered without party preference.

Amy Bernardino-Fabi, of Vacaville, has been appointed to the First 5 California Children and Families Commission. Bernardino-Fabi has been Executive Director of Asian Americans for Good Government since 2021. She has been Vice Chair and Commissioner of the First 5 Solano Children and Families Commission since 2021. Bernardino-Fabi was a Senior Social Worker for Orange County Social Services, Department of Children and Family Services from 1999 to 2003. She earned a Master of Social Work degree from San Francisco State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from the University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Bernardino-Fabi is a Democrat.

Joyce E. Dudley, of Santa Barbara, has been reappointed to the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board, where she has served as Chair since 2023. Dudley was Chair of the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training from 2016 to 2022 and a member there from 2013 to 2022. She served as District Attorney of Santa Barbara County from 2010 to 2023. Dudley was a Deputy District Attorney in the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office from 1990 to 2010. She was Director of Child Development Programs at the Community Action Commission of the County of Santa Barbara from 1984 to 1988 and Child Development Director at the Children’s Home Society of California from 1979 to 1984. Dudley earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara, a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Antioch University, a Master of Arts degree in Education from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Barbara College of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $350 per diem. Dudley is a Democrat.

Katie Hawkins, of Truckee, has been reappointed to the California Boating and Waterways Commission, where she has served since 2020. Hawkins has been the California Organizer for Outdoor Alliance since 2023. She was National Sales Manager for Marmot Mountain from 2013 to 2018. Hawkins was International Sales Manager for Black Diamond Equipment from 2008 to 2011. She is a member of the Board of Directors for the Pacific Crest Trail Association. Hawkins is a member of the California Department of Natural Resources 30x30 Partnership Coordinating Committee. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Washington State University and a Master of Business Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hawkins is a Democrat.

Bryan D. Phillips, of San Luis Obispo, has been appointed Warden of Substance Abuse Treatment Facility and State Prison, Corcoran, where he has served as Acting Warden since 2022. Phillips was Chief Deputy Warden at California Men’s Colony in 2022 and held several positions there from 2009 to 2022, including Associate Warden, Captain of Adult Institutions, Correctional Counselor II Specialist and Correctional Lieutenant. He was Associate Warden and Acting Chief Deputy Warden at Richard J. Donovan Correctional Facility in 2020. Phillips was a Correctional Sergeant at California Correctional Institution from 2004 to 2009 and a Correctional Officer at Avenal State Prison and California Correctional Institution from 1996 to 2004. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $187,884. Phillips is a Republican.

Eric Taylor, of Hollister, has been appointed to the Board of State and Community Corrections. Taylor has been Sheriff-Coroner for San Benito County since 2021, where he was Sheriff’s Captain from 2014 to 2021. He held several positions at the Watsonville Police Department from 1999 to 2014, including Detective Sergeant, Police Sergeant, Police Detective, Corporal and Police Officer. Taylor is a member of the Rotary Club of Hollister, the San Benito Saddle Horse Show and Rodeo, the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) and the LULAC Farm Worker Task Force. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Taylor is a Republican.

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.

Pacific Gas and Electric profits hop higher as revenue from electricity and gas surges – Times-Herald

An increase in PG&E profits is disclosed just weeks after a rate hike for residential customers went into effect January 1, and just weeks or months before another bill increase is projected to begin.

Bankrupt Madera hospital has a reopening plan. What's next? – CalMatters

A California hospital that left a county of 160,000 people without critical emergency care when it shut down 13 months ago took a significant step toward reopening last week, and it could begin accepting patients as early as this summer.

California’s massive dam removal: Who gets once submerged land? – San Francisco Chronicle

The nation’s largest dam-removal project, the dismantling of four hydroelectric dams near the remote California-Oregon border this year, may be the end of one story.

Why are Californians voting on Newsom's Prop. 1? – CalMatters

Governor Newsom’s Proposition 1 is the latest milestone in California’s long struggle to address mental illness. It would allocate new funding for housing and treatment facilities, aiming to address a crisis that plays out on city streets.

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 Revenue and Taxation   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   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 Revenue and Taxation   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   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: 2/21/2024-Referred to Com. on RLS.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1066   (Blakespear)   Hazardous waste: marine flares: producer responsibility.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 2/21/2024-Referred to Coms. on E.Q. and JUD.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)