The Barbed Wire - August 12, 2022

August 12, 2022
Final Fire Safe Regulations to be Submitted to Office of Administrative Law
Bill of the Week: AB 1717 (Aguiar-Curry) – Public Works: Definition
U.S. Department of Transportation Outlines Funding for California Through RAISE Grants
Legislation Introduced to Reinstate the Emergency Relief Program
House Passes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Meet RCRC’s Reception Sponsor HealthNet/California Health & Wellness
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Final Fire Safe Regulations to be Submitted to Office of Administrative Law

Next week the Board of Forestry and Fire Protection (BOF) will discuss its final draft of the Fire Safe Regulations for submittal to the Office of Administrative Law (OAL).  The final text is significantly narrowed from previous versions of the rulemaking and is identical to the draft published in May, largely limiting its focus to those specific items outlined in Senate Bill 901 (Chapter 626, Statutes of 2018), such as development requirements for fuel breaks, greenbelts, and ridgelines. RCRC, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the Urban Counties of California (UCC) submitted comments to the BOF in May on the now final version of the rulemaking, generally supporting the narrowed approach. Once submitted, OAL has 30 working days to conduct a review of the rulemaking record to ensure that the BOF satisfied the requirements of the Administrative Procedures Act. OAL will then either approve the rulemaking action and file the proposed regulation with the Secretary of State or disapprove the rulemaking. 

The Final rulemaking record to be heard by the BOF can be found here. For more information, contact Senior Policy Advocate, Tracy Rhine

Bill of the Week: AB 1717 (Aguiar-Curry) – Public Works: Definition

RCRC continues to oppose Assembly Bill 1717, authored by Assembly Member Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Davis), which would change the definition of public works to include fuels reduction projects done under contract, thereby requiring prevailing wage for projects paid for in part or whole by public funds.  

The ability to utilize Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund and other public dollars has afforded rural local governments the ability to undertake such vital projects as clearing dead and dying trees from critical infrastructure and residential properties during California’s recent tree mortality epidemic, as well as completing community wildfire mitigation projects in concert with local fire prevention organizations to help safeguard residents from the impacts of devastating wildfires. AB 1717 would increase the cost of crucial fire mitigation projects around communities and critical infrastructure by including these projects in the definition of “public works,” thus subjecting them to prevailing wage. The requirements could furthermore prelude local small businesses from qualifying to perform wildfire mitigation work due to the state requirements placed on public works contractors. RCRC has long advocated for increased training and development of a local forest management and wildfire prevention workforce. AB 1717 would simply drive up costs and availability of the scarce forest workforce currently in place, while shrinking the pace and scale of vegetation treatment projects on the ground, particularly in disadvantaged communities. 

AB 1717 passed the Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday, August 11, 2022 and now moves to the Senate Floor. RCRC’s letter of opposition is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Senior Policy Advocate, Staci Heaton.  

U.S. Department of Transportation Outlines Funding for California Through RAISE Grants

On Thursday, August 11th, the U.S. Department of Transportation outlined $120 million in funding that California will receive for eight projects through the IIJA Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program to improve and modernize transportation infrastructure. 

Moving to harness this investment under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), Governor Gavin Newsom has named former Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to serve as an Infrastructure Advisor to the State of California, working with local, state and federal leaders to identify priority projects and maximize access to federal funding across all regions of the state. 

See below for a breakdown of the $120 million in funding that California local governments, transit agencies and others will receive through the RAISE grants: 

  • $25 million to the High-Speed Rail Authority for its Merced Extension design work
  • $23 million to San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency for complete streets improvements along Howard Street
  • $20 million to the Port of Los Angeles for its Terminal Island Grade Separation
  • $15 million for the Inglewood Transit Connector Project
  • $15 million for the Yuba-Sutter Transit Authority’s Zero-Emission Bus Operations and Maintenance Facility
  • $15 million to the City of Fontana for multi-modal complete street improvements
  • $5 million to the Sacramento Area Council of Governments to plan and design Mobility Zones in the Sacramento Region
  • $1.6 million to the Tolowa Dee-ni’ Nation for a separated pedestrian and bicycle path across Highway 101 in Del Norte County

Legislation Introduced to Reinstate the Emergency Relief Program

On August 5th, 23 members of Congress introduced legislation to reinstate the Emergency Relief Program (formerly known as WHIP+). This program would offer aid to agricultural producers whose crops have been impacted by wildfires and drought during the 2022 crop year. 

House Passes Inflation Reduction Act of 2022

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 (H.R. 5376) was passed Friday, August 12th by the U.S. House of Representatives, sending the measure to the President for consideration. To date, this legislation is considered to be the most significant climate change legislation in history. The legislation would provide much needed aid to rural communities, including $20 billion for rural farmers and ranchers, aimed at improving soil health, increasing crop yields, reducing fertilizer costs, and increasing resilience to extreme weather. 

There are major cost savings for rural America through $10 billion in funding for electric cooperatives to invest in renewable energy.  This will make it possible for coops to follow the path taken by Kit Carson Electric Cooperative in rural New Mexico, which now provides customers in their service area with daytime electric energy completely by solar power.

Finally, the bill would provide tools for rural families and small businesses to reduce energy and transportation costs. The average homeowner could save $1,800 each year by taking advantage of the bill’s incentives for efficiency upgrades, electric vehicles and solar. There is also $40 billion for U.S. manufacturing of solar panels, wind turbines, batteries, and critical minerals. 

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Meet RCRC’s Reception Sponsor HealthNet/California Health & Wellness

Health Net and its sister organization California Health & Wellness are California’s trusted Medi-Cal partner, serving with experience, expertise and empathy. Investing in communities, Health Net and California Health and Wellness work hand-in-hand with local partners to build access at every level, expand equity and deliver care when, where and how people need it. Watch this brief video to learn more, and be sure to connect with them at RCRC’s 2022 Annual Meeting in Napa County.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

Rural County Job Opportunities

  • Tuolumne County is accepting applications for the position of Administrative Analyst I-II (Office of Emergency Services) through August 18, 2022.  To view the full job announcement and apply online please visit the website here.

  • Tuolumne County is accepting applications for the position of Senior Administrative Analyst (Economic Development) through August 25, 2022.  To view the full job announcement and apply online please visit the website here.

  • Shasta County is accepting applications for the position of Paralegal I/II - Confidential through August 25, 2022 at 5:00 PM.  To view the full job announcement and apply online, please visit the website here. A printable version of the job announcement is available here.

 

Reminder: Counties Must File Secure Rural Schools Election Allocation Paperwork by September 30th

As a reminder, counties must file Secure Rural Schools (SRS) election allocation paperwork by September 30, even if the intent is to keep the percentages as they are. Counties that do not file SRS election allocation paperwork by the deadline will go to the default allocations as laid out under the statute. For more information on SRS election allocations, the USDA training slideshow and webinar recording are available here

 

DWR Multi-Lingual Dry Well Public Outreach Material Templates for Counties, Local Agencies to be ‘Well Prepared’

On June 6, 2022, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) released two dry well tools to help Californians be Well Prepared for the continuing drought conditions. Counties, local water agencies, groundwater sustainability agencies, and well owners should use these tools for drought-related decision-making and local emergency response (for more information, please see resources below). To support counties and local agencies with their outreach and communication with well owners regarding dry well emergency assistance, DWR has developed public outreach material templates that are available for download, local customization, and immediate use.

  • The California Partnership for the San Joaquin Valley has developed outreach materials for the following ten counties: Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Mariposa, Merced, Stanislaus, Tulare, San Joaquin, and Los Angeles Counties.

These materials can also be found by clicking the Resources button on DWR’s Dry Well Reporting System website, under the Public Outreach Materials section. Please contact sgmps@water.ca.gov with any questions. To find more information about the State’s Drought Response and Assistance, please visit drought.ca.gov.

 

Farm Bill Listening Sessions

CDFA (California Department of Food and Agriculture), in partnership with the California Department of Public Health, California Natural Resources Agency and Cal EPA (California Environmental Protection Agency), is leading listening sessions with all farm bill stakeholders to inform California’s priorities for the 2023 Farm Bill.
 
The 2023 Farm Bill is an opportunity for California farmers and ranchers to influence national agricultural policy to maximize the benefits for all Californians – from farmers and ranchers to consumers.  Although California agriculture traditionally leads the country in production value and sustainable agriculture, we are currently facing a wide range of challenges and your input on farm bill programs and policies is more important than ever.

For more information, farm bill resources, and the option to submit comments online, visit the CDFA website here.

Calendar of Upcoming Listening Sessions
(see flyer here)

Live / Virtual Hybrid 
August 16, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Neighborhood House
Copley Conference Room
5660 Copley Drive
San Diego, CA 92111
Spanish translation provided.
Register here
 
Live Only
August 23, 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Fresno County Farm Bureau
1274 W. Hedges Avenue
Fresno, CA 93728
 
Live Only
September 7, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Urban Tilth (North Richmond Farm)
323 Brookside Drive
Richmond, CA 94801
 

California Air Resources Board Offers Webinars on Regulatory Compliance Training

California Air Resources Board (CARB) has several regulations designed to reduce emissions from diesel vehicles and equipment operating in California. The Air Regulatory Overview for Public Agencies in California course is an overview of air regulations that public agencies in California have compliance requirements including:

  • Idling Limitations;
  • On-Road Public Fleet Regulation;
  • In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation;
  • Periodic Smoke Inspection Program; and
  • Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP).

Date: August 25, 2022
Time: 1:00 p.m.
Register Here
 

Upcoming Workshop on County Drought Plan for Domestic Wells and State Small Water Systems (SB 552), Guidebook Development

On August 31st, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) is hosting the second of four virtual workshops to inform and solicit input from stakeholders on the development of a guidebook to support the preparation of County Drought Plans which focus on state small water systems and domestic wells as required under SB 552. During this webinar, DWR will review portions of the draft guidebook covering key content related to:

(1) Establishing a county drought and water shortage task force
(2) Conducting a drought risk assessment
(3) Plan development for emergency and interim drinking water solutions

The webinar is intended for County Office of Emergency Services, County Environmental Health Programs, County Planners, other county programs and other interested parties. 

Date: August 31, 2022
Time: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Register Here

Additional information, is available on the DWR website here.
 

Institute for Local Government Launches New Digital Planning Commissioner Handbook & Regional Trainings

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) recently released an updated version of their Planning Commissioners Handbook. This handbook is designed to support planning commissioners, their staff, and other officials interested in land use and planning; to help local officials understand the planning process; and provide a glimpse of some potential planning challenges commissioners may experience during their terms. The handbook describes the major terms, plans, and policies that make up the framework of local planning, as well as typical stakeholders in the process and the basics of reviewing applications for development.

In conjunction with this release, ILG is hosting regional training sessions for planning commissioners. These interactive sessions will take place in person at various locations throughout the state and will cover topics such as the role of a planning commission, how to work effectively with staff and the governing board, effective community engagement, CEQA basics, required planning documents, and local and regional planning challenges and opportunities. Each session will give participants the opportunity to engage with experts in the field and fellow planning commissioners to hear best practices, emerging trends, and lessons learned. All sessions are FREE but space is limited and registration is required. Find a full schedule and register here.

Next training: San Bernardino and Riverside Counties, August 26, 2022 - Planning Commissioner Training

 

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.

 

Raymonn DeJesus, of Roseville, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Placer County Superior Court. DeJesus has served as an Administrative Law Judge at the California Unemployment Insurance Appeals Board since 2020. He served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Placer County District Attorney’s Office from 2016 to 2020 and at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office from 2015 to 2016. DeJesus served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office from 2010 to 2015. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles Wachob. The compensation for this position is $229,125. DeJesus is registered without party preference.

Michael Domenzain, of Imperial, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Imperial County Superior Court. Domenzain has served as a Referee at the Imperial County Superior Court since 2018. He served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office from 2009 to 2018 and was an Adjunct Professor at the University of Phoenix from 2014 to 2020. Domenzain earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Juan Ulloa. The compensation for this position is $229,125. Domenzain is a Democrat.

Amelia Yana Garcia Gonzalez, of Oakland, will serve as California’s next Secretary for Environmental Protection after Secretary Jared Blumenfeld steps down in September. Garcia Gonzalez has served as Special Assistant Attorney General in the California Attorney General’s Office since 2021. She was Deputy Secretary for Environmental Justice, Tribal Affairs and Border Relations at the California Environmental Protection Agency from 2019 to 2021, where she was Assistant Secretary for Environmental Justice and Tribal Affairs from 2017 to 2019. Garcia Gonzalez was an Attorney at Earthjustice from 2015 to 2017, and at Communities for a Better Environment from 2013 to 2015. She was a Legal Research Attorney at the San Francisco County Superior Court from 2012 to 2013, and a post-graduate Law Clerk at Kazan, McClain, Lyons, Greenwood and Harley, A Professional Law Corporation from 2011 to 2012. Garcia Gonzalez earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Northeastern University School of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $232,858. Garcia Gonzalez is a Democrat.

Laura Passaglia, of Santa Rosa, has been appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a Judge in the Sonoma County Superior Court. Passaglia has served as a Commissioner at the Sonoma County Superior Court since 2021. She served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office from 2017 to 2021. She served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office from 2007 to 2017. Passaglia earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She will fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Gary Nadler effective September 13, 2022. The Governor’s appointment allows her to immediately assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2023. The compensation for this position is $229,125. Passaglia is a Democrat.

Anita Starchman Bryant, of Mariposa, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Mariposa County Superior Court. Bryant has been a Sole Practitioner since 2018. She was a Partner at Starchman & Bryant, Attorneys at Law from 2005 to 2018. Bryant was an Associate at Downey Brand LLP from 2001 to 2004. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Bryant fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge F. Dana Walton. The compensation for this position is $229,125. Bryant is a Democrat.

IN THE NEWS

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

 

CA Fire Foundation Disaster Relief Cards Provide $87,000 in Relief to Oak Fire Survivors – California Fire Foundation

Working with community-based organizations on the ground in Mariposa County, the California Fire Foundation activated 350 Disaster Relief cash cards, providing more than $87,000 in rapid assistance to survivors of the recent devastating Oak Fire. The Alliance for Community Transformations assisted with the cash card distribution, with funding provided through a partnership including the California Fire Foundation, the Rural County Representatives of California, and Golden State Finance Authority.

 

California urged to move faster on $200 million in microgrid incentives  – Microgrid Knowledge

With power outages becoming a routine worry for many Californians, with over 590 outages impacting over 510,000 individuals so far this year, several groups last week including RCRC, encouraged quick state action on microgrid incentives.

 

Newsom outlines sweeping strategy to bolster water supplies – Los Angeles Times

On Thursday, the California Governor announced a new water-supply strategy, laying out a series of actions aimed at preparing the state for an estimated 10% decrease in California’s waters supply by 2040. The plan focuses on accelerating infrastructure projects, boosting conservation, and upgrading the state’s water system.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

 

AB 522   (Fong)   Forestry: Forest Fire Prevention Exemption.  The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt specific forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, and duration, intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption. Assembly Bill 522 extends the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to January 1, 2026 to aid forest landowners with wildfire prevention activities.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/2/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1078   (Patterson)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.   Exempts residential buildings damaged or destroyed in a disaster during the 2020 calendar year from having to install solar energy systems under the California Energy Commission’s recently adopted building requirements.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/21/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act secondary egress route projects undertaken by a public agency for a subdivision in a high fire threat area that was evaluated by the Board of Forestry.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/11/2022-In committee: Held under submission.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.   AB 1608 would remove county authority to combine the duties of the Sheriff with the duties of the Coroner. The bill appears to require counties with a combined Sheriff-Coroner function to either combine the Coroner with another authorized elected office, transition to a standalone elected Coroner, or replace the Coroner model with a Medical Examiner office.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1642   (Salas)   California Environmental Quality Act: water system well and domestic well projects: exemption.   Exempts from CEQA vital projects to prevent or mitigate failure of a well that would leave residents without an adequate supply of drinking water. This exemption only applies to those wells in areas designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as being at high risk or medium risk in the state’s annual Drinking Water Needs Assessment.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/2/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1644   (Flora)   Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: California Jobs Plan Act of 2021.   The California Jobs Plan Act of 2021 requires the state board to work with the Labor and Workforce Development Agency to update, by July 1, 2025, Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund funding guidelines for administering agencies to ensure that all applicants to grant programs funded by the fund meet specified standards, including fair and responsible employer standards and inclusive procurement policies, as provided. Existing law exempts from these standards applicants for certain types of projects. This bill would exempt applicants for projects for healthy forest and fire prevention programs and projects, and the completion of prescribed fire and other fuel reduction projects from these standards.   Location: Assembly Concurrence   Status: 8/8/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 36. Noes 0.). In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after August 10 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1696   (Lee)   Elections: nonpartisan candidates’ party preference.   Current constitutional and statutory law prohibits including the party preference of a candidate for nonpartisan office, defined as any judicial, school, county, or municipal office, including the Superintendent of Public Instruction, on the ballot for that office. This bill would require the ballot for the above offices, except for judicial offices, to contain the candidate’s party preference or, if applicable, lack of party preference.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 4/29/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(5). (Last location was ELECTIONS on 3/10/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1717   (Aguiar-Curry)   Public works: definition.   Assembly Bill 1717 requires prevailing wage to be paid for public works projects funded by public dollars related to community wildfire prevention, vegetation management and fuels treatment.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

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

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/2/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead service lines.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/11/2022-In committee: Held under submission.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1944   (Lee)   Local government: open and public meetings.   AB 1944 would authorize members of local legislative bodies to teleconference from a remote location without making the address of that location public. Additionally, the bill requires that – for those local agencies that elect to use teleconferencing for its legislative body meetings – a video stream is made available to members of the public, including an opportunity to provide public comment via telephone or videoconference option.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. GOV. & F. on 6/8/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

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

AB 1985   (Rivas, Robert )   Organic waste: recovered organic waste product procurement targets.   Phases in CalRecycle's SB 1383 local organic waste procurement requirements by requiring local jurisdictions to procure 30% of regulatory targets by 2023, 65% by 2024, and 100% by 2025.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (August 11). Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/21/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2201   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.   This bill would prohibit a county, city, or any other water well permitting agency from approving a permit for a new groundwater well or for an alteration to an existing well in a basin subject to the Sustainable Groundwater Management Act and classified as medium- or high-priority unless it obtains a written verification, from the groundwater sustainability agency that manages the basin that, among other things, the extraction by the proposed well is consistent with any sustainable groundwater management program established in any applicable groundwater sustainability plan adopted by that groundwater sustainability agency or an alternate plan approved or under review by the Department of Water Resources.   Location: Senate Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 4. Noes 2.) (August 11). Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

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

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.   Increases the maximum fine for the dumping of commercial quantities of waste by a business that employs more than 10 employees from $3,000 to $5,000 for the first conviction, from $6,000 to $10,000 for the second conviction, and from $10,000 to $20,000 for the third and any subsequent convictions. Clarifies that the dumping of commercial quantities of waste includes waste dumped on another person's residential property.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/28/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2419   (Bryan)   Environmental justice: federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act: Justice40 Advisory Committee.   This bill would require a minimum of 40% of funds received by the state under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act to be allocated to projects that provide direct benefits to disadvantaged communities as designated by the CalEnviroScreen Tool and a minimum of an additional 10% be allocated for projects that provide direct benefits to low-income households and low-income communities, as provided. The bill would create a California Justice40 Advisory Committee to advise state agencies on administration of the funds.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/11/2022-In committee: Held under submission.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.   Requires producers of batteries and battery-embedded products to establish a stewardship program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and management of those products.   Location: Senate Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (August 11). Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2449   (Rubio, Blanca)   Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences.   AB 2449 would authorize remote participation in local public meetings if at least a quorum of the members of the legislative body participates in person from a location clearly identified on the agenda that is also open to the public and situated within the boundaries of the local agencies. In order to do so, the local agency must appropriately post agendas, members of the legislative body attending the meeting by teleconference must participate in both audio and video formats, and members of the public must have call-in and internet-based access for attending and participating in the meetings.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/9/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/11/2022-In committee: Held under submission.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

AB 2481   (Smith)   Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.   Makes several changes to laws related to transportation of household hazardous waste (HHW) and operation of household hazardous waste collection facilities (HHWCFs). AB 2481 is intended to clarify and resolve ambiguities in existing law while reducing administrative and financial burdens on local governments that administer HHWCFs; provide flexibility for operation of local HHWCFs; and facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/29/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 6/20/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 23, Statutes of 2022.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2647   (Levine)   Local government: open meetings.   This measure would clarify that writings distributed to the majority of a local legislative body less than 72 hours before a meeting can be posted online to satisfy the Brown Act if physical copies are made available for public inspection at the beginning of the next regular business day at a public office or designated location.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/8/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2677   (Gabriel)   Information Practices Act of 1977.   Would remove the exemption of local agencies from the Act, which deals with the collection, storage, and disclosure of personal information.   Location: Senate Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Amend, and do pass as amended. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (August 11). Read second time and amended. Ordered returned to second reading.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.   Requires the state to undertake various actions to consider and promote the use of biomass energy generation and wood products manufacturing.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/11/2022-In committee: Held under submission.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

ACA 1   (Aguiar-Curry)   Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.    ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses.   Location: Assembly Local Government   Status: 4/22/2021-Referred to Coms. on L. GOV. and APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Tracy (1)

ACA 13   (Mathis)   Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 4/7/2022-Referred to Coms. on W.,P., & W. and NAT. RES.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AJR 5   (Rivas, Luz)   Wild free-roaming horses and burros: protection: roundup moratorium.   AJR 5 would urge the federal government to declare a moratorium on all further wild horse and burro round-ups and would urge the United States Bureau of Land Management and the United States Forest Service to introduce and support populations in areas of California where wild horses and burros were historically present.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 8/25/2021-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 12   (McGuire)   Local government: planning and zoning: wildfires.   Senate Bill 12 requires that the Office of Planning and Research, among other things, coordinate with appropriate entities, including state, regional, or local agencies, to establish a clearinghouse for climate adaptation information for use by state, regional, and local entities, as provided. This bill would require the safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element or the hazard mitigation plan, on or after July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. H. & C.D. on 5/24/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 37   (Cortese)   Contaminated Site Cleanup and Safety Act.   Senate Bill 37 eliminates the ability to use a “common sense exemption” under the California Environmental Quality Act for any projects undertaken at over 40,000 sites throughout the state that appear on the Cortese List of currently or formerly contaminated properties. Instead allows specified types of projects to use either a statutory or categorical CEQA exemption is certain circumstances are met   Location: Assembly 2 year   Status: 9/10/2021-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(a)(15). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 9/8/2021)(May be acted upon Jan 2022)   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Solid waste: reporting, packaging, and plastic food service ware.   SB 54 requires manufactures of single-use, disposable packaging and food service ware to ensure that those products sold, distributed, or imported into the state are either recyclable or compostable.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 6/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 54, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 396   (Bradford)   Forestry: electrical transmission or distribution lines: clearances: notice and opportunity to be heard.   Exempts electrical utilities from liability for vegetation management activities undertaken to reduce wildfire risk.   Location: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 8/4/2022-Re-referred to Com. on RLS pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(d). From committee: Be re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C. pursuant to Senate Rule 29.10(d). (Ayes 4. Noes 0.) Re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.   Establishes an expedited process for the state's review and approval of electrical utility undergrounding projects.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 11. Noes 2.) (August 11).   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 915   (Min)   Firearms: state property.   SB 915, which would prohibit the sale of firearms on any state- or county-owned property, including fairgrounds from holding gun shows and, as a result, erode the revenue stream that would be derived from legal gun shows on these premises.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/21/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 145, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (August 11).   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 931   (Leyva)   Deterring union membership: violations.   Authorizes PERB claim alleging employer deterred or discouraged union membership, up to $100,000 fine ($1,000 per employee impacted) and attorney’s fees for employee organization.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 4.) (August 11).   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 938   (Hertzberg)   The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/1/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 89, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling: reports: electronic submittal: wine and distilled spirits.   Expands the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program, for which consumers must pay a $0.05 or $0.10/container deposit, to wine and distilled spirits.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (August 11).   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: state of emergency or emergency condition: retaliation.   SB 1044 would prohibit an employer from taking or threatening any adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leaving, a workplace because the employee feels unsafe due to a state of emergency or an emergency condition, and (2) permit employees to access their mobile device or other communications device.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 4.) (August 11).   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.   SB 1100 would clarify the rules around when individuals can be removed for willfully interrupting a meeting.   Location: Senate Enrolled   Status: 8/10/2022-Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 2 p.m.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1109   (Caballero)   California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: bioenergy projects.   Extends SB 901 BioRAM biomass energy facility contracts by an additional five years. Requires any incremental procurement of electricity products from bioenergy resources by a new BioRAM contract or contract extension of 5 years or longer in duration to be from a resource that meets emission limits equivalent to, or more stringent than, the best available retrofit control technology determined at the time of procurement.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-Coauthors revised. From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 16. Noes 0.) (August 11).   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1127   (Atkins)   Workers’ compensation: liability presumptions.   SB 1127 proposes to shorten the time provided for employers to investigate claims from 90 to 30 days for any claim covered by a presumption statute, and 60 days for all other claims. The bill proposes new and unprecedented penalties all claims covered by presumption statutes up to $100,000.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 13. Noes 1.) (August 11).   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1186   (Wiener)   Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act.   SB 1186 undermines the intent of MAUCRSA by (1) eliminating a local jurisdiction's ability to prohibit medical cannabis retail activities, regardless of the needs or conditions in the jurisdiction, and (2) restricting the ability for the large number of jurisdictions that permit and regulate cannabis retailers to set appropriate local regulations which are developed in a public process.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 4.) (August 11).   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.   Imposes "covered electronic device" fees on battery embedded products at the point of sale to pay for the management and disposal of those products.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 12. Noes 4.) (August 11).   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.   Prohibits the sale of disposable propane cylinders beginning January 1, 2028.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 6/30/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1266   (Borgeas)   Income taxes: credits: designated wildfire zones.   Provides a tax credit of 50 percent of the amount paid, up to $3,500, for the purchase of a backup power generator ($5,000 for purchase of a solar battery) for use in a residence or by a small business located in a very high fire hazard severity zone.   Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation   Status: 6/20/2022-June 20 hearing: Heard for testimony only.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1326   (Caballero)   Cannabis: interstate agreements.   SB 1326 would allow the cross jurisdictional import and export to other states, of cannabis and cannabis products by authorizing the Governor to enter into an agreement to provide lawful interstate commerce. SB 1326 requires the agreement to include public health, safety, and labeling standards, a system to regulate and track cannabis items, collection of applicable taxes, and that out of state cannabis items delivered to California be tested, packaged, and labeled in compliance with California state law.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass. (Ayes 12. Noes 4.) (August 11).   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1338   (Umberg)   Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program.   SB 1338 reflects Governor Newsom’s vison for creating a new civil court process to reach and treat individuals living with untreated schizophrenia spectrum and psychiatric disorders. These new Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Courts would work with public defenders, county behavioral health, and a new class of trained “supporters” to assist individuals with treatment, medication, and housing. CARE Courts require significant engagement and resources from counties.   Location: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 8/11/2022-From committee: Do pass as amended. (Ayes 13. Noes 0.) (August 11).   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1426   (Caballero)   Cannabis: water pollution crimes.   Would make it a misdemeanor or felony to plant, cultivate, harvest, dry, or process more than 50 living cannabis plants, or any part thereof, and where that activity involves theft of groundwater, unauthorized tapping into a water conveyance or storage infrastructure, digging an unpermitted, illegal well, or the pollution of groundwater, as specified. This bill would also clarify that causing substantial environmental harm to public resources includes groundwater.   Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 5/19/2022-May 19 hearing: Held in committee and under submission.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)