The Barbed Wire - August 26, 2022

RCRC-Sponsored Assembly Bill 2481 Moves to the Governor

On August 22nd, the Legislature sent RCRC-sponsored Assembly Bill 2481 to the Governor for consideration.  AB 2481, authored by Assembly Member Thurston “Smitty” Smith (R-Hesperia), seeks to reduce administrative and financial burdens on local governments that administer household hazardous waste collection facilities (HHWCFs); provide flexibility for operation of local HHWCFs; and facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste.   

Local governments are required to have a program for managing Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) and many jurisdictions operate their own facilities to provide households and small businesses with a convenient opportunity to properly dispose of those wastes.  Local governments are also often responsible for the collection and proper disposal of improperly disposed or abandoned hazardous waste.  

This bill provides more flexibility for local governments, residents, and small businesses to properly dispose of hazardous waste, including allowing friends and family members to take HHW to a HHWCF (provided there is no compensation) when death, illness, or disability precludes a member of the household from doing so.  AB 2481 also simplifies the process for local governments to transport abandoned hazardous wastes to a HHWCF for proper disposal.   Finally, AB 2481 reduces some of the administrative red tape and unnecessary fees related to transporting hazardous waste from one local government HHWCF to another. 

RCRC’s Request for Signature Letter is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 1078 (Patterson) – Exemption from Rooftop Solar Mandate for Wildfire Rebuilds

On August 23rd, RCRC urged Governor Newsom to sign Assembly Bill 1078, authored by Assembly Member Jim Patterson (R-Fresno).  AB 1078 exempts post-fire residential rebuilding of homes destroyed in 2020’s devastating fires, from the recently-adopted California Energy Commission (CEC) solar energy installation mandates. 

The CEC requires all new residential buildings built after January 1, 2020, to be equipped with solar photovoltaic systems. Since post-fire rebuilding is considered “new construction” and must adhere to the current building standards at the time of rebuilding, this new mandate adds significant costs to the price of rebuilding for homeowners who already lack the resources to rebuild their homes. 

AB 178 (Dahle of 2019) previously exempted homes damaged or destroyed in the Camp and Tubbs Fires; however, that relief does not apply to any homes damaged or destroyed in fires that occurred after January 1, 2020. AB 1078 provides similar relief to victims of the horrendous wildfires of 2020 that burned four million acres of land and damaged or destroyed thousands of structures. 

RCRC supports AB 1078 because many insured homeowners are finding themselves underinsured and rebuilding is even more difficult for uninsured homeowners. AB 1078 simply makes it a little less burdensome for fire victims trying to rebuild their homes and lives. 

Unfortunately, AB 1078 was opposed by the California Solar and Storage Association, Natural Resources Defense Council, and Sierra Club California.  Those groups argued that installation of solar rooftops will make housing more affordable and improve energy resiliency.  These claims ignore the fact that the California Public Utilities Commission is poised to significantly increase costs for residents with solar powered homes and that homes will not be any more resilient to the now-frequent power outages unless the homeowner also purchases even more expensive energy storage systems. 

RCRC urges member counties to submit letters to the Governor electronically, urging his signature of AB 1078.  Letters must be e-mailed to Leg.Unit@gov.ca.gov. 

AB 1078 passed the Legislature and awaits the Governor’s signature or veto.  RCRC’s Request for Signature Letter is available here. For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate, John Kennedy.    

Zolly v. City of Oakland Requires Reexamination of Local Franchise Fees

On August 11, 2022, the California Supreme Court issued its decision in Zolly v. City of Oakland, which could have a significant impact on local solid waste franchise fees. 

Local governments often award franchises for solid waste collection and management.  These franchises and associated franchise fees have traditionally not been treated as taxes or regulatory fees by local governments.   

In Zolly, the Court examined whether Oakland’s solid waste franchise agreement constitutes a tax under Proposition 26.  Oakland granted two solid waste franchises in 2012, under which the franchisees agreed to pay the city approximately $25 million annually.   

Some solid waste franchise fees are based on the local government’s actual administrative costs of granting the franchise, but others are not. Local governments have traditionally argued that franchise fees are not considered taxes under Proposition 26. 

The Court rejected Oakland’s argument that franchise fees are exempt under Proposition 26 as charges imposed for use of local government property.  It noted that Oakland failed to show that the “right” granted to the franchisees was “anything more than the generally available prerogative to drive on public roads and rights of way.”  The Court left open a door for Oakland to claim in further proceedings that it granted waste haulers a special ability to drive heavy vehicles and place waste bins on public streets.   

The Supreme Court strongly hinted that solid waste franchise fees may qualify under a different Prop. 26 exemption, for "[a] charge imposed for a specific benefit conferred or privilege granted directly to the payor that is not provided to those not charged,” but only if the fee “does not exceed the reasonable costs to the local government of conferring the benefit or granting the privilege."  

At the end of the day, Zolly requires local governments to take a fresh look at their solid waste franchise fees.  There are a few takeaways from the Court’s decision: 

• Local governments cannot claim franchise fees are outside the purview of Prop. 26 because they are the product of voluntary contractual negotiations or are not directly imposed on residents. 

• Local governments cannot claim that a franchise is local government property that can be sold, rented, or leased. 

• Local governments likely can claim that their solid waste franchise fee is exempt from Prop. 26 as “a benefit conferred or privilege granted to the payor”; however, they will have to show that the fee does not exceed the reasonable cost to the local government of conferring that benefit. 

• If the solid waste franchise grants operators some special privilege to use public property beyond that enjoyed by the general public (like operating heavy trucks or placing waste bins on public roads and rights of way), the local government may still be able to argue that the fee constitutes a charge for use of local government property, but the extent to which this will be accepted in future cases is unclear. 

Further litigation is very likely, so counties should consult with their counsel about whether the terms and rates of franchise agreements need to be modified in light of this decision.  

For more information, please contact RCRC Policy Advocate John Kennedy. 

Congressional Update

Congress is on recess for the next two weeks, so most official congressional action is on hiatus until after the Labor Day holiday. However, behind the scenes work is being done on a temporary extension of fiscal year 2022 funding – known as a continuing resolution (CR). House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Maryland) recently commented that the CR will extend current funding until sometime in December. It is possible that midterm election outcomes will not be known for some time, and the balance of power for the 118th Congress will impact incentives for Republican and Democrat leadership to reach a compromise to finalize funding, during what may be a lame duck session, before the end of the calendar year.  

SPONSOR SPOTLIGHT: Meet RCRC’s Technology Sponsor AT&T

AT&T helps people connect in meaningful ways every day. From the first phone call 140+ years ago to their 5G wireless and multi-gig internet offerings today, AT&T innovates to improve lives. AT&T is committed to advancing education, creating opportunities, strengthening communities and improving lives. As part of their companywide $2 billion commitment to address the digital divide, AT&T launched AT&T Connected Learning to invest in connectivity and technology, digital literacy and education solutions to help today’s learners succeed inside and outside of the classroom. Watch this brief video to learn more, and be sure to connect with AT&T at RCRC’s 2022 Annual Meeting in Napa County

RCRC AFFILIATE ENTITIES

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

 

California Rural Counties Awarded $2.7 Million to Support Broadband Deployment

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced the awarding of $2.7 million in American Rescue Plan grant funding through the Economic Adjustment Assistance program for the development of broadband strategic plans in 27 rural California counties. Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA) will serve as the grant administrator for these planning funds, which will assist rural counties in establishing foundational readiness for broadband infrastructure deployment within their communities.

The $2.7 million in funding recently awarded to GSFA on behalf of rural California counties is specifically provided through EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance grant program. With this funding, GSFA will assist 27 of its member counties in establishing countywide broadband strategic plans. These plans will increase the ability of those rural counties to invite and direct broadband investment into their communities in a strategic manner that ultimately delivers broadband for all residents and businesses. It will also open the door for counties to take advantage of other upcoming federal and state funding opportunities that often require broadband strategic plans to be in place. 

By establishing broadband foundational readiness for these counties, the grant will also allow for the advancement of work under GSFA’s affiliate Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) to expand broadband access for rural California. GSCA is a joint powers authority comprised of 39 rural California counties designed for the purpose of increasing access to reliable, affordable high-speed internet for the residents and businesses of those counties. Pending the establishment of the organization in December 2021, GSCA’s affiliate entity GSFA submitted the EDA grant application. See full press release here.

For more on the story, see the CapRadio article here, in which RCRC President and CEO Patrick Blacklock is quoted, discussing the $2.7 million grant award.

 

South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority Approves Partnership for Broadband Deployment with GSCA

On August 18, the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority approved a memorandum of understanding with Golden State Connect Authority (GSCA) to facilitate installation of reliable, affordable high-speed internet infrastructure in the Salinas Valley in Monterey County. This is one of several initial project locations that GSCA is exploring across its 39 rural member counties for the deployment of an open-access, municipal broadband fiber network.

The South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority, was formed through the signing of a Joint Powers Agreement among the cities of King, Greenfield, Soledad, and Gonzalez and the County of Monterey in May 2022. GSCA will work alongside the Authority to design, fund and develop an open-access, municipal broadband model that will bring affordable, high-speed internet to the Salinas Valley. 

The Salinas Valley was identified as an initial proposed project location, along with other potential sites, through a detailed process evaluating several factors, including the level of service need, estimated costs, and opportunities for partnership with local government and other agencies. GSCA’s intent is to begin with a select number of initial locations and then expand to additional project areas within rural California. At this time, GSCA has established MOUs with Alpine County and with the South Salinas Valley Broadband Authority. Details on additional locations will be released following completion of site analysis and the establishment of local agreements. See full press release for additional details here and visit GSCA’s website for additional information at www.goldenstateconnect.org. 
 

Little Hoover Commission Hears RCRC/ESJPA Testimony on Organics Recycling

On Thursday, members of the Little Hoover Commission invited RCRC/ESJPA and Madera County to testify in a panel on the challenges facing rural communities in implementing California’s organics recycling regulations. Of particular interest to the Commission were the unique barriers to carrying out the provisions of CalRecycle’s regulations adopted pursuant to Senate Bill 1383 (Lara, 2016), which mandate organics recycling for all residential and commercial solid waste to reduce emissions of short-lived climate pollutants.

ESJPA Deputy Executive Director Staci Heaton testified on behalf of the 26 ESJPA member counties, explaining some of the unique difficulties rural jurisdictions have experienced with finding sufficient infrastructure to process organic materials, procuring recycled organic content and, most importantly, implementing the program in an ever-changing regulatory landscape. Jared Carter, Madera County Deputy Public Works Director, also joined the hearing to discuss the county’s very specific issues with requiring mandatory curbside collection in a county where many residents find it more feasible to haul their own solid waste.

Commission members were sympathetic to the rural concerns raised by the panel, suggesting that rural jurisdictions should be given more leeway given the small amount of waste generated compared to the rest of the state. The Commission is currently in the process of holding a series of hearings to inform a report to the Administration and California State Legislature on the implementation of organic waste recycling programs. The next hearing is scheduled for September 8, 2022 and is tentatively set to feature testimony from CalRecycle and other state agency representatives.

For more information on the Little Hoover Commission study on organic waste recycling, visit their website.

 

Golden State Finance Authority Announces Open Registration for CAL-ALHFA Single-Family Symposium and Conference

Registration for the California Association of Local Housing Finance Agencies (CAL-ALHFA)’s annual Single-Family Symposium and Conference is now open. Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA), as a local housing finance entity, serves on the board of CAL-ALHFA and coordinates the topics and speakers for the October 24th Single-Family Symposium. The event brings together affordable housing advocates, non-profits, developers, lenders, service providers, agency officials and staff and other business leaders to share and discuss innovative approaches to affordable housing, community and economic development. 

Reserve your seat today!

DAY 1 – Oct 24 – “ Single-Family Symposium” this year will feature:

• Case Studies and presentations by Local Agencies and Service Providers, creating new homeownership opportunities in CA.
• Discussions of how changing practices in Single-Family lending and underwriting are increasing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.

DAY 2 – Oct 25 – “CAL-ALHFA Conference” will include:

• Summary and analysis of major events of the year in Sacramento.
• Presentations by senior staff from all major housing agencies.
• Discussion of future legislative actions by Principal Consultants of the Senate and Assembly Housing Committees.
• Housing Policy Advocates Round Table discussion.

Ready to Get More Involved?
CAL-ALHFA provides legislative advocacy, educational conferences and workshops, and professional networking opportunities for local housing finance agencies and their colleagues. Sponsorship can provide you a seat at the table as well as growth and exposure for your agency or company.   

Become a CAL-ALHFA Sponsor

CAL-ALHFA was established in 1989 to represent local housing professionals and agencies in the California State legislature and State housing programs. CAL-ALHFA also works on housing issues at the federal level. CAL-ALHFA is a non-profit organization with a broad-based membership including public and private agencies which develop, finance, and administer programs to create affordable housing in California.

Become a Member of CAL-ALHFA

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Water Management Project Submittal Form Now Available Online

In May, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) released the Proposition 1, Round 2 Proposal Solicitation Package (PSP) to fund Integrated Regional Water Management (IRWM) projects. View the Proposal Solicitation Package, Guidelines, and additional details on the DWR website here. Up to $1.2 Million is available in the Northern Sacramento Valley Integrated Regional Water Management (NSV IRWM) region and another $1.1 million is available to the Mountain Counties Funding Area portion of the region. The NSV wants to know if your project is ready to receive funding. The application is due February 1, 2023 and projects will be considered for inclusion in the funding application by the NSV TAC in September and by the NSV Board in October. To have a project considered for funding by the NSV, please contact your County representative by September 2, 2022 and provide a brief project description and estimated project budget. Eligible projects are listed in the Guidelines document on pages 11-13. An online version of the NSV IRWM 2022 Project Submittal Form application is now available here.

NSV County Representatives
Christina Buck, Butte County contact
Lisa Hunter, Glenn County contact
Justin Jenson, Tehama County contact
Vacant, Colusa County contact
Guadalupe Rivera, Sutter County contact 
Charleen Beard, Shasta County contact

 

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 Only
September 7, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Urban Tilth (North Richmond Farm)
323 Brookside Drive
Richmond, CA 94801

 

Career Opportunities

• Alpine County has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for Alpine County Counsel Services. The county is accepting proposals to retain, by contract, a qualified attorney(s) or law firm for the provision of needed legal services.  View the full RFP here. Closing Date: September 16, 2022 at Noon.

• Maxwell Irrigation District (MID), located in Colusa County is in search of a General Manager. The position requires oversight of operations as well as coordination of business activities with local, state and federal agencies for their 6,300 acre CVP Settlement Contract district.  Candidates should be capable of supervising and working with both administrative and operational staff, both in the office and in the field. The Manager reports to, and takes direction from, the MID Board of Directors.  A Bachelor’s degree in agriculture business management, business administration, irrigation engineering or other related majors is preferred, but experience in lieu of the full educational requirement will be considered.  Base salary will range from $70k and up, dependent upon education and experience.  Those interested in the full job listing and a packet of District information should email a request to kathleen@maxwellirrigationdistrict.com or call 530-438-2773.

• Yolo County is seeking a Chief Budget Official. Applications must be submitted no later than September 12, 2022. For additional information and a detailed job announcement, see here.

 

Upcoming Preparation and Scoping Meetings for the Yolo Bypass Cache Slough Partnership Master Plan Program Environmental Impact Report

The Central Valley Flood Protection Board is holding public meetings to receive comments on the scope and content of the Master Plan PEIR. These meetings are intended to help inform responsible and trustee agencies, landowners, Native American Tribes, other interested parties, and state, federal, and local agencies about the YBCS Master Plan PEIR. The Central Valley Flood Protection Board is seeking input on additional topics or impacts that should be analyzed in the PEIR, and alternatives that might reduce environmental impacts. The agenda is available here.

Online Meeting
Date: August 31, 2022
Time: 10:00 AM    
Join via Webex:  https://cadwr.webex.com/meet/CVFPB  
Or join via phone at: 1-844-517-1271 (access code: 1328038250).

In-Person Meeting
Date: August 31, 2022
Time: 6:00 PM
West Sacramento Community Center    
1075 West Capitol Avenue  
West Sacramento, CA 95691 

 

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.

• For all remaining counties, DWR has developed a downloadable outreach template with instructions for counties and local agencies to customize the template, proactively outreach, and communicate with well owners on how to report dry wells and receive emergency water supply assistance. This template is now available for download in the following additional languages: Spanish outreach template; Punjabi outreach template; Hmong outreach template.

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.

 

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.

Los Angeles County, September 12, 2022 – TRAINING AT CAPACITY

 

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.
 

Theresa Comstock, of Napa, has been reappointed to the State Rehabilitation Council, where she has served since 2018.Comstock has been Executive Director at the California Association of Local Behavioral Health Boards and Commissions since 2018. She was an Associate at Complex Property Tax Specialists from 2009 to 2016. Comstock was a Regional Sales Representative in the Electronic Imaging Strategic Business Unit of Southwest United States Sales at Nikon Inc. from 1994 to 1995. She was a Co-Founder and Software Applications Manager at Focused Imaging Technologies Inc. from 1992 to 1994. Comstock was a Sales and Technical Support Specialist in the Digital Imaging Strategic Business Unit at System Integrators Inc. from 1989 to 1992. She is a member of the Napa County Mental Health Board. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Comstock is registered without party preference.  

Susan “Tink” Miller, of Foresthill, has been reappointed to the State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2019. Miller has been Executive Director of Placer Independent Resource Services since 1995. She held several positions at the Westside Center for Independent Living between 1979 and 1995, including Director of Administration and Finance, Controller and Acting Executive Co-Director. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Miller is registered without party preference. 

Ning “Jenny” Yang, of Ukiah, has been reappointed to the State Independent Living Council, where she has served since 2019. Yang was Vice Chair at the California State Council on Developmental Disabilities from 2013 to 2018. She was a student member of the California Community College Board of Governors from 2011 to 2013. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Yang 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.

 

California faces existential threat of a megaflood – Cal Matters

A new study suggests that due to climate change California is at ever-increasing risk of a disastrous chain of storms, one that would be devastating, both in human and economic terms, in a state with nearly 40 million residents.

 

CA Gov. Newsom unveils grants for areas hit by 2018 wildfires – The Sacramento Bee

On August 19, Governor Newsom announced $317 million in federal Community Development Block Grant-Disaster Recovery funds will go toward recovery and rebuilding efforts for seven jurisdictions affected by catastrophic wildfires in 2018, including nearly $200 million to the town of Paradise in Butte County. 

 

August Complex: A Wildfire Resilience Success Story: Forest Health treatments yield important management insights – CAL FIRE

This story map from CAL FIRE displays how fuel treatment projects prior to the 2020 August Complex Fire helped reduce wildfire activity in treated areas and provides valuable lessons for successful fuel management practices.

LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

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

AB 522   (Fong)   Forestry: Forest Fire Prevention Exemption.  The Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973 authorizes the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection to exempt specific forest management activities, including the harvesting of trees for the purpose of reducing the rate of fire spread, and duration, intensity, fuel ignitability, or ignition of tree crowns, known as the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption. Assembly Bill 522 extends the sunset of the Forest Fire Prevention Exemption to January 1, 2026 to aid forest landowners with wildfire prevention activities.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/22/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 29. Noes 2.). In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. (Enrolled Text Released 8/24/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1078   (Patterson)   Energy: building standards: photovoltaic requirements.   Exempts residential buildings damaged or destroyed in a disaster during the 2020 calendar year from having to install solar energy systems under the California Energy Commission’s recently adopted building requirements.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/23/2022-Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 67. Noes 0.).   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1154   (Patterson)   California Environmental Quality Act: exemption: egress route projects: fire safety.   Exempts from the California Environmental Quality Act secondary egress route projects undertaken by a public agency for a subdivision in a high fire threat area that was evaluated by the Board of Forestry.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/25/2022-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: Assembly Concurrence   Status: 8/25/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.). In Assembly. Concurrence in Senate amendments pending. May be considered on or after August 27 pursuant to Assembly Rule 77. Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended.   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 Enrolled   Status: 8/18/2022-Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3:30 p.m.   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: 8/25/2022-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: 8/23/2022-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: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/24/2022-Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 68. Noes 3.).    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/24/2022-Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. Urgency clause adopted. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.).    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead service lines.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

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

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

AB 1985   (Rivas, Robert )   Organic waste: recovered organic waste product procurement targets.   Phases in CalRecycle's SB 1383 local organic waste procurement requirements by requiring local jurisdictions to procure 30% of regulatory targets by 2023, 65% by 2024, and 100% by 2025.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/24/2022-Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 72. Noes 0.).   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/24/2022-Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 75. Noes 0.).    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 Third Reading   Status: 8/15/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third 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: Assembly Enrolled   Status: 8/23/2022-Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 3 p.m.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

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

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.   Requires producers of batteries to establish a stewardship program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and management of those products.   Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/25/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to third 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: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/25/2022-Assembly Rule 77(a) suspended. Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 67. Noes 2.).   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  Sarah (1)

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

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

AB 2481   (Smith)   Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.   Makes several changes to laws related to transportation of household hazardous waste (HHW) and operation of household hazardous waste collection facilities (HHWCFs). AB 2481 is intended to clarify and resolve ambiguities in existing law while reducing administrative and financial burdens on local governments that administer HHWCFs; provide flexibility for operation of local HHWCFs; and facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/22/2022-Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 77. Noes 0.).   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

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

AB 2647   (Levine)   Local government: open meetings.   This measure would clarify that writings distributed to the majority of a local legislative body less than 72 hours before a meeting can be posted online to satisfy the Brown Act if physical copies are made available for public inspection at the beginning of the next regular business day at a public office or designated location.   Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 8/22/2022-Senate amendments concurred in. To Engrossing and Enrolling. (Ayes 74. Noes 0.).   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 Third Reading   Status: 8/24/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third 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 Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/8/2022)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

ACA 1   (Aguiar-Curry)   Local government financing: affordable housing and public infrastructure: voter approval.    ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses.   Location: Assembly 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 Third Reading   Status: 8/23/2022-From inactive file. Ordered to third reading.   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 Concurrence   Status: 8/17/2022-From committee: That the Assembly amendments be taken up for consideration. (Ayes 8. Noes 3.)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/3/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.   Establishes an expedited process for the state's review and approval of electrical utility undergrounding projects.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 8/25/2022-Assembly Rule 69 suspended. Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

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

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Senate Enrollment   Status: 8/22/2022-Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 39. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 931   (Leyva)   Deterring union membership: violations.   Authorizes PERB claim alleging employer deterred or discouraged union membership, up to $100,000 fine ($1,000 per employee impacted) and attorney’s fees for employee organization.   Location: Senate Concurrence   Status: 8/24/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Senate. In Senate. Concurrence in Assembly amendments pending.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

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

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

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling.   Expands the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program, for which consumers must pay a $0.05 or $0.10/container deposit, to wine and distilled spirits.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 8/25/2022-Assembly Rule 69 suspended. Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: emergency condition: retaliation.   SB 1044 would prohibit an employer from taking or threatening any adverse action against any employee for refusing to report to, or leaving, a workplace because the employee feels unsafe due to a state of emergency or an emergency condition, and (2) permit employees to access their mobile device or other communications device.   Location: Senate Enrollment   Status: 8/24/2022-Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 29. Noes 10.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.   SB 1100 would clarify the rules around when individuals can be removed for willfully interrupting a meeting.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 8/22/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 171, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1109   (Caballero)   California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: bioenergy projects.   Extends SB 901 BioRAM biomass energy facility contracts by an additional five years. Requires any incremental procurement of electricity products from bioenergy resources by a new BioRAM contract or contract extension of 5 years or longer in duration to be from a resource that meets emission limits equivalent to, or more stringent than, the best available retrofit control technology determined at the time of procurement.   Location: Assembly Third Reading   Status: 8/24/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.   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 Third Reading   Status: 8/23/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.   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 Third Reading   Status: 8/22/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.   Imposes "covered electronic device" fees on battery embedded products at the point of sale to pay for the management and disposal of those products.   Location: Senate Concurrence   Status: 8/24/2022-Set for hearing August 24. From committee: That the Assembly amendments be concurred in. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.   Prohibits the sale of disposable propane cylinders beginning January 1, 2028.   Location: Senate Enrolled   Status: 8/23/2022-Enrolled and presented to the Governor at 12:30 p.m.   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: Senate Enrollment   Status: 8/25/2022-Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 28. Noes 9.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.   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 Third Reading   Status: 8/25/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to third reading.   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)