The Barbed Wire - August 5, 2022

August 5, 2022
Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act Passes House
Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2647 (Levine) – Local Government Open Meetings
Funding for California Water and Energy Infrastructure Projects
U.S. Senators Schumer and Manchin Agree on Speeding Clean Water Act Permits
RCRC Partners with ILG on Sustainable Recreation Webinar
Sponsor Spotlight: Meet RCRC’s Annual Meeting Brunch Sponsor - Baron & Budd
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act Passes House

On Friday, July 29th, the House passed the Continental Divide Trail Completion Act (H.R. 5118) -- also referred to as the Wildfire Response and Drought Resiliency Act. The measure, which passed the House by a 218-199 vote, seeks to increase the pay for woodland firefighters, maximize support resources to communities affected by wildfires, and fund “drought-proof” water infrastructure. Congressman LaMalfa (R-Richvale) voted against the bill, asserting that the Act will only “bog down existing Forest Service work” and that the proposed new firefighter minimum salary is lower than the current pay of all crew members.

Bill of the Week: Assembly Bill 2647 (Levine) – Local Government Open Meetings

RCRC, in coalition with government partners, has expressed its support for Assembly Bill 2647, authored by Assembly Member Marc Levine (D-Marin County), which alleviates administrative delays by allowing documents to be shared online with a Brown Act legislative body and the public as long as the documents are later made available in person. 

Recently, the Third District Court of Appeals held that posting meeting documents online does not satisfy this requirement of the Brown Act, and that local governments must place physical copies of the document in a designated office open to the public. 

Requiring physical access at a public location as the only way to satisfy the Brown Act could impair the conduct of the people’s business. Without a legislative solution, the Court’s decision requires local agencies to keep an office open to the public during evenings and/or weekends when written material is distributed. Late breaking information would have to be withheld from the legislative body and the public until an office is open, which could impact the ability of a legislative body to be best informed given the reduced time to consider additional information. 

This measure, with recent amendments, 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 24 hours prior to the meeting and that distributed materials are supplemental documents to an agenda item with a staff report or executive summary. 

By reducing delays, the public and the legislative body will be better informed to engage in the meeting with the flexibility and transparency this measure provides. RCRC provided lead testimony in support of AB 2647 in the Senate Government and Finance Committee on June 30th, where the bill passed out of committee unanimously. 

Read RCRC’s letter of support here. For more information, contact RCRC Policy Advocate Sarah Dukett

Funding for California Water and Energy Infrastructure Projects

On Friday, July 29th, Senator Alex Padilla announced that over $100 million has been secured towards water resiliency efforts, ecological restoration and energy infrastructure projects. Counties that would receive help from this funding include Yolo, Butte, Sonoma, Del Norte, Tulare, Calaveras, and Yuba. For a list of projects in California, see Senator Padilla's press release here.

U.S. Senators Schumer and Manchin Agree on Speeding Clean Water Act Permits

In conjunction with the climate and tax package announced last week between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-New York) and Senator Joe Manchin (D-West Virginia), the two Senators also agreed on a side deal that would change the way states issue Clean Water Act permits. Schumer and Manchin have agreed to tweak section 401 of the Clean Water Act to require states to make a decision within one year of a certification request—either to grant it, grant it with conditions, deny it, or waive certification. Section 401 gives states and tribes the power to limit or reject projects that may pollute lakes, rivers, and other waters protected under the act. This package is not directly tied to last week’s reconciliation agreement and will instead be added to a potential continuing resolution—a stopgap spending measure to fund the government if regular appropriations bills are not passed before the end of the fiscal year on September 30th.

RCRC Partners with ILG on Sustainable Recreation Webinar

The Institute for Local Government (ILG), in partnership with RCRC, is hosting a FREE webinar on August 31st from 10:30am to 12:00pm exploring tools and strategies for promoting the protection and preservation of California’s valuable recreational areas. 

Recreational areas throughout the State of California have experienced a substantial growth in visitors over the past couple years. From pandemic related travel restrictions to an increased desire for outdoor activities, individuals continue to flock to these often rural locations on local government, state and federal land to explore what California’s beautiful open spaces have to offer. 

While this boost in tourism provides benefits to local economies, it also creates concern over adverse impacts to the environment, wildlife, and surrounding communities from overuse and overcrowding. On this webinar, local agency and government representatives will discuss their experiences and recommended best practices for establishing sustainable recreation that protects and preserves California’s valuable recreational areas for the benefit of all.

Learn more about the webinar and register here

Sponsor Spotlight: Meet RCRC’s Annual Meeting Brunch Sponsor - Baron & Budd

Baron & Budd is one of the largest, oldest and most revered plaintiffs’ law firms in the nation. Their mission of “Protecting What’s Right” spans the protection of people in virtually every aspect of their lives.  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.

 

El Dorado County Seeks Chief Administrative Officer

El Dorado County is accepting applications for the position of Chief Administrative Officer through August 7, 2022. To be considered for this opportunity, submit your application online here and respond to the required supplemental questions. For additional information, see the recruitment brochure 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

 

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 Listening Sessions
(see flyer here)

Virtual Listening Session
August 10, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM 
Spanish translation provided.
Register 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

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has several new regulatory programs that will help the State become carbon neutral in the future. These programs are going through the public process designed to get input from people and industries affected by the eventual requirements.

The New Programs and Regulations at CARB class will cover the requirements of existing regulations and then the new programs that will eventually be in effect. 

Date: August 10, 2022
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Register Here

 

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: Alpine, Mono and Inyo Counties, August 12, 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.
 

Brandon Chapin, of Woodland, has been appointed Legislative and Policy Advisor at the Delta Stewardship Council. Chapin has been Public Participation Manager at the Delta Stewardship Council since 2018. He was an Associate Governmental Program Analyst at the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy from 2016 to 2018, Legislative Analyst at the California Department of Toxic Substances Control from 2012 to 2016 and a Graduate Assistant at the California Energy Commission from 2010 to 2012. Chapin earned a Master of Public Policy and Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $121,284. Chapin is a Democrat.

Anthony Garrison-Engbrecht, of Merced, has been appointed to the California State Lottery Commission. Garrison-Engbrecht has been Vice President of Student Life at Saint Mary’s College of California since 2021. He held multiple positions at the University of California, Merced from 2019 to 2021, including Senior Advisor and Chief of Staff. Garrison-Engbrecht held multiple positions at the University of California, Berkeley from 2018 to 2019, including Assistant Dean of Students and Director of the Leadership, Engagement, Advising and Development Center. He held several positions at Loyola Marymount University from 2008 to 2017, including Director of Leadership Programs and LGBTQ+ Student Services. Garrison-Engbrecht earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Curriculum Theory from Chapman University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Garrison-Engbrecht is a Democrat. 

Dawn Groten, of Napa, has been appointed Chief of Primary Care Services at Napa State Hospital, where she has been Chief Physician and Surgeon since 2020. Groten was a Primary Care Physician at IPC Team Health from 2012 to 2018. She was an Internist and Geriatrician in private practice from 1987 to 2011. Groten is a member of the California Medical Association and the Napa County Medical Society. She earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Washington University School of Medicine. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $307,188. Groten is a Democrat.

Aaron Pereira, of Alturas, has been appointed to the 34th District Agricultural Association (Modoc Fair Board). Pereira has been a Maintenance Road Worker for the County of Modoc since 2019. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Pereira is registered without party preference. 

Kara Ponton, of Eureka, has been reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she has served since 2019. Ponton was an Officer at the Department of Developmental Services for the Consumer Advisory Committee from 2014 to 2019. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ponton is a Democrat. 

Rosanna “Rosie” Ryan, of Redding, has been reappointed to the State Council on Developmental Disabilities, where she has served since 2019. Ryan was a Peer Instructor at the We Care A Lot Foundation from 2010 to 2016. She is a member of People First of Shasta County. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Ryan is a Republican. 

Clark S. Stone, of Paicines, has been appointed to the 33rd District Agricultural Association (San Benito Fair Board). Stone has been an Attorney at Law Offices of Clark Stone since 2017. He was an Attorney at Bergeson LLP from 2015 to 2017. Stone was a Partner at Hogan Lovells LLP from 2012 to 2015. He was a Partner at Hayne and Boone LLP from 2009 to 2012 and at MacPherson, Kwok, Chen & Heid LLP from 2004 to 2009. Stone was an Associate at Sidley Austin LLP from 2003 to 2004. He was an Associate at Skjerven Morrill LLP from 1999 to 2003. Stone was a Judicial Extern and Law Clerk for the Honorable James Ware at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 1998 to 1999. He was Process Support Manager at Novellus Systems Inc. from 1989 to 1997. Stone was Process Support Supervisor at Applied Material Inc. from 1985 to 1989. He was a Sales and Service engineer at Drytek Corporation from 1981 to 1989. Stone was a Field Service Engineer and Technical Specialist at LFE Corporation from 1979 to 1981. He served as a Fire Control Technician in the U.S. Navy from 1975 to 1979. Stone is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, San Benito County Amateur Radio Association, San Benito County Democratic Central Committee. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Stone is a Democrat.

Jennifer Torres, of Red Bluff, has been appointed to the 30th District Agricultural Association (Tehama Fair Board). Torres has served as Enrollment and Recruitment Manager at Northern California Child Development Inc. since 2005. She is a member of Head Start California, Every Child California, Tehama County Community Action Agency's Tripartite Board, Latino Outreach of Tehama County, and Red Bluff Parks & Recreation Commission. Torres earned a Master of Science degree in Human Services from Capella University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Torres is a Republican.
 

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 renewable energy fight: Counties push back – CalMatters

A California energy package, approved last month, provides the state Energy Commission sole control over the siting of clean-energy facilities. RCRC Policy Advocate John Kennedy is featured in this CalMatters article describing RCRC’s concerns regarding the impact of this loss of local control. 

 

Wildfires have devastated these California towns. See how they are rebuilding – Sacramento Bee

See how the rural communities of Greenville, Berry Creek, and Paradise in Plumas and Butte counties were affected by catastrophic wildfire and the status of their rebuilding efforts today. 

 

Worsening Drought Drives California Water Prices to All-Time High – Bloomberg

California water prices are at all-time high as a severe drought chokes off supplies to cities and farms across the Golden State.

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 1001   (Garcia, Cristina)   Environment: mitigation measures for air quality impacts: environmental justice.   Modifies the California Environmental Quality Act by: 1) Requiring air quality impacts to a disadvantaged community to be mitigated in that community; 2) Requiring local agencies to give consideration to the principles of environmental justice by ensuring the fair treatment and meaningful involvement of people of all races, cultures, incomes, and national origins.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. E.Q. on 5/4/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (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: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 6/13/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   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 Appropriations   Status: 8/1/2022-Re-referred to Com. on APPR pursuant to Joint Rule 10.5.   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: Senate Consent Calendar   Status: 8/2/2022-Read second time. Ordered to Consent Calendar.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 6/27/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 6/20/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead service lines.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.    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.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 8/1/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Appropriations   Status: 6/30/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 3. Noes 1.) (June 29). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2208   (Kalra)   Fluorescent lamps: sale and distribution: prohibition.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 8/1/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (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: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Senate Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   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: 8/2/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 8/1/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on APPR.    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 Second Reading   Status: 8/4/2022-Read third time and amended. Ordered to second 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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/2/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 8/1/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 33   (Cortese)   California Environmental Quality Act: judicial and administrative proceedings: limitations.   For individuals who request to be notified any time CEQA notices are filed, requires a local agency to also notify that individual any time those notices are amended. Allows an individual to request CEQA notifications by e-mail. Tolls CEQA statutes of limitations until all individuals requesting notifications are mailed or e-mailed such notifications.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. NAT. RES. on 6/9/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (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 38   (Wieckowski)   Beverage containers.   Replaces the existing Beverage Container Recycling Program (Bottle Bill) with a new recycling program administered by beverage container manufacturers and increases the CRV from $0.05 to $0.10 per container if the state fails to achieve specified recycling rates. Repeals the $10.5 million annually set aside for payments to cities and counties to address recycling and litter.   Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   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.     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.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Enrollment   Status: 8/4/2022-Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 28. Noes 9.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.   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 10 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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.     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 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.     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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   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 Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 8/3/2022-August 3 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1404   (Stern)   California Environmental Quality Act: oak woodlands.   Would have established a statewide threshold of significance for the removal of oak trees under CEQA and eliminated an important safe harbor under which a project’s implementation of locally-adopted mitigation measures is deemed to satisfy CEQA’s requirements related to the project’s effects on oaks and oak woodlands.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/9/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1410   (Caballero)   California Environmental Quality Act: transportation impacts.     Location: Assembly Appropriations Suspense File   Status: 6/29/2022-June 29 set for first hearing. Placed on suspense file.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (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)