The Barbed Wire - January 15, 2021

January 15, 2021
RCRC Annual Reception Celebrates 2021 Officers, Honors Rural Leadership Award Recipients, and Hosts Panel Discussion on Wildfire Solutions
Bill of the Week: SB 219 (McGuire) – Property Taxation: Delinquent Penalties and Costs
RCRC Chair Stacy Corless Shares 2021 Vision and Priorities on Hometown California
President Trump Issues Executive Order to Create Wildland Fire Management Policy Committee
California Public Utilities Commission Issues Proposed Decision Establishing Minimum Wireline Communications System Resiliency Requirements
Biden Coronavirus Plan
California Democrats Urge Incoming Attorney General to Prioritize Net Neutrality
Feinstein Calls for Additional Medical Personnel to California
Permits Required for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021
Marijuana Legalization
New SGIP Energy Storage Program Opportunity for Local Governments
KEEPING UP
BULLETIN BOARD
CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE
LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE

RCRC Annual Reception Celebrates 2021 Officers, Honors Rural Leadership Award Recipients, and Hosts Panel Discussion on Wildfire Solutions

On Wednesday, the 2021 Officers of RCRC took the Oath of Office to lead the organization this year in championing policies on behalf of California’s rural counties. Mono County Supervisor Stacy Corless was installed as Chair. Nevada County Supervisor Dan Miller was installed as 1st Vice Chair.  Butte County Supervisor Doug Teeter was installed as 2nd Vice Chair.  Merced County Supervisor Daron McDaniel remains an Officer as Immediate Past Chair. The official Oath of Office was administered by U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-Yolo County) during the RCRC Board of Directors meeting, held virtually, on the morning of January 13, 2021.
 
Later in the evening, at RCRC’s Annual Reception (held virtually this year), RCRC honored  the recipients of the Rural Leadership Awards. The Rural Leadership Awards are presented annually to two public officials who have demonstrated an understanding of, and leadership in, rural issues and unique challenges that rural communities face. RCRC honored former Congressman Paul Cook (currently a member of the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors) for his longstanding advocacy for rural counties. RCRC also honored Assembly Member Laura Friedman (D-Glendale), a strong ally for rural counties, for her pivotal role in the wildfire conversation as Chair of the Natural Resources Committee during the 2019-2020 Legislative Session.
 
The highlight of the evening was a panel discussion on The Pursuit of Holistic Wildfire Solutions for 2021. RCRC was honored to have with us, agency leaders with expertise and experience important to the long term health and protection of California’s natural resources:

  • Angela Avery, Executive Officer of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy
  • Wade Crowfoot, California Natural Resources Secretary
  • Randy Moore, U.S. Forest Service Pacific Southwest Region Regional Forester

 
RCRC is grateful to all who joined in the evening of fun and celebration, as the 2021 Officers lead the organization in the year ahead. For more information, read RCRC’s press release here.
 

Bill of the Week: SB 219 (McGuire) – Property Taxation: Delinquent Penalties and Costs

RCRC, in a joint letter with our county partners the California State Association of Counties (CSAC) and the Urban Counties of California (UCC), has expressed strong support for Senate Bill 219, authored by Senator McGuire (D-Sonoma).  The recently-introduced SB 219 seeks to codify the county tax collector’s ability to cancel late payment penalties or other charges for property tax payers who have experienced financial hardship due to a shelter-in-place order.

The statutory authority offered by SB 219 would provide an important tool for county tax collectors to assist those impacted during a crisis, while sustaining revenue predictability for counties and local agencies that rely on property tax for the majority of their general funds.  Schools, counties, cities, and special districts make revenue and borrowing decisions based upon the predictability of the timing and amount of property tax revenue.  This predictability is vital to the financial well-being of local agencies to provide a wide array of services. 

The letter of support is available here.  For more information, contact Paul A. Smith, RCRC Vice President for Governmental Affairs at 916-447-4806 or psmith@rcrcnet.org.

RCRC Chair Stacy Corless Shares 2021 Vision and Priorities on Hometown California

On Wednesday night, RCRC celebrated the installation of Chair Stacy Corless (Mono County) and the RCRC Officers with a virtual reception. Now, on the latest episode of Hometown California, get a glimpse of the inspiration that drives Supervisor Corless as a leader in one of California’s smallest counties. Hear about her experience as a county leader through what was arguably one of the toughest years in recent history, and about her vision for RCRC in the year ahead. (Listen now)

And watch for the next episode, in which RCRC Vice President for Governmental Affairs, Paul A. Smith, talks with long-time political scientist and advisor to Jerry Brown (1.0) and Jerry Brown (2.0), Bob Stern.

Missed an episode in 2020? Find previous episodes of Hometown California right here.

President Trump Issues Executive Order to Create Wildland Fire Management Policy Committee

On Thursday, President Donald Trump issued an Executive Order establishing a new policy committee to improve coordination among federal agencies in charge of overseeing wildland fire management.  The policy committee, which the Executive Order dubs the Wildland Fire Subcabinet, will be co-chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture and Secretary of the Interior and include the Secretary of Defense, the Secretary of Energy, the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Director of the National Economic Council (NEC), along with the heads of other relevant agencies as the Chairs deem appropriate. 

The new policy committee is being charged with better streamlining and coordinating wildfire policy activities to eliminate duplication among the participating agencies, as well as promulgating better engagement with state and local governments, among a number of other tasks to improve federal wildfire prevention activities.  With President Trump’s limited time remaining in office, the Executive Order’s longevity is questionable, as it could be rescinded by the Biden Administration or folded into the new President’s plans for wildfire prevention once he takes office. 

The full text of President Trump’s Executive Order can be viewed here.

California Public Utilities Commission Issues Proposed Decision Establishing Minimum Wireline Communications System Resiliency Requirements

On January 7, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) issued a Proposed Decision requiring wireline communications providers to increase system resiliency so they can remain operational during power outages.  The CPUC’s actions are in direct response to the widespread loss of communications service during the late 2019 public safety power shutoff (PSPS) events. This Proposed Decision helps ensure that rural wireline-dependent communities enjoy the same levels of communications resiliency as do those who have reliable access to wireless communications coverage.  

The Proposed Decision, which is expected to be adopted next month, largely tracks the new requirements recently imposed on wireless communications systems in D.20-07-011, and requires wireline communications providers in Tier 2 and Tier 3 High Fire Threat Districts to:

  • Maintain service for a minimum of 72-hours immediately following a power outage,
  • Maintain customer access to 9-1-1 service, emergency notifications, and basic internet browsing,
  • Submit waivers for facilities where it is unsafe or objectively impossible or infeasible to deploy backup power (and discuss actions to mitigate the resulting service loss).

The CPUC leaves the door open to extending these requirements beyond those areas in the future and orders providers to pay particular attention to those communities that rely primarily or exclusively on wireline communications.  The CPUC also notes that even with increased network resiliency, migration away from copper phone lines means that customers must have battery or generator power to use their wireline-based telephones during a power outage.

RCRC engaged extensively in this proceeding and many of our suggestions were incorporated in both D.20-07-011 and this Proposed Decision.  RCRC sincerely appreciates the assistance of Supervisors Ted Williams (Mendocino), Lynda Hopkins (Sonoma), David Griffith (Alpine), Lee Adams (Sierra), and Ryan Coonerty (Santa Cruz) and their staff in preparation of comments and testimony in this proceeding.  Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Legislative Advocate, with any questions or for more information.

Biden Coronavirus Plan

On Thursday, President-elect Biden unveiled a $1.9 trillion proposal for further coronavirus economic relief, including $1,400 in additional stimulus checks, an extension of enhanced unemployment insurance, funds for vaccine distribution, and $350 billion in state and local aid (the allocation of the aid has yet to be determined), among other measures. President-elect Biden’s aides have already been privately briefing congressional staffers on the plan in the hopes of gathering bipartisan support for the measure instead of using reconciliation — a budgetary tool that would allow him to push through the legislation using only Democratic votes — according to several people with knowledge of the discussions. The plan is expected to be the first phase of a two-part strategy, with a broader program coming in subsequent weeks focused on longer-term goals such as infrastructure and climate change.

California Democrats Urge Incoming Attorney General to Prioritize Net Neutrality

On Tuesday, Representatives Mike Thompson (D-Napa), Doris Matsui (D-Sacramento), Jimmy Panetta (D-Monterey), Jared Huffman (D-North Coast), and nine members of California’s congressional delegation sent a letter to Attorney General-designate Merrick Garland urging him to withdraw the U.S. federal government’s lawsuit against the State of California over its net neutrality law as one of the first actions after the inauguration.  “With the new Administration, we have an opportunity to restore the damage the Trump FCC has done to the free and open internet in the last four years…As the pandemic surges, it is more important than ever that we restore the policies to ensure families have full access to an open and reliable internet,” wrote the members. 

Feinstein Calls for Additional Medical Personnel to California

Late last week, Senator Dianne Feinstein called on the federal government to expedite the deployment of an additional 500 federal medical personnel to California in response to the surge in coronavirus cases.  In her letter, Senator Feinstein also requested the expediting of California Governor Newsom’s previous request for 12 million Abbott BinaxNOW at-home COVID-19 tests, which will help California prepare to reopen its schools and economy.

Permits Required for Hiking the Pacific Crest Trail in 2021

RCRC’s partner, the Pacific Crest Trail Association (PCTA), will be issuing permits for hiking the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2021.  The Pacific Crest Trail Association had discussions with State Parks and the USDA Forest Service before deciding to issue permits.  As such, the PCTA announcement was released several days ago.

The PCTA decision to issue permits is in concert with a multi-faceted public education campaign about the risks and dangers of COVID-19. Of particular note to counties, those planning a trip on the Pacific Crest Trail must follow all local, state, and federal regulations related to COVID-19. Individuals may apply for a permit online, starting on January 19, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Learn how to apply for a permit here.

The PCTA has the highest expectation that the PCT community will carefully consider the many risks and will make smart decisions that minimize risks to themselves, other hikers, and communities along the trail. The PCTA is recommending that trail users seriously consider postponing long-distance travel on the PCT until 2022. 

For questions or additional information, please contact:

U.S. Forest Service PCT Administrator Beth Boyst
SM.FS.PCTPermits@usda.gov
707-334-4959

Pacific Crest Trail Association’s Director of Trail Operations Jennifer Tripp
jtripp@pcta.org
916-243-9923

Marijuana Legalization

Marijuana policy is expected to be on the forefront of policy agendas heading into the 117th Congress next week. Nevertheless, full marijuana legalization remains a tall order with such a slim majority for Democrats in Congress.  As such, it remains likely that Democrats will attempt to pass piecemeal marijuana bills that garnered bipartisan support in the prior Congress such as the SAFE Banking Act and the Marihuana Research Expansion Act.  Some pro-cannabis Senators and advocates contend that full marijuana legalization may be more likely to progress if it is part of a policing and criminal justice reform package.  Additionally, Senator Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) — who is expected to become the next chair of the Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee — has said in several interviews during the 116th Congress that the SAFE banking bill was something Democrats wanted to work on with Republicans.  Senator Brown added, however, that Democrats' ambitions are not limited to banking access, “We're not just going to help the banks and then not at all deal with the damage that has been caused by arrests and law enforcement,” Brown said in late 2019.

New SGIP Energy Storage Program Opportunity for Local Governments

On Friday morning, January 15, 2021, RCRC hosted an informational webinar on the new CPUC Self Generation Incentive Program for Large Thermal Energy Storage (SGIP L-TES). Michael Day with Trane Commercial served as the subject-matter expert and speaker. 

The new energy storage incentive program mandated by the California Public Utilities Commission is set to open on February 3, 2021. Funds are limited and will be available to fund energy storage solutions for public and private buildings which are equipped with chillers. Local governments with buildings fitting this profile (administrative centers, courthouses, jails, etc.) are eligible applicants for the Self Generation Incentive Program Large Thermal Energy Storage (SGIP L-TES) program.

Eligible applicants include customers of California’s Investor Owned Utility (IOU) companies - Pacific Gas & Electric, Southern California Edison, Southern California Gas, and San Diego Gas & Electric. The program will cover most, if not all, of the costs associated with the acquisition and installation of specialized energy storage equipment to work with chilled water systems. IOU customers who take advantage of this program to install new energy storage systems will be able to significantly lower their cooling bills, increase resilience, and better position their facility budgets against future rate changes.

Contact RCRC Chief Economic Development Officer, Barbara Hayes, for additional information. The presentation is available here.

KEEPING UP

Announcements regarding key staffing changes of importance to California's rural counties.

 

Amy Cordalis, 40, of McKinleyville, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Cordalis, a member of the Yurok Tribe, has been General Counsel for the Yurok Tribe since 2016 and served as a Staff Attorney for the Tribe from 2014 to 2016. She was Staff Attorney at Berkey Williams LLP from 2012 to 2014 and at the Native American Rights Fund from 2007 to 2012. Cordalis is a member of the Klamath River Renewal Corporation Board of Directors. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Denver College of Law. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Cordalis is a Democrat.
 
Kimberly Gallagher, 45, of Davis, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Gallagher has been Farm Operations Manager at Erdman Farms since 2014 and Owner and Operator of Gallagher Farming Company since 2009. She was a Science Teacher for the Davis Unified School District from 2012 to 2014 and an Independent Study Teacher for the Elk Grove Unified School District from 2004 to 2011. Gallagher is a member of the Colusa County Resources Conservation District, Colusa Glenn Subwatershed Program and the California Rice Commission. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Christian leadership from Fuller Theological Seminary. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Gallagher is a Democrat.
 
Fern Steiner, 71, of San Diego, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Steiner has been an Attorney at Smith, Steiner, Vanderpool APC since 1987 and a Shareholder there since 1993. She was an Attorney at Richard D. Prochazka APC from 1984 to 1987 and an Attorney at Karmel and Rosenfeld from 1977 to 1984. Steiner is a member of the San Diego County Water Authority Board of Directors and a trustee for San Diego Youth Services. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from John Marshall Law School. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Steiner is a Democrat.
 
Lisa Halko, 60, of Davis, has been reappointed Chief Counsel at the Department of Conservation, where she has served in that role since 2017. Halko was an Administrative Law Judge at the California Department of Social Services from 2012 to 2017, Staff Counsel III at the California Prison Health Care Receivership from 2010 to 2012 and Associate and Shareholder at Greenberg Traurig LLP from 2004 to 2010. She was Court Counsel, General Counsel and Court Executive Officer at the Yolo County Superior Court from 1997 to 2003 and a Sole Practitioner from 1994 to 1997. She was an Associate at Livingston & Mattesich Law Corporation from 1990 to 1994. She earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $179,820. Halko is a Democrat.
 
Jacob Roper, 39, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Director of Communications at the Department of Conservation. Roper has been Assistant Secretary for Communications at the California Government Operations Agency since 2019. He was Public Affairs Director at the California Franchise Tax Board from 2015 to 2019, Communications Director at the State Treasurer’s Office in 2015 and Press Secretary at the State Controller’s Office from 2007 to 2014. He was Communications Specialist at the Board of Equalization from 2004 to 2007, Account Executive at Bicker, Castillo and Fairbanks in 2004 and a Press Aide in the Office of the Governor in 2003. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $125,004. Roper is registered without party preference. 
 
Rizgar Ghazi, 58, of Sacramento, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Hazardous Waste Management Program at the Department of Toxic Substances Control, where he has served as Acting Deputy Director of the Hazardous Waste Management Program since 2017. Ghazi has served in several positions at the Department of Toxic Substances Control since 2006, including Division Chief, Permitting Division, Permitting Branch Chief and Supervising Hazardous Substances Engineer. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $180,000. Ghazi is a Democrat.
 
Karl Palmer, 60, of Davis, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Safer Products and Workplaces Program at the Department of Toxic Substances Control, where he has served as Acting Deputy Director of the Safer Products and Workplaces Program since 2019. Palmer has served in several positions at the Department of Toxic Substances Control since 1986, including Chief of the Safer Consumer Products Branch, Chief of the Toxics in Products Branch, Chief of the Pollution Prevention Branch, Chief of the Regulatory and Program Development Branch, Chief of the Clandestine Drug Lab Remediation and Emergency Removal Unit, Chief of the Emergency Response Unit and Associate Hazardous Materials Specialist in the Office of Military Facilities, Case Development Unit, Site Evaluation Unit and the Hazardous Waste Management Program. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $169,500. Palmer is a Democrat.      
 
Julie Li, 26, of Sacramento, has been appointed Executive Project Manager at the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. Li has served as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff in the Office of the Governor since 2019. She was the Assistant to the Chief of Staff during then Governor-Elect Gavin Newsom’s Transition from 2018 to 2019. Li was an Associate at Skelton Strategies from 2016 to 2018 and Public Information and Leisure Services Lead at Union WELL Inc. from 2015 to 2018. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $84,996. Li is a Democrat.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

CARB Announces Annual Reporting for Off-Road Diesel Fleets

As of January 1, 2021 annual reporting begins for the In-Use Off-Road Diesel-Fueled Fleets—also called the Off-Road Regulation. This Off-Road Regulation requires fleets to report their off-road diesel equipment to the California Air Resources Board (CARB) by March 1, 2021. Annual reports must also include up to date contact information and engine hour meter readings for low-use vehicles. General information about the Off-Road Regulation is available here.  For guidance on how to submit an annual report, see here or contact the DOORS hotline for more information, 1-877-593-6677 or doors@arb.ca.gov.  
 
 

Rural Regions Connect Virtual Conference - Sponsored by RCRC

RCRC is a proud sponsor of the Rural Regions Connect Virtual Conference taking place on Thursday, January 28th from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. This inaugural, daylong event is designed to help businesses in the 37 rural counties of California access leading experts in top industries to help them capitalize on disruptions and transformations begun in 2020 and accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This is a free, virtual event designed to work around your schedule and interests - you can select the sessions that most interest you and design a conference agenda that meets your needs. For more information, see the event flyer or go directly to the conference website.

The goal of the conference is to provide key information to assist with the business decision-making process, deliver sound advice on how to leverage new opportunities, and provide direct access to state, federal and international business services.  Speakers include key representatives from the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, U.S. Department of Commerce, California Restaurant Association, U.S. Small Business Administration, and McKinsey & Company, among many others.  You can also sign up for individual no-cost consulting sessions with experts from the California Small Business Development Center Network, Sacramento Business Connect and SF Business Connect to discuss your particular business situation and opportunity. 

Register now!

 

CARB Announces One-Stop Regulatory Compliance Webinar For Medium- and Heavy-Duty Vehicles

On January 25, 2021 the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is hosting a free virtual event, with one-on-one assistance available, on regulatory compliance, financial assistance, and new technologies. Presentation topics include: 

  • On-Road and Off-Road Regulations
  • Vehicle and Engine Certification and Compliance Program
  • Reporting into TRUCRS
  • Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance Program
  • Department of Motor Vehicles' Commercial Registration
  • CARB Enforcement Inspection Demonstration
  • California Highway Patrol's Basic Inspection of Terminals
  • New Vehicle Technology
  • Funding Opportunities

To register for this one day event, please see here

 

Job Opportunity- Calaveras County 

Calaveras County is seeking candidates for open positions, Community Health Assistant I/II/III. To learn more about what Calaveras County has to offer, watch this video. Apply by January 18, 2021. To apply, or for more information, see here.

 

California Water Commission Water Conveyance Public Workshops

The California Water Commission is conducting a series of public workshops as part of its efforts to assess a potential state role in financing conveyance projects that could help meet needs in a changing climate. The Commission encourages broad participation, with the goal of learning from diverse voices across the state. Workshops have already occurred for Southeastern California and Southern California have already.  For more information, visit the Programs and Topics page.

Remaining Workshop: Central California – Tuesday, January 26, 2021 (register now)

Workshop is  from 2:45-5 p.m. (entry to meeting site opens at 2:30 p.m.) 

 

GO-Biz Announces Cannabis Equity Grants Available for Local Jurisdictions

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced $15 million is available in Fiscal Year 2020-21 for cities and counties to promote equity and eliminate barriers to populations and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition.  Local Jurisdictions may be awarded up to $75,000 for assistance on cannabis equity program development, or up to $5 million in assistance for cannabis equity program applicants and licensees to gain entry to the state’s regulated cannabis marketplace.  Grant applications must be submitted by February 1, 2021. Grants will be awarded no later than May 14, 2021. For more information on this grant and how to apply, see here.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

Resource pages, deadline extensions, and available programs to assist communities impacted by COVID-19.

 

DWR Provides Tips for Holding Online Meetings to Address Groundwater Sustainability Plans

As Groundwater Sustainability Plans are being developed to meet the January 2022 deadline, several counties (and water agencies) have asked for advice for engaging stakeholders and interested parties through online resources.  In response to community interest, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) Sustainable Groundwater Management Office has put together examples, tips, and tactics to consider. The DWR tips are available here.

 

Coronavirus Relief Available from the Small Business Administration

The federal Small Business Administration (SBA) is offering several coronavirus relief options to help alleviate the financial hardships resulting from the coronavirus (COVID-19). The programs have received an overwhelming number of applications from businesses, so be sure to check the SBA website for the latest updates on the status of these programs.

  • The Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) provides loan forgiveness for retaining employees by temporarily expanding the traditional SBA 7(a) loan program. After initial funding was quickly depleted, the program received an infusion of an additional $310 billion, allowing the SBA to resume the program on April 27, 2020. Be sure to check the SBA website for the most recent information on the application process and availability of funds.
  • The Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) Emergency Advance provides up to $10,000 of economic relief to businesses that are currently experiencing temporary difficulties.
  • SBA Express Bridge Loans can be used to bridge the gap for businesses while applying for a direct SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan; small businesses who currently have a business relationship with an SBA Express Lender to access up to $25,000 quickly.
  • SBA Debt Relief provides a financial reprieve to small businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

If you are interested in programs for other disasters, the SBA Disaster Loan Assistance portal is available here.

 

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

The California Association for Local Economic Development (CALED) has assembled resources for communities and business impacted by the coronavirus (COVID-19). The page will be continually evolving as new resources become available. To go directly to the CALED resources, click here.

 

Use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds for Infectious Disease Response

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds may be used for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Check out the Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Infectious Disease Response for guidance and additional information.

 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

The California State Association of Counties (CSAC), RCRC’s local government partner, continues to provide excellent up-to-date state and federal information to counties on this ever-changing pandemic event.  We encourage visiting CSAC’s COVID-19 resource page, which contains vital links to all CSAC COVID-19 advocacy letters and resources.  CSAC’s staff continues to work around the clock to update activities so that all of California’s counties can remain properly informed.

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE

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

ACA 1 (Aguiar-Curry): Local Government Financing: Affordable Housing. ACA 1 would lower the vote threshold to 55 percent for approval of local bonded-indebtedness and specially dedicated taxes imposed for specified uses. Status: ACA 1 was recently introduced.  RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1 (C. Garcia): Hazardous Waste: Assembly Bill 1 Establishes several new governance, policy, and fiscal reforms to improve the Department of Toxic Substances Control, including significantly increasing several fees and repealing several important fee exemptions. Status: AB 1 has been recently introduced. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 4 (Gonzalez): Communications: California Advanced Services Fund. Senate Bill 4 would modernize and increase the California Advanced Services Fund (CASF) by exploring ways to facilitate streamlining of local land use approvals and construction permit processes for projects related to broadband infrastructure deployment and connectivity. Status: SB 4 was recently introduced. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 33 (Ting): Natural Gas: Prohibits new public buildings from having natural gas connections and utilities from subsidizing natural gas line connections. Status: AB 33 has been recently introduced.  RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 7 (Atkins): Jobs and Economic Improvement Environmental Leadership. Senate Bill 7 requires a lead agency to prepare a master environmental impact report (EIR) for a general plan, plan amendment, plan element, or specific plan for housing projects where the state has provided funding for the preparation of the master EIR. Allows for limited review of proposed subsequent housing projects that are described in the master EIR if the use of the master EIR is consistent with specified provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act. Status: SB 7 has been recently introduced. RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 29 (Umberg): Elections: Vote by Mail Ballots: Senate Bill 29  Current law required county elections officials to mail a ballot to every registered voter for the November 3, 2020 and also required county elections officials to use a specified Secretary of State vote by mail tracking system or a system that meets the same specifications. SB 29 extends these requirements to all elections conducted prior to January 1, 2022. Status: RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 30 (Cortese): Building Decarbonization: Prohibits state agencies from designing or constructing a state facility that is connected to the natural gas grid and prohibits state agencies from funding projects for the construction of residential and nonresidential buildings that are connected to the natural gas grid. Status: Senate Bill 30 has been recently been introduced. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 38 (Wieckowski): Beverage Containers: Replaces the existing Beverage Container Recycling Program (Bottle Bill) with a new recycling program administered by beverage container manufacturers. Status: SB 38 has been recently introduced. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 42 (Wieckowski): Department of Toxic Substances Control:  Establishes a new Board of Environmental safety to oversee the Department of Toxic Substances Control, consider permit appeals, and propose regulatory changes and establishes an ombudsperson to make and receive public complaints and suggestions. Status: SB 42 has been recently introduced. SB 42 RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 45 (Portantino): Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water Bond Act: Senate Bill 45 enacts the Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2022, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in a specified amount pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law to finance projects for a wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection program. Status: SB 45 has been recently introduced. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 52 (Dodd): State of Emergency: Power Outages. Senate Bill 52 clarifies that deenergization events (also known as PSPS events) qualify as events for which a state of emergency or local emergency can be declared under the California Emergency Services Act. Status: SB 52 was recently introduced. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 55 (Stern): Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone: Development. Senate Bill 55 would prohibit all retail, commercial, industrial, or residential development in specified fire-prone areas of the state. RCRC Status: Oppose

Senate Bill 99 (Dodd): Community Energy Resilience Act of 2021: Senate Bill 99 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. Sets forth guiding principles for plan development, including equitable access to reliable energy and integration with other existing local planning documents. Status: SB 99 has been recently introduced. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 219 (McGuire): Property Tax Payments: Shelter-in-Place Order. Senate Bill 219 codifies a county tax collector’s ability to cancel late payment penalties for taxpayers who have experienced financial hardship due to shelter-in-place orders. Status: SB 219 was recently introduced. RCRC Status: Support