The Barbed Wire - June 10, 2022

June 10, 2022
Federal Hearing on “Western Water Crisis”
CPUC Clarifies Next Steps and Will Hold Statewide Listening Sessions on Energy Affordability
Push for Cannabis Banking
California Primaries: Congressional Races
Legislative Budget Proposal Includes Over $500 Million for Recycling
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Federal Hearing on “Western Water Crisis”

On June 7th, the Senate Agriculture Subcommittee on Conservation, Climate, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a hearing titled: “The Western Water Crisis: Confronting Persistent Drought and Building Resilience on Our Forests and Farmland.” The hearing centered primarily around first-hand accounts of locals and field experts who testified on the significance of drought conditions across states like Colorado and Kansas. Senators on the subcommittee agreed on the magnitude of the ongoing issue that has plagued many of their constituents for years. Each witness gave unique details regarding the western water crisis, and every statement discussed the urgency of the situation. Witnesses offered their opinions about what the 2023 Farm Bill should include, such as more funding for post-wildfire recovery, high mountain conservation, technology implementation, the Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP), and the Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP). Discussion extended beyond the water crisis into other facets of climate change, including forest fires, floods, and extreme temperatures—all of which have a significant effect on the agricultural industry’s ability to grow crops year-over-year.  

CPUC Clarifies Next Steps and Will Hold Statewide Listening Sessions on Energy Affordability

Two weeks ago, RCRC noted that the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) was soliciting comments on a stakeholder-proposal to impose a new fixed charge on electrical customers living in high fire threat districts.  On June 9th, the CPUC issued a new ruling rescinding the May 20th version.   

In its new ruling, CPUC Commissioner Houck noted that the previous ruling may have been premature and is instead seeking comments on how to maximize public outreach and engagement in a series of Listening Sessions held throughout the state.  Those Listening Sessions are intended to vet a host of energy affordability issues throughout Fall/Winter 2022.  Comments to the CPUC on how to conduct and where to hold the listening sessions are due by July 31, 2022. 

RCRC will provide comments strongly encouraging the CPUC to hold in-person and digital meetings throughout rural California counties to ensure rural voices are heard on affordability issues and how they interact with reliability and safety.  RCRC will also provide extensive comments, at the appropriate time, pushing back on the stakeholder high fire risk area surcharge concept. 

Public comments can be submitted on the “Public Comment” tab of the proceeding’s docket page. Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate, with any questions or comments, and to learn how to engage. 

Push for Cannabis Banking

On Monday, June 6th, the U.S. Conference of Mayors adopted a resolution “imploring Congress to pass a bill to safeguard banks that work with state-legal marijuana businesses from federal penalties.” The group agreed to support not only the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act but also the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act (H.R. 3617) and the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA). Additionally, this week the Republican sponsor for the SAFE Banking Act — Senator Steve Daines (R-Montana) — released an ad explaining what he sees as the benefits of the incremental reform legislation. 

California Primaries: Congressional Races

As Republicans attempt to regain control of Congress, the Congressional races of California are being closely watched, as a preview of what is anticipated to be a turbulent mid-term election across the country. Democrat’s stronghold on California’s congressional delegation has come into question over recent months over issues such as crime and homelessness. Nationally, California serves as one of the few paths House Democrats see toward potentially keeping their majority. 

Key Congressional Races 

  • Senate: Incumbent Senator Alex Padilla was on the ballot twice — once in a special election to fill the remainder of Vice President Harris’ term through early 2023, and once in the primary to run for a full six-year term. He advanced in both races to be on the ballot for the General Election in November. Republican attorney Mark Meuser, whom Padilla defeated in the 2018 Secretary of State race, also advanced to the General Election in both contests. 

 

  • House: Primary Results 

    • District 3: Kermit Jones (D) received 39% and Kevin Kiley (R) received 37% of the vote. 

    • District 6: Ami Bera (D) received 55% and Tamika Hamilton (R) received 16% of the vote. 

    • District 7: Doris Matsui (D) received 65% and Max Semenenko (R) received 28% of the vote. 

    • District 25: Mike Garcia (R) received 49.6% and Christy Smith (D) received 35.4% of the vote. 

    • District 45: Michelle Steel (R) received 49.3% and Jay Chen (D) received 41.2% of the vote. 

Legislative Budget Proposal Includes Over $500 Million for Recycling

The legislative budget agreement between the California Assembly and Senate has been released and includes over $500 million in funding for recycling.   

In particular, Assembly Bill 154 and Senate Bill 154 include $330 million to expand beverage container recycling opportunities and recycling throughout the state.  With the closure of hundreds of recycling centers, it has become more and more difficult for consumers to get their CRV deposits back.  Funding for the administration’s $330 million proposal was approved; however, the Legislature echoed many of the concerns raised by RCRC, CSAC, and CalCities with how that money was to be spent.  These details are to be worked out by the Legislature and Governor over the next few months. 

The legislative budget agreement also devotes $180 million in Assembly Bill 32 cap and trade auction revenues to CalRecycle for organic waste infrastructure grants.  RCRC, CSAC, CalCities, Monterey Regional Waste Management District, Del Norte Solid Waste Management Authority, and Western Placer Waste Management Authority requested $180 million earlier this year to help local governments implement the state’s new organic waste recycling regulations.  Last year, local governments successfully secured considerable funding for organic waste infrastructure and local implementation assistance.  While it is not yet clear how the proposed funding will be allocated, RCRC will continue engaging to ensure that local governments receive assistance for local implementation efforts. 

It should be noted that this legislative budget proposal represents agreement only between the Assembly and Senate and it is not yet clear if the Governor approves of this plan, will sign it, or reject it.   

Please contact John Kennedy, RCRC Policy Advocate, with any questions or comments. 

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

Grant Funding Opportunity - Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program

The Sierra Nevada Conservancy has launched the second cycle of its $50 million Wildfire Recovery and Forest Resilience Directed Grant Program.

Last year, the California State Budget appropriated $50 million to the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC) to address wildfire- and forest-resilience priorities. In June, SNC made awards totaling $21 million to forest resilience and wildfire recovery projects and approved guidelines for up to an additional $23,700,000 in local-assistance grants next fiscal year.

To be eligible for the $23 million in funding, applicants must be a public agency, nonprofit organization, or a tribal entity. Projects must be located within, or provide services to, the Sierra Nevada Region as defined by SNC governing legislation—an area including the mountains and foothills of Sierra Nevada range, much of California’s Cascade range, the Mono Basin, Owens Valley, and parts of the Klamath Mountains.

Concept proposals must be submitted by July 29, 2022. If invited, full proposals will be due October 28, 2022, and project awards will begin in March 2023. Projects must be completed by January 1, 2028.

Applicants interested in submitting a concept proposal must first discuss the idea with an SNC Area Representative.

 

Grant Funding Opportunity - America the Beautiful Challenge

The America the Beautiful Challenge is a public-private grant program for locally led ecosystem restoration projects that invest in watershed restoration, resilience, equitable access, workforce development, corridors and connectivity, and collaborative conservation, consistent with the America the Beautiful Initiative. 

The America the Beautiful Challenge will seek to advance conservation and restoration projects that are consistent with the principles outlined in the Conserving and Restoring America the Beautiful report and that focus on at least one of the following core areas of need:

  • Conserving and restoring rivers, coasts, wetlands, and watersheds
  • Conserving and restoring forests, grasslands, and other important ecosystems that serve as carbon sinks
  • Connecting and reconnecting wildlife corridors, large landscapes, watersheds, and seascapes
  • Improving ecosystem and community resilience to coastal flooding, drought, and other climate-related threats
  • Expanding access to the outdoors, particularly in underserved communities

Applicants are encouraged to develop large landscape scale and/or cross jurisdictional projects that advance existing conservation plans or are informed by Indigenous Traditional Knowledge.

America the Beautiful Challenge proposals are due July 21, 2022. The full Request for Proposals can be found here: https://www.nfwf.org/programs/america-beautiful-challenge/america-beautiful-challenge-2022-request-proposals

 

Inyo County Employment Opportunities

  • County Administrative Officer

Inyo County is seeking a County Administrative Officer to lead a team of professionals dedicated to improving public services in a small, close-knit community and a ruggedly beautiful area. If you possess strong interpersonal and leadership skills, a passion for people and beautiful outdoor spaces, and enjoy challenges, this is the right position for you! Find more information about the county and this opportunity, see the job announcement here. This position will remain open until filled. Applicant information will be reviewed periodically. To be considered during the first review, a cover letter and resume/CV must be received by in the Personnel Office, P.O. Box 249, Independence, CA 93526 or by email at koney@inyocounty.us or personnel@inyocounty.us by 8:30 a.m. on June 27, 2022.

  • Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention (Health and Human Services)

Inyo County is seeking a Deputy Director for Public Health and Prevention. Under the direction of the Health and Human Services Director, the Deputy Director initiates, organizes, directs, and coordinates the design and development of multiple public health and prevention programs including related client services through a trauma informed lens. The Deputy Director will encourage and support the design and development of integrated service plans among Health and Human Services divisions and programs, as well as with other care providers as appropriate. The Deputy Director will identify needs and goals and strategies to accomplish these goals. The Deputy Director will participate in the development and monitoring of department budgets, direct the investigation and resolution of complaints/concerns, and provide leadership and participate in a variety of committees and task forces within and outside of the Health and Human Service Department. The ideal candidate is technically knowledgeable in the health care and related fields and demonstrates continual learning. They will be able to grasp new information and business models to support agency and team growth. Apply by June 24, 2022. For more information, view the brochure here.  Apply online here.

 

Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority (BIDA) Seeks Financial Operations Manager

BIDA is seeking an experienced and dynamic individual with good people skills to support the General Manager in all matters of the Basin Irrigation and Drainage Authority, the Sutter Mutual Water Company, and the Reclamation District 1500. Submit resume and cover letter to Apply@solutions-MRG.com no later than Tuesday June 21, 2022. For more information, view the announcement here.

 

Career Opportunity in Plumas County

The County of Plumas seeks a County Administrative Officer.  The CAO is a contracted, at-will position both appointed by and accountable to the Board of Supervisors and is responsible for enforcement of all County codes, ordinances and regulations, the conduct of all financial activities, and the efficient and economical performance of the County’s operations.  For additional information and to view the job posting click here.

 

Shasta County Seeks Public Works Director

Shasta County invites applications for the position of Public Works Director. Information about the position is available here,  Apply online here. Final Filing Date: June 27, 2022 at 8:00 a.m.

 

Del Norte County Seeks Deputy Director for the Community Development Department (Public Works Branch)

Del Norte County seeks a Deputy Director for the Community Development Department - Public Works Branch. This position has branch level administrative responsibility of the department (Public Works Branch), including a variety of contract management and intra- and inter-agency coordination activities under general direction of the Community Development Department Director. Under an administrative team concept, plans, organizes, coordinates and directs work of personnel in the Public Works Branch which includes the Engineering and Surveying Division, Roads Division, County Service Area (sewer collection system), and Flood Control District. Additional information is available here, or view details and apply online.

 

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:  Imperial County, June 16, 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.

 

Liana M. Bailey-Crimmins, of Galt, has been appointed Director of the California Department of Technology, where she has been State Chief Technology Officer since 2021. Bailey-Crimmins was Chief Information Security Officer at the California Public Employees’ Retirement System from 2019 to 2021, where she was Chief Health Director from 2017 to 2019 and Chief Information Officer from 2013 to 2017. She was Chief Information Officer at California Correctional Health Care Services from 2010 to 2013, where she was Deputy Chief Information Officer from 2008 to 2010. She is a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $206,797. Bailey-Crimmins is registered without party preference.

Judge Hernaldo J. Baltodano, of San Luis Obispo, has been nominated to serve as an Associate Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal, Division Six. He has served as a Judge at the San Luis Obispo County Superior Court since 2017, where he was the Supervising Criminal Judge from December 2020 to September 2021. Judge Baltodano was a Founding Partner and Senior Litigation Partner at Baltodano & Baltodano LLP from 2011 to 2017. He worked as Senior Associate at Sanchez & Amador LLP from 2010 to 2011, Senior Associate at Anderson McPharlin & Conners LLP in 2010, and as Senior Associate at Robins Kaplan LLP from 2006 to 2009. He worked as an Associate at SR Holguin PC from 2005 to 2006, Employee Law Group from 2004 to 2005, and Hadsell Stormer Renick & Dai LLP from 2003 to 2004. Judge Baltodano earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. Effective June 30, 2022, he fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Justice Martin J. Tangeman. This position requires confirmation by the Commission on Judicial Appointments, which consists of Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, Attorney General Rob Bonta and senior Presiding Justice of the Second District Court of Appeal Arthur Gilbert. Judge Baltodano is a Democrat. The compensation for this position is $257,562.

Valerie Davis, of Arroyo Grande, has been appointed Medical Director at Atascadero State Hospital, where she has been acting Medical Director since 2022, a psychiatrist since 2016 and Department of Psychiatry Chair at Atascadero State Hospital from 2021 to 2022. Davis has been a psychiatrist and the Chief Executive Officer at Valerie Davis MD PC since 2014. She was a psychiatrist at South Coast Psychiatry from 2014 to 2016. Davis was a psychiatrist at Telecare STEPS from 2014 to 2015. She was Resident Physician at the University of California Los Angeles from 2010 to 2014. Davis is a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha – Delta Chapter and the American Psychiatric Association. She earned a Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $400,728.  Davis is a Democrat. 

Oliver Fiehn, of Davis, has been reappointed to the Biomonitoring California Scientific Guidance Panel, where he has served since 2013. Fiehn has served in several positions at the University of California, Davis since 2004, including Professor and Associate Professor of Metabolomics, Director of the Genome Center and Faculty Lead at the Metabolomics Core in the Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology. He was a Group Leader at the Max Planck Institute of Molecular Plant Physiology from 1998 to 2004 and a Visiting Research Scientist at the University of Washington in 1999. Fiehn was a Research Scientist at the Technical University of Berlin, Department of Water Quality Control from 1994 to 1997. He earned a Doctor of Philosophy degree in analytical toxicology from the Technical University of Berlin and a Master of Science degree in analytical chemistry from the Free University of Berlin. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Fiehn is not registered to vote. 

Stacy Hancock, of Groveland, has been appointed to the State Board of Optometry. Hancock has been an Optician at Precision Optics since 2009. She was an Optician at Robert Haymond MD from 2003 to 2009, an Optician at Donaldson Eye Care Associates from 2002 to 2003 and Lead Optician at Vicki Leung OD & Eric Leser OD from 1994 to 2002. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hancock is a Democrat.

Trisha J. Hirashima, of Granite Bay, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Placer County Superior Court. She has been Senior Legal Research Attorney at the Placer County Superior Court since 2011, where she has also been a Part-Time Commissioner since 2021. She worked at Huddleston & Sipos Law Group as an Associate from 2005 to 2011, at David Williams, Attorney at Law as a Contract Attorney from 2004 to 2005. Hirashima earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Davis School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mark S. Curry. Hirashima is a Democrat.

 

Sandra Matsumoto, of Davis, has been appointed to the California Water Commission. Matsumoto has been Director for the California Water Program at the Nature Conservancy since 2020, where she was Associate Director from 2015 to 2020 and Project Director from 2004 to 2015. She was Project Manager at the Los Angeles Community Design Center from 2003 to 2004 and a Project Analyst at Mintz Levin from 1997 to 1999. She is an advisor to the Public Policy Institute of California’s Water Policy Center, a board member of the Water Education Foundation and a board member of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy. Matsumoto earned a Master of Business Administration degree in finance from the University of California, Los Angeles Anderson School of Management. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Matsumoto is a Democrat.

Crystal Robinson, of Forks of Salmon, has been appointed to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board. Robinson has been Environmental Director at Quartz Valley Indian Reservation since 2014 and held that position from 2006 to 2010. She was Water Resources Program Coordinator for the Karuk Tribe from 2010 to 2014 and Scientific Field Technician at the Siskiyou Resource Conservation District from 2003 to 2006, where she was Watershed Education Coordinator from 2004 to 2005. Robinson was a Fisheries Biological Technician for the U.S. Forest Service Salmon/Scott Ranger District in 2005, a Scientific Aide for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife in 2004, a Scientific Field Technician for the Northern California Resource Center in 2004 and a Watershed Steward for the AmeriCorps Watershed Stewards Project from 2001 to 2003. She is a member of the Scott River Watershed Council, serves on the Salmon River Restoration Council Board and Scott Groundwater Advisory Committee. Robinson is secretary of the California EPA Tribal Advisory Committee, chairperson of the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program and Northern California representative on the U.S. EPA Regional Tribal Operations Committee. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Robinson is registered without party preference.

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.

 

State orders sweeping ban on pumping Delta River water – CalMatters

In sweeping water curtailments stretching from Fresno to the Oregon state line, cities and growers in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta watershed have been ordered to stop pumping from rivers and streams. The cutbacks, announced by the State Water Resources Control Board, will affect about 4,500 water rights in the Delta watershed, including 400 or more held by 212 public water systems. But they’re concentrated around the San Joaquin River and its tributaries, where state officials expect “significant, very deep cuts.” 

 

PG&E ushers in landmark Tesla battery energy storage system at Moss Landing  – Mercury News

Monterey County is, once again, leading by example in the future of clean energy storage as industry leaders this week ushered in the use of Pacific Gas and Electric’s newest addition to its Moss Landing electric substation — a 182.5-megawatt Tesla Megapack battery energy storage system.

 

As California big cities fail to cut their waste use, rural communities are already tapped out – CNN

The challenges of drought facing many rural California communities is told through the stories of several Tulare County residents in this article from CNN.

 

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 Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/1/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   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 Environmental Quality   Status: 6/6/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   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 Appropriations   Status: 6/8/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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   Status: 6/6/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/1/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1434   (Friedman)   Urban water use objectives: indoor residential water use.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-From committee: Filed with the Chief Clerk pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sidd (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 Gov. & F.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Coms. on GOV. & F. and PUB. S.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   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 Environmental Quality   Status: 6/6/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   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 Appropriations   Status: 6/8/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 L., P.E. & R.   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1757   (Haney)   Groundwater sustainability agency.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/1/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1784   (Smith)   Water Quality, Supply, and Infrastructure Improvement Act of 2014: groundwater sustainability projects: grants and loans.      Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was A. PRINT on 2/3/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Senate L., P.E. & R.   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on L., P.E. & R.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/6/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/9/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead pipes.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on E.Q.    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 Gov. & F.   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Coms. on GOV. & F. and JUD.   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: list: available products.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/9/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2201   (Bennett)   Groundwater sustainability agency: groundwater extraction permit: verification.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/1/2022-Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and GOV. & F.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2208   (Kalra)   Fluorescent lamps: sale and distribution: prohibition.     Location: Senate Third Reading   Status: 6/9/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (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.     Location: Senate Public Safety   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on PUB. S.   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 Environmental Quality   Status: 6/9/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E.Q.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2421   (Rubio, Blanca)   Water: unlicensed cannabis cultivation.   AB 2421 would amend the California State Water Code to provide authority to county counsels and city attorneys to civilly prosecute and enjoin water theft. It would also amend the California Fish and Game Code to authorize county counsels to civilly prosecute and enjoin water pollution. By removing existing limitations on prosecutorial authority, the bill provides more tools for local governments to use against the harmful community impacts of illicit cannabis cultivation as well as the degradation of our water and other natural resources.   Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Coms. on N.R. & W. and JUD.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/8/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on E.Q.   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 Gov. & F.   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Coms. on GOV. & F. and JUD.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on N.R. & W.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Senate Governmental Organization   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on G.O.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2481   (Smith)   Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/1/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (June 1). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Enrollment   Status: 6/9/2022-Read third time. Passed. Ordered to the Assembly. (Ayes 38. Noes 0.). In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling.    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 Gov. & F.   Status: 5/25/2022-Referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2840   (Reyes)   Qualifying logistics use projects.     Location: Senate Gov. & F.   Status: 6/8/2022-Referred to Com. on GOV. & F.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.     Location: Senate Natural Resources and Water   Status: 6/9/2022-Action rescinded whereby the bill was referred to Com. on E.Q. From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on N.R. & W.   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 Housing and Community Development   Status: 6/6/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on H. & C.D.   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 Natural Resources   Status: 6/9/2022-Re-referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and JUD. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   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 Natural Resources   Status: 2/14/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. (Amended 2/14/2022)   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act.   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: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support In Concept   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Insurance   Status: 5/5/2022-Referred to Com. on INS. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on INS.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 359   (Caballero)   Climate change: Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program.   Senate Bill 359 requires the Department of Conservation to develop and implement the Resilient Merced County Incentive Pilot Program to assist the County of Merced to develop and adopt a climate action plan through the use of a scenario-planning tool developed by the department and provide financial assistance to private landowners in implementing activities resulting from the use of the scenario-planning tool set forth in the adopted climate action plan.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 2/1/2022-Returned to Secretary of Senate pursuant to Joint Rule 56.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 396   (Dahle)   Forestry: electrical transmission or distribution lines: clearances: notice and opportunity to be heard.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/6/2022-VOTE: Do pass as amended. (PASS)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

SB 463   (Dahle)   Water: landowner or water right holder right to modify, repair, or replace jointly used conduits.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 3/18/2022-March 22 set for second hearing canceled at the request of author.    Staff:  Sidd (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 U. & E.   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Com. on U. & E.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.     Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 6/9/2022-Referred to Coms. on U. & E. and NAT. RES.   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: Assembly Appropriations   Status: 6/8/2022-Coauthors revised. From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (June 8). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Coms. on NAT. RES. and JUD.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/6/2022-Re-referred to Coms. on JUD. and P.E. & R. pursuant to Assembly Rule 96.   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: Assembly Second Reading   Status: 6/9/2022-Read second time and amended. Ordered to second reading.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Assembly Water, Parks and Wildlife   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Com. on W.,P., & W.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling: reports: electronic submittal: wine and distilled spirits.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   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 Labor and Employment   Status: 6/9/2022-Referred to Coms. on L. & E. and E.M.   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: Assembly Local Government   Status: 6/6/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on L. GOV.   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1109   (Caballero)   California Renewables Portfolio Standard Program: bioenergy projects.     Location: Assembly U. & E.   Status: 6/9/2022-Referred to Com. on U. & E.   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 Insurance   Status: 5/27/2022-Referred to Com. on INS.   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 B.&p.   Status: 6/9/2022-Referred to Coms. on B. & P. and JUD.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Assembly Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials   Status: 6/8/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on E.S. & T.M.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1220   (Hurtado)   Sustainable Groundwater Management Act: groundwater sustainability plans.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was S. N.R. & W. on 3/2/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/6/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1266   (Borgeas)   Income taxes: credits: designated wildfire zones.     Location: Assembly Revenue and Taxation   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Com. on REV. & TAX.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1297   (Cortese)   Low-embodied carbon building materials: carbon sequestration.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 5/27/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   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 B.&p.   Status: 6/6/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on B. & P.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Coms. on JUD. and HEALTH.   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1404   (Stern)   California Environmental Quality Act: 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 Natural Resources   Status: 6/2/2022-Referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   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)