The Barbed Wire - June 24, 2022

June 24, 2022
Save Our Sequoias Act Introduced
Bill of the Week: SB 443 (Hertzberg) - Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
Flexibility in Using Infrastructure Relief Funds After Natural Disasters
DOI Approves Construction of Two Solar Projects in California
Proposal to Help Fund California Nuclear Plant
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Save Our Sequoias Act Introduced

On Thursday, June 23rd, House Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Bakersfield), Representative Bruce Westerman (R-Arkansas) and Representative Scott Peters (D-La Jolla) introduced the Save Our Sequoias Act. This bipartisan bill would streamline federal processes to allow quicker tree removal and the clearing of dangerous undergrowth in the approximately 73 giant sequoia groves in the Sierra Nevada. RCRC has filed a letter of support for the legislation. In addition to support from RCRC, the measure has also received support from American Indian tribes, state agencies, business groups such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and several environmental groups, particularly at the local level. 

Bill of the Week: SB 443 (Hertzberg) - Emergency Medical Services (EMS)

RCRC, along with a coalition of county and medical service partners, strongly oppose  Senate Bill 443, authored by Senator Robert Hertzberg. This newly amended measure relates to local emergency medical services agencies (LEMSAs) and is sponsored by the California Fire Chiefs Association (Cal Chiefs). SB 443 purports to clarify SB 438, another Senator Hertzberg measure from 2019, that dealt with the operation of public safety answering points (PSAPs), including 9-1-1 Emergency Medical Services (EMS) dispatch centers. On the contrary, the measure does not address local EMS dispatch issues, but instead undermines county and LEMSA control of their EMS systems. SB 443 seeks to undermine nearly 40 years of litigation that has affirmed county responsibility for their local emergency medical services systems. 

Joining RCRC in opposition are the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), Urban Counties of California (UCC), Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), County Health Executives Association of California (CHEAC), Emergency Medical Services Administrators Association of California (EMSAAC), and the Emergency Medical Services Medical Directors Association of California (EMDAC), as well as 20 individual counties to date. The California Ambulance Association and American Medical Response are also in opposition.  

SB 443 expressly goes beyond SB 438 by removing longstanding county and state medical oversight of local fire departments and other emergency medical services. The measure risks patient safety and care by creating a fragmented and inequitable “wild west” where EMS providers may operate without the accountability and safety of local medical oversight and state accountability. This bill will also impact all patients and EMS systems across the state, whether they live in rural, urban or suburban counties in California. 

We urge all counties to oppose SB 443 because it would create a fragmented, inequitable patchwork of EMS medical practices. A sample opposition letter is available for download here. SB 443 will be heard in Assembly Health Committee on Tuesday, June 28. For questions, or to provide RCRC with a copy of your opposition letter, please contact Policy Advocate Sarah Dukett.

Flexibility in Using Infrastructure Relief Funds After Natural Disasters

On Wednesday, Senator Alex Padilla along with Representatives John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) and Doug LaMalfa (R-Richvale), led a letter to Secretary Pete Buttigieg urging the Department of Transportation (DOT) to provide flexibility to states like California in using relief funds for transportation repair projects on roads, bridges, trails, and transit systems in the aftermath of natural disasters. The letter was also signed by RCRC delegation Representatives Jimmy Panetta (D-Monterey), Jim Costa (D-Fresno), Jared Huffman (D-Marina), and Juan Vargas (D-San Diego). The letter outlines concerns about how DOT can “claw back” Emergency Relief program funding for highway and public transit projects if those projects do not initiate construction by the end of the second fiscal year following the year in which the disaster occurred. 

DOI Approves Construction of Two Solar Projects in California

On June 13th, the Department of the Interior issued final approval for construction of the Arica and Victory Pass solar projects near Desert Center in eastern Riverside County, California. The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) is currently processing 67 utility-scale onshore clean energy projects proposed on public lands in the western United States. This includes solar, wind and geothermal projects, as well as interconnect gen-tie lines that are vital to clean energy projects proposed on non-federal land.  

Proposal to Help Fund California Nuclear Plant

In response to a request from Governor Newsom, the U.S. Department of Energy is currently proposing an amendment to the Guidance for the Civil Nuclear Credit Program. The amendment would allow California’s last nuclear power plant to qualify for federal financial assistance. The change would remove a requirement that would otherwise prevent PG&E’s Diablo Canyon nuclear power facility from getting a portion of $6 billion in funding that the White House is making available to rescue nuclear reactors at risk of closing.  This potential reversal of California’s anti-nuclear power stance underscores the crisis the state is facing as it seeks to decarbonize its grid.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

Webinar on Wildfire-Prepared Resilient Rebuilding

On June 29th at 5:00 p.m., join United Policyholders for the Wildfire-Prepared Resilient Rebuilding webinar to help you plan for and understand how to build a resilient home by adopting mitigation standards into your rebuild. This webinar is supported by the Rural County Representatives of California (RCRC), Golden State Finance Authority (GSFA),  Solano Community Foundation, and Santa Cruz County Community Foundation.

Register Here

 

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

 

Yolo Land Trust Seeks Executive Director

The Yolo Land Trust Executive Director provides leadership toward the development and fulfillment of the Yolo Land Trust’s (YLT) mission of conserving farmland in Yolo County through the implementation of YLT’s strategic plan and the achievement of annual goals and objectives set by the Board of Directors. The successful candidate will lead and manage all functions of the organization including financial oversight, budget development and management, conservation easement transactions, stewardship of the conservation portfolio (including the YLT-owned farm), donor stewardship and development, and external communications. Applications are due Monday, July 18, 2022, by 5:00 PM PDT. Details about this opportunity are available here.

 

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.

 

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: Santa Cruz, San Benito & Monterey Counties - July 22, 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.

 

Danny Samuel, of Santa Maria, has been appointed Warden at the California Men’s Colony, where he has been Acting Warden since 2021 and has served in several positions since 1997, including Chief Deputy Warden, Associate Warden, Classification and Parole Representative, Correctional Counselor and Correctional Officer. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $162,024. Samuel is registered without party preference.

Heather Snipes, of Eureka, has been appointed to the Advisory Commission on Special Education. Snipes has been a Program Specialist for the Supporting Inclusive Practices Program at the El Dorado Office of Education since 2022 and an Instructor at the California Preschool Instructional Network since 2018. Snipes held several positions at the Eureka City School District from 2013 and 2022, including Director of Early Childhood Development and Special Education, Assistant Director of Early Childhood Education, Preschool Center Teacher, Substitute Preschool Teacher and Elementary School Secretary. She was SEEDS Afterschool Program Coordinator at the Westside Community Improvement Project from 2015 to 2016. Snipes was a Financial Aid Technician at the College of the Redwoods from 2014 to 2015 and an Emergency Communications Dispatcher Trainee at the City of Eureka Police Department from 2012 to 2013. Snipes was an Early Head Start Teacher at Hoopa Valley Tribal Early Head Start from 2011 to 2012 and a Preschool Teacher at the College of the Redwoods Child Development Center from 2007 to 2011. Snipes was treasurer at the California Association for the Education of Young Children, North Coast Chapter from 2020 to 2021 and is a member of the National Association for the Education of Young Children. She earned a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Studies from Walden University. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Snipes is a Democrat. 

Mary T. Teichert, of Granite Bay, has been reappointed to the Contractors State License Board, where she has served since 2019. Teichert has been President at Teichert Inc. since 2020, where she has held several positions since 2004, including Chief Operating Officer, Vice President and General Manager, Estimator, Project Engineer and Miner. She was Director of Product Strategy at Apple Computer from 2002 to 2004 and a Consultant at Bain and Company from 1998 to 2001. She is a member of the Associated General Contractors of America, the Beavers, California Transportation Foundation, American Leadership Forum, Capital Region Family Business Center, United Contractors and California Building Industry Association. Teichert earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Teichert is a Democrat.

IN THE NEWS

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

 

Creating a Green Workforce – Comstock’s Magazine

RCRC's Senior Policy Advocate Staci Heaton featured in Comstock’s Magazine highlighting the need for increased forest management projects and emphasizing the dual benefits that work will provide by creating jobs and reducing catastrophic wildfire risk.

 

Legislators, Newsom negotiating behind closed doors over energy deal  – Cal Matters

California Legislators are currently negotiating an energy package in the budget that would give the state Energy Commission sole control over the siting of clean-energy facilities. RCRC’s concerns regarding the potential loss of local control over energy projects are noted in this CalMatters article. 

 

California's Lake Oroville peaks for the year at just over half full  – Los Angeles Times

Lake Oroville in Butte County, the largest reservoir in a state system that provides water to 27 million Californians, has already reached its peak level for the year, barely surpassing half of its capacity, according to the Department of Water Resources. The Department of Water Resources’ forecasts Lake Oroville’s water level to continue falling through the end of the year, but the agency said it does not expect the hydroelectric power plant will need to shut down.

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: 6/14/2022-In committee: Set, second 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 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   Status: 6/23/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   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 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 Public Safety   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on PUB. S. (Ayes 4. Noes 1.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on 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: 6/14/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   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: 6/21/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee. 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:  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   Status: 6/14/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 4. Noes 1.) (June 13). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 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 Transportation   Status: 6/20/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on TRANS.   Position:   Watch   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 Appropriations   Status: 6/22/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   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 Suspense File   Status: 6/20/2022-In committee: Referred to suspense file.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead pipes.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/22/2022-In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.    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: 6/22/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author. In committee: Hearing postponed by committee.   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: list of available products.     Location: Senate Environmental Quality   Status: 6/13/2022-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 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 Gov. & F.   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on 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 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 Transportation   Status: 6/16/2022-Re-referred to Com. on TRANS.   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 Appropriations   Status: 6/14/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 0.) (June 14). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Governmental Organization   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on G.O. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on G.O.   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: 6/14/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.     Location: Senate Judiciary   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/23/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Appropriations   Status: 6/23/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Senate Governmental Organization   Status: 6/23/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   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: 6/23/2022-From Consent Calendar. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 6/20/2022-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 Gov. & F.   Status: 6/20/2022-In committee: Set, first hearing. Hearing canceled at the request of author.   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: 6/20/2022-From committee chair, with author's amendments: Amend, and re-refer to committee. Read second time, amended, and re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.     Location: Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications   Status: 6/20/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E., U. & C. with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. (Ayes 7. Noes 0.) (June 20). Re-referred to Com. on E., U. & C.   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: 6/15/2022-June 15 set for first hearing canceled at the request of author.   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: 6/20/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Solid waste: reporting, packaging, and 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: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/16/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   Position:   Support   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 Third Reading   Status: 6/15/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   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: 6/15/2022-June 22 hearing postponed by committee.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/23/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on NAT. RES. (Ayes 12. Noes 0.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES. From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on 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 Third Reading   Status: 6/23/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Assembly Judiciary   Status: 6/21/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on JUD. (Ayes 10. Noes 0.) (June 20). Re-referred to Com. on 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 Appropriations   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Enrollment   Status: 6/23/2022-Assembly amendments concurred in. (Ayes 38. Noes 0.) Ordered to engrossing and enrolling.   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.   Expands the state's Beverage Container Recycling Program, for which consumers must pay a $0.05 or $0.10/container deposit, to wine and distilled spirits.   Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 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 Emergency Management   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on E.M. (Ayes 5. Noes 2.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on 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 Third Reading   Status: 6/22/2022-Read second time. Ordered to third reading.   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 U. & E.   Status: 6/20/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-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 Appropriations   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. (Ayes 10. Noes 2.) (June 22). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/22/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.     Location: Assembly Natural Resources   Status: 6/20/2022-From committee with author's amendments. Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on NAT. RES.   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 Judiciary   Status: 6/15/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on JUD.   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   Status: 6/15/2022-Read second time and amended. Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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 Health   Status: 6/21/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on HEALTH. (Ayes 9. Noes 1.) (June 21). Re-referred to Com. on HEALTH.   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   Status: 6/21/2022-From committee: Do pass and re-refer to Com. on APPR. with recommendation: To consent calendar. (Ayes 9. Noes 0.) (June 20). Re-referred to Com. on APPR.   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)