The Barbed Wire - June 5, 2020

Surface Transportation Bill Unveiled

On Wednesday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Peter DeFazio (D-Oregon), released text of the Investing in a New Vision for the Environment and Surface Transportation in America (INVEST in America) Act. The Committee will consider the INVEST in America Act at a markup scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th. The current surface transportation authorization expires September 30th. The INVEST in America Act, authorizes nearly $494 billion over five years to address some of the country’s most urgent infrastructure needs including $319 billion for highways, $105 billion for transit and $60 billion for rail. Notably for RCRC, the bill also creates a new nationwide Vehicle-Miles Traveled pilot program and pushes states toward making their current pilot programs permanent.

The bill is part of the Moving Forward Framework that Democrats in the House of Representatives released in January that would spend upwards of $760 billion on infrastructure. Following Wednesdays’ bill release, Republicans noted that they had not been included in the drafting process. House Republicans released their infrastructure principles in January, which included state flexibility, rural infrastructure, and a solvent Highway Trust Fund, all of which were not addressed in the Democrats’ INVEST in America Act.

Click on one of these links for more info:

Bill text | Factsheet | Bill Summary | Section-by-Section

Bill of the Week: SB 989 (Dahle) – Sierra Nevada Conservancy

RCRC has expressed support for Senate Bill 989, authored by Senator Brian Dahle (D-Lassen). SB 989 would modify areas listed under the definitions of the Sierra Nevada Region and subregions of the Sierra Nevada Conservancy (SNC).

Specifically, SB 989 would alter the boundaries of the SNC to read “…and up to the southern boundary of the Pit River watershed where Bear Creek Mountain Road and Dry Creek Road intersect; the southern boundary of the Pit River watershed; the western boundary of the upper Sacramento watershed; on the north by the boundary of the upper Sacramento, McCloud, and Pit River watersheds in the County of Siskiyou.” RCRC believes expanding the boundaries of areas within the SNC would further strengthen ongoing efforts that support improved environmental, economic, and social well-being in the rural Sierra region.

RCRC’s support of this legislation comports with the desire of Siskiyou County and Trinity County. In December, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors adopted a resolution in support of legislative efforts to adjust the boundaries of the SNC in this manner. Following the introduction of SB 989, the Siskiyou County Board of Supervisors also submitted a letter of support noting that the areas, as defined in SB 989, to be included in the SNC are among the areas most significantly prone to high severity wildfires due to ongoing drought, tree mortality, low snowpack, and a century of fire suppression.

Created by bi-partisan legislation and signed into law in 2004, the Sierra Nevada Conservancy provides grants and technical assistance for eligible projects within its boundaries. The projects support forest health, land conservation, resilient Sierra Nevada communities, and vibrant recreation and tourism. Inclusion in the SNC region would provide needed support for Sierra Nevada forests and watersheds, including those impacted by the Carr, Delta, and Hirz Fires of 2018.

The measure was approved by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee last week. RCRC’s letter of support can be accessed here. For more information, please contact Mary-Ann Warmerdam, RCRC Senior Legislative Advocate, at (916) 447-4806 or mwarmerdam@rcrcnet.org.

Tourism Industry is Readying Itself for Recovery

The coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis has snuffed out 10 years of economic growth in California’s travel and tourism industry. The fallout from this crisis is not only unprecedented, but estimated to cost the state $72.1 billion in visitor spending this year and 613,000 tourism jobs last month alone. However, the tourism economy also offers a path to recovery.

In 2019, visitors spent $144.9 billion in California, according to Visit California’s latest economic impact report. That spending supported 1.2 million jobs throughout the state. Generating $12.2 billion in tax revenues for state and local jurisdictions, visitor spending was among the top three sources of funding for many cities and counties.

As California’s post-coronavirus future begins to take shape, reviving visitor spending will play a vital role in restarting the economy and powering the state. Tourism has a proven track record of recovering faster than other industries in the aftermath of a crisis. In fact, the travel industry adds jobs 60 percent faster than the private sector as a whole.

During these extraordinary times, Visit California is working on initiatives to inspire community support and begin safe and responsible travel when the time is right. Travel matters to California and will help propel economic recovery as businesses and destinations start re-opening.

Read more on the tourism industry’s response to the COVID-19 crisis and the benefits of travel and tourism to California’s economy.

Extension of the Paycheck Protection Program

On Wednesday evening, the Senate passed by unanimous consent legislation to provide businesses with more flexibility while using loans provided through the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). Last week, the House passed the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act of 2020 (H.R. 6886) by an overwhelming vote of 417-1. Senator Mike Lee (R-Utah) and Senator Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin) initially blocked plans to take up the House-passed legislation by unanimous consent, in opposition to a provision in the House bill that would push the loan application from June 30th to December 31st; however, late on Wednesday evening they agreed to withhold their objections while they work on further reforms. If signed by President Trump, which he is expected to do, the legislation would give borrowers under the PPP 24 weeks instead of eight weeks to use the funds, in a recognition that the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has kept businesses sidelined longer than lawmakers expected.

The bill would also give businesses greater flexibility in where they use the money by lowering the amount they must spend on payroll to qualify for full loan forgiveness to 60 percent instead of 75 percent.

CARES Act/Community Development Block Grant Program Notice of Funding Availability Issued

The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced the availability of $18.7 million in CARES Act funding to non-entitlement communities to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. HCD announced they will conduct a workshop webinar to answer questions about the over-the-counter application process and what activities are eligible for funding. You can register for the June 24 webinar here. Applications will be accepted between June 8 and August 31, 2020. The Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) explains that eligible activities include:

• Assistance to businesses and microenterprises impacted by COVID-19 stay-at-home orders and shut-downs
• Public services related to COVID-19 support
• Facility improvements related to COVID-19 healthcare and homeless housing needs
• Acquisition of real property to be used for the treatment or recovery of infectious diseases in response to COVID-19

The NOFA is accessible here and outlines the application process, activities eligible for funding, and the allocation for each jurisdiction. In order to apply for funding, local governments must have an approved housing element in place, so there are thirteen cities and four counties that are currently ineligible until their housing element issues are resolved.

RCRC supported HCD’s efforts to expedite disbursement of $19 million CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and simplify the application process for local governments. Read RCRC’s comments here.

Updated Railroad Safety App Available for Key County Personnel/Emergency Responders

Effective response in a railroad emergency depends on access to reliable, timely information. If the train conductor cannot be located, the AskRail mobile app gives first responders an alternative resource in the palm of their hand. By entering a railcar number in the mobile interface, key county emergency personnel can identify if a car or train is carrying hazardous material or other freight that poses a risk before determining how to safely respond to an incident.

Other features of the recently-updated AskRail app include:

• full integration with North American Class I railroads;
• a mapping feature to identify points of interest and isolation zones;
• access to the field guide to tank cars, providing the types and markings of tank cars that carry hazardous and non-hazardous materials;
• emergency contact information for all Class I Railroads and Amtrak; and
• a list of the top 125 hazardous materials to help hazmat managers and emergency responders design their training strategy.

The AskRail app, available for qualified emergency responders, is included as part of standard emergency responder training from Class I railroads, and railroads can offer the app to known emergency responders along their routes. To learn more about the AskRail app, visit the website here.

Federal Clean Water Act

On Monday, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced its final rule limiting Section 401 of the Clean Water Act. The rule limits the scope of environmental reviews that states conduct before issuing permits for projects such as pipelines and hydropower plants. It directs states to narrow their reviews to water quality issues and creates a one-year deadline for states to make decisions. Several Republican lawmakers and industry groups have sought an easier permitting process, decrying a protracted evaluation system which hampers development. EPA proposed the rule in August following directions from President Trump’s “Promoting Energy Infrastructure and Economic Growth” executive order.

Federal Legislation to Provide Financial Assistance to Special Districts

On Tuesday, Representative John Garamendi (D-Yolo) introduced the Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act (H.R. 7073). Currently, special districts are ineligible for direct federal financial assistance under the CARES Act. Representative Garamendi’s legislation would ensure that the 2,700 special districts in California and 30,000 special districts nationwide are eligible for any additional federal assistance provided by Congress to state, county, and local governments to aid in the fight against COVID-19. Special districts are units of local government that provide public services cities and counties do not provide for residents. Those services include first responders, firefighting, public health, transit, and more.

Specifically, the “Special Districts Provide Essential Services Act” would provide:

• Eligibility for Coronavirus Relief Fund and Future Federal Assistance: Make special districts eligible for direct federal financial assistance appropriated by Congress in the future, along with state, county, and local governments and subject to the same oversight requirements. This would not apply retroactively to the $150 billion provided under the CARES Act.
   
• Access to Municipal Liquidity Facility: Provide special districts access to the Federal Reserve’s Municipal Liquidity Facility, which provides states, counties, and cities federally guaranteed “bridge financing” to offset unexpected short-term revenue shortfalls caused by the current pandemic. Like states, counties, and cities, many special districts serve large populations and have the legal authority to issue short-term tax and revenue anticipation notes. However, special districts are not currently granted direct access to the Municipal Liquidity Facility.
   

While RCRC does not officially ‘support’ H.R. 7073, RCRC’s federal advocacy team has been working with Congressman Garamendi’s office and one of the key sponsors – the California Special Districts Association – on crafting the bill. We appreciate that supporters of this legislation are sensitive to the financial plight that counties are experiencing in using county resources to providing direct public health care services while at the same time experiencing great revenue loss during the pandemic.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

RCRC June Board Meeting Will Occur Virtually

The June meeting of the RCRC Board of Directors will occur over Zoom, rather than as a gathering in either Merced County or the offices of RCRC in Sacramento County. RCRC Chair, Supervisor Daron McDaniel of Merced County, made the announcement in a message to members of the RCRC Board of Directors on Thursday. This decision is a result of many factors, including State and Sacramento County public health orders, as counties progress through various stages of re-opening. At this time, RCRC staff and officers remain hopeful that the September Board of Directors meeting can be held in Merced County, likely to occur on September 17-18. RCRC staff, in consultation with RCRC leadership, will continue to monitor the situation closely.

Job Posting- Shasta County Director of Housing/Community Action Programs (Deadline Extended)

The county of Shasta has extended the application deadline and is accepting applications through 5:00 PM on June 19, 2020 for the position of Director of Housing/Community Action Programs. Click here for details or to apply now.

Career Opportunity- SRTA Chief Fiscal Officer

Shasta Regional Transportation Agency (SRTA) is seeking a Chief Fiscal Officer. Position details are available here. The position is open until filled. See the SRTA website for updates and submission information.

Public Forums Announced for Southern California Edison’s Proposed Rate Increase on Electric Customers

Public Forums to discuss Southern California Edison’s 20.5% rate increase request with the California Public Utilities Commission has been scheduled to occur on Tuesday, June 30th and Wednesday, July 1st at 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. each day. To participate and make public comments at that time, call 1-800-857-1917, passcode 1673482, or you may view the public meeting here. For the full public notice, see here.

CARB Announces Upcoming Informational Webinars for Public Agencies

The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has announced upcoming informational overviews for public agencies on a variety of air quality regulations and how to comply.

Compliance Overview: Truck & Bus Rule, Off-Road Regulation, and Portable Equipment

Course topics include the following:

Truck and Bus Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Engine Model Year Schedule
• Exemptions & Extensions
• How to Report for Regulation Flexibilities
• Broker and Dispatcher Requirements
• DMV Registration

Periodic Smoke Inspection Program (PSIP):

• Regulation Applicability
• Program Updates

In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation:

• Regulation Applicability
• Requirements Currently in Effect
• Future Compliance Deadlines

Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP) & Airborne Toxic Control Measure (ATCM):

• PERP Eligibility
• Program Requirements
• ATCM Program & Updates
• Enforcement & Inspections

A webinar took place on May 28, 2020. If you missed it, there is one more opportunity to attend.

DATE:     June 9, 2020
TIME:     1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:   Register

Air Regulatory Overview for Public Agencies in California

This course is an overview of air regulations that public agencies in California have compliance requirements including:

• Idling Limitations;
• On-Road Public Fleet Regulation;
• In-Use Off-Road Diesel Vehicle Regulation;
• Periodic Smoke Inspection Program; and
• Portable Equipment Registration Program (PERP).

DATE:     June 29, 2020
TIME:     1:00 p.m.
WEBINAR:  Register

Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Holds Weekly Webinars to Answer Questions on New CEQA Process

Senate Bill 743 (Steinberg; 2013) requires a new process to analyze transportation impacts under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to vehicle miles traveled (VMT); more information can be found here. In order to answer questions that may arise as implementation nears for this new CEQA metric, the Governor’s Office of Planning and Research (OPR) is holding weekly “Office Hours” on a variety of topics from May 20^th to June 24^th. To view past events, including the discussion focusing on rural implementation, see OPR’s YouTube page here. Register for upcoming events here.

June 10, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon
Tiering, Other Legal Topics

June 17, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon
To Be Determined

June 24, 10:00 A.M. to 12:00 noon
To Be Determined

RCRC Annual Meeting in Napa County Cancelled

The RCRC Annual Meeting 2020 has been cancelled as a result of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This meeting was scheduled to occur in Napa County this September. Several factors led to this difficult decision, most notably, current and future state and local government guidelines. Planning is underway to hold a future Annual Meeting in Napa – most likely in 2022 – in order to enjoy the beauty of the County as well as contribute to its economic recovery. More information on the return to Napa will be forthcoming after consideration and action by the RCRC Board of Directors.

PG&E Announces Weekly Public Webinars on Wildfire Safety and PSPS Mitigation Efforts

PG&E announced a schedule of public webinars at which it will provide information on local Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) and wildfire safety efforts, including how it will make PSPS events smaller in size and shorter in duration, efforts to install new grid technology and harden electrical infrastructure, and enhanced vegetation management activities.

Webinars will take place on Wednesdays from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Webinars have taken place for Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, El Dorado, Lassen, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sierra, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, and Yuba Counties. Upcoming webinars are scheduled as follows:

• June 10 – Alameda, Contra Costa, and Marin Counties (join webinar here)
• June 17 – Mendocino and Lake Counties (join webinar here)
• June 24 – Santa Cruz, Monterey, and San Benito Counties (join webinar here)
• July 1 – Humboldt, Trinity, and Siskiyou Counties
• July 8 – Glenn, Tehama, and Shasta Counties
• July 15 – Alpine, Tuolumne, and Mariposa Counties
• July 22 – Merced, San Joaquin, and Stanislaus Counties
• July 29 – San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Kern Counties
• August 5 – Tulare, Madera, and Fresno Counties

See a full schedule, find information to join a webinar by phone, or view past presentations here. Check back for links to future webinars.

CORONAVIRUS (COVID-19) ASSISTANCE

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

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

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

Coronavirus Relief Available from the Small Business Administration

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

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

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

Economic Development Resources for Communities and Businesses Impacted by the Coronavirus

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

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

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

Coronavirus (COVID-19) County Resource Page Available

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

LEGISLATIVE AND REGULATORY UPDATE

RCRC members are encouraged to share letters addressed to state and federal representatives and regulatory bodies with RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of legislation and regulations impacting California’s rural counties.

Assembly Bill 1080 (Gonzalez)/Senate Bill 54 (Allen): Circular Economy and Plastic Pollution Reduction. Assembly Bill 1080/SB 54 requires the state to reduce the waste associated with single use packaging and products 75 percent by 2030, requires the state to set standards for what is considered recyclable and compostable, and promotes the development of in-state manufacturing that uses recycled materials. Status: AB 1080 and SB 54 awaits consideration in the Senate and Assembly; respectively (Inactive File). RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1509 (Mullin): Solid Waste: Lithium Ion Batteries: Assembly Bill 1509 establishes the Lithium Ion Battery Recycling Program in the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery. It requires a covered entity to provide a list of covered products that it sells or offers for sale in the state to the department and the total number of each covered product it sold in the state during the prior year, and to update those lists annually. Status: AB 1509 awaits consideration in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. RCRC Status: Support in Concept

Assembly Bill 1907 (Santiago): California Environmental Quality Act: Shelters: Assembly Bill 1907 Exempts from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act certain activities approved by or carried out by a public agency in furtherance of providing emergency shelters, supportive housing, or affordable housing. Status: AB 1907 was pulled before being heard in the Assembly Natural Resources and Housing and Community Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1915 (Chu): Electrical Corporations: Deenergization Events: Assembly Bill 1915 requires the PUC to establish rules under which PSPS events can be undertaken and to do a post-event review of the duration and geographic range of an event.  If the utility failed to comply with the rules and customers incurred losses, the PUC shall order the utility to pay claims for losses. Status: AB 1915 was pulled before being heard in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 1936 (Rodriguez): Price Gouging: Public Safety Power Shutoffs: Assembly Bill 1936 clarifies that the state’s anti-price gouging laws apply upon the announcement of a public safety power shutoff. Status: AB 1936 was pulled before being heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 1958 (Cooper): State Plan of Flood Control: Facilities: Assembly Bill 1958 would protect critical flood protection infrastructure by bolstering the maintenance of levees throughout California. Status: AB 1958 awaits consideration from the Assembly Floor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2033 (Wood): Deenergization: Spoilage Claims: Assembly Bill 2033 requires an electrical corporation that engages in a public safety power shutoff to compensate a customer for any qualified claim for spoilage of food or medication if the customer experienced an interruption in electrical service for greater than 8 hours and received less than 24 hours’ notice of the interruption. Status: AB 2033 was pulled before being heard in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2076 (Bigelow): Public Lands: Wildfire Prevention Strategy: Assembly Bill 2076 requires the Director of Parks and Recreation to develop and implement a wildfire prevention strategy for all property under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation that is located within a high or a very high fire hazard severity zone. Requires the wildfire prevention strategy to outline the department's fire prevention goals. Status: AB 2076 awaits consideration in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2173 (Dahle): Fairgrounds: National or State Emergency: Assembly Bill 2173 Declares the intent of the Legislature to enact legislation related to fairgrounds during a national emergency or state of emergency. Status: Committee postponed action on AB 2173 for the legislative year. RCRC Status: Watch

Assembly Bill 2178 (Levine): Emergency Services: Assembly Bill 2178 clarifies authority to declare a state or local emergency for a public safety power shutoff by adding deenergization events to the list of triggering events under the California Emergency Services Act. Status: AB 2178 awaits consideration on the Assembly Floor. RCRC Status: Pending

Assembly Bill 2323 (Friedman): California Environmental Quality Act: Exemption: Assembly Bill 2323 makes several changes to improve the utility of various CEQA exemptions while maintaining adequate environmental protections. Among other things, AB 2323 allows CEQA exemptions to be used on infill, low-income, and agricultural housing projects proposed within the boundaries of a state conservancy. Status: AB 2323 awaits consideration on the Assembly Floor. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2421 (Quirk): Emergency Standby Generators: Assembly Bill 2421 requires local agencies to make the installation of an emergency standby generator within the physical footprint of a macro cell tower site that meets specified requirements a permitted use subject only to local agency administrative review. Status: AB 2421 awaits consideration in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 2539 (Bigelow): Electrical Corporations: Deenergization Events: Assembly Bill 2539 requires electrical corporations to work with local elections officials and mitigate the impact pf Public Safety Power Shutoff events on elections. Status: AB 2539 was pulled before being considered in the Assembly Utilities and Energy Committee; however, the author urged the California Public Utilities Commission to administratively ensure that elections are not impacted by PSPS events. RCRC Status: Support/Sponsor

Assembly Bill 2612 (Maienschein): Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: Recycling: Appropriation Assembly Bill 2612 sought to annually appropriate $200 million to fund in-state solid and organic waste recycling programs to reach the state’s environmental goals. Status: AB 2612 was pulled before being considered in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee. RCRC Status: Support/Sponsor

Assembly Bill 2642 (Salas): Multi-benefit Land Conversion Incentive Program: Assembly Bill 2642 requires the Department of Conservation to establish and administer a program named the Multi-benefit Land Conversion Incentive Program for purposes of providing grants to groundwater sustainability agencies, or other specified entities designated by groundwater sustainability agencies, for the development or implementation of local programs supporting or facilitating multi-benefit land conversion at the basin scale. Status: AB 2642 held by Assembly Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support.

Assembly Bill 3012 (Wood): Residential Property Insurance: Assembly Bill 3012 requires, for a total loss of a furnished residence related to a declared state of emergency, a residential property insurer to provide a payment for contents of no less than a certain percent of the policy limit without requiring an itemized claim. Requires a notice of nonrenewal for a policy to be accompanied by certain information, including information about the Home Insurance Finder and FAIR plan policies. Status: AB 3012 awaits consideration in the Assembly.  RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3074 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildfire Risk: Defensible Space: Assembly Bill 3074 Relates to defensible space. Requires more intense fuel reductions between 5 and 30 feet around the structure, and to create an ember-resistant zone within 5 feet of the structure, as provided. Status: AB 3074 awaits consideration in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3164 (Friedman): Fire Prevention: Wildland Urban Interface: Assembly Bill 3164 requires the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection to develop a wildland urban interface wildfire risk model to determine the risk for a community or parcel within a local responsibility area or state responsibility the department to establish, and consult with, an advisory workgroup, with specified members, to develop the model. Requires the department to update the model and guidelines when fire hazard severity zones are revised. Status: AB 3164 awaits consideration in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Assembly Bill 3256 (Garcia): Bond Act: Assembly Bill 3256 Enacts the Economic Recovery, Wildfire Prevention, Safe Drinking Water, Drought Preparation, and Flood Protection Bond Act, which, if approved by the voters, would authorize the issuance of bonds in a specified amount to finance projects for an economic recovery, wildfire prevention, safe drinking water, drought preparation, and flood protection program. Status: RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 45 (Allen): Wildfire, Drought, and Flood Protection Bond Act 2020. Senate Bill 45 enacts the Wildfire, Drought, and Flood Protection Bond Act of 2020, which, if approved by voters, authorizes the issuance of bonds to finance projects to restore fire damaged areas, reduce wildfire risk, create healthy forests and watersheds, reduce climate impacts on urban areas and vulnerable populations, protect water supply and water quality, protect rivers, lakes and streams, reduce flood risk, protect fish and wildlife from climate impacts, and protect coastal lands and resources. Status: SB 45 has passed out from the Senate and awaits consideration from the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 378 (Wiener): Electrical Corporations: Deenergization Events: Senate Bill 378 makes a number of changes to increase disclosure of electrical system infrastructure needs and to improve the implementation of PSPS events, evaluate their impacts, and compensate individuals and local governments for associated losses.  The bill also incentivizes well-constructed, surgical PSPS events that are no larger than necessary to avoid wildfire risk. Status: SB 378 has passed out from the Senate and awaits consideration from the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 596 (Stern): In-home Supportive Services: Senate Bill 596 requires a county human services agency to inform each applicant for benefits under the IHSS program that the applicant may be eligible to receive that higher energy allowance and any advanced notifications that may be provided by a utility in an emergency. Status: SB 596 has passed out from the Senate and awaits consideration in the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 755 (Rubio): Insurance: Residential Property Insurance: Senate Bill 755 requires specified insurers who fail to renew or offer renewal of a policy of residential property insurance to make certain notifications to a policyholder regarding other options the policyholder may have, including information about the FAIR plan. Status: SB 755 passed in the Senate and awaits consideration from the Assembly. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 794 (Beth-Jackson): Emergency Services: Telecommunications: Senate Bill 794 expands provisions authorizing a local government to enter into an agreement to access contact information of resident accountholders through the records of a public utility for the purpose of providing emergency notifications and requires a resident to opt  out.. Status: SB 794 awaits consideration in the Senate. 03/24/2020. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 799 (Dodd): Local Agency Services: Contracts: Napa & San Bernardino: Senate Bill 799 extends the sunset date for a pilot program under the Cortese Knox Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act in the Counties of Napa and San Bernardino. Status: SB 799 was pulled before being heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee.  RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 807 (Nielson): Reclamation District No. 108: Hydroelectric Power: Senate Bill 807 Authorizes Reclamation District No. 108 to continue to exercise hydroelectric power authority until after January 1, 2021. Status: SB 807 will not be considered this year by the Senate Governance and Finance Committee due to shortened legislative calendar. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 862 (Dodd): Planned Power Outage: Public Safety: Senate Bill 862 clarifies that public safety power shutoffs are included in the California Emergency Services Act and expands the universe of medically sensitive individuals for whom electrical corporations must mitigate public safety power shutoff event impacts and establishes minimum requirements for the locations, hours of operation and services provided by a Community Resource Center. Status: SB 862 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 872 (Dodd): Residential Property Insurance: State of Emergency: Senate Bill 872 relates to actions taken during a state of emergency. Requires an insurer of residential property to provide extensions to collect the full replacement cost of an insured acting in good faith and with reasonable diligence encounters delays in approval for, or reconstruction of, the property that are beyond the insured's control. Requires coverage for loss of use relating to a state of emergency to be for a specified period, plus an extension, as specified. Status: SB 872 awaits consideration in the Senate. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 902 (Wiener): Planning and Zoning: Housing Development: Density: Senate Bill 902 authorizes a local government to pass an ordinance, notwithstanding any local restrictions on adopting zoning ordinances, to zone any parcel for up to ten units of residential density per parcel, with specified conditions. Requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to determine job rich areas and publish a map based on specified criteria. Status: SB 902 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 971 (Hertzberg): Small Water Supplier and Countywide Water Shortages: Senate Bill 971 requires a small water supplier to prepare and adopt a small water supplier water shortage contingency plan that consists of specified elements. Requires a small water supplier with a specified number of service connections to take specified actions related to water shortage planning and response. Requires small water suppliers to provide to the public and to report, the plan and specified water shortage planning information. Status: SB 971 will not be considered by the Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee this year due to the shortened legislative calendar. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 974 (Hurtado): California Environmental Quality Act: Water Systems: Senate Bill 974 exempts from CEQA certain projects that benefit a small community water system that primarily serves one or more disadvantaged communities or that benefit a non-transient noncommunity water system that serves a school that serves one or more disadvantaged communities, by improving the small community water system's or non-transient noncommunity water system's water quality, water supply, or water supply reliability, or by encouraging water conservation. Status: SB 974 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1191 (Dahle): Organic Waste: Reduction Goals: Local Jurisdictions: Senate Bill 1191 provides local governments with flexibility in complying with recently adopted organic waste laws. Status: SB 1191 was pulled before being considered by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee. RCRC Status: Support/Sponsor

Senate Bill 1120 (Atkins): Subdivisions: Tentative Maps: Senate Bill 1120 amends the Planning and Zoning Law. Requires a proposed housing development containing two residential units to be considered ministerially, without discretionary review or hearing, in zones where allowable uses are limited to single family residential development. Requires ministerial approval of parcel map dividing a lot into two equal lots. Status: SB 1120 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 1130 (Gonzalez): Telecommunications: California Advanced Services Fund: Senate Bill 1130 make changes to the California Advanced Services Fund that would require broad band projects to provide high quality, future proof infrastructure to be eligible for state funding. Status: SB 1130 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1347 (Galgiani): Veterinary Medicine: Authorized Care: Senate Bill 1347 Expands the types of veterinary care, animal shelter, employees can provide to include first aid, the administration of nonprescription vaccinations to prevent the spread of communicable diseases and other activities pursuant to veterinarian writers protocol. Status: SB 1347 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Support

Senate Bill 1363 (Allen): Comprehensive Strategy: Senate Bill 1363 requires the state to set GHG and vehicle miles traveled (VMT) targets for regional transportation plans. Status: SB 1363 was pulled before being heard in the Senate. RCRC Status: Watch

Senate Bill 1385 (Caballero): Local Planning: Housing: Commercial Zones: Senate Bill 1385 establishes the Neighborhood Home Act which would deem a housing development project an authorized use on a parcel that is zoned for office or retail commercial use under a local agency's zoning code or general plan. Status: SB 1385 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Pending

Senate Bill 1431 (Glazer): Property Taxation: Reassessment: Disaster Relief: Senate Bill 1431 expands existing law relating to the reassessment of property damaged or destroyed in an area or region subsequently proclaimed to be in a state of disaster. Specifies that damage includes a diminution in the value of property as a result of any law, order, or rule, or regulation of the state or locality providing tenant protections in response to the coronavirus pandemic. Status: SB 1431 awaits consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. RCRC Status: Oppose