The Barbed Wire - October 7, 2022

October 7, 2022
Governor Newsom Takes Final Action on Bills from the Legislature
New Federal Program to Help Communities Seek Infrastructure Projects
U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $75 Million Loan for HOV Lanes Project in RCRC Member County
BULLETIN BOARD
KEEPING UP
IN THE NEWS
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE

Governor Newsom Takes Final Action on Bills from the Legislature

On Friday, September 30th, Governor Newsom took final action on bills sent to him by the Legislature. Last week, RCRC provided updates on several key bills signed or vetoed, including Assembly Bill 1717 (Vetoed), RCRC-sponsored Assembly Bill 2481 (Signed), and Assembly Bill 1078 (Vetoed), and Senate Bill 1013 (Signed). This week we offer a highlight of some of the bills signed or vetoed by the Governor, which impact rural counties in the areas of county operations, health care and social services, and public safety. 

For a robust guide to significant bills representing the advocacy efforts of RCRC Government Affairs staff during the legislative session, watch for the release of RCRC’s 2022 Legislative Digest coming in early December. 

Signed

  • AB 32 (Aguiar-Curry) makes various changes to Medi-Cal telehealth policy, including permitting the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to allow under specified circumstances new patients to be established with providers using audio-only synchronous and other modalities, and permits exceptions from requirements to ensure beneficiary choice of modalities.   
  • AB 759 (McCarty) requires elections for county sheriffs and district attorneys to be held during the presidential primary and specifically affirms that DAs and sheriffs elected in 2022 will serve six-year terms, with the next elections for those offices taking place at the 2028 presidential primary. Other provisions in AB 759 also permit a board of supervisors to determine by ordinance whether elections for the selection of any other county officer (except the county superintendent of schools) should be held at the presidential primary.  
  • AB 988 (Bauer-Kahan) enacts the Miles Hall Lifeline and Suicide Prevention Act to establish 9-8-8 centers in California for the purpose of connecting individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis with suicide prevention and mental health services. This bill also provides a dedicated revenue source to fund a 9-8-8 system in California.  
  • AB 2449 (Blanca Rubio) allows, until January 1, 2026, members of a legislative body of a local agency to use teleconferencing without identifying each teleconference location in the notice and agenda of the meeting, and without making each teleconference location accessible to the public, under certain circumstances.   
  • AB 2647 (Levine) allows writings that have been distributed to members of a legislative body of a local agency less than 72 hours before an open, regular meeting to be exempt from specified requirements of the Ralph M. Brown Act (Brown Act), if the agency meets certain requirements.   
  • SB 1186 (Wiener) enacts the Medicinal Cannabis Patients’ Right of Access Act, which, on and after January 1, 2024, would prohibit a local jurisdiction from adopting or enforcing any regulation that prohibits the retail sale by delivery within the local jurisdiction of medicinal cannabis to medicinal cannabis patients or their primary caregivers by medicinal cannabis businesses or that has the effect of prohibiting the retail sale by delivery within the local jurisdiction of medicinal cannabis in a timely and readily accessible manner.  
  • SB 1326 (Caballero), sponsored by RCRC, creates a process for California to enter into agreements with other states to allow cannabis transactions with entities outside California.  
  • SB 1338 (Umberg) creates the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Act. CARE is intended to provide an opportunity in a civil court setting to develop an individualized care plan for persons with qualifying mental health conditions.  

Vetoed

  • AB 240 (Rodriguez) would have required the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to contract with an appropriate and qualified entity to conduct an evaluation of the adequacy of the local health department infrastructure, and to make recommendations for future staffing, workforce needs, and resources, to accurately and adequately fund local public health.   
  • AB 503 (Stone) would have presumptively limited juvenile probation terms to six months, although courts would have been given the option to extend the term under specified circumstances. The Governor’s veto message, which cites his concerns about the bill’s impact on the juvenile justice system in light of the imminent closure of the state’s detention facilities, can be found here.   
  • AB 731 (Bauer-Kahan) would have required county sheriffs to collect and submit extensive data to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) about educational and rehabilitative programs in county jail and their impacts on recidivism rates. His veto message notes workload impacts and implementation costs.  
  • AB 1951 (Grayson) would have eliminated the local share of sales tax related to the purchasing of manufacturing equipment. Citing the softening economy and the impact of the loss of sales tax revenues on counties and cities, the Governor vetoed the measure, urging the Legislature to consider proposals in the context of the state budget. AB 1951 would have cost counties and cities well over $2 billion in lost revenue over the five years the exemption would be in effect.  
  • SB 1302 (Portantino) would have appropriated $250 million from the Mental Health Services Fund to provide grants of $250,000 to certain high schools to establish or improve school-based health centers that provide mental health services by licensed or credentialed mental health professionals. Governor Newsom vetoed this measure and his veto message echoed RCRC’s concerns of redirecting county funding with strict statutory defined goals and an established local planning process which would be contrary to the intent of MHSA.  

The Legislature will return for the start of the 2023-2024 legislative session on January 3, 2023; although, they will also return on December 5, 2022, to swear in new members and address related “housekeeping” matters. 

New Federal Program to Help Communities Seek Infrastructure Projects

On Thursday, October 6th, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released information about its Thriving Communities Program. The program will provide two years of intensive technical assistance to under-resourced and disadvantaged communities to build upon their existing expertise to identify, develop and deliver transportation and community revitalization activities. Rural, tribal and other disadvantaged communities such as those facing persistent poverty, environmental justice, disproportionate rates of pollution or poor air quality, and historically disadvantaged communities will be prioritized for assistance. Interested applicants must identify community partners and submit a Letter of Interest no later than December 6, 2022, to be considered.  To learn more about the Call for Letters of Action, and for a full list of requirements, see here.

The DOT is hosting an informational webinar on Thursday, October 13th at 1:00 p.m. Pacific, to provide important information about the support the program will offer, the types of communities the program will support, and the process and requirements for submitting a Letter of Interest. Register for the October 13th webinar here.

U.S. Department of Transportation Announces $75 Million Loan for HOV Lanes Project in RCRC Member County

On Wednesday, October 5th, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that the Santa Barbara County Local Transportation Authority has been provided a $75 million loan to construct a 7.5-mile extension of the High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes on US 101 in Santa Barbara County. The project, expected to be completed in 2025, is funded by the Build America Bureau. The improvements are expected to enhance safety, provide first responders the opportunity for better response times, and help prevent secondary collisions through the corridor. According to Deputy Transportation Secretary Polly Trottenberg, the investment will generate between 5000 and 6000 new jobs in the region.

BULLETIN BOARD

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

 

GO-Biz Announces Cannabis Equity Grants Available for Eligible Local Jurisdictions

The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has announced $15 million is available in FY 2022-23 for eligible cities and counties to promote equity and eliminate barriers to populations and communities that were disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition. Local jurisdictions can be awarded up to $75,000 for assistance on cannabis equity program development, or up to $5 million for cannabis equity program applicants and licensees to gain entry to the state’s regulated cannabis marketplace. Grant applications must be received by December 14, 2022 and will be awarded no later than March 31, 2022. For more information on this grant and how to apply, see here.

 

2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program Opening in October

California Fire Safe Council (CFSC), in partnership with CAL FIRE, is pleased to announce the opening of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program application. The application will be open from October 3rd, 2022, through November 15th, 2022.

The objective of the 2022 CAL FIRE County Coordinator Statewide Grant Program is to educate, encourage, and develop county-wide collaboration and coordination among various wildfire mitigation groups. Up to 21 counties will receive a one-time grant of $175,000 to be used to cover administrative costs relevant to county-wide coordination efforts, including but not limited to the salary, support, and administrative costs for a designated County Coordinator.

Eligibility:

The 2022 Statewide County Coordinator Grant Program application is intended for the remaining counties who did not receive funding as part of the 2021-2022 Northern or Southern Region County Coordinator Grant Program. To apply, counties must be the starting point and invested in the scope and goals of the project. However, counties may choose to direct the application process and funds to the non-profit or public agency that they feel are best equipped to execute the project. Local fire mitigation groups are not eligible to apply unless their county designates them as the primary applicant and provides a letter of support. Only one application per county will be accepted.

To Apply: 

Applications open October 3rd, 2022. Visit the California FireSafe Council website here to learn more. Applications will not be available for viewing until October 3rd, 2022. Applications will close on November 15th, 2022, at 11:59PM PST.

View the 2022 County Coordinator Statewide Grant Opportunity Announcement in its entirety here.

This grant program and publication are funded in full by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE) as part of the California Climate Investments Program.
 

California Energy Storage Alliance Safety Series 

The California Energy Storage Alliance (CESA) is excited to announce the Energy Storage Safety Series looking to advance safe installation of energy storage devices in California and across the Western US.  

The first Roundtable on October 12th, "Staying Current, How do we create and maintain safety as energy storage technology evolves?", will be discussing the challenges of standards and codes keeping up with evolving energy storage technologies as well as best practices in managing these transitions. This event is being held in conjunction with CESA’s Business Development Forum.

Date: October 12, 2022 
Time: 12:00-3:00 PM PT 
Location: River Terrace Inn, Napa, CA 
Lunch will be provided. 

Panelists: 

  • Charles Picard, Senior Engineer of Energy Products, Tesla

  • Katherine Balanza, Director of HSE, esVolta 

  • Jignesh Maun, Deputy Fire Marshal, Santa Clara Fire Department 

  • Mark Neuburger, Legislative Representative in Housing, Land Use and Transportation, California State Association of Counties 

Register for the October Roundtable here

 

Save the Date: Drought to Flood – Building Resilience for California’s Climate Extremes 

Save the date, Monday, October 17th from 9:00 AM to 12:30 PM, for an event hosted by the California Department of Water Resources, “Drought to Flood: Building Resilience for California’s Climate Extremes”  

The event will feature the latest data about climate extremes and the increased risk of drought and floods; actions to take now that can help prepare for inevitable weather extremes; discussions about developing flood management equity; and insights about meeting funding needs now and in the future. 

Location
In Person: California Natural Resources Agency (715 P Street, Sacramento)
Virtual also available

Register to attend in-person or virtually here.

 

Career Opportunities

  • State Water Resources Control Board is currently accepting applications for two positions, open through October 31, 2022:

    • Delta Watermaster. The job posting is available here.

    • Presiding Administrative Hearing Officer. The job posting is available here

  • Shasta County invites applications for County Health Officer to maintain primary responsibility for the enforcement of public health laws in both the incorporated and unincorporated areas of the County. For more information or to apply online see here (view brochureClosing Date:  November 28, 2022, 7:59 am.

 

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: Humboldt, Mendocino, Del Norte and Lake Counties, October 14, 2022

 

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.

 

Hector Bedolla, of Healdsburg, has been reappointed to the North Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where he has served since 2016. Bedolla has been a Consulting Agronomist in the western U.S. and internationally since 1985 and an Adjunct Professor in Viticulture at Santa Rosa Junior College since 2017. He was Viticulturist at Chenoweth Vineyards from 2020 to 2022. Bedolla was Vineyard Manager at Navarro Vineyards in 2018 and at North Pacific Vineyard Management from 2016 to 2018. He was Crop Advisor, Pest Control Advisor and Agronomist at Crop Production Services from 2013 to 2016. Bedolla was Vineyard and Ranch Manager at Stuhlmuller Vineyards from 2011 to 2013. He was a Consulting Viticulturist at Windsor Oaks Vineyards in 2011 and an Agricultural Biologist in the Sonoma County Agricultural Commissioner’s Office in 2010. He was a Vineyard Manager at Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates from 2000 to 2010 and at Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars from 1999 to 2000. Bedolla was Vice President of Vineyard Operations at Hambrecht Vineyards from 1995 to 1999. He was Vineyard Manager at Hambrecht and Peterson Vineyards from 1988 to 1995 and at Iron Horse Vineyards from 1983 to 1988. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Bedolla is a Democrat.

Stephen P. Foley, of Los Olivos, has been appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a Judge in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Foley has served as a Commissioner at the Santa Barbara County Superior Court since 2018. He served as Supervising Deputy District Attorney at the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2018 and was an Instructor at Allan Hancock Community College from 2005 to 2018. Foley served in several positions at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 1996 to 2004, including Senior Deputy District Attorney and Deputy District Attorney. He earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James Voysey. The Governor’s appointment allows him to immediately assume the position he was otherwise elected to begin in January 2023. Foley is a Democrat.

Hallie Gorman Campbell, of Sonora, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Tuolumne County Superior Court. Campbell has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Tuolumne County Public Defender’s Office since 2011. She served in several roles at the California Parole Advocacy Program from 2010 to 2011. Campbell earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Segerstrom Jr. Campbell is a Democrat., of Sonora, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Tuolumne County Superior Court. Campbell has served as a Deputy Public Defender at the Tuolumne County Public Defender’s Office since 2011. She served in several roles at the California Parole Advocacy Program from 2010 to 2011. Campbell earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Donald Segerstrom Jr. Campbell is a Democrat.

Jane Gray, of Goleta, has been reappointed to the Central Coast Regional Water Quality Control Board, where she has served since 2015. Gray has been a Senior Project Manager and Environmental Planner at Dudek since 2006. She was a Planner at the Santa Barbara County Long-Range Planning Division from 2004 to 2006 and a Policy Planner for Planning and Environmental Services for the County of Fresno from 2003 to 2004. Gray was an English-Language Arts and English as a Second Language Teacher and worked in refugee resettlement programming and funding in California from 1998 to 1999 and 2003 to 2004, in New York from 1993 to 1995 and in Arizona from 1991 to 1993. Gray earned a Master of Science degree in Regional Planning and Management from the Technical University of Dortmund. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $250 per diem. Gray is a Democrat.

Denise Hippach, of Grover Beach, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Hippach has been Senior Deputy County Counsel at the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office since 2018. She served as a Deputy Attorney General at the Idaho Attorney General’s Office from 2016 to 2018. Hippach was Deputy Prosecuting Attorney at the Canyon County Prosecutor's Office from 2015 to 2016 and a Panel Attorney at the Judicial Council of California’s Court-Appointed Program from 2014 to 2018. She was a Deputy County Counsel at the Los Angeles County Counsel’s Office from 2008 to 2014, Staff Attorney for Los Angeles Dependency Lawyers from 2007 to 2008 and Deputy District Attorney at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office from 2004 to 2006. Hippach earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Southern California School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge James E. Herman. Hippach is a Democrat.

Katherine Rigby, of Fresno, has been appointed to serve in an interim appointment as a Judge in the Madera County Superior Court. Rigby has served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Fresno County District Attorney’s Office since 2017. She was an Associate at Gilmore Magness Janisse PC from 2013 to 2017 and at Richard A. Ciummo & Associates from 2011 to 2013. Rigby earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Mitchell C. Rigby. The Governor’s appointment allows her to immediately assume the position she was otherwise elected to begin in January 2023. Rigby is registered without party preference.

IN THE NEWS

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

 

Statement on California's Commitment to Broadband Equity for 2022 Digital Inclusion Week – Common Sense Media

The California 2022 legislative session resulted in many successful advances in broadband policy. The CA Alliance for Digital Equity, of which RCRC is a member, highlights the successes of 2022 and the plans for 2023.

 

PG&E Wants to Decide When Rural Customers Make Shift to Solar – North Bay Business Journal

Local energy providers in Sonoma County voice their opposition to PG&E’s bid to determine when it can move customers to remote grid systems in the area. RCRC’s opposition is also noted in the article.

 

California Fire Foundation Provides Nearly $200,000 in Support for Survivors of the Mosquito Fire – Ledger Dispatch

The California Fire Foundation has delivered critical on-the-spot financial help to low-income and senior residents displaced this month by the deadly Mosquito Fire in Placer and El Dorado Counties. RCRC and its affiliate Golden State Finance Authority partnered with the Foundation in providing some financial support for the distribution.

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: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 491, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (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: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/22/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   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 Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1249   (Gallagher)   Income taxes: gross income exclusions: wildfires.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 749, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1608   (Gipson)   County officers: consolidation of offices.   AB 1608 would remove county authority to combine the duties of the Sheriff with the duties of the Coroner. The bill appears to require counties with a combined Sheriff-Coroner function to either combine the Coroner with another authorized elected office, transition to a standalone elected Coroner, or replace the Coroner model with a Medical Examiner office.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was THIRD READING on 8/11/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1642   (Salas)   California Environmental Quality Act: water system well and domestic well projects: exemption.   Exempts from CEQA vital projects to prevent or mitigate failure of a well that would leave residents without an adequate supply of drinking water. This exemption only applies to those wells in areas designated by the State Water Resources Control Board as being at high risk or medium risk in the state’s annual Drinking Water Needs Assessment.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 859, Statutes of 2022.   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: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 8/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 202, Statutes of 2022.   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: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/28/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 1778   (Garcia, Cristina)   State transportation funding: freeway projects: poverty and pollution: Department of Transportation.   Would require Caltrans to review highway expansion projects in areas of concern identified by the Healthy Places Index (a non-state generated index of localities affected by certain environmental impacts), and would preclude state funding in areas that fall within the bottom 50th percentile of that index.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. TRANS. on 6/1/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1851   (Rivas, Robert )   Public works: prevailing wage: hauling.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 764, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

AB 1879   (Mathis)   California regional water quality control boards: unfounded or frivolous complaints.     Location: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/13/2022-Vetoed by Governor.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1906   (Stone)   Voluntary stream restoration: property owner liability: indemnification: claims.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/15/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 325, Statutes of 2022.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1931   (Rivas, Luz)   Community water systems: lead service lines.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1944   (Lee)   Local government: open and public meetings.   AB 1944 would authorize members of local legislative bodies to teleconference from a remote location without making the address of that location public. Additionally, the bill requires that – for those local agencies that elect to use teleconferencing for its legislative body meetings – a video stream is made available to members of the public, including an opportunity to provide public comment via telephone or videoconference option.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. GOV. & F. on 6/8/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 1953   (Maienschein)   Drinking water: accessible water bottle refill stations.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was A. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/27/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 1985   (Rivas, Robert )   Organic waste: recovered organic waste product procurement targets.   Phases in CalRecycle's SB 1383 local organic waste procurement requirements by requiring local jurisdictions to procure 30% of regulatory targets by 2023, 65% by 2024, and 100% by 2025.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 344, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2081   (Garcia, Eduardo)   Municipal water districts: water service: Indian lands.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 480, Statutes of 2022.    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: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was CONCURRENCE on 8/30/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2237   (Friedman)   Transportation planning: regional transportation improvement plan: sustainable communities strategies: alternative planning strategy: state transportation funding.   This bill would require that those projects and programs included in each regional transportation improvement program also be consistent with the most recently prepared sustainable communities strategy of the regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission, or, if applicable, the alternative planning strategy, and state and federal air quality standards. The bill would prohibit funds collected from any local transportation tax measure passed on or after January 1, 2023, from being spent until the transportation projects or programs to be funded by the tax measure are included in the most recently adopted sustainable communities strategy of the applicable regional transportation planning agency or county transportation commission or, if applicable, the alternative planning strategy. The bill would presumably extend the requirement that RTPAs and other local non-metropolitan transportation agencies develop a sustainable communities strategy or alternative planning strategy.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. TRANS. on 6/16/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2258   (Wood)   Local government: wildfire safety improvements.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 5/6/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(6). (Last location was A. B. & F. on 4/20/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2374   (Bauer-Kahan)   Crimes against public health and safety: illegal dumping.   Increases the maximum fine for the dumping of commercial quantities of waste by a business that employs more than 10 employees from $3,000 to $5,000 for the first conviction, from $6,000 to $10,000 for the second conviction, and from $10,000 to $20,000 for the third and any subsequent convictions. Clarifies that the dumping of commercial quantities of waste includes waste dumped on another person's residential property.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 784, Statutes of 2022.   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 Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/2/2022)   Position:   Concerns   Staff:  Staci (1)

AB 2440   (Irwin)   Responsible Battery Recycling Act of 2022.   Requires producers of batteries to establish a stewardship program for the collection, transportation, recycling, and management of those products.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 351, Statutes of 2022.   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: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/13/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 285, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Removal of Opposition   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2451   (Wood)   State Water Resources Control Board: drought planning.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/8/2022)    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2454   (Jones-Sawyer)   Public contracts: protests: joint labor-management committee.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was S. G.O. on 6/8/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2481   (Smith)   Household hazardous waste: facilities: transportation and acceptance.   Makes several changes to laws related to transportation of household hazardous waste (HHW) and operation of household hazardous waste collection facilities (HHWCFs). AB 2481 is intended to clarify and resolve ambiguities in existing law while reducing administrative and financial burdens on local governments that administer HHWCFs; provide flexibility for operation of local HHWCFs; and facilitate proper disposal of hazardous waste.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/23/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 499, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Sponsor   Staff:  John (1)

AB 2505   (Gray)   Water theft: irrigation districts.     Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 6/20/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 23, Statutes of 2022.    Staff:  Sidd (1)

AB 2647   (Levine)   Local government: open meetings.   This measure would clarify that writings distributed to the majority of a local legislative body less than 72 hours before a meeting can be posted online to satisfy the Brown Act if physical copies are made available for public inspection at the beginning of the next regular business day at a public office or designated location.   Location: Assembly Chaptered   Status: 9/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 971, Statutes of 2022.   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: Assembly Vetoed   Status: 9/19/2022-Vetoed by Governor.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (1)

AB 2878   (Aguiar-Curry)   Forest Biomass Waste Utilization Program.   Requires the state to undertake various actions to consider and promote the use of biomass energy generation and wood products manufacturing.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/8/2022)   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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was L. GOV. on 4/22/2021)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Tracy (1)

ACA 13   (Mathis)   Water infrastructure projects: minimum funding requirement and general obligation bonds.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was W.,P. & W. on 4/7/2022)    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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was N.R. & W. on 8/25/2021)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 12   (McGuire)   Local government: planning and zoning: wildfires.   Senate Bill 12 requires that the Office of Planning and Research, among other things, coordinate with appropriate entities, including state, regional, or local agencies, to establish a clearinghouse for climate adaptation information for use by state, regional, and local entities, as provided. This bill would require the safety element, upon the next revision of the housing element or the hazard mitigation plan, on or after July 1, 2024, whichever occurs first.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. H. & C.D. on 5/24/2022)   Position:   Pending   Staff:  Tracy (1)

SB 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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was INACTIVE FILE on 8/29/2022)   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  John (1)

SB 54   (Allen)   Solid waste: reporting, packaging, and plastic food service ware.   SB 54 requires manufactures of single-use, disposable packaging and food service ware to ensure that those products sold, distributed, or imported into the state are either recyclable or compostable.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 6/30/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 75, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 213   (Cortese)   Workers’ compensation: hospital employees.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 7/5/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(14). (Last location was A. INS. on 5/5/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 396   (Bradford)   Forestry: electrical transmission or distribution lines: clearances: notice and opportunity to be heard.   Exempts electrical utilities from liability for vegetation management activities undertaken to reduce wildfire risk.   Location: Senate Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was CONCURRENCE on 8/4/2022)   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  John (1)

SB 832   (Dodd)   Water rights: measurement of diversion.     Location: Senate Dead   Status: 5/20/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(8). (Last location was S. APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 4/25/2022)   Position:   Watch   Staff:  Sidd (1)

SB 833   (Dodd)   Community Energy Resilience Act of 2022.   Requires the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to develop and implement a grant program for local governments to develop community energy resilience plans.   Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/3/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  John (1)

SB 884   (McGuire)   Electricity: expedited utility distribution infrastructure undergrounding program.   Establishes an expedited process for the state's review and approval of electrical utility undergrounding projects.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 819, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 915   (Min)   Firearms: state property.   SB 915, which would prohibit the sale of firearms on any state- or county-owned property, including fairgrounds from holding gun shows and, as a result, erode the revenue stream that would be derived from legal gun shows on these premises.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/21/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 145, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 926   (Dodd)   Prescribed Fire Liability Pilot Program: Prescribed Fire Claims Fund.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/27/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 606, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 823, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose Unless Amended   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 938   (Hertzberg)   The Cortese-Knox-Hertzberg Local Government Reorganization Act of 2000: protest proceedings: procedural consolidation.     Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 7/1/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 89, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1012   (Glazer)   State parks: open fires.     Location: Assembly Dead   Status: 8/12/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(15). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 8/3/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Staci (1)

SB 1013   (Atkins)   Beverage container recycling.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/27/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 610, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1044   (Durazo)   Employers: 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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 829, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1100   (Cortese)   Open meetings: orderly conduct.   SB 1100 would clarify the rules around when individuals can be removed for willfully interrupting a meeting.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 8/22/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 171, Statutes of 2022.   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 5 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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 364, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/29/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 835, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/18/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 395, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Oppose   Staff:  Sarah (1)

SB 1215   (Newman)   Electronic Waste Recycling Act of 2003: covered battery-embedded products.   Imposes "covered electronic device" fees on battery embedded products at the point of sale to pay for the management and disposal of those products.   Location: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/16/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 370, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Watch   Staff:  John (1)

SB 1256   (Wieckowski)   Waste management: disposable propane cylinders.   Prohibits the sale of disposable propane cylinders beginning January 1, 2028.   Location: Senate Vetoed   Status: 9/29/2022-Vetoed by the Governor. In Senate. Consideration of Governor's veto pending.   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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was REV. & TAX on 6/2/2022)   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/18/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 396, Statutes of 2022.   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: Senate Chaptered   Status: 9/14/2022-Approved by the Governor. Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 319, Statutes of 2022.   Position:   Neutral   Staff:  Sarah (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 Dead   Status: 8/31/2022-Failed Deadline pursuant to Rule 61(b)(18). (Last location was APPR. SUSPENSE FILE on 5/16/2022)   Position:   Support   Staff:  Sarah (1)