HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-01-13; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; 02; Legislative and Advocacy UpdateMeeting Date: Jan. 13, 2026
To: Legislative Subcommittee
From: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Staff Contact: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2958
Subject: Legislative and Advocacy Update
District: All
Recommended Action
Receive updates on federal and state legislative and budget activity, including summaries of
Governor Newsom’s State of the State address and proposed 2026-2027 California Budget, and the
city’s recent and ongoing advocacy efforts; discuss and provide feedback to staff, including
identifying high-priority bills, advocacy positions, funding opportunities, and items for future City
Council consideration.
Discussion
Staff and the city’s contract lobbyists – Federal: Carpi & Clay Government Relations / State:
California Public Policy Group – will present updates and overviews of federal and state legislative
and budget activity, including summaries of Governor Newsom’s State of the State address and
proposed 2026-2027 California Budget, and the priority legislation and intergovernmental matters
being tracked on behalf of the city (Exhibits 1 and 2).
The Subcommittee is requested to provide feedback to help city staff and the city’s lobbying
consultants focus the city’s advocacy efforts on high-priority bills and to identify bills for future City
Council consideration.
Given the city’s support for legislation that “establishes requirements for e-bike rider safety,
training and licensing” and which “provides for safe, effective and efficient transportation
alternatives for all travel modes,” the city signed onto a Dec. 22, 2025, coalition letter requesting
that the Legislature convene an informational hearing on electric bicycle safety (Exhibit 3). With the
Mineta Transportation Institute’s recent release of a report commissioned by the California
Legislature: Exploring Electric Bicycle Safety Performance Data and Policy Options for California
(https://transweb.sjsu.edu/sites/default/files/2423-Agrawal-Electric-Bicycle-Safety-Data-
Policy.pdf), authorized under SB 381 (Min, 2023), the proposed hearing is intended to identify
potential areas of statewide alignment on education, enforcement, infrastructure, and data quality
to provide a basis for potential policy reforms.
LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
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Next Steps
Staff and the city’s contract lobbyists will monitor, evaluate, and engage the Legislative
Subcommittee in a discussion of legislative activity and proposed measures that may impact city
operations and policy priorities throughout the legislative session.
If the Legislative Subcommittee decides to refer any matters to the City Council, staff will work with
the City Manager to place an item on a future City Council agenda for consideration.
Exhibits
1. Carpi & Clay Government Relations – Federal Monthly Update, January 8, 2026
2. California Public Policy Group – Priority State Legislation as of January 8, 2026
3. Coalition Request for an Informational Hearing on E-Bike Safety – Dec. 22, 2025
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January 8, 2026
City of Carlsbad
Federal Update
www.carpiclay.com
Exhibit 1
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update
On December 20, House Appropriations Committee Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK) and Senate Appropriations Committee Chair Susan Collins (R-ME) announced that they had reached agreement on the remaining topline funding allocations for FY26. In his statement, Chairman
Cole said the agreement would set overall discretionary spending below the level projected under the current continuing resolution. When Congress returned to Washington, DC this week, the House and Senate Appropriations Committee released a second minibus package that contained three more FY26 appropriations
bills: Commerce-Justice-Science (CJS), Energy and Water (EW), and Interior and the Environment (INT). This second minibus package is expected to pass the House and be sent to the Senate for consideration early next week. Once this package is signed into law, six of the twelve FY26 appropraitions bills will be done.
Members are on both sides of the aisle, along with the White House, are committed to getting the remaining six FY26 appropriations bill done in short order. There is no current appetite in Washignton, DC for a shutdown. Congress could release the next package of spending bills over the weekend. Discharge Petition to Advance House Vote on Three-Year Health
Insurance Tax Credit Extension
On December 17, four House Republicans joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition, giving it the 218 signatures required to force floor consideration of a resolution (H. Res. 780) that would provide for consideration of a bill to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA)
premium tax credits for three years. A House floor vote is expected in January. The enhanced
ACA subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2025. Their pending expiration was a major point of contention for negotiations before and during the recent 43-day federal government shutdown. If the House adopts the motion to discharge, the chamber could proceed to debate and vote on the underlying bill by simple majority. Any measure approved by the House would
then need to pass the Senate to be sent to the President for signature. The Senate has
previously rejected similar extension proposals from both Democratic and Republican lawmakers.
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HUD Withdraws FY25 Continuum of Care NOFO
Following the release of the FY 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) in November, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) formally withdrew the NOFO on December 8, citing the need to revise the notice. On December 19, HUD reposted a revised version of the NOFO for “public review only,” stating that it would not
be implemented or enforced pending further court order. While the document included organizational and clarifying edits, the most significant proposed structural changes remained, including reducing protections for existing programs by limiting guaranteed renewal funding to 30 percent (down from 90 percent in prior years) and capping renewal permanent housing projects at 30 percent of a CoC’s total renewal funding. On December 23, a federal district
court issued a preliminary injunction blocking HUD from implementing or enforcing the NOFO, including the December 19 reissued version. The court directed HUD to preserve the status quo by proceeding, at least for purposes of processing eligible renewals, under the prior FY24 CoC framework. The court did not, however, order HUD to make immediate awards, obligate funds by a date certain, or provide interim grant extensions. As a result, the FY25 CoC
competition is effectively paused. DOT Publishes BUILD NOFO
The Department of Transportation published a NOFO for the availability of $1.5 billion through the Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program. Eligible projects include highway or bridge projects, public transportation projects, passenger and freight rail projects, port infrastructure, including inland port and land ports of entry projects, surface
transportation components of an airport project, projects to replace or rehabilitate a culvert or prevent stormwater runoff for the purpose of improving habitat for aquatic species that will advance the goal of the program, and intermodal projects. Applications are due February 24. LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
House Passes SPEED Act Aimed at Accelerating Federal Permitting. On December 18, the House passed the Standardizing Permitting and Expediting Economic Development
(SPEED) Act (H.R. 4776) by a 221-196 vote, advancing legislation aimed at streamlining
federal environmental reviews under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). Led by Representatives Bruce Westerman (R-AR) and Jared Golden (D-ME), the bill would reduce duplicative reviews by allowing federal agencies to rely on existing state, Tribal, or prior federal environmental analyses; extend the duration of programmatic reviews; impose firm deadlines
on environmental assessments and impact statements; and limit litigation by shortening the
statute of limitations and narrowing standing and venue. The bill would also clarify that receipt of federal funding alone does not constitute a “major federal action” for NEPA purposes. Senate Democratic leaders have indicated they are unlikely to advance the House-passed bill and expect to pursue a separate bipartisan permitting framework.
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House Approves PERMIT Act Aimed at Revising Clean Water Act Permitting. On December 10, the House passed the Promoting Efficient Review for Modern Infrastructure Today (PERMIT) Act (H.R. 3898) by a 221-205 vote. The bill would make a series of changes
to permitting processes under the Clean Water Act, including modifying water quality standards and certification processes, extending the duration of certain discharge permits, clarifying the scope of federal review under Sections 401, 402, and 404, and setting timelines for judicial review of permitting decisions. The legislation would also codify and update practices related to general permits, agricultural stormwater, wildfire suppression activities, and the definition of
“Waters of the United States,” while directing federal agencies to reduce permitting backlogs and improve coordination. House Passes Permitting Reform Measures Focused on NEPA and Digital Reviews. On December 10, the House passed the following bills by a voice vote:
• The ePermit Act (H.R. 4503), which aims to improve environmental reviews and authorization through the use of interactive, digital, and cloud-based platforms; and
• The Studying NEPA’s Impact on Projects Act (H.R. 573), which would require the
Council on Environmental Quality to publish an annual report on environmental reviews and causes of action based on alleged non-compliance with the National Environmental
Policy Act. Senate Passes Bill to Simplify Federal Disaster Assistance Process. On December 17,
the Senate passed the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act (S. 861), which aims to streamline how disaster survivors apply for federal recovery assistance. Sens. Gary Peters (D-MI), Rand Paul (R-KY), James Lankford (R-OK), and Thom Tillis (R-NC) introduced the bill that would require the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a universal application that allows individuals affected by federally declared disasters to apply for
assistance across multiple federal programs through a single process. The bill aims to reduce administrative burdens and speed access to aid by replacing the current system of agency-specific applications, while maintaining federal data security and privacy standards. The measure now heads to the House for consideration. Senate Passes Bipartisan Recycling and Reuse Bills. The Senate approved two bipartisan bills aimed at strengthening recycling infrastructure and reducing waste. The Strategies to
Eliminate Waste and Accelerate Recycling Development (STEWARD) Act (S. 351), led by Senate Environment and Public Works Committee Chair Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) and Ranking Member Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI), would invest in recycling and composting
infrastructure—particularly in rural and underserved communities—and improve data collection on waste management systems. The Senate also passed the Research for Environmental
Uses and Sustainable Economies (REUSE) Act (S. 2110), sponsored by Chair Capito and Senator Jeff Merkley (D-OR), which would direct EPA to study the feasibility of federal refill and reuse programs designed to reduce reliance on single-use plastics. These bills now await
further consideration in the House. Senate Confirms Trump Administration Nominees. On December 18, the Senate approved the following nominations by an en bloc 53-43 vote:
• Pedro Allende to be Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Science and Technology
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• James Percival to be General Counsel at the Department of Homeland Security
• Harry Kumar to be Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs
• Ronald Kurtz to be Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Community Planning and Development
• Benjamin Hobbs to be Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for Public and Indian Housing
• Joyce Meyer to be Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs
• Jeffrey Hall to be EPA Assistant Administrator of Enforcement and Compliance
• Douglas Troutman to be EPA Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances
House Financial Services Committee Leaders Introduce, Advance Comprehensive Housing Reform Package. On December 11, House Financial Services Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR), Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), Subcommittee on Housing and Insurance Chair Mike Flood (R-NE), and Ranking Member Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO)
introduced bipartisan Housing for the 21st Century Act (H.R. 6644). This legislative package
aimed at modernizing federal housing programs, increasing housing supply, and improving oversight and consumer protections. On December 17, the House Financial Services Committee ordered favorably reported the bill by a 50-1 vote. The bill consolidates provisions from more than 40 previously introduced measures and would update HUD and USDA housing
programs, expand access to workforce and rural housing, streamline environmental review
requirements for housing development, support manufactured and affordable housing finance, and strengthen tenant and borrower protections. As the Senate’s ROAD to Housing Act (S. 2651) was ultimately not included in the enacted FY 2026 NDAA, lawmakers are expected to explore whether the House and Senate approaches can be aligned through a standalone
vehicle or future legislative package.
House Committee Advances Broadband Bill Focused on Permitting and Deployment. On December 3, the House Energy and Commerce Committee on Communications and Technology favorably reported the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289)
by a 26-24 vote. This bill would preempt certain state and local authority over public rights-of-
way and land-use decisions, impose and in some cases “deem granted” federal and state permitting timelines (“shot clocks”), and narrow environmental and historic preservation review requirements for upgrades to existing wireless and wireline facilities, broadband deployment on specified federal lands, brownfields, floodplains, and in disaster areas. This bill now moves
to the full House for further consideration.
House Committee Approves Transportation Bills. On December 18, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved the following bills:
• The Aviation Funding Solvency Act (H.R. 6086), which would ensure that air traffic controllers continue to get paid during any future government shutdowns;
• The Supersonic Aviation Modernization Act (H.R. 3410), which would allow operation of civil supersonic flight in the national airspace system
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• The Recreational Drone Empowerment Act (H.R. 6460), which would provide the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with authority to authorize recreational unmanned
aircraft system (UAS) operations in certain sectors of the airspace;
• The Aviation Supply Chain Safety and Security Digitization Act (H.R. 6267), which would require the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a study on the impediments to digital documentation and verification in the aviation supply chain;
• The Airport Regulatory Relief Act (H.R. 6427), which would allow states seeking to use state highway pavement specifications for airfields at certain nonprimary airports to notify, rather than request, the Department of Transportation (DOT) of their intention to use those specifications; and
• The State Actions for Employing Transportation Risk Assessments and Crossing
Knowledge Strategies (SAFE TRACKS) Act (H.R. 5783), which would require the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) to review and approve state grade crossing action plans to reduce suicides and other fatalities along railroad rights-of-way, as well
as direct DOT to work with railroads, mental health experts, and local law enforcement
agencies and to update plans every five years. The bills now move to the full House for consideration.
House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the State of American Aviation. On December
16, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing titled “The State of American Aviation.” FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford testified. In his opening statement, Subcommittee Chair Troy Nehls (R-TX) reflected on the January 29 fatal aviation accident near DCA and reaffirmed the Subcommittee’s commitment to preventing similar
tragedies through improved coordination and safety reforms. He emphasized that aviation
safety is an ongoing effort, highlighted recent corrective actions and the need for air traffic control modernization, and expressed support for the Administration’s efforts to expand the controller workforce and advance key rulemakings. Nehls pointed to the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024 and the Administration’s $12.5 billion Air Traffic Control Modernization Plan as the
roadmap forward, pledging rigorous oversight to ensure successful implementation and
accountability. House Subcommittee Holds Hearing on AAM. On December 3, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation held a hearing titled “America Builds: The State of
the Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) Industry.” Witnesses included representatives from BETA
Technologies, Wisk Aero, Reliable Robotics, and the National Association of State Aviation Officials. In his opening statement, Subcommittee Chair Troy Nehls (R-TX) emphasized that the United States faces a defining choice between embracing advanced air mobility innovation or falling behind global competitors, highlighting the promise of electric vertical take-off and
landing technology, the regulatory milestones in the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024, and the
need to integrate emerging autonomous operations into air traffic control modernization efforts. He underscored the importance of the FAA’s progress on certification, ongoing pilot programs, and collaboration with industry as Congress evaluates the state of the AAM sector.
Senate Subcommittee Holds Hearing on the Impact of the Shutdown on Air Safety and Travel. On November 19, the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on
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Aviation, Space, and Innovation held a hearing titled “Flying on Empty: How Shutdowns Threaten Air Safety, Travel, and the Economy.” Witnesses included representatives from the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, Airlines for America, and General Aviation
Manufacturers Association. During his opening statement, Subcommittee Chair Jerry Moran
(R-KS) warned that the record-long government shutdown intensified existing vulnerabilities in the aviation system—already underscored by the January 29 mid-air collision near DCA—and stressed the need for Congress to mitigate long-term impacts on safety, staffing, and airline operations as the government reopens.
House Committee Approves Updated Roster. On December 3, the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee approved Democratic membership changes and updated subcommittee rosters.
Bipartisan Legislation Introduced to Update Federal Water Infrastructure Pilot Program.
Representatives Rob Bresnahan (R-PA) and Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI) introduced the
Water Infrastructure Modernization Act of 2025 (H.R. 6075) to reauthorize and expand the federal pilot program for alternative water source projects under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. The legislation would update statutory definitions to support the use of “intelligent
water infrastructure technology,” including real-time monitoring, advanced sensors, predictive analytics, and artificial intelligence to improve the efficiency, reliability, and resiliency of wastewater, stormwater, and water reuse systems. The bill would also clarify eligible uses of grant funds for design, construction, implementation, training, and operations related to these technologies; increase authorized funding to $50 million annually through FY2028; and require
regular reporting to Congress. Senators Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced companion legislation (S. 2388) in July. Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Help Communities Pay for Wildfire Cleanup. On December 16, Senators Jeff Merkley (D-OR) and Roger Marshall (R-KS) introduced the Post-Wildfire
Environmental Assistance Act (S. 3506) to expand federal assistance for hazardous debris
cleanup following wildfires. This bill would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and
Emergency Assistance Act to allow Fire Management Assistance Grants to be used for debris removal and remediation, even when a wildfire does not meet the threshold for a major disaster declaration. Under the bill, the President could authorize federal support to clear debris from
both public and private lands, including hazardous materials such as asbestos, heavy metals,
and contaminated water or septic systems. The legislation also authorizes the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide technical expertise, personnel, and other resources to assist state and local governments with hazardous waste cleanup. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs for further
consideration.
CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS
California Lawmakers Seek Information on USGS ShakeAlert False Earthquake Alert. On December 10, Representatives Kevin Mullin (D-CA), Eric Swalwell (D-CA), Laura Friedman (D-CA), Jared Huffman (D-CA), and Zoe Lofgren (D-CA) sent a letter to U.S. Geological Survey
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(USGS) Director Dr. Ned Mamula requesting information about the ShakeAlert earthquake early warning system following a false magnitude 5.9 earthquake alert issued on December 4 near the California-Nevada border. The alert, later withdrawn, reached residents across a wide
area, including the San Francisco Bay Area, and raised concerns among emergency managers
and the public. The lawmakers asked USGS to explain the cause of the false alert, outline safeguards used to validate seismic data, describe coordination with state and local officials following such incidents, and clarify the criteria for issuing public alerts.
California Democrats Express Opposition to Proposed Offshore Drilling Expansion. On
December 4, Senator Alex Padilla (D-CA), House Natural Resources Committee Ranking Member Jared Huffman (D-CA), Senator Adam Schiff (D-CA), and 25 California Members of the House sent a letter to President Trump and DOI Secretary Burgum urging to substantially revise the proposed five-year National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program,
objecting to the inclusion of six potential offshore lease sales off the California coast. The
lawmakers warned that expanded offshore drilling would pose unacceptable environmental, economic, and public safety risks to coastal communities. They also emphasized California’s long-standing opposition to offshore drilling, citing past oil spills, the state’s dependence on a clean coastline for tourism, fisheries, ports, and defense infrastructure, and state laws that
effectively block new offshore development.
FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
FAA Publishes ATP NOFO. On December 10, the FAA published a NOFO for the availability of $970 million through the Airport Terminal Program (ATP). The grants will help fund projects that address aging airport infrastructure. Applications are due by January 15.
FHWA Publishes Tribal Transportation Program Fund NOFO. The Federal Highway
Administration (FHWA) has published a NOFO for the availability of $25.1 million through the Tribal Transportation Program Safety Fund. Applications are due by January 15. FRA Publishes Projects Located off the Northeast Corridor Federal-State Partnership
for Intercity Passenger Rail NOFO. On December 3, the Federal Railroad Administration
(FRA) published a NOFO for the availability of $5.07 billion through the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Program for eligible projects located off the Northeast Corridor. Applications are due on February 6.
FEDERAL FUNDING AWARDS
DOT Announces SS4A Awards. On December 23, DOT announced $982 million to 521
projects across 48 states, 18 Tribal communities, and Puerto Rico through the Safe Streets
and Roads for All (SS4A) competitive grant program. The funding will support roadway safety improvements such as safer intersections, pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, sidewalk upgrades, and enhanced emergency response capabilities.
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FEDERAL AGENCY ACTIONS AND PERSONNEL CHANGES
President Trump Signs Executive Order Directing Evaluation of State AI Regulations and Federal Preemption Options. On December 11, President Trump signed an executive order establishing a federal policy framework for artificial intelligence (AI) aimed at promoting U.S.
leadership while reducing regulatory fragmentation across states. The order directs the
Department of Justice (DOJ) to create an AI Litigation Task Force to challenge state AI laws deemed inconsistent with federal policy, instructs the Department of Commerce to evaluate and identify state AI laws that may conflict with interstate commerce or constitutional protections, and outlines potential limits on certain federal funding for states with conflicting AI
regulations. It also calls on federal agencies, including the Federal Communications
Commission and Federal Trade Commission, to consider federal reporting, disclosure, and consumer protection standards for AI models, and directs the Administration to develop legislative recommendations for a uniform national AI framework that would preempt conflicting state laws while preserving state authority in specified areas such as child safety and state
procurement.
President Trump Issues Memorandum Directing Federal Action to Advance U.S. Leadership in 6G. On December 19, President Trump issued a memorandum outlining a coordinated federal strategy to position the United States as a global leader in sixth-generation
(6G) wireless technology. The memorandum directs multiple federal agencies to take steps to
support 6G development, citing its importance to national security, economic competitiveness, public safety, and the advancement of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and robotics. The memorandum instructs the Department of Commerce, through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to study the potential reallocation of
certain spectrum bands for future commercial use, while ensuring that any changes do not
materially impair national security missions or electric grid operations. The memorandum also calls on the Department of State and other agencies to strengthen diplomatic engagement to promote U.S. positions in international standards-setting bodies.
DOT Proposes Changes to Federal Fuel Economy Standards. On December 3, President
Trump and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a new DOT “Freedom Means Affordable Cars” initiative under which the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has proposed revisions to the Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) standards for passenger cars and light trucks. According to DOT, the proposal would reset CAFE
standards for model years 2022 through 2031 and adjust the annual rate of fuel economy
increases. Under the proposal, passenger car standards would increase by 0.5 percent annually from model years 2023 through 2026, followed by smaller incremental increases through model year 2031. Light truck standards would follow a similar structure with varying annual rates. NHTSA estimates the proposed standards would result in a fleet-wide average
fuel economy of approximately 34.5 miles per gallon by model year 2031.The proposal would
also phase out CAFE credit trading beginning in model year 2028 and reclassify certain crossover vehicles from the light truck category to passenger automobiles. The public comment period is open through January 20.
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DOT Publishes AAM National Strategy and Implementation Plan. On December 17, DOT published the AAM National Strategy and Implementation Plan. The strategy is organized
around six key pillars (Airspace, Infrastructure, Security, Community Planning and Engagement, Workforce, and Automation) essential to building a strong AAM system. The Strategy sets forth 40 recommendations designed to establish a foundation for national policy. The Plan is designed to implement the Strategy recommendations to support the safe, secure, and coordinated introduction of AAM. The Plan gives high-level implementation action items
across four distinct strategic action phases, referred to as LIFT. These phases are: 1. Leverage Existing Programs to Support Innovation and Begin Operations 2. Initiate Engagement with Partners, Research and Development, and Smart Planning 3. Forge New Policy and Models Responsive to Public Needs 4. Transform the Aviation Ecosystem. DOT IG Publishes Report on DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy. On December 9,
DOT’s Office of Inspector General published a report titled “DOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy Targeted Factors Contributing to Fatalities but DOT Can Improve How It Measures Success.” The report notes that the National Roadway Safety Strategy (NRSS) aligns with high-risk safety areas such as occupant protection, impaired driving, speeding, pedestrian safety, and motor carrier safety, and that DOT attributed a long streak of declining traffic
fatalities to progress on these actions. However, the report also found that DOT lacks clear procedures for measuring the success of individual priority actions, making it difficult to determine how much each action contributed to overall improvements. EPA Announces New Agreement to Address Tijuana River Sewage Flows. On December
15, the EPA announced the signing of Minute 333, a new agreement between the United
States and Mexico under the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) aimed at addressing longstanding sewage flows from the Tijuana River. Minute 333 establishes a framework of binational actions intended to reduce cross-border sewage pollution, including new infrastructure projects in Mexico, expanded monitoring and data sharing, and planning for
long-term operation and maintenance of wastewater systems. The agreement builds on a July
2025 memorandum of understanding between the two governments. Key elements of the agreement include development of a Tijuana water infrastructure master plan, creation of a binational working group to evaluate wastewater treatment capacity and ocean outfall options, construction of additional treatment and sediment control facilities, and establishment of a
mechanism to support future operations and maintenance costs.
FAA Announces Deadline for Submitting Intent to Use FY 2026 AIP Apportioned Funds. On December 8, the FAA announced that airport sponsors for which Airport Improvement Program (AIP) funds are apportioned must notify the agency of its intent to submit a grant
application for its available FY 2026 AIP entitlement funds by February 27.
FCC Issues NPRM on Wireless Deployments; Local Governments File Joint Comments. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a NPRM, which proposes codifying and expanding prior FCC interpretations of the Spectrum Act and the Communications Act,
including those related to “concealment elements,” siting conditions, permitting fees, approval
timelines (“shot clocks”), and circumstances that may warrant federal preemption of state and local laws and regulations. The NPRM also seeks comments on whether local permitting
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practices—such as delays, aesthetic requirements, and renewal conditions—effectively prohibit service and should be subject to further preemption.
Federal Court Rules FEMA BRIC Program Termination Violated Law. On December 11,
Judge Richard G. Stearns for the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts granted summary judgment for a coalition of states in State of Washington, et al. v. FEMA, et al., holding that FEMA’s actions to end or wind down the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) pre-disaster mitigation program violated federal law. The court found
FEMA lacked authority to substantially reduce core mitigation functions and to withhold or
redirect funds Congress made available for mitigation. The court entered a permanent injunction preventing FEMA from terminating BRIC as established by statute, while noting the agency could seek changes from Congress or propose a different mitigation program consistent with law.
FEMA Senior Response and Recovery Position Filled. President Trump has appointed Gregg Phillips to lead FEMA’s Office of Response and Recovery. This Office oversees core FEMA functions, including search and rescue coordination, disaster assistance to individuals and communities, debris removal, and intergovernmental response operations. Phillips has
held senior roles in state government, including as head of the Mississippi Department of
Human Services and deputy commissioner of the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. FEMA Releases Updated Building Codes Adoption and Enforcement Playbooks. FEMA
has released updated versions of its Building Codes Adoption Playbook and Building Codes Enforcement Playbook to provide state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities with practical, implementation-focused guidance on adopting and enforcing current model building codes. According to FEMA, the playbooks are intended for jurisdictions with responsibility over building code policy and administration and offer step-by-step guidance on code adoption and
enforcement, information on applicable FEMA grant programs, and extensive appendices with tools and templates, including inspection checklists, permit and application forms, enforcement notices, and variance documentation. FRA Issues Safety Advisory on Movements Across Highway-Rail Grade Crossings. On
December 8, the FRA issued Safety Advisory 2025-02 to emphasize the importance of determining that the “track is clear” prior to shoving or pushing movements across highway-rail grade crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive warning devices. This advisory focuses specifically on the need for adequate job briefings and visual assessments before railroad equipment traverses a crossing, the action required if a “track is clear” determination
cannot be made, and the need for railroads to evaluate certain crossings to determine if it is feasible for an employee riding a shove move to make the track is clear determination. FRA is recommending that railroads and railroad employees take certain actions to improve the safety of shoving or pushing movements over crossings equipped only with flashing lights or passive warning devices.
FTA Amends Master Agreement to Remove Provision on Immigration Enforcement. The Federal Transit Administration (FTA) has announced that, following a November 4 federal
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court ruling that invalidated DOT’s “Immigration Enforcement Condition” and barred its enforcement, the agency will no longer include or enforce any grant conditions requiring state cooperation with federal civil immigration enforcement. Any such provisions in previously
issued agreements are now without legal effect. FTA has updated its Master Agreement to
remove the unenforceable language. FTA Publishes Major Event Playbook for Transit Agencies. On December 4, FTA published a Major Event Playbook for public transportation agencies. The new playbook offers a
practical guide, strategic insights, and key considerations to help public transportation agencies navigate federal transit requirements related to hosting major events. This includes guidance on navigating regulatory and legal challenges, understanding appropriate uses of federal funds, and encouraging coordination at the national, regional, and local levels. The playbook is aimed to help ensure the success of major world events such as the World Cup and the Olympics.
FTA Issues Safety Advisory to Mitigate Trespassing and Suicide Events. FTA has issued a safety advisory to recommend State Safety Oversight Agencies direct Rail Transit Agencies within their jurisdiction to use their Safety Management System to mitigate risk related to rail trespassing and suicide events.
Reclamation Issues Record of Decision for Updated Central Valley Project Operations. On December 4, the Bureau of Reclamation signed a Record of Decision adopting an updated long-term operations plan for the Central Valley Project (CVP). The decision responds to Executive Order 14181, issued on January 24, 2025, which directs federal agencies to take
available actions to increase water deliveries and hydropower production from the CVP consistent with federal law. According to Reclamation, the updated operations could increase annual CVP water deliveries by an estimated 130,000 to 180,000 acre-feet, depending on hydrologic conditions, with additional increases possible under the State Water Project if the State of California adopts corresponding operational changes. Reclamation stated that the
updates remain within the range of impacts analyzed in the December 2024 Long-Term Operations Final Environmental Impact Statement and are consistent with the 2024 Biological Opinions issued by NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Changes include adjustments to Delta export operations and the removal of certain habitat and export-reduction provisions previously contemplated under state programs.
TSA Announces Confirm.ID User Fee. On December 3, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) published a notice announcing the launch of a fee-funded modernized alternative identity verification program for individuals who present at the TSA checkpoint without the required acceptable form of identification, such as a REAL ID or passport. TSA is
announcing the rebranding of the modernized program now identified as “TSA Confirm.ID.” To
address the government-incurred costs of operating the new program, including an updated review and revision of relevant population estimates and costs, TSA set the TSA Confirm.ID program fee for individuals who choose to use the program to $45. The fee is now in effect.
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1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 1
City of Carlsbad: Priority Legislation as of January 8, 2026
Environment and Climate
AB 35 (Alvarez) Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air
Bond Act of 2024: Administrative Procedure Act: exemption: program guidelines and selection
criteria. (Amended 01/05/2026)
Existing law, the Administrative Procedure Act, sets forth the requirements for the adoption,
publication, review, and implementation of regulations by state agencies. The Safe Drinking Water,
Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 (act), approved by the
voters as Proposition 4 at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, authorized the
issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation
Bond Law to finance projects for safe drinking water, drought, flood, and water resilience, wildfire
and forest resilience, coastal resilience, extreme heat mitigation, biodiversity and nature-based
climate solutions, climate-smart, sustainable, and resilient farms, ranches, and working lands,
park creation and outdoor access, and clean air programs. Existing law authorizes certain
regulations needed to effectuate or implement programs of the act to be adopted as emergency
regulations in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act, as provided. Existing law requires
the emergency regulations to be filed with the Office of Administrative Law and requires the
emergency regulations to remain in effect until repealed or amended by the adopting state agency.
This bill would delete the above provisions relating to the adoption of regulations to implement the
act as emergency regulations and would instead exempt the adoption of those regulations from the
Administrative Procedure Act. This bill contains other existing laws. (Based on 01/05/2026 text)
Calendar: 01/12/26 A-NATURAL RESOURCES 2:30 p.m. - State Capitol, Room 437 BRYAN, ISAAC,
Chair
Location: 12/18/2025 - Assembly Natural Resources
Exhibit 2
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 14 of 20
(city of
Carlsbad
Cal i fornia
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 2
Governmental Operations
AB 1439 (Garcia) Public retirement systems: development projects: labor standards.
(Amended 03/24/2025)
The California Constitution grants the retirement board of a public employee retirement system
plenary authority and fiduciary responsibility for investment of moneys and administration of the
retirement fund and system. These provisions qualify this grant of powers by reserving to the
Legislature the authority to prohibit investments if it is in the public interest and the prohibition
satisfies standards of fiduciary care and loyalty required of a retirement board. Existing law
prohibits the boards of the Public Employees’ Retirement System and the State Teachers’
Retirement System from making certain new investments or renewing existing investments of
public employee retirement funds, including in a thermal coal company, as defined. Existing law
provides that a board is not required to take any action regarding those investments unless the
board determines in good faith that the action is consistent with the board’s fiduciary
responsibilities established in the California Constitution. This bill would prohibit the board of a
public pension or retirement system from making any additional or new investments of public
employee pension or retirement funds in development projects in California or providing financing
for those projects with public employee pension or retirement funds unless those projects include
labor standards protections, as defined. The bill would provide that a board is not required to take
action pursuant to this provision unless it determines in good faith that the action is consistent with
the board’s fiduciary responsibilities established in the California Constitution. (Based
on 03/24/2025 text)
Calendar: 01/14/26 A-PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT AND RETIREMENT 10 a.m. - State Capitol, Room
447 MCKINNOR, TINA, Chair
Location: 01/06/2026 - Assembly Public Employment And Retirement
Housing and Land Use
AB 874 (Ávila Farías) Mitigation Fee Act: development impact fees: qualified residential
ownership and qualified rental projects. (Amended 01/05/2026)
Existing law, the Mitigation Fee Act, imposes certain requirements on a local agency that imposes a
fee as a condition of approval of a development project that is imposed to provide for an
improvement to be constructed to serve the development project, or a fee for public
improvements, as specified. The act also regulates fees for development projects and fees for
specific purposes, including water and sewer connection fees, among others. The act, among
other things, requires local agencies to comply with various conditions when imposing fees,
extractions, or charges as a condition of approval of a proposed development or development
project. The act prohibits a local agency that imposes fees or charges on a residential development
for the construction of public improvements or facilities from requiring the payment of those fees
or charges until the date of the final inspection or the date the certificate of occupancy is issued,
whichever occurs first, except for utility service fees, as provided. This bill would require a local
agency to provide a qualified residential rental project, as defined, with the option of either or both
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 15 of 20
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 3
(1) development impact fees set at a rate of $0 or (2) a development impact fee deferral agreement
loan, subject to certain requirements. The bill would also require a local agency to provide a
qualified residential ownership project, as defined, with the option of either or both (1)
development impact fees set at a rate of $0 or (2) a development impact fee deferral agreement
loan for each income-qualified homebuyer, subject to certain requirements. The bill would define
“development impact fee” for these purposes to mean a fee collected by a local agency to fund the
construction of public improvements or facilities, with certain exceptions. (Based
on 01/05/2026 text)
Calendar: 01/14/26 A-HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 9:30 a.m. - State Capitol,
Room 437 HANEY, MATT, Chair
Location: 01/05/2026 - Assembly Housing And Community Development
SB 417 (Cabaldon) The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026. (Introduced 02/18/2025)
Under existing law, there are programs providing assistance for, among other things, emergency
housing, multifamily housing, farmworker housing, home ownership for very low and low-income
households, and downpayment assistance for first-time home buyers. Existing law also authorizes
the issuance of bonds in specified amounts pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law
and requires that proceeds from the sale of these bonds be used to finance various existing
housing programs, capital outlay related to infill development, brownfield cleanup that promotes
infill development, and housing-related parks. This bill would enact the Affordable Housing Bond
Act of 2026, which, if adopted, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of
$10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Proceeds from the sale of
these bonds would be used to finance programs to fund affordable rental housing and home
ownership programs, including, among others, the Multifamily Housing Program, the CalHome
Program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program. This bill would provide for
submission of the bond act to the voters at the June 2, 2026, statewide primary election, in
accordance with specified law. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an
urgency statute. (Based on 02/18/2025 text)
Location: 01/06/2026 - Senate Appropriations
SB 677 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development. (Amended 01/05/2026)
Existing law requires that a housing development project, as defined, within a specified distance of
a transit-oriented development (TOD) stop, as defined, be an allowed use as a transit-oriented
housing development on any site zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development, if the
development complies with certain applicable requirements, as provided. Among these
requirements, existing law establishes requirements concerning height limits, density, and
residential floor area ratio in accordance with a development’s proximity to specified tiers of TOD
stops, as provided; prohibits a proposed development under these provisions from being located
on sites where the development would require demolition of housing, or that was previously used
for housing, that is subject to rent or price controls, as provided; and requires a development to
meet specified labor standards that require that a specified affidavit be signed under penalty of
perjury, under specified circumstances. Existing law specifies that a development proposed
pursuant to these provisions is eligible for streamlined, ministerial approval, as provided. Existing
law defines, among other terms, the term “transit-oriented development stop” for purposes of
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 16 of 20
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 4
these provisions to mean a major transit stop, as defined by specified law, and to additionally
include stops on a route for which a preferred alternative has been selected or are identified in a
regional transportation improvement program, that is served by specified types of transit services,
exclusive of certain new transit routes or extensions not identified in the applicable regional
transportation plan on or before January 1, 2026, as specified. Existing law also defines the term
“Tier 2 transit-oriented development stop” for these purposes to mean a TOD stop within an urban
transit county, as defined, excluding a Tier 1 transit-oriented development stop, as defined, served
by light rail transit, by high-frequency commuter rail, or by bus service meeting specified
standards. This bill would revise the definition of “transit-oriented development stop” to instead
mean a major transit stop, as defined, that is served by the above-described types of transit
services, exclusive of any newly planned transit route or extension that was not identified in the
applicable regional transportation plan on or before January 1, 2026, as specified. The bill would
also revise the definitions of “transit-oriented development stop” and “Tier 2 transit-oriented
development stop” to include stops served by high-frequency ferry service, as defined. The bill
would delete the definition of “rail transit” and, instead, define the term “rail transit station” for
purposes of these provisions, as specified. The bill would additionally prohibit a transit-oriented
housing development under these provisions from being located on an existing parcel of land or
site governed under the Mobilehome Residency Law, the Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy
Law, the Mobilehome Parks Act, or the Special Occupancy Parks Act. By increasing the duties of
local officials, and by expanding the crime of perjury, this bill would impose a state-mandated local
program. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing laws. (Based
on 01/05/2026 text)
Calendar: 01/08/26 #3 S-SENATE BILLS - SECOND READING FILE
01/14/26 S-LOCAL GOVERNMENT 9:30 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 112 DURAZO, MARÍA ELENA,
Chair
Location: 01/06/2026 - Senate Local Government
SB 722 (Wahab) Transit-oriented housing development: excluded parcels and sites. (Amended
01/05/2026)
Existing law requires that a housing development project, as defined, within a specified distance of
a transit-oriented development stop, as defined, be an allowed use as a transit-oriented housing
development on any site zoned for residential, mixed, or commercial development, if the
development complies with certain, applicable requirements, as provided. Among these
requirements, existing law prohibits a proposed development under these provisions from being
located on sites where the development would require demolition of housing, or that was
previously used for housing, that is subject to rent or price controls, as provided. This bill would
additionally prohibit the development from being located on an existing parcel of land or site
governed under the Mobilehome Residency Law, the Recreational Vehicle Park Occupancy Law,
the Mobilehome Parks Act, or the Special Occupancy Parks Act. This bill would declare that it is to
take effect immediately as an urgency statute. (Based on 01/05/2026 text)
Calendar: 01/14/26 S-LOCAL GOVERNMENT 9:30 a.m. - State Capitol, Room 112 DURAZO, MARÍA
ELENA, Chair
Location: 01/06/2026 - Senate Local Government
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 17 of 20
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
December 22, 2025
The Honorable Monique Limon Senate President Pro Tempore 1021 O Street, Suite 8518 Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Robert Rivas Assembly Speaker 1021 O Street, Suite 8330 Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Lori Wilson Chair, Assembly Transportation Committee 1021 O Street, Suite 8110 Sacramento, CA 95814
The Honorable Dave Cortese Chair, Senate Transportation Committee 1021 O Street, Suite 7520 Sacramento, CA 95814
Exhibit 3
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 18 of 20
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RE: Request for Informational Hearing on E-Bike Safety and Implementation of SB 381 (Min, 2023)
Dear President Pro Tempore Limon, Speaker Rivas, Senator Cortese, and Assembly Member Wilson:
The undersigned coalition of local government agencies, public safety professionals, and multimodal access organizations writes to respectfully request that the Legislature convene an informational hearing to discuss the statewide issues surrounding electric bicycle safety and to examine the forthcoming findings of the analysis authorized under SB 381 (Min, 2023). SB 381 was enacted to provide California with a comprehensive understanding of the safety challenges associated with electric bicycles and related bicycle-shaped devices, and to support policymakers as they evaluate how best to ensure that e-bike adoption occurs alongside a strong, evidence-based safety framework. Across California, our coalition members are observing a rapid and widespread increase in the
use of e-bikes for school trips, commuting, recreation, and general mobility. This growth has brought substantial benefits in terms of access, climate goals, and transportation choice. At the same time, it has created new and significant safety challenges for communities, law
enforcement, transportation planners, and families. Local first responders are encountering more incidents involving high-speed devices; transportation departments are seeing increased conflicts on multi-use paths and roadways; and community organizations are struggling to address
confusion about the rules governing device types, speeds, and safe operation. These trends have emerged in jurisdictions of all sizes, and they underscore the need for a coordinated policy discussion at the statewide level. SB 381 was designed to provide the Legislature with a research-based foundation for this discussion. As local practitioners and statewide safety advocates, we believe an informational hearing would create a critical forum for legislators, researchers, public safety agencies, and community partners to collectively review the study’s findings and to begin shaping a common understanding of the core issues. This hearing would allow the Legislature to surface the safety challenges that communities are encountering on the ground, clarify how existing statutory definitions interact with rapidly evolving device technologies, and explore opportunities for
statewide alignment on education, enforcement, infrastructure, and data quality. Because many of these issues—such as device classification, sales practices, rider age, and enforcement authority—reach beyond the jurisdiction of any single locality or organization, we believe that a
statewide forum is essential before any policy reforms are considered. We appreciate the Legislature’s leadership in commissioning this important work through SB 381
and value the opportunity to help inform the next steps in promoting safe, accessible, and sustainable mobility for Californians. We would welcome the opportunity to participate in an informational hearing and to contribute the practical experience and perspectives of the diverse agencies and organizations that engage with e-bike users daily. Thank you for your consideration and for your commitment to fostering safe and equitable transportation systems across the state. Sincerely,
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 19 of 20
Kevin Kirwin, Mayor City of Placentia Tim Ogden, General Manager Cosumnes Community Services District Sharon Ranals, City Manager City of South San Francisco Marisa Creter, Executive Director San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments Raj Salwan, Mayor City of Fremont
Elaine Lister, City Manager City of Mission Viejo
Brenden Kalfus, Mayor City of Temecula
David Mourra, Mayor City of Emeryville Casey McKeon, Mayor City of Huntington Beach Jorge Garcia, City Manager City of Pismo Beach Joyce Ahn, Mayor City of Buena Park Damian Kevitt, Executive Director Streets For All Ed Lauing, Mayor City of Palo Alto Carl Anduri, Mayor City of Lafayette
Debra Banks, Executive Director Sacramento Area Bicycle Advocates Robert Borwnstone, Mayor City of Half Moon Bay Cecilia Hupp, Mayor City of Brea Linda Smith, City Manager City of Orinda Randy Rowse, Mayor City of Santa Barbara Joshua McMurray, City Manager City of Oakley Sophie Cole, Mayor City of Hillsborough Larry Agran, Mayor City of Irvine Newell Arnerich, Mayor Town of Danville Keith Blackburn, Mayor City of Carlsbad
Julia Mates, Mayor City of Belmont Sherry Hu, Mayor City of Dublin
John Marchand, Mayor City of Livermore Jack Balch, Mayor City of Pleasanton Ellen Kamei, Mayor City of Mountain View Austin Lumbard, Mayor City of Tustin cc: David Sforza, Principal Consultant, Assembly Transportation Committee Isabelle LaSalle, Assistant Consultant, Senate Transportation Committee
Jan. 13, 2026 Item #2 Page 20 of 20
Liana Somepalli
From:
Sent:
To:
Jason Haber
Friday, January 9, 2026 3:14 PM
City Clerk
All ~eceive -Agenda Item # 2 ..
For the Information of the:
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Subject:
Attachments:
FW: 1/13/2026 Legislative Subcommittee Item #2 -ELUA public comment
ELUA SB-677 letter to Legislative Subcommittee.pdf
Public comment for legislative subcommittee.
Jason Haber
Intergovernmental Affairs Director
442-339-2958 I Jason.Haber@carlsbadca.govwww.carlsbadca.gov
Facebook I Twitter I You Tube I Flickr I Pinterest I Enews
-----Original Message-----
From: Steve Linke <splinke@gmail.com>
Sent: Friday, January 9, 2026 2:32 PM
To: Jason Haber <jason.haber@carlsbadca.gov>
Cc: Teresa Acosta <teresa.acosta@carlsbadca .gov>; Melanie Burkholder <melanie.burkholder@carlsbadca.gov>
Subject: 1/13/2026 Legislative Subcommittee Item #2 -ELUA public comment
Please see the attached PDF.
CAUTION: Do not open attachments or click on links unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe.
1
Equitable Land Use Alliance
300 Carlsbad Village Dr, PMB 108A-79
Carlsbad, CA 92008
January 9, 2026
Re: 1/13/2026 Carlsbad Legislative Subcommittee Item #2 (Oppose SB-677)
Legislative Subcommittee:
Summary
Please immediately take an OPPOSE position on Senator Wiener's SB-677 two-year bill. By
surreptitiously expanding the definition of high-frequency commuter rail to include "intercity rail,"
it appears this bill will sweep the Solana Beach Station into the category of a Tier 2 transit-
oriented development stop based on Amtrak Pacific Surfliner trains. As a result, it will
inappropriately subject Solana Beach to the onerous provisions of SB-79, despite its lack of
infrastructure to support the associated developments.
While the Carlsbad stations still appear to be excluded, Senator Wiener promised more
sweeping revisions to SB-79 in future bills in the 2026 session . It is only a matter of time before
this progression affects Carlsbad, so please support our neighbor Solana Beach now.
Details
SB-677 was a completely different bill in 2025 that was gutted and amended by its author
Senator Wiener on January 5th to be a follow-up to his highly controversial 2025 SB-79 bill. It
was presented to the Senate Housing Committee just one day later with a promise of additional
changes (e.g., removal of language that added ferries) to make it just a minor "tightening" of a
couple of transit definitions. However, the addition of "intercity rail" to the definition of "high-
frequency commuter rail" remained, which would inappropriately subject more small
communities with inadequate infrastructure to the requirements of SB-79 without public review.
The bill is now headed to the Senate Local Government Committee and , eventually, to the floor.
Although SB-79/SB-677 exclude "long distance" Amtrak rail lines from the 48-train threshold that
defines "high-frequency commuter rail," they do not exclude other California Amtrak lines,
including the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor, and Gold Runner (and perhaps others), which,
according to SAN DAG and Solana Beach staff, likely fall under the definition of "intercity rail."
However, these lines do not necessarily act as meaningful commuter alternatives.
As an example, the small community of Solana Beach in northern San Diego County
(population 13,000, 3.4-square miles) includes a stop for the Pacific Surfliner. SB-677's addition
of Surfliner trains to the station's SB-79 total will then exceed the 48-train threshold, making it a
Tier 2 site. However, there are only a few Surfliner stops in all of San Diego County, and they
are large distances apart, so these trains are not viable commuter alternatives for residents of
Solana Beach, nor are there any significant employment centers there. Solana Beach does not
have the public safety (e.g., fire trucks), surface transportation, stormwater, etc. infrastructure to
handle SB-79 Tier 2 development, and no amount of developer fees or assessments can
change that. They should not be punished for hosting an Amtrak stop at their train station.
It is unknown how many other similar communities across the state with so-called "intercity rail"
stops would unexpectedly and inappropriately be made subject to SB-79 as a result of SB-677.
Far from Senator Wiener's claim that the bill "tightens" the transit definition, it actually expands
the definition without sufficient research or public review of the impacts. Again, please
immediately take an OPPOSE position on SB-677.
Sincerely,
Equitable Land Use Alliance Board of Directors
Steve Linke, PhD
Kris Wright
Diane Bedrosian, MD
The Equitable Land Use Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit group based in Carlsbad, CA. We are
dedicated to educating, engaging, and empowering residents to take part in housing policy decisions. Our
mission is to support community self-determination and encourage thoughtful, sustainable development.
Equitable Land Use Alliance 2
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP •PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
City of Carlsbad
Legislative Subcommittee Meeting
January 13, 2026
Sharon Gonsalves, Managing Director, California Public Policy Group
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
-PPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
2026 Legislative Calendar
•January 1: All legislation signed into law in 2025, unless otherwise stated, goes into effect
•January 5: The Legislature reconvenes for the 2026 legislative session
•January 10: The Governor releases fiscal year 2026-27 budget proposal
•January 31: Last day for two-year bills to advance out of their house of origin
•February 20: Last day for the Legislature to introduce bills
•March 25: Spring Recess begins upon adjournment
•April 6: Legislature reconvenes from Spring Recess
•Mid-May: Governor releases the May revision of the state budget
•May 29: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills out of their house of origin
•June 15: Legislature must pass the primary budget bill
•June 30: Governor must sign the primary budget bill
•July 2: Summer Recess begins upon adjournment
•August 3: Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess
•August 31: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills; end of the 2026 session
•September 30: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Senate Leadership and Committee Appointments
Senator Limon sworn in as Senate Pro Tempore
Senator Blakespear
•Budget & Fiscal Review, Resources, Environmental Protection and Energy, Emergency Management,
Environmental Quality, Governmental Organization, Transportation, Climate Change Policies.
Leadership
•Majority Leader - Senator Angelique Ashby (D-Sacramento)
•Assistant Majority Leader - Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Silicon Valley)
•Assistant Majority Leader - Senator Laura Richardson (D-San Pedro)
•Democratic Caucus Chair - Senator Caroline Menjivar (D-San Fernando Valley)
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
State of the State
Highlights
•Highlighted declining homicide trends and emphasized state support to city law enforcement, including the
$267M organized retail/property crime grants and CHP deployments to help cities target repeat offenders.
•New data showing a 9% drop in unsheltered homelessness.
•Highlighted a proposal to make it harder for private equity and other large investors to buy large numbers of
homes.
•Free TK for all students in California, significant investments in education.
•Revenues $42 billion higher than previously forecasted.
•Linked wildfire impacts to rising insurance and rebuilding costs, urged faster recovery, and pressed for
major federal disaster aid for Los Angeles firestorms—issues that directly hit city rebuilding, permitting, and
local tax bases.
•Defended California’s climate posture and stated policies like the cap-and-trade extension should translate
into consumer bill relief (rebates) alongside continued clean-energy investment.
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Governor’s Budget Proposal
Highlights
•The Budget forecasts General Fund revenues up by $42B over 2024-25 through 2026-27, but still shows a
$2.9B projected shortfall and therefore no major new spending proposals—important context for cities
planning around limited new state aid.
•Warns that a 20%+ stock market downturn could push revenues $25B–$30B below forecast in the budget
window, raising the risk of midyear/statewide pullbacks that can ripple to local programs.
•Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funding totaling $1.6 billion over the next year to
combat homelessness.
•Proposes $792M for water resilience investments, including $232M for flood control (including subventions)
and $173M for drinking water/wastewater projects serving small or disadvantaged communities.
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: Housing and Land Use
SB 677 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development.
This bill would change the definitions of “high-frequency commuter rail” and “commuter rail” for
purposes of implementing Senate Bill 79.
Status: Senate Local Government, hearing set for 1/14
SB 722 (Wahab) Housing development: transit-oriented development
This bill exempts parcels governed by Mobilehome and Recreation Vehicle Park Occupancy Laws.
Status: Senate Local Government, hearing set for 1/14
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: Housing and Land Use
AB 736 (Wicks) and SB 417 (Cabaldon) The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026.
This bill would enact the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which, if adopted, would authorize
the issuance of bonds in the amount of $10,000,000,000 pursuant to the State General Obligation
Bond Law. Proceeds from the sale of these bonds would be used to finance programs to fund
affordable rental housing and home ownership programs, including, among others, the Multifamily
Housing Program, the CalHome Program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program.
Status: AB 736: Senate Rules
SB 417: Senate Appropriations, hearing set for 1/20
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: Environmental Quality
AB 35 (Alvarez) Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act
of 2024: Administrative Procedure Act: exemption: program guidelines and selection criteria.
•The Administrative Procedure Act outlines how state agencies should adopt, publish, review, and implement
regulations.
•The Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, approved as
Proposition 4, allows California to issue bonds worth $10 billion to finance various environmental and climate-related
projects.
•While current law allows certain regulations for these projects to be adopted as emergency regulations under the
Administrative Procedure Act, this bill proposes to bypass this requirement entirely, exempting the adoption of
these regulations from the Administrative Procedure Act.
Status: Assembly Natural Resources, hearing set for 1/12
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
E-Bike Report Recommendation
Exploring Electric Bicycle Safety Recommendations
•Authorizing legislation was SB 381 (Min).
•Limit e-bike motors to 750-watts peak power.
•Revise the procedures that medical staff and police officers use to report incidents involving two-wheeled
electric devices to accurately distinguish legal electric bicycles from other two-wheeled electric devices.
•Minimize local variation in rules on riding electric bicycles so that the public can be reasonably expected to
know what the rules are.
•Consider creating a legal pathway for high-powered electric devices by modifying the definition of mopeds
to include them. With that change, the high-powered electric devices would require extra safety
equipment, like turn-signals, and riders would also need a driver’s license.
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation
First hearing was held January 6 – Perspective of Developers and Manufacturers
•Multiple sources warned that a declining construction workforce will continue to
push costs upward.
•Factory-built housing offers meaningful efficiencies, roughly two-thirds of total
housing development costs still occur on-site.
•Nearly all witnesses identified labor costs, financing, and local building codes as
major barriers to scaling innovative construction methods statewide.
Second hearing will be January 14 – Perspective of Government, Investors and
Labor
~CPPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Questions/Discussion
Thank You!
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
-PPG
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP