HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-10; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; 02; Legislative and Advocacy UpdateMeeting Date: Feb. 10, 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 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 and the priority legislation and intergovernmental matters being tracked on
behalf of the city (Exhibits 1 through 3).
Notably, on Feb. 4, 2026, President Trump signed a FY 2026 minibus spending bill, including the
Transportation, Housing and Urban Development bill, into law. At the request of Congressman
Mike Levin, that bill includes $1 million in community project funding for the City of Carlsbad:
Carlsbad Village Railroad Double Tracking Trenching Project.
In Dec. 2025, the City Council directed staff to pursue several legislative proposals during the
current legislative session. Since then, staff and the city’s contract state lobbyists have been in
discussions with potential bill authors.
District 76 Assembly Member Dr. Darshana Patel has agreed to carry a city-sponsored bill to
authorize electronic filing and virtual appearance for workplace violence restraining orders and
workplace harassment restraining orders. The unbacked draft bill language, as provided by the
California Office of Legislative Counsel, is included in Exhibit 4.
In addition, District 74 Assembly Member Laurie Davies has agreed to author a city-sponsored bill
to allow public safety officials to drive off-highway utility-terrain vehicles (UTVs) on city streets.
California Public Policy Group is currently working with the author’s office to prepare a spot bill for
introduction prior to the bill introduction deadline.
LEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 1 of 35
Exhibit 2 includes a section titled: 2026 Ballot Update, which provides information regarding
several statewide initiatives that have qualified for the ballot. State law allows a public agency to
adopt a position on a ballot measure as long as the position is taken at an open meeting where all
voices have the opportunity to be heard. However, state law prohibits the use of public resources
to campaign for or against a ballot measure. A summary of permissible and impermissible activities
is included in Exhibit 5.
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.
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, Jan. 30, 2026
2. California Public Policy Group Legislative Summary: Jan. 2026
3. California Public Policy Group – Priority State Legislation as of Feb. 4, 2026
4. Bill Request Number - RN 26 03866 – Workplace violence: restraining orders
5. Ballot Measure Activities & Public Resources
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 2 of 35
Exhibit 1
1
January 30, 2026
City of Carlsbad
Federal Update
www.carpiclay.com
Fiscal Year 2026 Appropriations Update
In January, both the House and Senate continued their work to pass the remaining
appropriations bills, as most of the federal government is currently funded by a short-term
Continuing Resolution (CR) that expires at midnight tonight. On January 23, President Trump signed H.R. 6938, a three-bill package including Commerce-Justice-Science, Energy & Water Development, and Interior-Environment appropriations bills.
The House has passed the remaining six FY26 appropriations measures—Defense, Financial Services-General Government, Homeland Security, Labor-HHS-Education, State-Foreign Operations, and Transportation-HUD—and transmitted them to the Senate as a consolidated package (H.R. 7148). Following the events in Minnesota last weekend, Senate Democrats announced that they would not be supporting the funding package if the Homeland Security
appropriations bill was included. After an initial Senate cloture vote to proceed failed on January
29 by a 45-55 vote, the White House and Senate leadership reconvened and reached an agreement to remove the Homeland Security bill from the package and replace it with a two-week continuing resolution limited to the Department of Homeland Security. Under this approach, the remaining five appropriations bills would be enacted with full-year funding, while
providing additional time for negotiations related to immigration enforcement. Following the
agreement, the White House issued a Statement of Administration Policy in support of the new spending package. Since the Senate is changing the original package that was sent over from the House, once it
passes the Senate, it will have to go back to the House for passage before heading to the
President for his signature. The House is currently in recess until Monday, but the hope is that they will be able to pass the new appropriations package as soon as they return. While the CR does expire at midnight, OMB has told agencies that they will not formally begin
shutdown procedures until Monday. Should there be an issue with getting the new spending
package through the House and the Senate, there would be a partial government shutdown. This shutdown would not impact the entire federal government as six of the FY26 appropriations bills will be signed into law. The shutdown would be limited to the federal agencies funded by the six outstanding Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills.
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 3 of 35
2 www.carpiclay.com
LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY
Rep. Doug LaMalfa Passes Away. On January 6, Rep. Doug LaMalfa (R-CA), a fourth-
generation rice farmer, passed away at age 65. LaMalfa represented California’s 1st congressional district—covering much of rural Northern California—from 2013 until his death. Throughout his congressional career, he focused on issues central to his largely agricultural and forested district, including water access, forest management, wildfire mitigation, and rural
economic stability. Prior to serving in Congress, LaMalfa was a member of the California State
Assembly from 2002 to 2008 and the California State Senate from 2008 to 2012. California Governor Newsom Sets Special Election to Fill CA-01 Seat. On January 16, Governor Gavin Newsom scheduled a June 2 special primary to fill the remainder of late Rep.
Doug LaMalfa in California’s 1st congressional district. All candidates will appear on a single
ballot; if no candidate receives a majority, the top two finishers will advance to an August 4 runoff. The special election will be conducted using the district’s current boundaries, while the regularly scheduled general election will use the newly redrawn lines adopted under Proposition 50.
Bipartisan Bill Introduced to Provide Funding for Wildfire Protection. On January 8, Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Tim Sheehy (R-MT) introduced the Community Protection
and Wildfire Resilience Act (S. 3609), which would create a new $5 billion grant program aimed at helping communities plan for and reduce wildfire risk. The bill would support local projects
like home and infrastructure hardening, early detection, evacuation planning, defensible space,
and related preparedness. The legislation would also expand the Forest Service’s Community Wildfire Defense Grants to explicitly allow structure hardening and direct the Government Accountability Office to report on federal wildfire-protection authorities, funding gaps, insurance incentives tied to resilience certification, and radio interoperability needs.
Bipartisan Senate Companion Bill Introduced to Reauthorize Large-Scale Water Recycling Program. On January 27, Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) and John Curtis (R-UT) introduced the Large-Scale Water Recycling Reauthorization Act (S. 3693), which would extend the Bureau of Reclamation’s Large-Scale Water Recycling Project Grant
Program through FY32. The grant program was established in the Infrastructure Investment
and Jobs Act and provides competitive funding for large-scale water recycling projects that reduce consumptive water use and mitigate drought impacts, particularly in the Colorado River Basin. Congress provided $450 million in direct spending authority for the program, with more than $300 million already awarded nationwide. Current authorization expires at the end of
FY26. The bill is a companion to House legislation (H.R. 6204), previously introduced by Representatives Susie Lee (D-NV) and Juan Ciscomani (R-AZ) in November 2025. CONGRESSIONAL LETTERS
Congressional Democrats Raise Concerns Over Proposed ESA Rules. Eighty-seven House and Senate Democrats sent a letter to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Commerce
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 4 of 35
3 www.carpiclay.com
Secretary Howard Lutnick expressing concerns about the administration’s proposed changes to Endangered Species Act (ESA) regulations. The lawmakers warned that the proposals could weaken core protections, citing potential impacts on Section 7 consultation requirements and
the elimination of the ESA’s longstanding “blanket 4(d) rule,” which currently extends key
safeguards to species listed as threatened. The letter argues that the changes could increase risks to imperiled species while creating uncertainty for conservation efforts and regulated entities.
FEDERAL FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES
FAA Publishes FCT Competitive Grant NOFO. On January 20, FAA published a notice of
funding opportunity for the availability of $120 million through the FAA Contract Tower (FCT)
Competitive Grant Program. The grants will help fund airport-owned airport traffic control tower (ATCT) projects that address the aging infrastructure of the nation’s airports. The FAA will consider ATCT projects that sustain, construct, repair, improve, rehabilitate, modernize, replace, or relocate non-approach control towers; or acquire and install air traffic control,
communications, and related equipment to be used in those towers; or construct a remote
tower certified by the FAA including acquisition and installation of air traffic control, communications, or related equipment. Airport sponsors seeking consideration for FY 2026 FCT Competitive Grant Program funding should submit FAA Form 5100-144 as soon as possible, but no later than February 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. ET.
FEDERAL AGENCY ACTIONS AND PERSONNEL CHANGES
President Trump Signs Executive Order to Extend FEMA Review Council. On January 23,
President Trump signed an executive order to extend the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Review Council through March 25, 2026, delaying its scheduled termination by 60 days. The council, created in January 2025 to assess the future role and structure of FEMA, was set to expire after one year absent presidential action. The extension comes as the
Council’s final report has not yet been publicly released following the cancellation of a planned
December meeting. President Trump Signs Executive Order Aimed at Limiting Institutional Purchases of Single-Family Homes. On January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order
directing federal agencies to curb large institutional investors’ access to single-family homes
that could otherwise be purchased by owner-occupants. The order directs the Departments of Treasury, Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs, along with the General Services Administration and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to issue guidance limiting federal financing, insurance, guarantees, securitization, or asset dispositions
that would facilitate institutional investor acquisition of single-family homes. Furthermore, the
order directs the Department of Treasury to develop a definition for “large institutional investor,” the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission to prioritize antitrust review of large-
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 5 of 35
4 www.carpiclay.com
scale investor acquisitions and coordinated pricing or vacancy strategies, and HUD to expand ownership disclosure requirements for federally assisted single-family rental properties.
White House Names Senior Advisor to Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. Daniel
Gustafson has been named Senior Advisor and Associate Director for Intergovernmental Affairs at the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs. He previously served as Deputy Director of the Office of Intergovernmental and External Affairs at the Department of the Interior.
OMB Orders Federal Funding Review for 14 States and Washington, D.C. On January 20,
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) directed most federal agencies to compile detailed reports on federal funding provided to 14 states—California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia and Washington—and Washington, D.C. The review applies to all agencies
except the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs and requires agencies to report FY25
obligations and estimated FY26 funding across grants, loans, contracts, and other federal awards. OMB described the initiative as a data-gathering exercise intended to inform potential administrative or legislative efforts to reduce improper or fraudulent spending, and stated that it does not involve withholding funds. Agency responses were due to OMB by January 28,
2026.
BOEM Seeks Public and Industry Input on Potential Offshore Oil and Gas Leasing off California Coast. On January 26, the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM) issued two Calls for Information and Nominations seeking public comment and industry input on
potential offshore oil and gas leasing areas in Southern California and Central California as part of the U.S. Department of the Interior’s Draft Proposed 11th National Outer Continental Shelf Oil and Gas Leasing Program (2026-2031). BOEM is requesting information on areas of interest for potential leasing, as well as environmental, socioeconomic, and other relevant considerations from the public, Tribes, and stakeholders. BOEM has emphasized that issuing
the Calls does not constitute a decision to hold lease sales or commit to future development. Both the Southern and Central California planning areas could see a first potential lease sale as early as 2027. Comments are due by February 26, 2026. CEQ Publishes NEPA Final Rule. On January 8, the Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ)
published a final rule that formally adopts the interim final rule from February 2025 and removes all of CEQ’s regulations that implemented the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) from the Code of Federal Regulations. As a result, federal agencies will now rely on the statutory text of NEPA and their own agency-specific procedures for environmental reviews rather than a uniform set of CEQ regulations. The final rule took effect immediately.
DHS Launches New Office to Accelerate Drone and Counter-Drone Capabilities. On January 12, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the creation of a new Program Executive Office for Unmanned Aircraft Systems and Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems to procure and deploy drone and counter-drone technologies across the Department.
DHS said the office will coordinate strategic investments to address growing threats from
malicious drone use and strengthen U.S. airspace security. As part of its initial work, DHS is finalizing a $115 million investment in counter-drone technologies to support security for major
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 6 of 35
5 www.carpiclay.com
upcoming events, including America250 commemorations and the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The initiative builds on expanded DHS authorities and recent grant and contracting efforts to speed deployment of counter-drone capabilities at the federal, state, and local levels.
Federal Court Orders DOT to Release NEVI Funds. On January 23, Judge Tana Lin of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington issued a ruling requiring the Department of Transportation (DOT) to resume disbursement of National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program funds nationwide. The court held that DOT and the
Federal Highway Administration lacked statutory authority to suspend or withhold the funds
and acted in an “arbitrary and capricious” manner in violation of the Administrative Procedure
Act. Pending appeal, the ruling vacates the February 2025 suspension of state electric vehicle charging infrastructure plans, restores previously approved state deployment plans, and enjoins further withholding of approximately $5 billion in NEVI funding authorized under the
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act absent compliance with statutory procedures.
DOT Immigration Condition Case Resolved After DOJ Appeal Dropped. On January 13, the Department of Justice (DOJ) moved to voluntarily dismiss its appeal of a district court ruling that blocked DOT from conditioning grant funding on immigration enforcement requirements.
In response to a lawsuit filed by 20 states, the underlying ruling held that the “Immigration
Enforcement Condition” was not authorized by Congress, violated the Administrative
Procedure Act, and exceeded constitutional limits on federal funding conditions. DOT Publishes Transportation RD&T Strategic Plan RFI. On January 13, DOT published a
request for information (RFI) seeking public comment to inform its Research, Development,
and Technology (RD&T) Strategic Plan for fiscal years (FYs) 2026-2030. The RFI is seeking views from the transportation research community on the Department's research vision, strategic goals, and priorities, and how its research programs can advance the transportation system of the present and future. Comments are due by February 12, 2026.
DOT Announces Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Council Hybrid Public Meeting. DOT has announced the first public meeting of the Beautifying Transportation Infrastructure Council will take place on Monday, February 2, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. ET.
DOT IG Publishes FY 2026 Top Management Challenges. On January 6, DOT’s Office of Inspector General (DOT IG) published a report titled “DOT’s Top Management Challenges – Fiscal Year 2026.” The top challenges identified in the report were:
• Aviation Safety. Balance compliance with collaboration when overseeing air carrier
maintenance programs; and maintain aviation safety while facing staffing shortages, under-resourced inspections, and data access limitations.
• Surface Transportation Safety. Prioritize actions to further improve safety and reduce fatalities and injuries on the Nation’s roads and rails; and protect transportation workers
and the traveling public.
• Air Traffic Control and Airspace Modernization. Hire and train the next generation of air traffic controllers while sustaining the integrity of the National Airspace System (NAS); and develop a comprehensive plan that anticipates and mitigates challenges to
successfully modernizing the Nation’s air traffic control system.
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 7 of 35
6 www.carpiclay.com
• Surface Transportation Infrastructure. Target surface transportation funding for priority outcomes; and oversee public transit agencies’ efforts to expand systems or
increase capacity, while maintaining a state of good repair.
• Financial Stewardship. Adopt streamlined grant and contract processes to support efficient and cost-effective outcomes; and implement updated financial management and reporting requirements.
• IT Security. Address recurring cybersecurity weaknesses to reduce risks to DOT’s information systems; and reinforce cybersecurity policy implementation to safeguard DOT’s information systems against continued threats.
• Transportation Innovation. Ensure the safety and operational efficiency of the rapidly
growing commercial space transportation industry; advance the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems into the NAS; and develop strategies to enable the deployment of vehicle automation and driver assistance technologies.
• Curbing Fraud, Waste, and Abuse. Verify grant and contract funds are used as
intended and hold those who abuse the system accountable. DOT IG Publishes Report on FHWA ATCMTD Reimbursements. DOT IG has published a report titled “FHWA Can Improve Its Oversight of ATCMTD Reimbursements to Reduce
Program Risk.” The report finds that FHWA approved reimbursement requests under the Advanced Transportation and Congestion Management Technologies Deployment (ATCMTD) program without always validating that supporting documentation was sufficient, leading to at least $1.9 million in reimbursements that lacked adequate support. It also shows that FHWA’s existing quarterly reporting and oversight processes did not identify unsupported costs and that
FHWA paid these costs despite the deficiencies. Additionally, the report concludes that FHWA does not sufficiently monitor how state Departments of Transportation oversee and validate reimbursement requests, resulting in weaknesses in internal controls. It recommends that FHWA strengthen its financial oversight and validation procedures to reduce risk and ensure reimbursements are properly supported. EPA Proposes National Drinking Water Standard for Perchlorate. On January 6, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) published a proposed National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for perchlorate under the Safe Drinking Water Act. EPA will hold a virtual public hearing on February 19, 2026. Comments are due by March 9, 2026.
FAA Announces Major Organizational Restructuring. On January 26, Transportation Secretary Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Bryan Bedford announced a comprehensive reorganization of FAA, which is intended to strengthen safety oversight, improve operational efficiency, and support modernization of the National Airspace
System. Key elements of the restructuring include the creation of a centralized, agency-wide Aviation Safety Management System; a new Airspace Modernization Office responsible for air traffic control modernization; and a new Office of Advanced Aviation Technologies to oversee integration of drones, advanced air mobility, and other emerging technologies. Several functions—finance, IT, and human resources—will be consolidated under the FAA
Administrator, and additional leadership roles will be converted to permanent positions. The agencies stated the reorganization will not result in workforce reductions. Some aspects of the restructuring, including the Airspace Modernization Office, were directed by the FAA
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 8 of 35
7 www.carpiclay.com
Reauthorization Act of 2024. The FAA said the new structure is designed to support implementation of its “Flight Plan 2026” strategy focused on safety, workforce, and airspace modernization.
FAA Publishes Draft Transition Plan to Unleaded Aviation Gasoline. FAA has published a draft plan for a formal transition to unleaded aviation gasoline. The framework outlined in the transition plan encompasses fuel authorizations and comparison testing, market experience, and the national transition to unleaded fuel(s). Comments are due by March 13, 2026.
FEMA Associate Administrator for External Affairs Appointed. Victoria Barton has assumed the role of Associate Administrator for the Office of External Affairs at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). Barton most recently served as Counselor to the Secretary of Homeland Security and brings experience across emergency management,
disaster recovery, housing, and legislative affairs, with prior roles at DHS, the Department of
Defense, HUD, and in the private sector supporting major recovery programs. FMCSA Issues Final Determination of Noncompliance to California. On January 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a final determination finding
California out of compliance with federal motor carrier safety requirements after the state failed to meet a January 5 deadline to revoke roughly 17,000 commercial driver’s licenses issued to immigrants that federal officials say were improperly granted. As a result, DOT is withholding approximately $160 million in federal highway funding from California until the state remedies the identified deficiencies.
FRA Announces Streamlined Settlement Negotiation Process. On January 6, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) announced a new streamlined settlement negotiation process collected a record $15.4 million in civil penalties issued to Class I railroads. The streamlined process centers on meaningful discussions in the most significant cases while continuing to
collect critical data to improve railroad safety. Under this framework, Class I railroads—Amtrak, BNSF, CN, CPKC, CSX, NS, and UP—may receive a civil penalty when inspectors identify issues such as defective wheels, with potential reductions when repairs are made and discussed with mechanical craft employees to prevent recurrence.
HHS and USDA Release New Dietary Guidelines. On January 7, HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins released “Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025-2030,” which emphasize “real food” as the foundation of health, urging Americans to prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods—such as protein, dairy, fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and whole grains—while sharply reducing highly processed foods, added sugars,
and refined carbohydrates. The administration framed the changes as a response to rising
rates of diet-related chronic disease and obesity, citing impacts on public health spending and national readiness. The guidelines also include tailored recommendations for specific populations, including children, pregnant and lactating women, older adults, individuals with chronic disease, and vegetarians and vegans, with the stated goal of improving nutrition across
all life stages.
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 9 of 35
8 www.carpiclay.com
HUD Orders Citizenship and Immigration Status Reviews. On January 23, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) directed all Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and owners participating in HUD-assisted housing programs to complete a 30-day review of tenant
citizenship and immigration status. Using a new EIV-SAVE Tenant Matching Report, HUD
cross-referenced tenant records with DHS immigration data and identified approximately 200,000 tenants requiring additional eligibility verification, including cases involving deceased tenants and potential ineligible noncitizens. PHAs must review the report, confirm that citizenship or immigration status is correctly documented, correct any reporting errors, and
initiate appropriate action where households include ineligible individuals. HUD warned that
failure to comply may result in sanctions, including repayment of funds and funding reductions. NHTSA Publishes Research Affirming the Need for the Female Crash Test Dummy. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published new research proving that
women are at higher risk of injury than men during vehicular crashes. According to the study, women have a statistically significant higher risk of injury than men in 26% of the 150 crash injury models, and women have a higher risk more frequently for moderate injuries. Reclamation Releases Draft EIS for Post-2026 Colorado River Operations. On January 9,
the Bureau of Reclamation released a draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) outlining
options for managing Colorado River reservoirs after the current operating agreements expire in 2026. The draft evaluates five potential operational alternatives—but does not select a preferred option. Reclamation plans to make a final decision on post-2026 operations before October 1, 2026. Comments are due by March 2, 2026.
## ## ##
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 10 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 1
Date: February 4, 2026
To: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director
Cindie McMahon, City Attorney
City of Carlsbad
From: Sharon Gonsalves
Managing Director
California Public Policy Group
Re: CPPG Legislative Summary: January 2026
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
The Legislature Returns
On January 5, the California State Legislature reconvened for the second year of the 2025-26
legislative session. By mid-January, both houses finalized committee assignments, providing a
clearer picture of how committees may approach legislation in 2026. Assemblymember Robert
Rivas (D-Hollister) continues to serve as Speaker of the Assembly, and Senator Monique Limón (D-
Santa Barbara) has assumed the role of Senate President pro Tempore.
Committee hearings began during the second week of January, with legislators moving quickly to
advance dozens of two-year bills before the January 31 deadline to clear their house of origin. Bills
that met this deadline are now subject to the standard legislative deadlines for the remainder of the
session, which concludes on August 31. Two-year bills are measures introduced in the first year of
the session that did not reach the Governor’s desk before the end of that year.
As of February 4, the Legislature had introduced 300 bills in the 2026 session—out of roughly 2,500
expected by the February 20 bill introduction deadline—with hundreds more anticipated in the
coming weeks. Many of the measures introduced to date are nonsubstantive “spot” bills that do not
yet contain full bill language, leaving their intent unclear. Most are expected to be amended with
substantive provisions by mid-March. In January, the Legislature also convened several
informational hearings. Although no votes are taken, the hearings are intended to inform legislative
discussion on policy issues under consideration.
Bills of Interest
Bills of interest introduced or expected to be introduced in 2026 include:
•AB 1421 (Wilson) Vehicles: Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee.
o Current Text: 01/05/2026 - Amended
o Location: Senate Rules
o Summary: This bill would require the California Transportation Commission to
prepare a report on a road user charge or a mileage-based fee system.
•AB 1439 (Garcia) Public retirement systems: development projects: labor standards.
o Current Text: 01/22/2026 - Amended
o Location: Senate Rules
Exhibit 2
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 11 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 2
o Summary: This bill would require the Public Employees’ Retirement System and the
State Teachers’ Retirement System to prepare a report on the impacts on public
employee retirement funds of prohibiting the board of a public pension or retirement
system from investing in development projects in California that do not provide labor
standards protections for workers.
• AB 1680 (Calderon) California FAIR Plan Association.
o Current Text: 02/02/2026 - Introduced
o Location: Assembly Print
o Summary: This bill would make various changes to the California FAIR Plan
Association.
• SB 908 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development.
o Current Text: 01/22/2026 - Introduced
o Location: Senate Rules
o Summary: This bill would make to-be-determined changes to SB 79 (Wiener)
[Chapter 512, Statutes of 2025].
• SB 423 (Gonzalez, 2025). Although the bill was held late last year, it is expected to be
reintroduced. In its unofficial form, the measure eliminated all real estate and documentary
transfer taxes for all local governments.
• SB 707 (Durazo) [Chapter 327, Statutes of 2025]. A clean up bill addressing “language access
concerns” is expected to be introduced this year.
• Several e-bike bills have been introduced, with more expected. To date, most are spot bills
and do not yet include substantive provisions.
Budget Update
On January 9, following Governor Gavin Newsom’s State of the State address, Department of
Finance Director Joe Stephenshaw presented the Governor’s proposed 2026-27 budget. The
Administration described it as a “workload” budget that largely maintains existing programs,
advances prior investments, and addresses a $2.9 billion deficit, with total spending of $348 billion
including $248 billion from the General Fund. The proposal includes few new initiatives, deferring
major policy and funding decisions to the May Revision.
The budget projects $42.3 billion in additional revenues over the three most recent fiscal years,
driven largely by stock market gains. These revenues would support repayment of prior deferrals,
continued funding for education, childcare, universal transitional kindergarten, climate and safety-
net programs, restoration of reserves, and $2.1 billion in Proposition 4 funding.
In its initial response to the Governor’s budget proposal, the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) noted
that recent revenue growth may not be sustainable and continued to project multiyear deficits. The
LAO recommended that the Legislature consider more conservative revenue assumptions, identify
ongoing budget solutions, and strengthen reserves ahead of the May Revision.
During the Assembly and Senate budget committees’ initial hearings in January, members discussed
the significant difference between the Governor’s projected $2.9 billion deficit and the LAO estimate
of $18 billion. According to the Department of Finance, the difference reflects the LAO’s inclusion of
potential economic risks, including an artificial intelligence-related slowdown, while the Governor’s
budget assumes more stable conditions.
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 12 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 3
Housing Informational Hearings
In January, the Assembly Select Committee on Housing Construction Innovation—chaired by
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland)—held its first two informational hearings to “determine
how the State can play a role in reducing housing costs by facilitating innovation in housing
construction.” No local government representatives provided testimony at either hearing.
The first hearing addressed construction approaches intended to reduce housing costs without
increasing taxpayer expenditures. Testimony described factors affecting housing production in
California, including construction costs, workforce availability, and long-term trends in construction
productivity. Witnesses discussed factory-based construction methods—such as modular,
manufactured, mass timber, and 3D-printed housing—and their potential effects on construction
timelines and costs. Speakers also noted that a significant share of housing development costs
remain associated with on-site work. Financing structures, labor considerations, and local building
code requirements were cited as factors influencing the use of these methods.
The second hearing examined issues related to the implementation and scaling of construction
innovations. Testimony addressed the role of local permitting practices, building code enforcement,
factory labor, coordination across jurisdictions, and financing mechanisms as they relate to factory-
built housing. State agencies explained that while factory-built housing is regulated at the state level,
local governments retain authority over permitting, inspections, and site-related requirements.
Overall, the discussion focused on how local processes and coordination may affect the feasibility
and timing of deploying innovative construction approaches more broadly.
2026 Ballot Update
Looking ahead to the November 2026 election, three statewide initiatives have already qualified for
the ballot. ACA 13 would change how voting thresholds are raised by requiring that any initiative
seeking to increase vote-approval requirements for future measures must itself pass by the same
higher threshold. SCA 1 proposes changes to California’s recall process by eliminating the
automatic successor election when a statewide official is recalled; instead, a separate special
election would be held to fill the vacancy, and the recalled official would be allowed to run. SB 42,
known as the Fair Elections Act, would permit candidates to voluntarily accept and use public
campaign funds under defined conditions.
In addition, seven initiatives have gathered enough signatures to qualify for the ballot but remain
subject to legislative action. The Legislature has until June 25 to enact legislation addressing the
issues raised in these measures, at which point proponents may choose to withdraw them. If no
legislative solution is reached, the initiatives will appear on the November ballot. Among these
proposals is a measure sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association that would limit
voters’ ability to approve voter-initiated local special taxes by raising the approval threshold from a
simple majority to two-thirds, while also imposing additional voter identification requirements.
More than a dozen additional proposals are still in the signature-gathering phase and must submit
signatures by mid-April to qualify. Of particular note is the Building an Affordable California Act,
sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, which would streamline the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for designated “essential projects” by limiting delays and
litigation. Another high-profile proposal is the 2026 Billionaire Tax Act, sponsored by Service
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 13 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 4
Employees International Union (SEIU), which would impose a one-time 5 percent tax on California’s
wealthiest residents to fund Medi-Cal and other health programs.
Taken together, these measures suggest the 2026 ballot is likely to be crowded and consequential,
with significant implications for election law, taxation, housing and infrastructure development, and
healthcare funding. Several proposals remain fluid and could be resolved legislatively before
reaching voters, while others appear poised to generate substantial campaign activity and
stakeholder engagement statewide.
State Auditor Report
On January 15, the State Auditor issued a report on the housing element process administered by
the Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The report’s summary states:
“We found that HCD’s findings letters generally provide valuable feedback to local jurisdictions;
however, jurisdictions that are struggling to develop compliant housing elements also require
individualized assistance. The complexity of new legal requirements, increased housing allocations,
and community resistance to new development, mean that most local jurisdictions required multiple
submissions and significant time to achieve compliance during the sixth housing element cycle.
HCD met legal deadlines for reviewing submissions for 10 selected local jurisdictions, but those
jurisdictions told us that individualized assistance from HCD was important to help them understand
and address the department’s findings. Although HCD offers detailed online guidance to help
jurisdictions, it did not always release this guidance in a timely manner.
“Staff availability during its peak workload constrained HCD’s ability to provide important
individualized assistance to local jurisdictions. Even with HCD’s comprehensive training program for
new reviewers and reliance on experienced secondary reviewers to ensure consistency, turnover
and overlapping submission deadlines have strained its capacity. To improve the housing element
review process, we recommended that HCD conduct a workforce analysis and implement more
consistent communication practices, and the Legislature could consider staggering submission
deadlines to reduce HCD’s workload surges.”
The report can be viewed here.
ACTIVE POSITIONED BILLS
• 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.
o Location: Senate Rules
o Position: Support
• SB 677 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development.
o Location: Assembly Desk
o Position: Oppose
• SB 722 (Wahab) Transit-oriented housing development: excluded parcels and sites.
o Location: Assembly Desk
o Position: Support
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 14 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 5
LOOKING FORWARD
• 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 session
• September 30: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 15 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 1
City of Carlsbad Priority Legislation as of February 4, 2026
Coastal
AB 1536 (Addis) Offshore oil. (Introduced 01/05/2026)
Existing law requires the Governor, or the Governor’s designee, to coordinate activities concerning
the transport and refining of offshore oil. Existing law further requires the Governor, or the
Governor’s designee, to work with state and local agencies, and the public, to facilitate the
transport and refining of offshore oil in a manner that will promote the greatest public health and
environmental and economic benefits to the people of the state. This bill would provide that it is
the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation pertaining to the legal authority of
entities relating to offshore oil permitting and regulation. The bill would further provide that it is the
intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would establish or uphold existing
local and state protections for communities impacted by the transportation and procurement of
offshore oil. (Based on 01/05/2026 text)
Location: 01/05/2026 - Assembly Print
Emergency Response and Disaster Preparedness
AB 442 (Hadwick) Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973: working forest management
plans: harvest area. (Amended 04/21/2025)
Under the Z’berg-Nejedly Forest Practice Act of 1973, the Legislature finds and declares the policy
of the state to encourage prudent and responsible forest management of nonindustrial
timberlands by approving working forest management plans in advance. Existing law requires the
harvest area of a working forest management plan to be contained within a single hydrological
area, as defined. This bill would delete the requirement that the harvest area of a working forest
management plan be contained within a single hydrological area. (Based on 04/21/2025 text)
Location: 01/29/2026 - Senate Rules
Exhibit 3
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 16 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 2
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 01/14/2026)
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, notwithstanding the above, would exempt the adoption of regulations needed to
effectuate or implement programs of the act from the requirements of the Administrative
Procedure Act, as provided. The bill would require a state entity that receives funding to administer
a competitive grant program established using the Administrative Procedure Act exemption to do
certain things, including develop draft project solicitation and evaluation guidelines and to submit
those guidelines to the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency, except as provided. The bill
would require the Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency to post an electronic form of the
guidelines submitted by a state entity and the subsequent verifications on the Natural Resources
Agency’s internet website. The bill would authorize the use of certain previously developed
program guidelines and selection criteria for these purposes, as provided. This bill contains other
related provisions and other existing laws. (Based on 01/14/2026 text)
Location: 01/27/2026 - Senate Rules
Position: Support
Notes1:
1/14/26: DA tagged as support. 1/15/26: SG sent draft support letter to the City for review. 1/26/26:
EN received final Word draft of letter, finalized, and sent back to the City for their records. 1/26/26:
DA submitted letter to portal and delegation.
AB 1536 (Addis) Offshore oil. (Introduced 01/05/2026)
Existing law requires the Governor, or the Governor’s designee, to coordinate activities concerning
the transport and refining of offshore oil. Existing law further requires the Governor, or the
Governor’s designee, to work with state and local agencies, and the public, to facilitate the
transport and refining of offshore oil in a manner that will promote the greatest public health and
environmental and economic benefits to the people of the state. This bill would provide that it is
the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation pertaining to the legal authority of
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 17 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 3
entities relating to offshore oil permitting and regulation. The bill would further provide that it is the
intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would establish or uphold existing
local and state protections for communities impacted by the transportation and procurement of
offshore oil. (Based on 01/05/2026 text)
Location: 01/05/2026 - Assembly Print
Governmental Operations
AB 1383 (McKinnor) Public employees’ retirement benefits: safety members. (Amended
01/22/2026)
The Public Employees’ Retirement Law (PERL) establishes the Public Employees’ Retirement
System (PERS) to provide a defined benefit to members of the system based on final
compensation, credited service, and age at retirement, subject to certain variations. Existing law
creates the Public Employees’ Retirement Fund, which is continuously appropriated for purposes
of PERS, including depositing employer and employee contributions. Under the California
Constitution, assets of a public pension or retirement system are trust funds. The California Public
Employees’ Pension Reform Act of 2013 (PEPRA) establishes a variety of requirements and
restrictions on public employers offering defined benefit pension plans. In this regard, PEPRA
restricts the amount of compensation that may be applied for purposes of calculating a defined
pension benefit for a new member, as defined, by restricting it to specified percentages of the
contribution and benefit base under a specified federal law with respect to old age, survivors, and
disability insurance benefits. Existing law, the Teachers’ Retirement Law, establishes the State
Teachers’ Retirement System (STRS) and creates the Defined Benefit Program of the State
Teachers’ Retirement Plan, which provides a defined benefit to members of the program, based on
final compensation, creditable service, and age at retirement, subject to certain variations. This
bill, on and after January 1, 2027, would require a retirement system subject to PEPRA to adjust
pensionable compensation limits to be consistent with specified percentages of the contribution
and benefit base under the specified federal law with respect to old age, survivors, and disability
insurance benefits. The bill would require a new member of STRS to be subject to specified limits of
the Teachers’ Retirement Law. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing
laws. (Based on 01/22/2026 text)
Location: 01/29/2026 - Senate Rules
AB 1439 (Garcia) Public retirement systems: development projects: labor standards.
(Amended 01/22/2026)
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 (PERS) and the State Teachers’
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 18 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 4
Retirement System (STRS) 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 state that its purpose is to
require the boards of PERS and STRS to contract with the University of California Labor Centers to
conduct an independent study to determine the impacts on public employee retirement funds of
prohibiting the board of a public pension or retirement system, as defined, from investing in
development projects in California that do not provide labor standards protections for workers. The
bill would require the study and a report of its findings to be completed and provided to the
Legislature and the Department of Finance by January 1, 2028, as specified. 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. This bill contains other existing laws. (Based on 01/22/2026 text)
Location: 01/29/2026 - Senate Rules
AB 1680 (Calderon) California FAIR Plan Association. (Introduced 02/02/2026)
The California FAIR Plan Association is a joint reinsurance association in which all insurers
licensed to write basic property insurance participate to administer a program for the equitable
apportionment of basic property insurance for persons who are unable to obtain that coverage
through normal channels. Existing law requires the Insurance Commissioner to approve the
association’s plan of operation and authorizes the commissioner to examine the association’s
books, records, files, papers, and documents that relate to its operation. Existing law authorizes
the commissioner to impose civil penalties for various violations of the Insurance Code. This bill
would require the association to comply with the recommendations of a report of examination or
other operational report and would subject the association to civil penalties for violating statutes
relative to the association, including if it fails to adopt the recommendations within a timeframe
agreed upon by the commissioner or a person designated by the commissioner. The bill would set
the civil penalty amounts for violations of provisions relative to the association as not to exceed
$10,000 for each act in violation or not to exceed $20,000 if the act was willful, and would require
the commissioner to impose those penalties, as specified. The bill would also authorize the
commissioner to require the association to both adjust the policy limits available under programs
underwritten by the association and make additional coverage offerings available under programs
underwritten by the association. (Based on 02/02/2026 text)
Location: 02/02/2026 - Assembly Print
Housing and Land Use
SB 417 (Cabaldon) The Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026. (Amended 01/22/2026)
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
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 19 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 5
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 November 3, 2026, statewide general election, in
accordance with specified law. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an
urgency statute. (Based on 01/22/2026 text)
Location: 01/27/2026 - Assembly Desk
SB 677 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development. (Amended 01/08/2026)
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, 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 “high-
frequency commuter rail” for purposes of these provisions to mean a commuter rail service
operating a total of at least 48 trains per day across both directions, not including temporary
service changes of less than one month or unplanned disruptions, and not meeting the standard
for very high frequency commuter rail, at any point in the past three years. 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 “high-frequency commuter rail” to
instead mean a public commuter or intercity rail station with a total of at least 48 passenger trains
on average per weekday across all directions, not including temporary service changes of less than
one month or unplanned disruptions, and not meeting the standard for very high frequency
commuter rail, at any point in the past three years. 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 existing laws. (Based on 01/08/2026 text)
Location: 01/26/2026 - Assembly Desk
Position: Oppose
Notes1:
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 20 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 6
1/13/26: EN tagged as oppose. 1/14/26: KR testified in opposition in Senate Local Government
Committee. 1/15/26: SG sent draft oppose letter to the City for review. 1/26/26: EN received final
Word draft of letter, finalized, and sent back to the City for their records. 1/26/26: DA submitted
letter to portal and delegation.
SB 722 (Wahab) Transit-oriented housing development: excluded parcels and sites. (Amended
01/15/2026)
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 01/15/2026 text)
Location: 01/26/2026 - Assembly Desk
Position: Support
Notes1:
1/14/26: DA tagged as support. 1/15/26: SG sent draft support letter to the City for review. 1/26/26:
EN received final Word draft of letter, finalized, and sent back to the City for their records. 1/26/26:
DA submitted letter to portal and delegation.
SB 908 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development. (Introduced
01/22/2026)
Existing law generally regulates the development of transit-oriented housing developments near
transit-oriented development stops. Existing law defines various terms for these purposes. Existing
law requires the Department of Housing and Community Development to oversee compliance with
those provisions, authorizes a local government to enact an ordinance to make its zoning code
consistent with those provisions, as specified, and requires each metropolitan planning
organization to create a map of transit-oriented development stops and zones within its region by
tier, as specified. This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation
that would make technical and clarifying changes to those laws governing transit-oriented
development, and to add a select set of San Francisco Bay area ferry terminals to the scope of
those provisions. (Based on 01/22/2026 text)
Location: 01/22/2026 - Senate Rules
Public Safety and EMS
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 21 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 7
AB 762 (Irwin) Disposable, battery-embedded vapor inhalation device: prohibition. (Amended
01/26/2026)
Existing law regulates the manufacture, sale, and disposal of various single-use products,
including single-use foodware accessories and condiments and single-use carryout bags. Existing
law prohibits a store from, among other things, providing, distributing, or selling a carryout bag at
the point of sale, except as specified. Existing law defines terms for these purposes. This bill would
prohibit, beginning January 1, 2027, a person from importing or manufacturing for sale in this state
a new or refurbished disposable, battery-embedded vapor inhalation device, and, beginning
January 1, 2028, a person from selling, distributing, or offering for sale a new or refurbished
disposable, battery-embedded vapor inhalation device in this state. The bill would define a
“disposable, battery-embedded vapor inhalation device” to mean a vaporization device that
contains nicotine but not cannabis or a cannabis product, as defined, and that is not designed or
intended to be reused, as specified. This bill contains other related provisions and other existing
laws. (Based on 01/26/2026 text)
Location: 01/29/2026 - Senate Rules
Transportation and Public Works
AB 1421 (Wilson) Vehicles: Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee. (Amended
01/05/2026)
Existing law requires the Chair of the California Transportation Commission to create a Road Usage
Charge Technical Advisory Committee in consultation with the Secretary of Transportation to guide
the development and evaluation of a pilot program assessing the potential for mileage-based
revenue collection as an alternative to the gas tax system. Existing law additionally requires the
Transportation Agency, in consultation with the commission, to implement the pilot program, as
specified. Existing law repeals these provisions on January 1, 2027. This bill would require the
commission, in consultation with the Transportation Agency, to consolidate and prepare research
and recommendations related to a road user charge or a mileage-based fee system. The bill would
require the commission to submit a report, as specified, on the research and recommendations
described above to the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the Legislature by no later than
January 1, 2027. The bill would require the commission to consult with appropriate state agencies
and other stakeholders, as specified, in preparing the research and recommendations and report
described above. (Based on 01/05/2026 text)
Location: 01/29/2026 - Senate Rules
AB 1557 (Papan) Vehicles: electric bicycles. (Introduced 01/08/2026)
Existing law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an
electric motor that does not exceed 750 watts of power. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.
This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 22 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 8
an electric motor that is not capable of exceeding 750 watts of peak power. (Based
on 01/08/2026 text)
Location: 02/02/2026 - Assembly Transportation
AB 1569 (Davies) Pupil safety: electric bicycle parking: safety program. (Introduced
01/12/2026)
Existing law authorizes the governing board of any school district having jurisdiction over
elementary, intermediate, junior high, or high school to provide time and facilities to local law
enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the school of the district for bicycle, scooter, electric
bicycle, motorized bicycle, or motorized scooter safety instruction. Existing law prohibits a person
from driving or parking a vehicle or animal upon the driveways, paths, parking facilities, or grounds
of specific public entities, including a public school or an educational institution exempted, in
whole or in part, from taxation, except with the permission of, and subject to any condition or
regulation that may be imposed by, the governing body of the specified public entity. Existing law
authorizes a public agency to adopt rules or regulations to restrict, or specify the conditions for, the
use of bicycles, motorized bicycles, electric bicycles, skateboards, electrically motorized boards,
and roller skates on public property under the jurisdiction of that agency. This bill would require
each school that allows pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to park a class 1,
2, or 3 electric bicycle, as defined, on campus during regular school hours to require pupils to
complete the electric bicycle safety and training program developed by the Department of the
California Highway Patrol, as provided, or a related safety course, as specified, as a condition for
parking on campus. The bill would also require a pupil to submit proof of completion of the above-
described course to their school before parking their class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle on the school
campus during school hours. The bill would exempt schools that adopted a policy related to
electric bicycle safety, on or before January 1, 2027, from the above-described
requirements. (Based on 01/12/2026 text)
Location: 01/12/2026 - Assembly Print
AB 1614 (Dixon) Vehicles: bicycles. (Introduced 01/21/2026)
Existing law, the California Bicycle Transportation Act, establishes 4 classifications of facilities,
referred to as bikeways, that provide primarily for, and promote, bicycle travel. Existing law requires
a person operating a bicycle, which includes an electric bicycle, upon a highway to ride the bicycle
upon or astride a permanent and regular seat unless the bicycle was designed by the manufacturer
to be ridden without a seat. Existing law requires a person riding as a passenger on a bicycle upon a
highway to be upon or astride a seat attached to the bicycle, as specified. A violation of these
provisions in punishable as an infraction. This bill would make those provisions applicable to the
operation of a bicycle upon a Class I bikeway. By expanding an existing infraction, this bill would
impose a state-mandated local program. This bill contains other related provisions and other
existing laws. (Based on 01/21/2026 text)
Location: 02/02/2026 - Assembly Transportation
SB 555 (Caballero) Workers’ compensation: average annual earnings. (Amended 01/22/2026)
Existing law establishes a workers’ compensation system, administered by the Administrative
Director of the Division of Workers’ Compensation, to compensate an employee for injuries
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 23 of 35
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 9
sustained in the course of employment. Existing law provides for temporary disability, permanent
total disability, or permanent partial disability benefits, among other benefits, for an injured
employee and requires the computation of an injured employee’s average annual earnings and
average weekly earnings for purposes of determining those disability benefits. Existing law
requires, for computing average annual earnings for purposes of permanent partial disability
indemnity, that average weekly earnings be taken at various amounts, including between $240 and
$435 for injuries occurring on or after January 1, 2014, except as specified. This bill would require,
for computing average annual earnings for purposes of permanent partial disability indemnity, that
average weekly earnings be taken at between $____ and $____ for injuries occurring on or after
January 1, 2027. (Based on 01/22/2026 text)
Location: 01/27/2026 - Assembly Desk
SB 922 (Laird) Vehicles: local agency charges: use of streets or highways. (Introduced
01/28/2026)
Existing law prohibits a local agency from imposing a tax, permit fee, or other charge for the
privilege of using its streets or highways, other than a permit fee for an extralegal load unless the
local agency had imposed the fee prior to June 1, 1989. This bill would expressly limit this
prohibition to charges based on weight. The bill would also explicitly state that a fee, charge, or
surcharge imposed by or for a local agency to recover the cost of street maintenance and repair
and other costs associated with the use of its streets, roads, or highways to provide public services
or public works is not a tax, permit fee, or other charge that is prohibited by the provision above.
The bill would provide that nothing in the Vehicle Code prohibits a local agency from imposing or
collecting this fee, charge, or surcharge. The bill would delete obsolete references and make other
technical changes. (Based on 01/28/2026 text)
Location: 01/28/2026 - Senate Rules
Notes1:
Cal Cities sponsored bill.
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 24 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 1 45938
An act to amend Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure and to amend Section 6103.2 of the Government Code, relating to protective orders.
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Exhibit 4
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 25 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 2 45938
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure is amended to read: 527.8. (a) Any employer or collective bargaining representative of an employee who has suffered harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence from any individual, that can reasonably be construed to be carried out or to have been carried out at the workplace, may seek a temporary restraining order and an order after hearing on behalf of the employee and, at the discretion of the court, any number of other employees at the workplace, and, if appropriate, other employees at other workplaces of the employer. For purposes of this section only, a person may bring a petition for a temporary restraining order and an order after hearing on behalf of an employee as their collective bargaining representative only if the person serves as a collective bargaining representative for that employee in employment or labor matters at the employee’s workplace. (b) For purposes of this section: (1) “Course of conduct” is a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose, including following or stalking an employee to or from the place of work; entering the workplace; following an employee during hours of employment; making telephone calls to an employee; or sending correspondence to an employee by any means, including, but not limited to, the use of the public or private mails, interoffice mail, facsimile, or computer email. (2) “Credible threat of violence” is a knowing and willful statement or course of conduct that would place a reasonable person in fear for their safety, or the safety of their immediate family, and that serves no legitimate purpose. (3) “Employer” and “employee” mean persons defined in Section 350 of the Labor Code. “Employer” also includes a federal agency, the state, a state agency, a city, county, or district, a joint powers authority, or a public transit operator, whether operated directly by a public entity or through a contract or subcontract, and a private, public, or quasi-public corporation, or any public agency thereof or therein. “Employee” also includes the members of boards of directors of private, public, and quasi-public corporations and elected and appointed public officers. For purposes of this section only, “employee” also includes a volunteer or independent contractor who performs services for the employer at the employer’s worksite. The changes made to this paragraph during the 2025–26 Regular Session are declaratory of existing law. (4) “Harassment” is a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person that seriously alarms, annoys, or harasses the person, and that serves no legitimate purpose. The course of conduct must be that which would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and must actually cause substantial emotional distress. (5) “Petitioner” means the employer or collective bargaining representative that petitions under subdivision (a) for a temporary restraining order and order after hearing. (6) “Respondent” means the person against whom the temporary restraining order and order after hearing are sought and, if the petition is granted, the restrained person. (7) “Temporary restraining order” and “order after hearing” mean orders that include any of the following restraining orders, whether issued ex parte or after notice and hearing:
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 26 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 3 45938
(A) An order enjoining a party from harassing, intimidating, molesting, attacking, striking, stalking, threatening, sexually assaulting, battering, abusing, telephoning, including, but not limited to, making annoying telephone calls as described in Section 653m of the Penal Code, destroying personal property, contacting, either directly or indirectly, by mail or otherwise, or coming within a specified distance of, or disturbing the peace of, the employee. (B) An order enjoining a party from specified behavior that the court determines is necessary to effectuate orders described in subparagraph (A). (8) “Unlawful violence” is any assault or battery, or stalking as prohibited in Section 646.9 of the Penal Code, or any violation of Section 243.3 of the Penal Code, but shall not include lawful acts of self-defense or defense of others. The changes made to this paragraph during the 2025–26 Regular Session are declaratory of existing law. (c) This section does not permit a court to issue a temporary restraining order or order after hearing prohibiting speech or other activities that are constitutionally protected, protected by the National Labor Relations Act (29 U.S.C. Sec. 151 et seq.), protected by Chapter 11.5 (commencing with Section 3555) of Division 4 of Title 1 of the Government Code, or otherwise protected by Section 527.3 or any other provision of law. (d) In the discretion of the court, on a showing of good cause, a temporary restraining order or order after hearing issued under this section may include other named family or household members, or other persons employed at the employee’s workplace or workplaces. (e) Before filing a petition under this section, an employer or collective bargaining representative of an employee shall provide the employee who has suffered harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence from any individual, an opportunity to decline to be named in the temporary restraining order. An employee’s request to not be named in the temporary restraining order shall not prohibit an employer or collective bargaining representative from seeking a temporary restraining order on behalf of other employees at the workplace, and, if appropriate, other employees at other workplaces of the employer. (f) (1) Upon filing a petition under this section, the petitioner may obtain a temporary restraining order in accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 527, if the petitioner also files a declaration that, to the satisfaction of the court, shows one of the following: (A) Reasonable proof that an employee has suffered unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence by the respondent, and that great or irreparable harm would result to an employee. (B) Clear and convincing evidence of all of the following: (i) That an employee has suffered harassment by the respondent. (ii) That great or irreparable harm would result to an employee. (iii) That the course of conduct at issue served no legitimate purpose. (iv) That the issuance of the order is not prohibited by subdivision (c). (2) The temporary restraining order may include any of the protective orders described in paragraph (7) of subdivision (b). (g) A request for the issuance of a temporary restraining order without notice under this section shall be granted or denied on the same day that the petition is submitted to the court, unless the petition is filed too late in the day to permit effective
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 27 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 4 45938
review, in which case the order shall be granted or denied on the next day of judicial business in sufficient time for the order to be filed that day with the clerk of the court. (h) A temporary restraining order granted under this section shall remain in effect, at the court’s discretion, for a period not to exceed 21 days, or if the court extends the time for hearing under subdivision (i), not to exceed 25 days, unless otherwise modified or terminated by the court. (i) Within 21 days, or if good cause appears to the court, 25 days from the date that a petition for a temporary order is granted or denied, a hearing shall be held on the petition. If no request for temporary orders is made, the hearing shall be held within 21 days, or, if good cause appears to the court, 25 days, from the date that the petition is filed. (j) The respondent may file a response that explains, excuses, justifies, or denies the alleged harassment, unlawful violence, or credible threats of violence. (k) (1) At the hearing, the judge shall receive any testimony that is relevant and may make an independent inquiry. Moreover, if the respondent is currently employed by the employer of the employee, as described in subdivision (a), the judge shall receive evidence concerning the employer’s decision to retain, terminate, or otherwise discipline the respondent. If the judge finds by clear and convincing evidence that the respondent engaged in harassment, engaged in unlawful violence, or made a credible threat of violence, an order shall issue prohibiting further harassment, unlawful violence, or threats of violence. (2) Commencing July 1, 2027, a party or witness may appear remotely at the hearing on a petition for an order under this section. The superior court of each county shall not charge a fee for a party to appear remotely at the hearing and shall develop local rules and instructions for remote appearances permitted under this paragraph, which shall be posted on the court’s internet website. (l) (1) In the discretion of the court, an order issued after notice and hearing under this section may have a duration of not more than three years, subject to termination or modification by further order of the court either on written stipulation filed with the court or on the motion of a party. These orders may be renewed, upon the request of a party, for a duration of not more than three years, without a showing of any further harassment, unlawful violence, or credible threats of violence since the issuance of the original order, subject to termination or modification by further order of the court either on written stipulation filed with the court or on the motion of a party. The request for renewal may be brought at any time within the three months before the expiration of the order. (2) The failure to state the expiration date on the face of the form creates an order with a duration of three years from the date of issuance. (3) If an action is filed for the purpose of terminating or modifying a protective order prior to the expiration date specified in the order by a party other than the protected party, the party who is protected by the order shall be given notice, pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 1005, of the proceeding by personal service or, if the protected party has satisfied the requirements of Chapter 3.1 (commencing with Section 6205) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, by service on the Secretary of State. If the party who is protected by the order cannot be notified prior to the hearing for modification or termination of the protective order, the court shall deny the motion to modify or terminate the order without prejudice or continue the hearing until the party
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 28 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 5 45938
who is protected can be properly noticed and may, upon a showing of good cause, specify another method for service of process that is reasonably designed to afford actual notice to the protected party. The protected party may waive their right to notice if they are physically present in court and does not challenge the sufficiency of the notice. (m) This section does not preclude any party from representation by private counsel or from appearing on the party’s own behalf. (n) Upon filing of a petition under this section, the respondent shall be personally served with a copy of the petition, temporary restraining order, if any, and notice of hearing of the petition. Service shall be made at least five days before the hearing. The court may, for good cause, on motion of the petitioner or on its own motion, shorten the time for service on the respondent. (o) A notice of hearing under this section shall notify the respondent that, if they do not attend the hearing, the court may make orders against them that could last up to three years. (p) The respondent shall be entitled, as a matter of course, to one continuance, for a reasonable period, to respond to the petition. (q) (1) Any party may request a continuance of the hearing, which the court shall grant on a showing of good cause. The request may be made in writing before or at the hearing or orally at the hearing. The court may also grant a continuance on its own motion. (2) If the court grants a continuance, any temporary restraining order that has been granted shall remain in effect until the end of the continued hearing, unless otherwise ordered by the court. In granting a continuance, the court may modify or terminate a temporary restraining order. (r) (1) If a respondent, named in a restraining order issued under this section after a hearing, has not been served personally with the order but has received actual notice of the existence and substance of the order through personal appearance in court to hear the terms of the order from the court, no additional proof of service is required for enforcement of the order. (2) If the respondent named in a temporary restraining order is personally served with the order and notice of hearing with respect to a restraining order or protective order based on the temporary restraining order, but the person does not appear at the hearing, either personally or by an attorney, and the terms and conditions of the restraining order or protective order issued at the hearing are identical to the temporary restraining order, except for the duration of the order, then the restraining order or protective order issued at the hearing may be served on the person by first-class mail sent to that person at the most current address for the person available to the court. (3) The Judicial Council form for temporary orders issued pursuant to this subdivision shall contain a statement in substantially the following form: “If you have been personally served with this temporary restraining order and notice of hearing, but you do not appear at the hearing either in person or by a lawyer, and a restraining order that is the same as this restraining order except for the expiration date is issued at the hearing, a copy of the order will be served on you by mail at the following address: .
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 29 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 6 45938
If that address is not correct or you wish to verify that the temporary restraining order was converted to a restraining order at the hearing without substantive change and to find out the duration of that order, contact the clerk of the court.” (s) (1) Information on a temporary restraining order or order after hearing relating to workplace violence issued by a court pursuant to this section shall be transmitted to the Department of Justice in accordance with either paragraph (2) or (3). (2) The court shall order the petitioner or the attorney for the petitioner to deliver a copy of any order issued under this section, or a reissuance, extension, modification, or termination of the order, and any subsequent proof of service, by the close of the business day on which the order, reissuance, extension, modification, or termination was made, to each law enforcement agency having jurisdiction over the residence of the petitioner and to any additional law enforcement agencies within the court’s discretion as are requested by the petitioner. (3) Alternatively, the court or its designee shall transmit, within one business day, to law enforcement personnel all information required under subdivision (b) of Section 6380 of the Family Code regarding any order issued under this section, or a reissuance, extension, modification, or termination of the order, and any subsequent proof of service, by either one of the following methods: (A) Transmitting a physical copy of the order or proof of service to a local law enforcement agency authorized by the Department of Justice to enter orders into the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (CLETS). (B) With the approval of the Department of Justice, entering the order or proof of service into CLETS directly. (4) Each appropriate law enforcement agency shall make available information as to the existence and current status of these orders to law enforcement officers responding to the scene of reported harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence. (5) At the request of the petitioner, an order issued under this section shall be served on the respondent, regardless of whether the respondent has been taken into custody, by any law enforcement officer who is present at the scene of reported harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence involving the parties to the proceedings. The petitioner shall provide the officer with an endorsed copy of the order and proof of service that the officer shall complete and send to the issuing court. (6) Upon receiving information at the scene of an incident of harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence that a protective order has been issued under this section, or that a person who has been taken into custody is the subject of an order, if the petitioner or the protected person cannot produce an endorsed copy of the order, a law enforcement officer shall immediately attempt to verify the existence of the order. (7) If the law enforcement officer determines that a protective order has been issued but not served, the officer shall immediately notify the respondent of the terms of the order and obtain the respondent’s address. The law enforcement officer shall at that time also enforce the order, but may not arrest or take the respondent into custody for acts in violation of the order that were committed prior to the verbal notice of the terms and conditions of the order. The law enforcement officer’s verbal notice of the terms of the order shall constitute service of the order and constitutes sufficient notice for the purposes of this section and for the purposes of Section 29825 of the Penal Code. The petitioner shall mail an endorsed copy of the order to the respondent’s
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 30 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 7 45938
mailing address provided to the law enforcement officer within one business day of the reported incident of harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence at which a verbal notice of the terms of the order was provided by a law enforcement officer. (t) (1) A person subject to a protective order issued under this section shall not own, possess, purchase, receive, or attempt to purchase or receive a firearm or ammunition while the protective order is in effect. (2) The court shall order a person subject to a protective order issued under this section to relinquish any firearms they own or possess pursuant to Section 527.9. (3) Every person who owns, possesses, purchases or receives, or attempts to purchase or receive a firearm or ammunition while the protective order is in effect is punishable pursuant to Section 29825 of the Penal Code. (u) Any intentional disobedience of any temporary restraining order or order after hearing granted under this section is punishable pursuant to Section 273.6 of the Penal Code. (v) This section shall not be construed as expanding, diminishing, altering, or modifying the duty, if any, of an employer to provide a safe workplace for employees and other persons. (w) (1) The Judicial Council shall develop forms, instructions, and rules for relating to matters governed by this section. The forms for the petition and response shall be simple and concise, and their use by parties in actions brought pursuant to this section shall be mandatory. (2) A temporary restraining order or order after hearing relating to harassment, unlawful violence, or a credible threat of violence issued by a court pursuant to this section shall be issued on forms adopted by the Judicial Council and that have been approved by the Department of Justice pursuant to subdivision (i) of Section 6380 of the Family Code. However, the fact that an order issued by a court pursuant to this section was not issued on forms adopted by the Judicial Council and approved by the Department of Justice shall not, in and of itself, make the order unenforceable. (x) There (x) (1) (A) Commencing July 1, 2027, a court that receives petitions for protective orders under this section shall permit those petitions and any filings related to those petitions to be submitted electronically. The court shall, based on the time of receipt, act on those filings consistent with subdivision (g). (B) The request, notice of the court date, copies of the request to serve on the respondent, and the temporary restraining order, if granted, shall be electronically provided to a petitioner who electronically filed the petition, unless the petitioner notes, at the time of electronic filing, that those documents will be physically obtained from the court. (2) (A) There is no filing fee for a petition that alleges that a person has inflicted or threatened violence against an employee employed or represented by the petitioner, or stalked the employee, or acted or spoken in any other manner that has placed the employee in reasonable fear of violence, and that seeks a protective or restraining order restraining stalking or future violence or threats of violence, in any action brought pursuant to this section. A (B) A fee shall not be paid for a subpoena filed in connection with a petition alleging these acts. A
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 31 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 8 45938
(C) A fee shall not be paid for filing a response to a petition alleging these acts. (y) (1) Subject to paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) of Section 6103.2 of the Government Code, there shall be no fee for the service of process by a sheriff or marshal of a temporary restraining order or order after hearing to be issued pursuant to this section if either of the following conditions applies: (A) The temporary restraining order or order after hearing issued pursuant to this section is based upon stalking, as prohibited by Section 646.9 of the Penal Code. (B) The temporary restraining order or order after hearing issued pursuant to this section is based on unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence. (2) The Judicial Council shall prepare and develop forms for persons who wish to avail themselves of the services described in this subdivision. (z) This section shall become operative on January 1, 2025. SEC. 2. Section 6103.2 of the Government Code is amended to read: 6103.2. (a) Section 6103 does not apply to any fee or charge or expense for official services rendered by a sheriff or marshal in connection with the levy of writs of attachment, execution, possession, or sale. The fee, charge, or expense may be advanced to the sheriff or marshal, as otherwise required by law. (b) (1) Notwithstanding Section 6103, the sheriff or marshal, in connection with the service of process or notices, may require that all fees which a public agency, or any person or entity, is required to pay under provisions of law other than this section, be prepaid by a public agency named in Section 6103, or by any person or entity, prior to the performance of any official act. This authority to require prepayment shall include fees governed by Section 6103.5. (2) This subdivision does not apply to the service of process or notices in any action by the district attorney’s office for the establishment or enforcement of a child support obligation. (3) This subdivision does not apply to a particular jurisdiction unless the sheriff or marshal, as the case may be, imposes the requirement of prepayment upon public agencies and upon all persons or entities within the private sector. (4) The requirement for prepayment of a fee deposit does not apply to orders or injunctions described in paragraph (1) of subdivision (z) (x) of Section 527.6, paragraph (1) of subdivision (w) (y) of Section 527.8, or paragraph (1) of subdivision (w) of Section 527.85 of the Code of Civil Procedure, Division 10 (commencing with Section 6200) of the Family Code (Prevention of Domestic Violence), Division 3.2 (commencing with Section 18100) of Title 2 of Part 6 of the Penal Code (Gun Violence Restraining Orders), and Chapter 11 (commencing with Section 15600) of Part 3 of Division 9 of the Welfare and Institutions Code (Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act). However, a sheriff or marshal may submit a billing to the superior court for payment of fees in the manner prescribed by the Judicial Council irrespective of the in forma pauperis status of any party under Rules 3.50 to 3.58, inclusive, of the California Rules of Court. The fees for service, cancellation of service, and making a not found return may not exceed the amounts provided in Sections 26721, 26736, and 26738, respectively, and are subject to the provisions of Section 26731. - 0 -
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 32 of 35
UNBACKED 01/30/26 02:21 PM
RN 26 03866 PAGE 1 45938
LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST
Bill No. as introduced, . General Subject: Workplace violence: restraining orders.
Existing law authorizes any employer or authorized bargaining representative, as specified, whose employee has suffered unlawful violence or a credible threat of violence that can reasonably be construed to be carried out or to have been carried out at the workplace, to seek a temporary restraining order and an order after hearing on behalf of the employee and other employees at the workplace, as described. This bill would, beginning on July 1, 2027, allow any party or witness to a petition for a restraining order to appear remotely at a hearing and would prohibit any fee for appearing remotely. The bill would require the court of each county to develop rules and instructions for such remote appearances and post them on its website. The bill would also, commencing on July 1, 2027, require courts to allow filings related to such protective orders to be submitted electronically, as specified. The bill would make conforming changes. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no.
26
0
3
8
6
6
4
5
9
3
8
B
I
L
L
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 33 of 35
Exhibit 5
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 34 of 35
Feb. 10, 2026 Item #2 Page 35 of 35
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP •PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
City of Carlsbad
Legislative Subcommittee Meeting
February 10, 2026
Sharon Gonsalves, Managing Director, California Public Policy Group
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
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
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
City Sponsored Bill – AB XX (Patel)
AB XX (Patel) Workplace Violence Restraining Orders
This bill amends Section 527.8 of the Code of Civil Procedure and Section 6103.2 of the Government Code to
allow electronic submission and remote court appearances for workplace violence restraining order petitions
and hearings.
The bill would expand the access already offered to gun violence restraining order, civil harassment restraining
order, domestic violence restraining order, and elder or dependent protective order petitioners to include
workplace violence restraining order petitioners.
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
City Sponsored Bill – AB XX (Davies)
AB XX (Davies) Utility vehicle operation, public streets and highways.
Due to changes to the California Highway Patrol’s procedures, the Carlsbad Fire Department is no longer
allowed to drive Utility-Terrain Vehicles (UTVs) on public roads to access beaches and other open space areas
such as the various lagoons located in the City. This has limited operational capabilities and will increase
response times to emergencies. Using Utility-Terrain vehicles under the current legal framework is prohibitive,
and operational use must be modified to remain in compliance (having to trailer the UTVs to the beach or trail
head and store the trailer at an access point, avoiding public streets).
This amendment would allow for quicker access to off-road areas where firefighters, lifeguards and police
protect public safety and allow the departments to continue to operate efficiently.
If enacted/enforced, the bill/regulation would Allow first responders to operate off-highway vehicles in an
operational capacity when performing job duties.
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Positioned Bills (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.
This bill would exempt the adoption of regulations needed to effectuate or implement programs of the act from
the requirements of the Administrative Procedure Act. The bill would require a state entity that receives
funding to administer a competitive grant program established using the Administrative Procedure Act
exemption to develop draft project solicitation and evaluation guidelines and to submit those guidelines to the
Secretary of the Natural Resources Agency. The bill would also require the Secretary of the Natural Resources
Agency to post an electronic form of the guidelines submitted by a state entity and the subsequent
verifications on the Natural Resources Agency’s internet website. This bill would authorize the use of certain
previously developed program guidelines and selection criteria for these purposes.
Position: Support
Status: Senate Rules
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Positioned Bills (Housing)
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.
Position: Oppose
Status: Assembly Desk
SB 722 (Wahab) Housing development: transit-oriented development.
This bill exempts parcels governed by Mobilehome and Recreation Vehicle Park Occupancy Laws.
Position: Support
Status: Assembly Desk
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: E-Bikes
AB 1569 (Davies) Pupil safety: electric bicycle parking: safety program.
This bill would require each school that allows pupils in kindergarten or any of grades 1 to 12, inclusive, to park
a class 1, 2, or 3 electric bicycle, as defined, on campus during regular school hours to require pupils to
complete the electric bicycle safety and training program developed by the Department of the California
Highway Patrol or a related safety course as a condition for parking on campus. Would also require a pupil to
submit proof of completion of the above-described course to their school before parking their class 1, 2, or 3
electric bicycle on the school campus during school hours. Would exempt schools that adopted a policy
related to electric bicycle safety, on or before January 1, 2027, from the above-described requirements.
Status: Assembly Desk
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: E-Bike Spot Bills
AB 1557 (Papan) Vehicles: electric bicycles.
Current law defines an electric bicycle as a bicycle equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor
that does not exceed 750 watts of power. This bill would clarify that an electric bicycle is a bicycle equipped
with fully operable pedals and an electric motor that cannot exceed 750 watts of peak power.
Status: Assembly Rules
AB 1614 (Dixon) Vehicles: bicycles.
Current law mandates that anyone riding a bicycle, including electric bicycles, on a highway must use a
permanent seat unless the bike was designed otherwise. Passengers must also ride on a specified seat. This
bill would make those provisions applicable to the operation of a bicycle upon a Class I bikeway.
Status: Assembly Rules
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: Housing and Land Use
SB 908 (Wiener) Housing development: transit-oriented development.
This bill would state the intent of the Legislature to enact subsequent legislation that would make technical
and clarifying changes to those laws governing transit-oriented development, and to add a select set of San
Francisco Bay area ferry terminals to the scope of those provisions.
Status: Senate Rules
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Legislative Update: Transportation and Public Works
AB 1421 (Wilson) Vehicles: Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee.
This bill requires that the California Transportation Commission, alongside the Transportation Agency,
compiles research and provides recommendations on implementing a road user charge or mileage-based fee
system. The commission must submit a report detailing this research and recommendations to relevant
legislative committees by January 1, 2027, after consulting with state agencies and other stakeholders.
Status: Assembly Rules
SB 922 (Laird) Vehicles: local agency charges: use of streets or highways.
Existing law prevents local agencies from charging fees for using their streets or highways, except for permits
on extralegal loads, unless these fees were in place before June 1, 1989. This limits the prohibition to charges
based on vehicle weight only. It clarifies that local agencies can impose fees or surcharges to cover street
maintenance, repair, and other related public service or works costs without restrictions from the existing law.
Status: Senate Rules
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Looking Ahead: 2026
Legislative Update
•Nearly 400 pieces of new legislation introduced so far.
•Anticipating 2,000+ more bills introduced before February 20.
•As spot bills get amended, CPPG will review and tag priority bills.
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM
Questions/Discussion
Thank You!
CALIFORNIA PUBLIC POLICY GROUP • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM