HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023-12-12; City Council Legislative Subcommittee; ; Legislative and Advocacy UpdateLEGISLATIVE SUBCOMMITTEE Staff Report
Meeting Date: Dec. 12, 2023
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 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 / State: Renne Public Policy Group -
will present updates and overviews of federal and state legislative activity, including summaries of
the city's advocacy efforts in 2023 and a look-ahead at key issues to be addressed in 2024 (Exhibits
1 and 2).
The Subcommittee is requested. to provide feedback to help city staff and the city's lobbying
consultants focus the city's advocacy efforts on high-priority bills and to identify bills for future City
Council consideration.
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 2023/2024 Legislative Session.
Exhibits
1.Carpi & Clay -2023 Year in Review and Monthly Federal Update
2.Renne Public Policy Group -2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 1 of 21
City of Carlsbad
2023 Year in Review and
Monthly Federal Update
2023: A Year in Review
1 December 6, 2023
The 118th Congress kicked off in January in a rather unexpected manner. The results of
the November 2022 elections caused a power flip in the House of Representatives with
the Republicans taking over the majority. As such, the first order of business was to elect
a Speaker. It took the House five days and fifteen rounds of voting to elect Rep. Kevin
McCarthy (R-CA) as Speaker of the House. Additionally, with the start of the new·
Congress we saw the opening of the House and Senate office buildings to the public for
the first time since early 2020.
Much of Congress' attention and efforts this year has been focused on the Fiscal Year
(FY) 2024 appropriations process. In late May, Congress and President Biden negotiated
legislation to raise the debt limit, as well as set spending limits for both FY24 and FY25
(which was set at current FY23 leyels). While the Senate chose to write their bills to the
agreed upon levels, the House decided to write their bills at lower funding levels, resulting
in a roughly $113 billion difference.
Fall has seen quite a flurry of activity on the federal level. At the eleventh hour on the last
day of the federal fiscal year, Congress passed a Continuing Resolution (CR) to keep the
government open and funded through November 17th. Just three days after Congress
passed the CR , the House held an unprecedented vote, and for the first time in history,
removed the sitting Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy from his position. Following
the successful motion to vacate, the House Republican caucus spent the next twenty-two
days attempting to elect a new Speaker. Three different candidates (Majority Leader
Steve Scalise (R-LA), Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH), and Majority Whip
Tom Emmer (R-MN)) were each selected by the caucus as their candidate for Speaker,
but none of them could obtain the necessary number of votes on the floor to get elected.
Finally, on October 25th, the House Republican caucus coalesced around a candidate
and elected Rep. Mike Johnson of Louisiana to serve as the next Speaker of the House.
October also saw the end of an era with the passing of Senator Dianne Feinstein , who
served the State of California in the U.S. Senate for over three decades. Following her
passing, Governor Gavin Newsom announced that he would be appointing Laphonza
Butler to fulfill the remainder of Feinstein's term until the end of 2024. Sen. Butler recently
announced that she will not be running for a full six-year term.
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Prior to Thanksgiving, Congress passed yet another CR to avoid a government shutdown.
The new CR takes a two-tiered laddered approach to extending federal funding. The CR
extends funding across all federal agencies at current levels, but groups the twelve
appropriations bills into the following two groups with two different deadlines, January 19th
and February 2nd respectively.
Carpi & Clay Activities on behalf of the City of Carlsbad
Over the past year, Laura Morgan-Kessler and David Wetmore have been working on the
following issues on behalf of the City:
• Worked with City staff to draft and submit Fiscal Year 2024 community project
requests to the City's congressional delegation . As a result of these efforts, Rep.
Mike Levin included $850,000 for the City's Traffic Safety Improvement project.
• Kept City staff updated on the status with the annual appropriations process and
federal funding.
• Planned and executed the City's federal advocacy trip to Washington , D.C. in
March 2023. During this trip , the City met with the City's Congressional delegation
as well as the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Drafted letters of support for the City to send on the following bills:
o Spent Fuel Prioritization Act (H .R. 3862)
o Southern California Coast and Ocean Protection Act (H .R. 3978)
• Provided the City with weekly transportation memos as well as monthly federal
update memos.
• Maintain strong relationships with the City's Congressional delegation and staff.
Additionally, kept the City updated on changes to staff within the City's
Congressional delegation.
• Provided a memo to the City regarding the potential impacts to the City of a federal
government shutdown.
• Shared the City's Inflation Reduction Act Energy Efficiency and Conservation
Block Grant program allocation of $168,840.
• Shared the City's FY23 Community Development Block Grant allocation of
$545,490.
• Provided real-time grant funding opportunities to the City for federal programs of
interest to the City.
• Participated on monthly conference calls with City staff and presented monthly
federal updates to the City's Legislative Subcommittee meetings.
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Federal Update (December 2023)
Congress Passes Continuing Resolution
Before departing Washington, D.C. for the Thanksgiving holiday, Congress passed a
Continuing Resolution (CR) to allow the federal government to remain funded beyond
the November 17th deadline from the previous CR. The new CR takes a two-tiered
laddered approach to extending federal funding. The CR extends funding across all
federal agencies at current fiscal year (FY) 2023 levels, but groups the twelve
appropriations bills into the following two groups with two different deadlines:
■ Extends the agencies funded under the below bills through January 19, 2024:
• Agriculture-FDA
• Energy and Water
• Military Construction-Veterans Affairs
• Transportation-Housing and Urban Development
■ Extends agencies funded under the below bills through February 21 2024:
• Commerce-Justice-Science
• Labor-Health and Human Services-Education
• Defense
• Financial Services
• Homeland Security
• Interior-Environment
• Legislative Branch
• State-Foreign Operations
In addition to extending current funding levels for federal agencies, the CR also includes
extensions for the following programs:
■ Health programs, including funding for community health centers and delay of
Medicaid payment cuts to disproportionate share hospitals through January 19th
■ Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) through February 2nd
■ National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through February 2nd
■ Farm bill programs through September 30th
2024 Congressional Calendar Released
The House and Senate released their anticipated schedules for 2024. Since it is an
election year, in addition to Congress being in recess the month of August, Congress will
also be in recess the month of October, returning to Washington, D.C. after the November
election. A combined copy of the calendars can be found HERE.
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Legislation Introduced: Behavioral Health and Homelessness Services
Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA) and Edward Markey (D-MA), along with Representative
Madeleine Dean (D-PA), introduced the Homelessness and Behavioral Health Care
Coordination Act of 2023 (H.R. 773/5. 3165). The legislation would establish a grant
program through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to award five-
year grants of up to $500,000 to eligible entities to improve their capacity to coordinate
homelessness services.
House Legislation Introduced to Reduce Wildfire Risk from Power Lines
Representatives Salud Carbajal (D-CA), Lori Chavez-DeRemer (R-OR), Jim Costa (D-
CA), and David Valadao (R-CA) introduced the Fire Safe Electrical Corridors Act of 2023
(H.R. 6012), a companion bill to the Senate bill introduced by the late Senator Dianne
Feinstein (D-CA) (S. 2269). The legislation would allow the Forest Service to approve the
removal of hazardous trees near power lines on federal land without requiring a timber
sale. The legislation was referred to the Committee on Agriculture and the Committee on
Natural Resources for consideration.
Federal Funding Opportunities & Announcements
EPA Releases $2 Billion NOFO for Community Change Grants. The Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) released a $2 billion Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO)
for the Environmental and Climate Justice Community Change Grants Program,
authorized in the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Funding will support projects that promote
climate resiliency and adaptation, mitigate climate and health risks, monitor and prevent
indoor and outdoor pollution, implement infrastructure upgrades, and develop workforce
initiatives. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through November 21 , 2024. There
are two application tracks:
• Community-Driven Investments for Change: EPA expects to award $1 .96 billion
for 150 projects, totaling between $10 and $20 million for each awardee.
• Meaningful Engagement for Equitable Governance: EPA expects to award $40
million for 20 projects, totaling between $1 and $3 million for each awardee.
DOT Publishes $1.5 Billion RAISE Grant NOFO. DOT published a $1 .5 billion NOFO
for the FY 2024 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
grant program. The program supports municipalities, tribal governments, counties, and
other eligible entities in completing critical freight and passenger transportation
infrastructure projects. Applications are due February 28th.
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2023 END OF YEAR REPORT
City of Carlsbad
Prepared By:
Sharon Gonsalves
Director of Government Affairs
Phone: (916) 849-5536
sgonsalves@publicpolicygroup.com
{city of
Carlsbad
Ca forn a
TABLE OF CONTENTS
TRANSMITTAL LETTER ...................................................................................... 3
2023: YEAR IN REVIEW ....................................................................................... 5
RPPG/CITY OF CARLSBAD HIGHLIGHTS 2023 ................................................ 7
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS ................................................................... 8
CLIENT COMMUNICATION ............................................................................... 12
OTHER RPPG EFFORTS ................................. , ................................................ 13
LOOKING AHEAD: 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION .......................................... 14
CHANGE IN COMMITTEE CHAIRS ................................................................... 14
LOOMING BUDGET DEFICIT ............................................................................ 14
A SLOWDOWN IN HOUSING LEGISLATION ... NOT SO FAST ....................... 15
GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY ACT ........................................................... 15
CLIMATE BOND ................................................................................................ 16
WILDFIRE INSURANCE .................................................................................... 16
2 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12, 2023 Item #2 Page 7 of 21
TRANS MITT AL LETTER
November 15, 2023
To: Scott Chadwick
City Manager
City of Carlsbad
From: Sharon Gonsalves
Director of Government Affairs
Renne Public Policy Group
Dear Mr. Chadwick,
On behalf of the Renne Public Law Group, LLP [OBA Renne Public Policy Group (RPPG)], I want to thank
you, your team, and the City of Carlsbad City Council for engaging our firm for state legislative advocacy
services. This end of year report provides an overview of the services provided by our firm to the City of
Carlsbad during the 2023 legislative year, as well as insights and potential next steps in preparation for
the 2024 legislative year. Additionally, this report provides a recap on efforts currently underway for the
2024 legislative session.
Over the past year, RPPG has worked with your staff to take an aggressive approach to raise the City's
profile and to build relationships with the Administration, state agencies, and Members of the Legislature.
2023 proved to be a productive year in continuing the City's presence and educating decision makers
about the City's top priorities.
RPPG continued to work with your staff to provide clarity on issues through the following mechanisms:
drafting memos, providing information on administrative actions, and providing detailed policy and political
analysis on dozens of items of interest to the City.
RPPG engaged on state legislative measures in the areas of housing, land use, mental health, climate,
homelessness, elections, political reform, as well as on governmental operations and employment issues
with specific applicability to the City. This resulted in over 350 individual "touchpoints", either with the City
or on behalf of the City. Deliverables included drafting memos, providing legislative analysis, advising City
staff, meeting with state lawmakers or their staff, drafting state and federal position letters, etc.
In 2023, RPPG monitored and/or engaged on over 1,500 pieces of state legislation. In total, the City of
Carlsbad officially positioned on 23 pieces of state legislation in 2023. Furthermore, we were proud to work
in partnership with the City to successfully sponsor and get signed into law SB 428 authored by Senator
Blakespear, which allows an employer to obtain a temporary restraining order on behalf of an employee.
We are grateful that the City will continue its relationship with RPPG moving into the 2024 legislative
session. Despite our team's success on behalf of the City, we believe there is still much more work to be
done, and we certainly do not take this responsibility lightly. Thank you once again for the opportunity to
serve the City of Carlsbad. We look forward to continuing our partnership and building on the success we
have achieved.
3 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12, 2023 Item #2 Page 8 of 21
Sincerely,
Sharon Gonsalves
Director of Government Affairs
Renne Public Policy Group
CC: Jason Haber, Intergovernmental Affairs Director, City of Carlsbad
Allegra Frost, Assistant City Attorney, City of Carlsbad
4 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12, 2023 Item #2 Page 9 of 21
2023: YEAR IN REVIEW
The 2023-2024 session of the California State Legislature began with both houses convening in early
December 2022 for an organizational session. During this time, Members in each house took their oaths
of office and passed their respective chamber rules. The first formal action taken by the Assembly was to
adopt a leadership transition plan (House Resolution H.R. 1) which solidified the transition of Assembly
Speakership from Anthony Rendon (D, Lakewood) to Robert Rivas (D, Hollister) effective July 1, 2023.
In the Senate, Toni Atkins (D, San Diego) was re-elected President pro Tempore and Mike McGuire (D,
Healdsburg) was re-elected as Majority Leader. However, there was a changing of the guard on the Senate
Republican side with Brian Jones (R, Santee) replacing Scott Wilk (R, Santa Clarita) as Minority Leader.
Additionally in December, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a special legislative session to introduce a
gasoline price gouging measure in response to rapidly rising prices at the pump throughout the state during
2022. The measure, SBX1-2, was carried by Senator Nancy Skinner (D, Berkeley) and authorizes the
State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission to set a maximum gross gasoline
refining margin and to establish a penalty if this margin is exceeded. The measure was signed into law by
the Governor on March 28 and went into effect on June 26. While this measure did not have a direct impact
on local government authority or operations, RPPG closely monitored this action to ensure that there was
momentum to modify SB 1 allocations.
The Legislature reconvened for the regular 23-24 legislative session the first week of January 2023. With
35 newly elected Members coming to Sacramento (25 Assemblymembers and 10 Senators), California
saw the largest number of new state-elected representatives join the Legislature since modified
constitutional term limits for state lawmakers were approved by the voters in 2012.
While historically new legislators tend to ease into their newly minted roles-introducing only a handful of
new legislation in year one-this new class took a different approach. As a result, we saw more than 3,000
individual legislative and budgetary measures introduced in 2023 alone. This was the most in the first year
of session in more than a decade. Major themes and priorities of the 2023 session included:
• Major overhaul of the state's behavioral health system and its funding.
• Policies that further streamlined housing production and fast-tracked critical infrastructure
projects.
• Significant labor dispensations and extensions.
• Attempts to address the ongoing fentanyl crisis.
• Preparation and mitigation for climate change.
• Advancement of several constitutional amendments and statewide funding measures for voter
consideration in 2024.
In early January, Governor Newsom unveiled his proposed budget for fiscal year (FY) 2023-2024. Contrary
to the historic budget surpluses in the previous fiscal years, the Governor confirmed that the state was
projecting a $22 billion deficit moving into the new year. Factors the Administration cited included a drop
in anticipated personal income tax revenues, a generally slowing economy, high inflation, and Federal
Reserve interest rate increases. Despite these negative drags on the economy, the Administration did not
project a recession in the budget. In response, the Administration proposed a combination of triggered
spending cuts, funding delays, shifts in funding sources, and the issuance of bonds to close the gap and
pass a balanced budget.
5 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 10 of 21
Given the sheer volume of legislation introduced, the spring of 2023 was a remarkably hectic time for the
Legislature and advocates alike. All told there were more than 150 legislative, fiscal, and budgetary
hearings dispensing with measures that directly impacted local government. The timing of these policy
hearings coincided directly with Governor Newsom's "May Revise" in which the Administration proposed
an increase of $9 billion in total spending along with an increase in the state's projected deficit-now
surpassing $30 billion.
All told the final FY 23-24 budget consisted of $310 billion in total spending. The final budget advanced by
the Legislature contained appropriate cuts to close the $31.5 billion deficit and was signed by the Governor
on June 27 to adhere to constitutional deadlines. The Administration's and Legislature's priorities in the
FY 23-24 budget were consistent with previous years which dedicated funding to homelessness, climate
change, healthcare, education, and housing.
Governor Newsom, along with Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D, Thousand Oaks) and Senator Susan
Eggman (D, Stockton), announced in mid-June a behavioral health policy package. The two measures that
comprise this behavioral health package, AB 531 (Irwin) and SB 326 (Eggman), were signed into law on
October 12 and will be put to voters on the March 2024 ballot as Proposition 1. AB 531 will provide $6.38
billion in new funding for behavioral health infrastructure efforts. In response to a strong lobbying effort
from local government advocates, the measure was amended in the eleventh hour to increase the total
funding amount and to provide direct allocation to cities. SB 326 will rename and modernize the Mental
Health Services Act passed by the voters as Proposition 63 in November 2004. AB 531 and SB 326
received bipartisan support on both the Assembly and Senate Floors.
Robert Rivas was sworn in as the 71 st Speaker of the State Assembly on June ·30. He made several
changes to Assembly leadership on July 3, including appointing Isaac Bryan (D, Los Angeles) as the new
Majority Leader and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D, Winters) as the new Speaker pro Tempore. Additionally, Juan
Carrillo (D, Palmdale) was appointed the new chair of the Local Government Committee. Speaker Rivas
was elected to the Legislature in 2018 and with 12-year term limits could potentially hold his leadership
position until he terms out in 2030.
Senator Atkins announced in late August that the Senate Democratic Caucus had determined that Senator
McGuire will be the Pro Tern "Designee," with a specific transition date to be announced in January 2024.
Senator Atkins has served in the Legislature since 2012. As an Assemblymember she rose to power-
becoming Speaker of the Assembly from 2014-2016 before running for State Senate. Senator Atkins then
became the Pro Tern of the Senate in 2018. She terms out of the Legislature in 2024. Senator McGuire
was elected to the Senate in 2014 and has served as Majority Leader since 2022. He terms out of the
Legislature in 2026 and has filed paperwork to run for Insurance Commissioner.
By the evening of September 14, the legislature had advanced a total of 1,046 bills to the Governor for his
consideration. By October 14, the Governor had signed 890 measures into law and vetoed 156-an
approximate rate of 85% to 15%. The Legislature is now adjourned and will resume the second year of the
two-year legislative session on January 3, 2024.
6 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12, 2023 Item #2 Page 11 of 21
RPPG/CITY OF CARLSBAD HIGHLIGHTS 2023
7 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023
PIECES OF LEGISLATION TRACKED ON BEHALF
OF THE CITY
Legislation tracked and assessed for impacts on City
operations, legal and/or local decision making.
SUCCESS RA TE ON LEGISLATIVE ENGAGEMENT
-MAKING THE CITY'S VOICE HEARD
RPPG achieved the desired outcome or secured critical
amendments to dramatically reduce adverse impacts on the
City. (13 desired outcomes OR significantly improved based
on RPPG's engagement. This does not include 2 support bills
that were vetoed or 4 support bills that were held in
committee and will continue to move next year.)
IN STATE FUNDING SECURED
Combined funds that RPPG secured for the City from direct
state funding in the fiscal year 2023-2024 budget for the State
·Street Parking Lot EV Charging Stations Project.
COMBINED DELIVERABLES AND TOUCHPOINTS
PROVIDED TO AND ON BEHALF OF THE CITY
Legislative updates, legislative and budgetary position letters,
policy, and political analysis, meetings with City and/or state
legislature on behalf of the City.
SB 428 (SPONSORED LEGISLATION) SIGNED BY
GOVERNOR NEWSOM
RPPG worked with the City, bill author Senator Blakespear,
and the Administration to introduce SB 428 and advance it to
the Governor's desk, where it was signed into law on
September 30, 2023.
Item #2 Page 12 of 21
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
At its core, legislative advocacy is working with individual lawmakers (both within the City's legislative
district and out), committee staff, the Governor's administration, and regulatory officials to support the
City's policy goals. Equally important is the ability to work with those same stakeholders to mitigate legal,
operational, or fiscal impacts that state legislation may have on the City of Carlsbad.
Successful legislative advocacy is predicated on raising awareness and education. Being able to empower
City Council, staff, and the City's advocacy team are critical in any effort to advance legislative efforts. In
Sacramento, direct advocacy can range from working personally with a legislator, an aide, policy
committee staff, and/or the Administration on the wording of a bill, to mobilizing broad coalitions that align
with the City's cause. This work includes educating legislators, supporters, and the public about the issue,
working with the media, and continuously seeking out allies and being persistent over long periods of time.
Over time, a sustained legislative advocacy, effort will help the City form strong allies. Working with
lawmakers and familiarizing them with your concerns often results in lawmakers, even those outside of
your legislative district, becoming champions for your specific issues. Establishing personal relationships
with legislators, both in the City's legislative district and outside of its district, provides the City with the
credibility needed to have a meaningful impact during the legislative process. While there is no guarantee
that a sustained effort will lead to success on any particular issue of importance, a lack of a sustained effort
will lead to state policies that will remove local decision making and create new financial, legal, or
operational challenges for the City of Carlsbad. Below is a condensed narrative outlining many of the
highlights and key performance indicators of success during the 2023 legislative session.
Highlights: Legislative Advocacy Success
✓ SB 428 (Blakespear) Temporary restraining orders and protective orders: employee
harassment (City Position, Sponsor)
This year, the City sponsored SB 428 authored by Senator Catherine Blakespear which expands the
circumstances under which an employer can seek a restraining order on behalf of their employees. Under
existing law an employer cannot engage on behalf of an employee until there is a credible threat of
violence. As an employer for whom the safety of its employees is of the utmost importance, we would like
the opportunity to be proactive and take action prior to a situation escalating to a level of possible violence.
This year, RPPG worked hand in hand with City staff, drafting legislative language, meeting with legislative
policy committee staff, various outside stakeholders, and administrative officials to successfully negotiate
a bill that allows the City and any employer to file a temporary restraining order on behalf of an employee.
On September 30, Governor Newsom signed SB 428 into law.
✓ AB 33 (Bains) Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force (City Position, Support)
Assemblywoman Dr. Jasmeet Bains introduced AB 33 as a promise she made when running for office to
combat the opioid crisis that is occurring not only in the state, but nationwide. AB 33 will create a statewide
Fentanyl Addiction and Overdose Prevention Task Force. Initially the bill faced a hurdle as the Assembly
Public Safety decided against hearing any fentanyl related legislation this year. RPPG was part of the large
group made up of local agencies, public safety and concerned parents who pushed the committee to
reconsider their stance and ultimately the bill secured a hearing and passed with bipartisan support.
Additionally, RPPG worked to support the Assemblywoman's efforts to obtain funding for the task force in
the State Budget.
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On October 13, Governor Newsom signed AB 33 into law.
✓ AB 40 (Rodriguez) Emergency medical services (City Position, Support)
Sponsored by the California Professional Firefighters, AB 40 was a top priority for the City's fire department
and all local agencies that also provide EMS services. Currently first responders can spend as long as
twelve hours with a patient while they wait for medical care from a doctor taking away critical services and
ability to respond to emergencies in the community. This critical legislation requires the California
Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) to take urgent actions to address the chronic issue of
ambulance patient offload time. RPPG worked with the author's office, the sponsor, and Cal Cities to raise
awareness about the importance of this legislation despite heavy opposition from the California Hospital
Association. Additionally, RPPG drafted and submitted letters of support and testified on behalf of the City
in the various policy committees.
On October 13, Governor Newsom signed AB 40 into law.
✓ AB 531 (Irwin) The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023 (City Position, Support)
With the passage of the Community Assistance, Recovery and Empowerment (CARE) Court in 2022,
additional resources will continue to be necessary to provide the required housing to those who are
receiving treatment. AB 531 is a $6.38 billion bond and one piece in Governor Newsom's proposed mental
health overhaul. Appearing on the March 2024 ballot as Proposition 1, if approved it will provide funding
to build more than 10,000 new behavioral health beds and housing and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots
-filling critical needs across the state for homeless Californians with severe behavioral health issues.
RPPG worked with the City to draft relevant support letters, provided testimony in a handful of Assembly
and Senate committees, and expressed the City's support to the Newsom administration once the measure
advanced out of the Legislature.
On October 13, Governor Newsom signed AB 531 into law.
✓ AB 557 (Hart) Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences (City Position, Support)
AB 557 is a simple but important tool for local governments to continue to be accessible to the public during
a Governor-declared state of emergency and continue to provide essential services to residents by
eliminating the sunset provision in AB 361 (R. Rivas, 2021) pertaining to remote authority and the Ralph
M. Brown Act. This permanently authorizes local agencies to meet remotely and without posting agenda
location in instances where the Governor has declared a state of emergency and it would be impossible
to meet in-person safely, such as during extreme flooding or wildfire. Additionally, this measure extends
the period for a legislative body to make the necessary findings related to a continuing state of emergency
to not later than 45 days after the first teleconferenced meeting, instead of within 30 days, and extends the
renewal period from every 30 days to every 45 days. Historically, any measure that relates to Brown Act
modernization is instantly controversial with Capitol committee staff and faces a harsh backlash from
watchdog groups. RPPG worked closely with AB 557's sponsor, the California Special District's
Association (CSDA), to support the effort by working with CSDA advocates to target key lawmakers to
secure votes, lobbying legislators, and committee staff, and providing testimony.
On October 8, Governor Newsom signed AB 557 into law.
✓ AB 584 (Hart) California Coastal Act of 1976: coastal development: emergency waiver (City
Position, Support)
This commonsense measure flew through the legislature in light of the damages the State saw in the winter
of 2022/2023. In the event of a disaster or similar situation where emergency work is necessary to protect
life and property and for repairs to certain public facilities and infrastructure, the coastal commission can
9 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 14 of 21
authorize emergency actions or projects within the coastal zone up to $25,000, a threshold that has not
been updated since 1976. AB 584 will update that threshold to $125,000 to reflect today's dollars and will
update annually pursuant to inflation.
On July 27, Governor Newsom signed AB 584 into law.
✓ AB 701 (Villapudua) Controlled substances: fentanyl (City Position, Support)
As mentioned above under AB 33, fentanyl related legislation faced an uphill battle this legislative session,
particularly in the Assembly Public Safety Committee. AB 701 adds fentanyl to the list of controlled
substances, which currently includes cocaine, and heroin, for which sentencing enhancement and stiffer
penalties may be levied against dealers. Leveraging our close relationships with the Calfirona Police Chiefs
Association and the California Peace Officers Association, we worked collectively to garner support among
the members of the legislature to ensure this bill continued to move and ultimately signed by the Governor.
On October 8, Governor Newsom signed AB 701 into law.
✓ SB 19 (Seyarto) Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force (City Position, Support)
SB 19 creates a task force to deal with the fentanyl epidemic to evaluate the nature and extent of fentanyl
abuse in the state and to develop policy recommendations for addressing it. The bill was amended in the
Assembly to adjust the timelines in the bill, and composition of the task force to conform the language to
AB 33 (Bain, 2023). RPPG drafted and submitted letters of support to the relevant committees and the bill
was on consent throughout the legislative process.
On October 13, Governor Newsom signed SB 19 into law.
✓ SB 43 (Eggman) Behavioral health (City Position, Support)
Creating solutions to address extreme mental illness was a priority for the City Council. On the heels of
the passage of CARE Court in 2022, SB 43 authored by Senator Eggman proposed to broaden the
definition of gravely disabled under the Lanterman-Petris Short Act (LPS). The law was originally passed
when Ronald Reagan was Governor and despite over a decade of advocating for updates and
modernization, efforts continued to fall short. On the heels of the homelessness crisis in the State, for the
past two years RPPG worked with the Administration, Department of Public Health, and a large coalition
of local government stakeholders, including the "Big 13 City Mayors" and League of California Cities to
help advance this major piece of legislation. In addition, RPPG drafted support letters, testified in all
relevant policy committees, and met with the Governor's office to express Bakersfield's strong support for
the bill.
On October 12, Governor Newsom signed SB 43 into law.
✓ SB 326 (Eggman) The Behavioral Health Services Act (City Position, Support)
This legislation is tied to AB 531 and will appear as one ballot measure on the March 5, 2024 ballot as
Proposition 1. Both bills are critical to Governor Newsom's efforts to address mental health, substance
abuse and homelessness. SB 326 is designed to transform the state's Mental Health Services Act into the
Behavioral Health Services Act and reallocating an existing tax on millionaires to treat the most seriously
mentally ill and to increase programs for substance use disorders. There were concerns that reallocating
funds in the Mental Health Services Act would threaten funding for existing outpatient mental health
services. In addition to submitting letters in support, RPPG attended several hearings testifying in support
of the bill and met with many lawmakers who initially had concerns to outline the benefits of the bill.
On October 13, Governor Newsom signed SB 326 into law.
1 O City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 15 of 21
✓ SB 381 (Min) Electric bicycles: study (City Position, Support)
SB 381 by Senator Min will require the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose State University to
prepare a study on how to best improve the safety of electric bicycles. Given the City's prior experience in
declaring a local emergency and taking a proactive approach in educating the public on the dangers of
electric bikes, Senator Min's staff directly reached out to RPPG requesting support from the City of
Carlsbad. Upon taking an official support position, RPPG drafted and submitted letters of support. The bill
was on consent throughout the legislative process.
On October 13, Governor Newsom signed SB 381 into law.
Highlights: Measures Amended to Significantly Reduce Impacts to the City
SB 423 (Wiener) Land use: streamlined housing approvals: multifamily housing developments
(City Position, Oppose)
At introduction SB 423-among various other provisions wou ld have:·
• Eliminated the sunset provisions in the SB 35 streamlining program.
• Permitted virtually unfettered development in high-fire and coastal zones.
• Authorized the Department of General Services (DGS)to approve projects on any land owned by
or leased to the State of California-without complying with CEQA, labor provisions or the review
provisions required for any other SB 423 project.
Leveraging the expertise of RPPG's senior policy advisors and staff, our team pulled together several
policy-based analyses, including specific side-by-side comparisons to existing law. This enabled agency
staff to assess the potential impacts that the measure, as introduced, would have had on the City.
Moreover, our advocacy team worked directly with Senator Weiner, the Assembly Housing and Community
Development committee and the California Carpenters Union to secure an amendment to eliminate the
ability for DGS to develop on land leased to the state and requires the State to follow the same procedures
outlined for local government with respect to CEQA and Labor provisions. Finally, working with the
California Fire Chiefs, California Coastal Commission, several environmental groups, and poverty rights
advocates, RPPG was successful in providing reasonable guardrails for responsible development in
environmentally sensitive areas-while restoring a reasonable sunset period .
While the measure is still problematic, RPPG 's sustained engagement on behalf of the City reduced many
of the most challenging provisions while restoring some of the local decision making back into the bill.
On October 11, Governor Newsom s1gnea SB 423 (as amended) into law.
AB 1484 (Zbur) Temporary public employees (City Position, Oppose)
We confirmed early in the year that the Governor was planning on signing AB 1484. This required our team
to shift its approach from simply trying to stop the measure, to ensuring that the most problematic
provisions of the measure were either eliminated or reduced . Throughout the year, we worked with several
public and private stakeholders to build a strong opposition coalition. We engaged with the author and
sponsor several times to negotiate amendments, drafted opposition letters, Floor Alerts and testified in all
appropriate policy committees. In addition, we worked from a messaging standpoint to tie AB 1484 to the
broader "labor package" advancing this year-measures included SB 799 (Portantino), AB 452 (Addis),
and SB 558 (Rubio). The goal was to try and persuade Governor Newsom to veto these bills on behalf of
the Broader coalition. While AB 1484 ultimately advanced, our efforts resulted this bill being substantially
11 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 16 of 21
amended to remove the grievance process language entirely-as well clarify that the provisions do not
apply to contracted employees secured through third party staffing entities.
On October 10, Governor Newsom signed AB 14tJ4 (as considerably amended) into Jaw.
Highlights: State Budget Earmarks
Apart from timing deadlines enshrined in California's constitution, the state budget process is a nuanced
and often convoluted process. Timing for when requests are made is often dependent upon each individual
legislator. Some legislators prefer that requests come to their capitol office, while others prefer that all
budget earmarks are submitted through their district office. With respect to Carlsbad's legislative
delegation, each office used a combination of approaches outlined above.
Working with your legislative delegation and with the help of City staff, RPPG worked quickly to provide a
set of project specific narratives highlighting how state budget dollars-if awarded-would be used to close
the gap on shovel ready projects while providing tremendous community benefit. As a result, were able to
secure the following state budget earmark:
Project Lawmaker Amount
State Street Parking Lot EV Charging Stations Assemblymember Tasha Boerner $350,000
Client Communication
Client communication is a critical component of our overall advocacy approach. The better informed our
clients are, the better the advocates we can be for them. One way to achieve this goal is to provide memos
which include client-specific analyses of legislation, of regulatory matters, and of the overall legislative
process, as needed. RPPG has sent more than 36 memos to your team in 2023 which have detailed
legislative analyses that illustrate client-specific impacts and/or potential funding sources for the City and
which keep it apprised of specific legislation and policies that may be of interest to the City or impact City
operations, including but not limited to the following areas:
• State budget, including infrastructure trailer bills.
• Constitutional amendments.
• Ballot measures.
• Regulatory actions.
• Transportation and public works.
• Housing, ADUs, land use, and homelessness.
• Public employer-employee relations and conditions.
In 2023, RPPG has conducted weekly Zoom meetings with the City to keep it updated on what is happening
in Sacramento. We call these check-in meetings the "bookends;" in between these meetings, our team
connects with City staff almost daily via calls and emails.
RPPG has also provided the City with a legislative summary each month which informs the City Council
and staff of key developments in the Legislature and of announcements by the Administration, and which
updates the City on any positioned legislation. We also present slide decks to the Legislative
Subcommittee and staff, during the monthly meetings, on legislative developments and on the City's.
engagement in the legislative process.
12 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 17 of 21
ADVOCACY FOR THE PUBLIC GOOD.
Other RPPG Efforts
At RPPG, the job does not begin and end with state legislative advocacy. We worked tirelessly throughout
this year to assist the City of Carlsbad in any way we were able. This includes helping to solve local issues
that have a state nexus, working with City staff on new policies of relevance, and providing education and
awareness to City Council and staff.
Modification of the City of Carlsbad's Legislative Platform: The legislative platform is a set of guiding
principles that reflects the overarching ideals and vision of the Council. This document is critical in an
overall legislative advocacy program as it provides broad policy statements that enable the City and its
legislative advocacy firm to sift through the thousands of legislative proposals introduced each legislative
session to evaluate those measures that fall within the scope of the platform. Working in conjunction with
City staff, RPPG met with most departments and the Legislative Subcommittee to make major changes to
the City's legislative platform.
Detailed Legislative Analysis: RPPG provided detailed analyses of several pieces of legislation. These
analyses have been critical in helping the City assess potential implications that pending legislation may
have on operations, local discretion, and/or authority. Examples include but are not limited to:
• Standalone analysis of ACA 1 (Aguiar-Curry)
• Standalone analysis of ACA 13 (Ward)
• ACA 1 and ACA 13 and Interfacing with the CBRT measure, Combined Analysis
• Standalone analysis of the proposed Government Transparency Act
• Standalone analysis of Proposition 1: Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024
• Standalone analysis of AB 309 (Lee)
• Enacted Housing and Transportation Bills
• Summary of Enacted 2023 Surplus Land Act Bills, specifically SB 747 (Caballero), AB 480 (Ting),
SB 229 (Umberg), SB 34 (Umberg), AB 129 (Budget Trailer Bill), AB 1734 (Jones-Sawyer), and AB
1469 (Kalra)
• Memo on Proposition 28
• January legislative and administrative update
Updates on the Legislative and Fiscal Process: RPPG provided timely informational updates during
critical stages of the budget and policy processes. These updates provided the City with the necessary
situational awareness of statewide trends, fiscal updates, what the City is positioned on, and how RPPG
is engaging on its behalf. Examples include but are not limited to reports on :
• Bill introduction deadline
• House of Origin deadline
• Suspense file updates
• End of session legislative update
• Budget updates: January proposal, May-Revise, June budget update, and final budget update
• Budget Trailer bill update: Governor's infrastructure package
Sacramento Lobby Day: From April 12-14, members of the city manager's office and Councilmembers
were in Sacramento for the League of California Cities' City Leaders Summit. The city manager's
office and the Councilmembers, accompanied by Sharon Gonsalves, met with members and staff of the
Legislature, as well as several agency officials including:
• Department of Fish and Wildlife
• Department of Transportation
13 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 18 of 21
Client-Specific Webinar on 2023 New Housing Laws: In an effort to provide unique value to the City.
Our team hosted a client-specific "new housing law" webinar on November 9, 2023 . The 75-minute session
aimed to drive awareness on the most impactful pieces of legislation, provide insight on implementation
and answer any questions clients may have on a specific issue. Our team also provided a comprehensive
power point presentation as well as additional analysis on recent changes to the surplus lands act.
LOOKING AHEAD: 2024 LEGISLATIVE SESSION
Change in Committee Chairs
With one of the most publicly contentious Assembly leadership changes in recent memory, it is a forgone
conclusion that there will be major turnover in committee chairs. Upon the official transition, Speaker Rivas
made swift changes to empower his closest allies-replacing Speaker Emeritus Rendon's entire team.
However, given the timing of the transition, committee chairs have mostly stayed in place. As previously
mentioned, the only two policy committee chair changes both have big impacts to local agencies with Isaac
Bryan, the former Elections chair, elevated to Majority Leader and Cecilia Aguiar-Curry, former Local
Government chair, elevated to Assembly Speaker pro Tempore. It is likely we will see major turnover in
other committees directly impacting local government including Appropriations, Revenue and Taxation,
Transportation, and others. Any such changes could potentially impact the pathway of priority legislation,
either by creating new opportunities or further obstacles. It is widely anticipated that committee
appointments will be announced sometime this month.
At his inaugural ceremony in the Capitol, Speaker Rivas spoke to tackling the state's housing and
homelessness crises, improving public services and infrastructure, and combating climate change as his
priorities. At the end of session, the current Chair of the Assembly Labor Committee credited the leadership
of Rivas "for making labor legislation a priority and helping position it to pass." Given the Speaker's
agricultural roots and strong personal lived experiences and ties to the labor movement, we can expect
the Speaker to continue to put his power behind these proposals in 2024 and into the future. Just prior to
the Assembly adjournment of the 2023 Legislative session, Speaker Rivas indicated 2024 would include
a focus on homeowners' insurance, housing, public safety, homelessness, and the fentanyl crisis. In late
October, Speaker Rivas announced the formation of a new Select Committee on Retail Theft, chaired by
Assemblymember Rick Zbur (D, Los Angeles). In the announcement, the Speaker stated his "expectation
that the retail theft select committee will act with focus and urgency."
We also may see changes to committee chairs in the Senate due to the President pro Tempore change
from Senator Atkins to Senator McGuire, who are also similarly ideologically aligned. Senate committees
for which turnover is most likely to impact local governments include Governance and Finance,
Appropriations, and Judiciary. Although no changes in the Senate have yet been made, we can expect
announcements in January after the leadership change becomes official. Given that Senator McGuire's
district is heavily affected by wildfires, it is likely that we will see this continue as a priority for the Legislature.
Looming Budget Deficit
As projected in the final budget released in June, 2024 will see continued budgetary problems and likely
additional cuts. The Legislature's non-partisan Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) recently released a report
estimating that the FY 23-24 budget solved a $27 billion deficit, which is notably below the $31.5 billion
deficit that the budget closed. The LAO attributes this difference to policies that had originally been
projected to be included in the FY 23-24 budget but were ultimately not enacted. The LAO had previously
14 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12, 2023 Item #2 Page 19 of 21
projected a $9 billion deficit for the next couple of budget cycles, though these forecasts may change when
Governor Newsom releases his FY 24-25 budget proposal in January. It was projected in the May revision
of the FY 23-24 budget that in a recession scenario and depending on the circumstances, general fund
revenues could shrink up to $100 billion below current projections through FY 26-27.
For local government, an extended period of state fiscal uncertainty has the potential of cutting both ways.
On the one hand, polices that aim to reduce local authority by mandating a new program have the potential
of being held due to the state's budgetary concerns associated with new state reimbursable mandates. On
the other hand, the Legislature has a long history of raiding local budgets to close that gap on its own
budgetary challenge. We have already seen the elimination of redevelopment agencies and the redirection
of local property taxes to the Educational Revenue Augmentation Fund in order to close state budget gaps.
Local governments need to remain vigilant in aggressively fighting any attempts by the state to reduce
local funding formulas, or other longstanding tools that local agencies rely on to provide critical services.
A Slowdown in Housing Legislation ... Not so Fast
Over the past four years we have seen well over 120 new housing laws that are designed to increase the
production of housing at all income levels. In 2023 alone we saw more than 150 housing-related measures
introduced and about half of them were signed into law. Despite these legislative efforts, California has yet
to realize the production boom that Governor Newsom has hoped for. Local government planning and land
use is often easier for legislators to focus on rather than grappling with the realities of private markets,
allocating major funding for subsidized housing, and challenging developers, environmental organizations,
and other powerful interest groups. While local governments certainly have a responsibility to set the table
and streamline local approval processes, it is arguable that much of this has already been addressed by
layers of state laws, including many recently approved laws that local agencies are working diligently to
implement.
To that end, an October 13, 2023 LA Times Editorial, Jason Elliot, the Governor's Deputy Chief of Staff
and the Administration's unofficial "Housing Czar", was quoted saying, "The next challenge is implementing
the ambitious housing laws that have been passed over the last seven years. All the pieces are in place.
It is now time for California to put those pieces to work, to permit the housing, to say yes to new housing
and to hold local governments accountable for their responsibilities."
So, will this mean a slowdown in the sheer volume of housing and homelessness-related legislation
introduced next year? Likely not. It is expected that we will continue to see measures that aim to further
bolster oversight and enforcement authority to the Attorney General and the Housing and Community
Development Department. Moreover, it is likely that we will see more focus on measures that require local
agencies to prioritize infill streamlining that fit within a jurisdiction's Sustainable Communities Strategy
(SGS), resulting in increased heights and densities near transit. Measures such as AB 68 (Ward), which
did not advance this year, would have required local governments to demonstrate the necessity for housing
growth in suburban areas in order to meet housing mandates. These policies will be a top priority for
housing advocates.
Government Transparency Act
Earlier this year, nonprofit Consumer Watchdog proposed a ballot measure that, if passed by voters, would
require a considerable increase in both state and local agency responsibility and cost, and would likely
result in a high volume of frivolous litigation filed under the California Public Records Act. Titled the
"Government Transparency Act," it is currently in the process of qualifying for the November 2024 ballot.
15 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec.12,2023 Item #2 Page 20 of 21
Due to the severe costs that the requirements of the Act would impose on all public agencies, it is expected
to face strong response from the Legislature and the Administration. The measure has until June 28, 2024,
to qualify for the November ballot. Should this occur, we have major concerns that Legislature may cut a
deal with ballot proponents by passing legislation which exempts the state while enacting the same or
similar provisions currently being proposed impacting local government. Should a deal be reached,
this would happen quickly, and would be in exchange for the proponents withdrawing the measure from
the ballot. Should this happen, local governments are at risk of being left "holding the bag." We saw a
similar process occur in 2018 when the California Business Roundtable pulled its tax measure in
exchange for the state banning the ability of local governments to enact local soda taxes for 12 years.
Climate Bond
Given that Governor Newsom balanced the FY 23-24 budget on a future resources bond, and that climate
remains a top priority for the Governor and the Legislature, we anticipate such a bond to continue to
advance next year and to be put to voters on the November 2024 ballot. The bond authors, currently
Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D, Coachella) and Senator Ben Allen (D, Malibu), and other
stakeholders, are currently aiming for a bond in the $10-12 billion range. Both resources bonds, AB 1567
(Garcia) and SB 867 (Allen), are currently around $15 billion, but the determination of the final amount,
what's included, and which vehicle will carry the final package are all still under deliberation. Administration
priorities will play a large role in shaping the end product. The expectation is that legislative leaders may
push a bond through the legislative process much faster than usual in January so that stakeholders have
ample time for voter outreach to be successful on the ballot. However, starker economic conditions may
shape the final outcome and may change the overall debt load that the Governor is willing to endorse at
the ballot box. Given the delay in income tax return collections due to IRS filing extensions, the
Administration has warned the Governor's January budget proposal may have to be premised on
significantly limited revenue data. Timing of the bonds may be impacted and unable to move as quickly as
legislative leaders hope while the state is forced to play catch up on determining updated projections based
on final returns.
Wildfire Insurance
Governor Newsom signed an executive order on September 21 which requested that the Insurance
Commissioner take regulatory action in the state's insurance market. That same day, the Insurance
Commissioner announced a package of executive actions "aimed at improving insurance choices and
protecting Californians from increasing climate threats while addressing the long-term sustainability of the
nation's largest insurance market." Additionally, on October 9, the Assembly Insurance Committee and the
Assembly Select Committee on Wildfire Prevention held an informational hearing on the state of the
homeowner insurance market in California. Leaders agreed on the need for mitigation and for insurers to
adjust rates based on mitigation efforts that homeowners have taken. However, there was disagreement
whether insurance companies were taking an appropriate response to the wildfires. It is likely that this will
be a hot topic in 2024, particularly given the new Senate President Pro Tempore, Mike McGuire, has a
personal connection to the issue as his district has experienced multiple catastrophic wildfires in recent
years. We anticipate we may see legislation in 2024 related to the homeowner insurance market, that may
include measures relating to streamlining regulations, incentives for homeowners to take mitigation
actions, or funding for communities to build additional defensible spaces.
-----------END OF REPORT
16 City of Carlsbad 2023 End of Year Report
Dec. 12,2023 Item #2 Page 21 of 21
City of Carlsbad
Legislative Subcommittee
Renne Public Policy Group │ www.publicpolicygroup.com
Dane Hutchings, Managing Director, Renne Public Policy Group
December 12, 2023
RPPG/Carlsbad: Key Highlights 2023
1,500 Pieces of legislation tracked on behalf of the City.
13/19 Success rate on legislative engagement –13 signed, 2
vetoed, and 4 two-year bills.
$350K In new funding from the state budget for the City for the
State Street Parking Lot EV Charging Stations Project with the help
of Assemblymember Tasha Boerner.
SB 428 Chaptered on 9/30 The City’s sponsored legislation. RPPG
worked with the City, bill author Senator Blakespear, and the
Administration to ensure it became law.
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2
~
11111
Bills of Interest
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3
Bills That The Committee Has Positioned On
Sponsored Legislation: SB 428 (Blakespear)
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SB 428 (Blakespear) Temporary restraining orders and protective
orders: employee harassment
This bill would additionally authorize any employer whose employee has suffered
harassment, as defined, to seek a temporary restraining order and an injunction on
behalf of the employee and other employees upon a showing of clear and
convincing evidence that an employee has suffered harassment, that great or
irreparable harm would result to an employee, and that the respondent’s course of
conduct served no legitimate purpose.
City Position: Sponsor
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 286, Statutes of 2023
4
Legislative Update: Mental Health (Prop 1)
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AB 531 (Irwin) The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023
This measure would, if approved by the voters, authorize the issuance of $6.38
billion in bonds to finance grants for community-based treatment, care, and
housing for people experiencing homelessness, at risk of homelessness, or living with
a behavioral health challenge.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 789, Statutes of 2023
SB 326 (Eggman) The Behavioral Health Services Act
This measure would, if approved by voters, rename the Mental Health Services Act
to the Behavioral Health Services Act, expand its scope to include the treatment of
substance use disorders, and revise the distribution of its funds.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 790, Statutes of 2023
5
Legislative Update: Mental Health
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SB 43 (Eggman) Behavioral health
This bill expands the definition of gravely disabled to included a person’s inability to
provide for their needs for nourishment, personal or medical care, or safety due to
mental health or substance abuse disorder.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 637, Statutes of 2023
6
Legislative Update: Public Safety
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AB 33 (Bains) Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force
This bill establishes the Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force to
undertake various duties relating to fentanyl misuse. The bill requires the task force
to be cochaired by the Attorney General and the State Public Health Officer, or
their designees.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapters 887, Statutes of 2023
AB 701 (Villapudua) Controlled substances: fentanyl
This bill increases sentencing requirements for fentanyl, heroin, or cocaine
possession or sales, depending on the amount.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapters 540, Statutes of 2023
7
Legislative Update: Public Safety
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SB 19 (Seyarto) Fentanyl Misuse and Overdose Prevention Task Force
This bill establishes the Anti-Fentanyl Abuse Task Force to undertake various duties
relating to fentanyl abuse including, among others, collecting and organizing data
on the nature and extent of fentanyl abuse in California and evaluating
approaches to increase public awareness of fentanyl abuse. The bill would require
the task force to be chaired by the Attorney General.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 857, Statutes of 2023
8
Legislative Update: Government Ops
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AB 40 (Rodriguez) Emergency Medical Services
This bill establishes a statewide standard for ambulance patient offload time and
require a protocol to reduce ambulance patient offload time if it exceeds the
statewide standard.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 793, Statutes of 2023
AB 584 (Hart) California Coastal Act of 1976: coastal development:
emergency waiver
In the event of a disaster or similar situation where emergency work is necessary,
the coastal commission can authorize emergency actions or projects within the
coastal zone up to $25,000, a threshold that has not been updated since 1976.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 118, Statutes of 2023
9
Legislative Update: Brown Act
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AB 557 (Hart) Open meetings: local agencies: teleconferences
This bill eliminates the sunset provision in AB 361 (R. Rivas, 2021) and would extend
renewal period from 30 days to 45 days.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 534, Statutes of 2023
10
Legislative Update: Transportation
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SB 381 (Min) Electric bicycles: study
This bill requires the Mineta Transportation Institute at San Jose University to conduct
a study on e-bikes to inform and improve safety of riders and pedestrians.
City Position: Support
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 869, Statutes of 2023
11
Legislative Update: Labor
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AB 1484 (Zbur) Temporary public employees
This bill requires temporary public employees to be automatically included in the
same bargaining unit as the permanent employees. Significantly amended to
remove the grievance process language and to clarify that contract services
providers are not included.
City Position: Oppose
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 691, Statutes of 2023
12
Legislative Update: Housing
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SB 423 (Wiener) Land use: streamlined housing approvals: multifamily
housing developments
This bill authorizes the Department of General Services to act in the place of a
locality or local government, at the discretion of that department, for purposes of
the ministerial, streamlined review for development in compliance with the above-
described requirements on property owned by or leased to the state. The bill was
considerably amended to:
•Create a 2036 Sunset
•Eliminate the DGS authority to develop on land leased to the state
•Provide development guardrail for development in coastal and high fire zones
City Position: Oppose
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 778, Statutes of 2023
13
Legislative Update: Water
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AB 399 (Boerner) Water Ratepayers Protections Act of 2023: County
Water Authority Act: exclusion of territory: procedure
This bill requires a member agency to receive majority vote of the electorate
before it can detach from a county water authority.
City Position: Watch
Status: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Chapter 802, Statutes of 2023
Note – the following statement was added to the legislative platform:
“Support legislation that establishes a more equitable voting structure at the San
Diego County Water Authority, such as by providing that Board decisions be
approved by both a tally vote majority and a weighted vote majority of the
member agencies.”
14
State Legislature: Looking into 2024
Second Year of Two-Year Session: Bills that did not make it out of their house this year
have until January 31st to pass their house of origin.
Election Year: Being an election year, we will see turnover in the legislature and
several important ballot measures on the March and November ballots.
Assembly Leadership Changes:
•Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D, Winters) is the new Majority Leader
•Jim Wood (D, Santa Rosa) is the new Speaker Pro Tempore
•Juan Carrillo (D, Los Angeles) is the new chair of Local Government
•Kevin McCarty (D, Sacramento) is the new chair of Public Safety
•Chris Ward (D, San Diego) is the new chair of Housing
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15
State Budget: Looking into 2024
2023-24 Budget Act:Included a $310 billion spending plan with a projected deficit of
$31.7 billion.
Deferred revenues from late federal collection:The budget process this year was
made more complicated when many Californians were granted until October,
instead of April,to file income tax returns because of storm-related disaster
declarations.On December 7,the LAO released a projection of $68B looming
budget deficit due to revenue received in November being significantly below
projections.
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16
Looking Forward: Key Dates in 2024
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January 3: Legislature reconvenes
January 10: Governor’s 24-25 budget proposal announced
January 19: Last day to submit bill requests to the Office of Legislative Counsel
January 31: Last day for each house to pass two-year bills in their house of origin
February 16: Last day to introduce bills in 2024
March 22-March 31: Spring Recess
May 24: House of Origin Deadline (for new measures)
17
Questions/Discussion
Thank You!
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