State Bills in Brief: April 10-17

Apr 10, 2024

A weekly primer on the bills and committee hearings that have a direct impact on cities

By Brian Hendershot, Cal Cities Advocate managing editor. Additional contributions by the Cal Cities Advocacy Team

Welcome back to State Bills in Brief, a weekly primer on the biggest bills for city leaders and legislative deadlines happening each week at the Capitol. From attacks on city revenue to monthly fines for cities, there's a lot to dislike in this session. But there's also plenty to love, including action on runaway autonomous vehicles, streamlined emergency responses, and recovery home reform.

Before you dive in, a brief reminder of how each section works. The “hot bills” section is about the measures with the biggest potential impact on cities. These are the bills that city leaders need to be hyper-focused on. If your city can only act on a few bills, consider making these bills a priority. We'll likely need your support (or opposition) as the year goes on.

Next are "priority bills." These bills may have less of an impact, but they are still extremely important to many, or even all, cities. Last is the "Other bills to watch" section, which may not show up each week. We’re monitoring these bills for any potential changes, but they will likely have a small, limited impact on cities — if at all. Anything can change though, which means these measures could be hot bills.

We'll update this series throughout the year in response to members' needs and feedback. To share feedback about this story, please email Brian Hendershot, managing editor for Cal Cities Advocate.

Hot bills

Lawmakers are debating property tax exemptions and other local revenue "reforms" over the next few days, along with changes to recovery housing, wildfire preparedness, and the state's organic waste law.

Well-intended ‘granny flat’ bill leaves cities holding the bag

Robbing Peter to pay Paul. SB 1164 (Newman) would exempt new accessory dwelling units (ADU) from property tax assessment for 15 years if the owner makes a “good faith effort” to ensure the unit will be used as residential housing. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
Unfounded claim. The author argues that an increase in property tax is a “substantial disincentive” to the construction of new ADUs. The numbers do not back this claim up.
When was the bill heard? April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Senate Revenue and Taxation Committee.

Retroactive sales tax “reform”

A blanket ban. SB 1494 (Glazer) would prohibit cities from entering a sales tax rebate agreement with a retailer starting next year and void all existing agreements on Jan. 1, 2030. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
New Cal Cities policy. A diverse group of city managers and the Cal Cities Board approved a new sales tax rebate agreement policy last year. It calls for a cap on the duration of such agreements and the percentage of sales tax that can be rebated, enhanced transparency and public review, and equitable changes to county pool calculations.
When is the hearing? April 17 at 9 a.m. in the Senate Local Government Committee.

Development fee restrictions would restrict critical services

What would the bill do? AB 1820 (Schiavo) would require cities to provide an itemized list during the preliminary application process within 20 days of a developer’s request. Cal Cities will oppose the measure unless the author provides a longer timeline, clarifies which fees it affects, and states that such estimations are nonbinding.
Why it matters. Local governments cannot raise property taxes. With very few ways to fund services, they must rely on impact fees to build new roads, sewer lines, fire stations, and even affordable housing.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.

A $50,000 monthly fine for cities

What now?! SB 1037 (Wiener) would allow the state attorney general to ask a court to fine a city that fails to adopt a compliant housing element or disregards state laws that require ministerial approval of certain housing projects.
Can’t the attorney general already take legal action? SB 1037 is an extreme departure from existing law as it would apply to cities genuinely acting in good faith. Even those cities would need to pay the attorney general for all investigating and prosecuting costs. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 1:30 PM in the Senate Housing Committee.

Recovery housing moves forward

A Cal Cities-sponsored measure. SB 913 (Umberg) would allow cities to collaborate with the state to investigate and enforce existing recovery home licensing laws.
Why it matters. Residential recovery housing provides a range of benefits to some of California’s most vulnerable residents. Their needs must be prioritized over profits.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Health Committee.

A voluntary, streamlined path for wildfire preparedness

A Cal Cities-sponsored measure. AB 2330 (Holden) would streamline the process for vegetation removal and fuel management in Fire Hazard Severity Zones near urban communities. Long timelines are delaying local efforts in areas most at risk of catastrophic wildfires.
Back-to-back wildfire records. The size and severity of wildfires in California have increased, with seven of the 20 largest wildfires and the top two most destructive wildfires occurring over the past seven years. This bill would create a pathway for cities to conduct wildlife management and uphold environmental laws in a reasonable timeline.
When is the next hearing? April 23 at 9 a.m. in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee.

Cal Cities-sponsored measure would help reduce methane emissions

Bill changes. Sen, Dave Min is amending SB 972 (Min) to require CalRecycle to strengthen its assistance efforts for cities actively working to reduce organic waste in landfills and methane emissions. The agency would also need to report back to the Legislature on the organic waste diversion progress and how to better align the law with the state’s other climate goals.
Missed milestone. A 2023 report found that the amount of organic waste in landfills increased by a million tons between 2014 and 2020, a trend at odds with the goal of reducing methane emissions.
When is the next hearing? April 24 at 9 a.m. in the Senate Environmental Quality Committee.

Priority bills

Lawmakers are acting on a host of housing, environmental, and retail theft measures.

A slowing economy doesn’t have to mean slowing construction

A new California Housing Finance Agency program. AB 2665 (Lee) would create a zero-interest loan program for some affordable housing projects. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why? There simply isn’t enough money for affordable housing. Many projects are permitted and shovel-ready. They just need funding.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 9 a.m. in the Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee.

Costly conservation connectivity

More planning mandates. AB 1889 (Friedman) would require cities to include a wildlife connectivity element in their conservation element. Cal Cities opposes the measure unless it is amended.
It could be better. As drafted, the bill would create an unworkable timeline for cities. It’s also potentially duplicative. A pending measure in the Assembly would require the state to conduct such mapping.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Even more development fee changes

A similar approach. SB 937 (Wiener) would only allow local agencies to collect fees for public improvements or facilities on residential developments after the final inspection certificate of occupancy. Cal Cities opposes the bill unless it is amended.
It’s less bad though. Cal Cities is urging the author to clarify when cities can collect permit fees and require a bond or letter of credit if the developer does not pay fees until the final inspection, among other amendments.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Housing Committee.

Manufacturing incentives

An investment in major economic drivers. AB 2922 (Garcia) would allow cities to offer tax breaks and other incentives that attract manufacturing facilities, like biotechnology, to their communities until 2035. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why it matters. These programs have attracted investment from key industries, stimulated local economies, and enhanced the quality of life for residents.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Closing the infrastructure funding gap

How would it work? SB 955 (Seyarto) would establish a grant program to help cities complete certain infrastructure projects. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Lots of potholes. Not enough money. Due to decades of changes to tax laws, local governments have seen a steady erosion of the tax base. The Governor’s budget also includes nearly $3 billion in cuts to funds for state and local transportation projects.
When is the hearing? April 15 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Repeat retail theft

Meaningful consequences. SB 923 (Archuleta) would reinstitute penalties for repeat theft eliminated by Prop. 47. If passed, the bills would go to voters for approval. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why it matters. Commercial burglary increased statewide since 2020, especially in larger counties with an increase of 13% among 14 of the 15 largest counties.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 8:30 a.m. in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

Two other retail theft measures

Coercing minors. AB 2406 (Davies) would make it a crime to cause, promote, employ, use, persuade, induce, or coerce a minor under 18 years of age to engage in specified theft-related offenses.
Defining the crime. AB 2790 (Pacheco) would define organized retail theft to include acting in concert with one or more persons to steal specified types of merchandise with the intent to sell those items.
When are the hearings? April 16 at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

More action on fentanyl

Stiffer penalties. AB 3171 (Soria) would increase the penalties for holding smaller quantities of fentanyl.
An ongoing crisis. Fentanyl overdoses now kill nearly 6,000 people in California every year.
When are the hearings? April 16 at 9:00 a.m. in the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

Better behavioral health bed data

A familiar measure. SB 1017 (Eggman) would require state agencies to formalize data collection processes to identify the availability of inpatient and residential behavioral health beds. As in years past, Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why it matters. Treating mental illness and substance use, like many other health conditions, works best when done early and with appropriate support and services.
When is the hearing? April 15 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Expediting homeless responses

A familiar approach. SB 1361 (Blakespear) would clarify that homeless response programs are exempt from the t from the California Environmental Quality Act — just like homeless shelters. Cal Cities supports the measure.
We need to address this crisis rapidly. SB 1361 would help give local agencies another tool to speed up the arrival of these lifesaving services.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Housing Committee.

Pay-to-build inspections

An ethical nightmare. AB 2433 (Quirk-Silva) would allow applicants to pay for a third-party inspection during a construction project. Directly paying a “regulator” (a private individual in this case) creates biased results. Cal Cities opposes the measure unless it is amended.
But also: Related laws and ordinances that jurisdictions must enforce change regularly. It is their responsibility to ensure that each project is built in a manner that complies with those laws. A far better approach would be to focus on expediting the permitting process, like those already in place for broadband microtrenches.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Planning for future droughts

What would the bill do? SB 1330 (Archuleta) would clarify several key provisions in the long-term water use standards under a new water conservation law. This includes simplifying the processes to submit information, clarifying reporting dates, and extending deadlines since the regulations are two years behind the statutory deadline.
Why is this important? Water use will be regulated through these new long-term water use standards. Water usage will need to go down over time for residential indoor and outdoor uses and commercial outdoor uses where there are meters in urban areas. The goal is to prevent mandatory water cuts during the next drought.
When is the next hearing? April 23 at 9:00 a.m. in Senate Natural Resources and Water Committee.

Landslides aren’t just a Fleetwood Mac lyric

What does the bill do? SB 1461 (Allen) would add landslide to the state definition of state of emergency or local emergency.
Why is this important? Landslides can have a catastrophic impact on life, property, and infrastructure. With climate extremes sweeping the state, this is a proactive way to ensure emergency resources and funding can be readily available.
What is next for this bill? The bill is recommended for the consent calendar in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Workforce development bill emphasizes climate action

Preventing tomorrow’s tragedies today. AB 1922 (Davies) would ensure the development of a properly trained workforce to further California’s need to enhance disaster prevention, climate resiliency, and environmental mitigation in urban and rural communities. Cal Cities supports the measure.
How? The bill would direct the California Conservations Corps Director to establish the Green Collar Certification Program.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Organic waste recycling relief

How? AB 2311 (Bennett) would expand an existing grant program to include edible food recovery projects. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Something to chew on. State law requires that Californians recover 20% of edible food that would otherwise go to landfills by 2025.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Compost facility construction

More mulch. SB 1046 (Laird) would expedite the construction of compost facilities needed to meet the state’s organic waste recycling goals. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why it matters. California needs to add 50-100 new organic waste recycling facilities to meet its goal. A small state investment could speed these facilities up without compromising the stringency of environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act.
When is the hearing? April 15 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Placing the responsibility for hazardous waste on producers

What does the bill do? SB 1143 (Allen) would establish an extended producer responsibility (EPR) program for Household Hazardous Waste (HHW). Cal Cities supports the measure.
Why is this important? SB 1143 would establish an EPR program for California’s HHW collection and management system just like for single-use plastics. Under the bill, cities would be reimbursed for the costs of running and bolstering HHW programs.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Refillable propane cylinders

Trash talk is back. SB 1280 (Laird) would require one-pound propane cylinders sold in the state to be reusable or refillable. Cal Cities supports the measure.
A rise in single-use products. Small propane cylinders are very expensive for local governments to manage, and it is nearly impossible to know whether one is empty. Large propane cylinders are refillable, but most small cylinders are disposable products.
When is the hearing? April 15 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Shining a light on waste management

Proper marine flare waste disposal. SB 1066 (Blakespear) would create a producer responsibility program to manage flares carried on recreational boats for use as visual distress signals. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Put a price on it. Flares can cost consumers from $13- $26 each. They generally cost local governments $46 or more per flare for disposal.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 1:30 p.m. in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Cal Cities-sponsored bill put cities in the driver’s seat

What would the bill do? SB 915 (Cortese) would allow cities to determine how autonomous vehicle services should be deployed in their communities. It would also allow local law enforcement and first responders to intervene when a driverless vehicle interrupts an emergency response.
Why it matters. The state’s haphazard approval of driverless vehicles sparked a backlash in San Francisco and elsewhere after a series of traffic snarls and accidents.
When is the next hearing? April 17 at 9 a.m. in the Senate Local Government Committee.

Electrified security fence ban

What is the bill number? AB 2371 (Carrillo, Juan) would stop cities from banning electrified security fences in some areas. Cal Cities opposes the measure unless the author amends the measure to account for new housing laws.
Electric fences are harmful! While existing law may help establish minimum standards for installing electrified security fences, it cannot account for all circumstances that may require additional discretion.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 1:30 p.m. in the Assembly Local Government Committee.

Animal euthanasia

What is the bill approach? AB 2265 (McCarty) would increase euthanasia in shelters to reduce overcrowding. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
The wrong approach. Inflation, housing insecurity, a lack of pet-friendly housing, breed discrimination, and inaccessible veterinary care are forcing families to make difficult decisions about their ability to keep pets. There are simply better ways to reduce overcrowding, some of which are working their way through the Legislature.
When is the hearing? April 16 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Business and Professions Committee.

Operate it or ticket

A safe, sensible solution. AB 2286 (Aguiar-Curry) would require a human safety operator for the use of medium- and heavy-duty autonomous vehicles on public roads for testing purposes. Cal Cities supports the measure.
We still have the edge on robots. Self-driving cars cannot predict and recognize risk quickly. They are simply not as quick a human brain. There are safety concerns about heavy autonomous vehicles, especially those weighing many times that of the average passenger car.
When is the hearing? April 15 at 2:30 p.m. in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

Cal Cities-sponsored ethics measure

It’s one of the courses you take every two years. AB 2631 (Fong) would ensure that an ethics training course remains free online indefinitely.
Why now? The Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC) may no longer be able to provide the program due to budget restraints. Additionally, about 2,000 new agencies and several thousand agency officials will become subject to these training requirements starting in 2025.
When was the hearing? April 10 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

View all tracked bill hearings.