State Bills in Brief: May 1-9

May 1, 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

It’s officially May, which means two things: Sacramento’s famously hot summer is just around the corner and lawmakers are taking a hard look at the state’s finances. Legislators have a little over two weeks to get their bills to appropriations and off the suspense file. And then there’s the matter of that pesky budget deficit — which is due for a revision later this month.

But two weeks is an eternity in the Capitol. Right now, lawmakers are figuring out how to respond to a possible ballot measure that would increase penalties for shoplifting and drug dealing. The measure is expected to make it onto the November ballot. Despite a raft of retail theft measures, lawmakers have thus far pushed back against changing Proposition 47.

State regulators and lawmakers have also unveiled several proposals that could address California’s insurance crisis. Members of the Cal Cities advocacy team broke down some of those efforts in an article this week, as did CalMatters.

Also top of mind for Cal Cities: AB 1886 (Alvarez) and SB 1037 (Wiener). The two housing bills have sailed through their committee hearings. If signed into law, the duo would make it easier for developers to utilize “builder’s remedy” and saddle some cities with hefty fines — even if they’re acting in good faith with the state’s sometimes confusing and contradictory housing element guidance.

Cal Cities will likely issue action alerts on some key housing and retail theft bills in the coming days. Stay looped in with Cal Cities Advocate or your regional public affairs manager to learn more. For information about bills scheduled for a committee hearing through May 9, keep reading. To learn what each section means — or to access a previous State Bills in Brief — visit the archive page.

Hot bills

Lawmakers are taking a close look at labor laws and mulling possible changes to the state’s list of controlled substances.

Retention bill ignores external factors

An unfunded mandate. AB 2561 (McKinnor) would require local agencies to produce, implement, and publish plans to reduce union vacancy rates that exceed 10% for over six months. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
Right problem. Flawed approach. Many cities are actively taking steps to reduce vacancy rates and address retention challenges. Cities are committed to working collaboratively on the issue, but diverting staff away from core service delivery and mandating they spend time producing reports on their vacancy rates will not fill key city positions.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Hot labor summer rerun

Unemployment benefits for striking workers. SB 1116 (Portantino) would allow striking workers to draw unemployment benefits after two weeks. Cal Cities opposes the measure due to the severe, downward pressure it would apply to city budgets.
Didn't this already fail? When the Governor vetoed a similar measure last year, he said, “Now is not the time to increase costs or incur this sizable debt.”
When is the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Controlled substance list update

Proactive measure. SB 1502 (Ashby) would create penalties for the illicit position, use, sale, and trafficking of xylazine — also known as “tranq.” Cal Cities supports the measure.
A dangerous combination. A non-opiate sedative and muscle relaxant, xylazine can be deadly when combined with opioids. Officials have linked the drug to a growing number of overdose deaths in California.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Stronger penalties for fentanyl traffickers

Stiffer penalties. AB 3171 (Soria) would increase the penalties for holding smaller quantities of fentanyl — specifically for those with the intent to sell. Cal Cities supports the measure.
A continued crisis. A study by the Centers for Disease Control and Protection names fentanyl the deadliest drug in the U.S.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Priority bills

It’s another big week for public safety at the Capitol. This time, lawmakers are focused on “bipping,” police recruitment, and statewide K9 standards. Legislators are also looking at manufacturing tax breaks, autonomous vehicles, and disaster preparedness.

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? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Police recruitment and retention

Education and hiring incentives. AB 1839 (Alanis) would help students complete modern policing degree programs and provide hiring incentives for significantly understaffed law enforcement agencies. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Increased staffing helps prevent crimes. Public agencies are struggling to hire and retain police officers. The number of patrol officers is at its lowest rate since at least 1991.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Organic waste flexibility for rural cities

Organic waste flexibility. AB 2902 (Wood) would provide continued flexibility for rural cities struggling to meet their organic waste diversion goals. The bill also includes some technical assistance requirements and clarifying language about mulch distribution. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Smaller cities, bigger challenges. Rural areas face greater economic and logistical challenges with organic waste recycling and procurement. A recent report from the independent Little Hoover Commission found that “SB 1383 was not designed for rural California.”
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Online fencing

Not the one with swords. SB 1144 (Skinner) would make it harder to sell stolen goods online by adding certification requirements for high-volume, third-party vendors and banning the sale of stolen goods through online marketplaces. Cal Cities supports the measure.
A "legitimate" front. Just recently, Attorney General Rob Bonta charged the suspected leader of a retail theft ring that stole nearly $8 million in beauty products, which were then sold on Amazon.
What is the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Out of control bipping

Blatant. SB 905 (Wiener) would close a legal loophole that makes prosecuting car break-ins difficult. Sometimes called “bipping,” the number of break-ins is so high that the term has spawned its own merchandise line and song. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Insurmountable standards. Prosecutors must currently prove that the vehicle was locked and that it was forcibly entered without permission. This often requires victims — usually tourists and the occasional federal lawmaker — to testify.
What is the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Post-release supervision reform

Better records. SB 1262 (Archuleta) would ensure local law enforcement agencies have comprehensive information about those on parole and post-release community supervision. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Other changes. The measure would also allow counties to petition the court to revoke, modify, or terminate any person’s post-release community supervision after the third violation of their terms of release in addition to any new misdemeanor or felony committed.
What is the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Vague K-9 standards

What is the bill number? AB 2042 (Jackson) would create a statewide policy for police canines. Cal Cities opposes the measure.
Unclear standards. The bill does not clearly outline what or how these guidelines should be. A different bill, AB 3241 (Pacheco), is clearer and takes a more balanced approach.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

A better approach to K-9 standards

Clear standards. AB 3241 (Pacheco) would create minimum performance standards for police canines, including mandated warnings, trainings, and reporting. Cal Cities and several public safety associations support the measure.
Why this one? Accountability doesn't have to mean giving up flexibility and tools that keep communities safe. This measure strikes a balance between the two.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Emergency definition expanded to include landslides

What does the bill do? SB 1461 (Allen) would add landslide to the state definition of state of emergency or local emergency. Cal Cities supports the measure.
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 the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Putting 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. Cal Cities is sponsoring this bill.
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? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Hydrogen fueling station permits

Requested changes. SB 1418 (Archuleta) would require cities to create an expedited, streamlined permitting process for hydrogen fueling stations. Cal Cities opposes the measure unless the bill includes funding and clarity and ties implementation to local demand.
But why? This measure proposes a one-size-fits-all approach regardless of demand or a city’s resources. Last month, there were more permits withdrawn than submitted and currently, there are only 18 applications across the entire state under review. Why devote resources to a process that is not needed?
What is the next hearing? May 6 at 10 a.m. in the Senate Appropriations Committee.

Animal euthanasia

What is the bill approach? AB 2265 (McCarty) would set new, onerous requirements for scheduling spay or neuter surgeries and euthanasia in public animal shelters. 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 that do not further exacerbate the difficulties already facing shelters.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Senior meal program expansion

What’s the bill number? AB 2410 (Wallis) would expand existing programs that support nutrition assistance for seniors to include to-go meals. Cal Cities supports the measure.
Increased access. Successful, COVID-era meal programs allowed cities to expand the reach of their senior meal programs. This program would be a meaningful step toward reducing food insecurity among some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

Repeated prostitution

What would the bill do? AB 2382 (Rubio, Blanca) would give prosecutors flexibility when dealing with subsequent convictions for soliciting or engaging in prostitution. Cal Cities supports the measure.
New policy. Cal Cities recently adopted a policy emphasizing the need for additional tools for law enforcement while not re-victimizing survivors and ensuring that they have access to services.
When was the hearing? May 1 at 9:30 a.m. in the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

View all tracked bill hearings.