HomeMy WebLinkAbout08.(Handout 1) 2024 Central San Legistlative Session Final ReportItem 8. (Handout 1)
110ENTRAL SAN
TO: HONORABLE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
FROM: EMILY BARNETT, COMMUNICATIONS AND GOVERNMENT RELATIONS MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: PHILIP LEIBER, DEPUTYGENERAL MANAGER -ADMINISTRATION
SUBJECT: RECEIVE FINAL 2024 CALIFORNIA STATE LEGISLATIVE SESSION REPORT
2024 State Legislative Year in Review
August 31, 2024, marked the end of the second year of the two-year session for the 2023-2024 California State legislative session. By
September 30, 2024, the Governor had three choices: to sign, veto, or allow the bills passed by the legislature to become law without his
signature. Any bills not signed or vetoed by the Governor are enacted automatically and will take effect on January 1, 2025. Attached is the
2024 Priority Legislation Tracking sheet updated as of October 16, 2024.
The 2024 State legislative session saw a surprising 26% decrease in introduced bills compared to the 2022 second -year session. The
Assembly introduced 1,505 bills while the Senate introduced 619 bills. The previous 2023 legislative session was record breaking with over
3,000 bills introduced, and also a bit ineffective, with the volume of bills causing issues with bill review. Typically, more bills are introduced in
the first year of a two-year legislative session. A total of the last 12 years of bill introductions are:
• Total 2024 bill introductions: 2,124
• Total 2023 bill introductions: 3,036
• Total 2022 bill introductions: 2,862
• Total 2021 bill introductions: 2,776
• Total 2020 bill introductions: 2,390
• Total 2019 bill introductions: 3,033
• Total 2018 bill introductions: 2,200
• Total 2017 bill introductions: 2,495
• Total 2016 bill introductions: 1,993
• Total 2015 bill introductions: 2,297
• Total 2014 bill introductions: 1,930
• Total 2013 bill introductions: 2,256
The 2024 legislative session mirrored the 2023 session allowing for both in-person and teleconferenced public comment. As
expected, final late-night stop -the -clock floor sessions occurred. In all, 1,206 bills, or nearly 57% of those introduced, were passed by
the legislature in 2024. The Governor was the most active in his six-year tenure, signing 1,017 bills and vetoing 189 bills, or 15.7% of all bills.
Central San's 2024 Priority Legislation
Central San's Board of Directors (Board) took positions on 12 priority pieces of state legislation, which is in line with other agencies. Of those:
Priority Legislation Final Overview
• One Board -supported bill was passed and signed by the Governor
• One Board -supported bill was passed by the Legislature and vetoed by the Governor
• Three Board -supported bills did not move forward in the legislative process
• Two Board -opposed bills did not move forward
• Four Board -opposed bills passed the Legislature and were signed by the Governor
• One bill changed the language to neutralize concern or stayed at a Watch status
This year's most significant victory includes the passage of SB 1143, expanding the producer responsibility steward program to all
paint products. Additionally, the introduction of CASA's PFAS producer responsibility bill SB 903 did not make it through the
process, it will revived for the next legislative session. Unfortunately, the Governor vetoed SB 1066, the marine flare producer
responsibility bill. Of most concern this session was the three bills related to development fees. Detailed assessments of
how these bills will impact the District will be presented to the board at a future meeting.
Looking Forward
The upcoming 2025 legislative session might start similarly to how the 2024 session ended. Budget concerns will likely limit
spending and bills. Staple legislative problems such as climate change, homelessness, housing, and wildfires will continue to be
addressed. The legislature will take on new items, most notably, Al and internet privacy.
Since 2019, staff has applied and been annually reappointed to the highly competitive (115+ applicants for 40 seats) California
Special Districts Association's (CSDA) Legislative Committee and reappointed for the 2025 Legislative year. Additionally, staff will
continue participating with other member organizations' legislative committees, including CASA, WateReuse, Western Recycled
Water Coalition, and the California Product Stewardship Council. Staff also continues to lead regional efforts on legislation with
local agency peers to develop uniform messaging for legislative staff. Staff will continue to bring timely and pertinent information to
the Board to ensure Board Members have the necessary details to make informed and critical legislative decisions.
Strategic Plan Tie -In
GOAL ONE: Customer and Community
Strategy 1— Deliver high-quality customer service, Strategy 2 - Promote initiatives to advance affordable and equitable access to services,
Strategy 3 -Build neighborhood and industry relations
GOAL TWO: Environmental Stewardship
Strategy 2 - Educate on pollution prevention and environmental protection
GOAL FOUR: Governance and Fiscal Responsibility
Strategy 1 - Promote and uphold ethical behavior, openness, and accessibility
GOAL SEVEN: Innovation and Agility
Strategy 3 - Be adaptable, resilient, and responsive