MEETING DATE:
May 26, 2020
SUBJECT:
Title
LEGISLATIVE REPORT
Body
Recommendation
Recommendation
NOTE AND FILE updates to legislation with an official City position.
Body
Board or Commission Action
Not applicable
Relevant Council Strategic Theme
Planning for the Future
Good Governance
Relevant Department Goal
Not applicable
Introduction
The City Council adopted the 2020 Legislative Platform to guide the consideration of state and federal bills that affect City operations. In keeping with that direction, this report provides updates on legislation with an official City position.
The League of California Cities has asked cities to send a formal letter to Governor Newsom addressing budgetary shortfalls and supporting suggested actions for the State of California to take to assist cities. This report provides an explanation of the suggested actions and includes a draft letter addressed to the Governor in support for the League of California Cities' efforts.
Discussion
Initially set to return from their regularly scheduled recess on April 13, the Assembly and Senate remained on recess for the entirety of April and slightly into May. On Monday, May 4th, the Assembly returned and began three weeks of hearings. Each policy committee has been allowed one hearing. Legislators have been instructed to put items on hold unless they directly address the COVID-19 situation. The Senate, unlike the Assembly, waited until May 11th to return.
Hearings took place on a limited basis with some members of the Assembly not returning to Sacramento but joining hearings via phone conference lines. The legislative calendar has been turned on its head, with the remainder of this legislative session slated to only focus on the housing policy, wildfire preparedness legislative, and the response to COVID-19. Staff will return with an update once hearings have taken place and there is a clear picture of which items remain.
While California started 2020 with an anticip...
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