AB 2806 (Obernolte):  Vehicles: disabled parking
Currently, it is illegal to park in a designated electric vehicle (EV) charging space unless the vehicle is connected to the charger. This bill would allow a vehicle identified with a specified disability license plate or distinguishing placard and equipped with a lift, ramp, or other assistive device used for loading or unloading a person with a disability to park in an EV space without being connected for electric charging purposes.

The Assembly passed this bill unanimously, but the analysis for that vote actually recommended against passage. The staff argued that "Given that California's transportation sector produces nearly 40% of the state's emissions, California's success in meeting its greenhouse gas reduction goals will rely heavily on reducing passenger vehicle emissions. To help address passenger fleet emissions, the state has created a number of programs to incentivize the purchase and use of EVs as well as to encourage more widespread installation of EV charging infrastructure across the state."

Over the last decade or so, the State has passed multiple laws to ensure exclusive EV parking on street and in off-street parking facilities to improve access to EV charging infrastructure and encourage EV use for longer trips. Meanwhile, the Legislature and courts have increased parking accessibility for the disabled community. The DMV issues DP plates and placards to disabled persons that allow them to park in preferential parking spaces as well as to park free for unlimited time periods at metered parking spaces. Current law also allows a lift-and or ramp-equipped vehicle to park in two spaces to ensure that a disabled person may exit safely and comfortably.

While this bill was well-intended, allowing a non-EV to park in a space designated for the exclusive use of EV charging is counterproductive to local jurisdictions' and the state's goals of increasing accessibility to EV charging infrastructure and may lead to decreased charging opportunities for EV owners who depend on the ability to charge their vehicle on city streets. This bill  could result in the eventual end of the installation of public EV charging stations, and removal of EV charging stations at public locations, at a time when the transportation industry is working to expand the EV network. If the author’s goal is to increase the amount of senior or disabled parking, then the requirement for senior and disabled parking spaces should be increased.

SB 848 (Committee on Budget): Transportation
The transportation trailer bill contains a provision to cap the amount of indirect cost recovery charges assessed by Caltrans on counties with countywide sales tax measures solely dedicated for transportation purposes, to 10% for a period of three years.

TAMC is a member of the Self-Help Counties Coalition, 24 counties that provide more than 80% of all transportation funding in the state. As a “self-help” county, Monterey County generates over $20 million annually through its Measure X program and is a partner with the state in providing funding to improve the state highway system. Capping the imposition of indirect cost for items not associated with the scope of a project will provide cost certainty and create more capacity and accountability for local tax dollars to expedite delivery of statewide priority projects such as alleviating congestion and improving safety on US 101 and State Route 156.

The reduction in indirect cost recovery may also allow TAMC to realize a cost savings to implement several complimentary projects in Measure X to provide a multimodal transportation system that enhances mobility, safety, and access for Central Coast residents, state commerce and commuters.