Attached online are a state update from Agency legislative consultant Gus Khouri and an updated draft bill list. One addition from the list adopted by the TAMC Board of Directors on August 26, 2020 is shown in underline:
- SB 146 (Beall) would provide an exemption from in-person meetings as required by the Brown Act, through January 1, 2023, in order to allow for virtual public participation for informational hearings related to the construction of a sustainable communities strategy by metropolitan planning organizations. TAMC staff is recommending a support position.
One bill, SB 1351 (Beall), was amended since the Board adopted an "oppose unless amended" position to remove the Agency's opposition. SB 1351 would allow a portion of the Transportation Improvement Fee (TIF) to be used as collateral for the issuance of a revenue bond to expedite highway projects. TAMC requested that the author restrict the payment of the bond debt service to only the portion of the TIF that funds the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP), leaving the competitive programs harmless. The author has taken that amendment. As a result, TAMC staff is recommending a position change from “oppose unless amended” to ”watch”.
The TAMC-sponsored bill, Senate Bill 1231 by Senator Monning, which will allow the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to issue an incidental take permit for the Santa Cruz Long-toed Salamander for the purpose of enabling Caltrans to construct the State Route 156 West corridor project, passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee on August 11 and is on the consent calendar for the Assembly Floor on August 24. Staff is soliciting letters to the Governor asking for his signature.
Staff will provide a verbal update on all activities at the meeting.