SACRAMENTO UPDATE
LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES
SB 5 (De Leon): Park Bonds
One of the largest environmental efforts this legislative cycle was the collision course of two large park bonds in the senate and the house. On the senate side DeLeon introduced SB 5: California Drought, Water, Parks, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018; and on the house side Assemblyman Garcia introduced AB 18: California Clean Water, Climate, Coastal Protection, and Outdoor Access For All Act of 2018.
Luckily for the legislature and environmentalists alike, Assemblyman Garcia agreed to fold his measure into SB 5 and it just inched over the finish line thanks to support of environmental groups and the leadership in Sacramento. The bill was passed well after midnight on the final day of the session after a hectic week of negotiations and compromises.
This is far from the end, however, as this bill heads for the polls in June of 2018 and still needs the anticipated, but not executed, signature from Governor Brown. A committee has been formed to support the ballot passing in June 2018, and CalTrout remains an active supporter as it heads towards the vote next summer.
STATUS: Bill passed. On ballot in June 2018.
SB 667 (Atkins): Department of Water Resources: Riverine and Riparian Stewardship Improvements
Senator Atkins of San Diego has been an avid supporter of fisheries restoration and CalTrout has worked with Atkins to make sure SB 667 will have a positive impact on promoting restoration throughout California. SB 667 will allow closer coordination with agencies on restoration and fish passage projects and should facilitate technical and financial assistance to entities like CalTrout who implement watershed-based riverine and riparian stewardship projects.
STATUS: Passed the legislature. Signed by the Governor in October 2017.