Council Cramming for Legislative Finals Ahead of Summer Recess

With the Legislature’s summer recess looming, the Bay Area Council is cramming to get strong grades on its legislative agenda. So far, so good. Key Senate committees this week overwhelmingly approved two bills the Council is supporting. AB 1665 by Assemblymember Susan Bonilla (Concord) will help clear the way for Contra Costa County to place a measure on the November ballot to invest in the county’s transportation system. AB 2329, also by Assemblymember Bonilla, will establish a strategic implementation plan for the California Department of Education to expand student access to quality computer science education.

Next week, the Council will be aggressively advocating for the passage of its two sponsored bills: SB 1069 and AB 1755. SB 1069 by Senator Bob Wieckowski (Fremont) will increase the supply of housing by easing the permitting of accessary dwelling units. AB 1755 by Assemblymember Bill Dodd (Napa) will establish the Open and Transparent Water Data Act to better track and manage our water resources. SB 323 by Senator Ed Hernandez (West Covina) will help reduce healthcare cost for employees and employers by allowing full practice authority for nurse practitioners. The Council is also continuing its advocacy in support of Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposal to fast track approval of affordable housing that meets existing local planning rules. To engage in the Bay Area Council’s Government Relations work, please contact Policy Manager Cornelious Burke at cburke@bayareacouncil.org.