Legislators Enter the Final Stretch
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The end of the legislative session is in high gear in the State Capitol. This week brings us to the final Appropriations Committee hearings of the year in the Assembly and Senate where about 850 bills are pending between the two committees. Those bills will either be held in committee or sent to the respective legislative chambers for floor consideration.
Legislation can continue to be amended up until 72 hours before the last day of session. However, time is running short with the last day of the legislative session approaching on August 31.
Bills to note:
AB 2646 (Krell) Ag Wages
Implements an hourly wage of $19.75 per hour for H-2A workers and individuals working for the same employer as the H-2A workers and who are working in the same county as the H-2A workers.
TAKE ACTION – Reach out to your Senate Senator to convey opposition via our website HERE.
AB 1881 (Ramos) Land & Water Decisions
Requires tribal “informed consent” for certain projects that result in a physical change to state land, while also creating a private right of action that could be used by tribes to challenge state agency decisions relating to land and water. AB 1881 creates uncertainty and delays in land and water decisions and could impact California’s water supply.
TAKE ACTION – Ask your State Senator to oppose this measure HERE.
AB 1603 (Shultz) Pesticides Containing PFAS
Significantly amended bill no longer prevents the approval of new PFAS pesticides in California. The bill now requires the Department of Pesticide Regulation (DPR) to indicate if a pesticide contains PFAS ingredients in the pesticide use reporting database on its website. Given the amendments, Ag Council removed its opposition to the bill, and the measure awaits Senate Appropriations Committee consideration.
To review a broader list of bills awaiting consideration, along with Ag Council’s position, click HERE.