CDA Prioritizes Major Issues as the Legislature’s Policymaking Kicks into High Gear
With the California Downtown Association’s policy priorities coming into focus after the April Board of Directors meeting, the organization’s legislative priorities are now seeing major action in the Legislature. Ranging from recovery for restaurant and entertainment venues, to the expansion of supportive services to the homeless population, CDA’s advocacy efforts are focused on ushering in the economic recovery and revitalization of our downtowns in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
This month is dominated by several important legislative deadlines in the State Capitol. The first, April 30th is the last day for policy committees to hear fiscal bills. May 21st marks the last day for all bills to be passed out of the house they were introduced in. All bills have to clear these legislative hurdles in order for them to continue to move through the process. That means authors and bill sponsors are working feverishly to get their bills heard in both the Assembly and Senate between now and the end of May as deadlines loom.
With legislative activity in full swing, our advocacy efforts are focused on three top public policy priorities this legislative session:
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Priority #1: Fostering a Safe & Welcoming Environment in our Downtowns
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Priority #2: Economic Recovery and New Development in our Districts
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Priority #3: Enhancing and Protecting the Operational Effectiveness of BIDs
Priority #1
AB 331, Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles) – extends criminal penalty for organized retail theft – SUPPORT
AB 395, Lackey (R-Palmdale) – helps prosecute vehicle break-in theft – SUPPORT
AB 816, Chiu (D-San Francisco) – establishes a process to require local governments to develop a plan to reduce homelessness – SUPPORT
AB 988, Bauer-Kahan (D-San Ramon) – creates a “988” mental health crisis hotline – SUPPORT
SB 106, Umberg (D-Santa Ana) – frees up Mental Health Services Act dollars for mental health services – SUPPORT
SB 340, Stern (D-Calabasas) – allows a family member to participate in a court preceding for an individual with a mental health condition – SUPPORT
SB 516, Eggman (D-Stockton) – provides additional resources for early intervention for those experiencing mental health condition – SUPPORT
SB 782, Glazer (D-Orinda) – provides outpatient treatment for those exiting conservatorships – SUPPORT
Priority #2
AB 1401, Friedman (D-Glendale) – eliminates minimum parking requirements for residential and commercial building development – SUPPORT
SB 285, McGuire (D-Santa Rosa) – invests $45m to promote the “Calling All Californian’s” tourism campaign to encourage visitors to California – SUPPORT
SB 61, Gabriel (D-Los Angeles) – provides flexibility to restaurants to allow for outdoor dining, take-out and delivery options to serve customers – SUPPORT
SB 314, Wiener (D-San Francisco) – provides flexibility to restaurants and bars to allow for flexible physical service options – SUPPORT
SB 793, Wiener (D-San Francisco) – “Entertainment Recovery Act” which provides relief for venues, restaurants, bars to allow for alcohol and food service in flexible spaces – SUPPORT
AB 255, Muratsuchi (D-Torrance) – would upend existing commercial leases without providing access to federal or state support to those commercial landlords who would be affected by the legislation – OPPOSE
Priority #3
AB 361, Rivas (D-Salinas) – would allow public agencies, like BIDs, to conduct remote meetings during state or local emergencies – SUPPORT
AB 339, Lee (D-San Jose) – imposes a significant unfunded state mandate on public agencies, like BIDs, requiring additional meeting requirements like call-in and internet options as well as required translation service – OPPOSE
Jason Bryant
Bryant Government Affairs
April 2021 Legislative Update
