Registration Now Open for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting in El Dorado County!!!
Registration is now open for RCRC’s 2019 Annual Meeting! This year’s conference will be held September 25-27 at the Lake Tahoe Resort Hotel in El Dorado County. This year’s program will feature experts discussing a wide range of topics on critical issues shaping California’s future. Register today to receive the “Early Bird” rate!  
California Legislature Approves 2019-20 State Budget
On Thursday, the California Legislature approved the 2019-20 State Budget (Assembly Bill 74), which includes the bulk of the appropriations for the coming fiscal year. It should be noted that as it stands, the State Budget Package is incomplete – there are nearly two dozen budget trailer bills on a variety of subjects that have yet to be finalized and considered by the Legislature. These items of importance to RCRC include, but are not limited to, housing, homelessness, In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and safe and affordable drinking water.  
Cannabis Banking Update
On Wednesday, the House Appropriations Committee passed the Financial Services appropriations bill for Fiscal 2020 that contains language from the SAFE Banking Act (SAFE Act) to allow the banking industry to service marijuana related businesses. The provision survived an attempt by several Republicans to pass an amendment that would strip the bill of its SAFE Act language.  
Forest Service Proposes Rule to Overhaul NEPA Environmental Rule Process
On Wednesday, the U.S. Forest Services (USFS) proposed a rule change that would overhaul the environmental review process required under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The proposed rule would create an entire suite of new projects eligible for categorical exclusions that allow public lands projects to proceed under expedited conditions.  Under the new rule, categorical exclusions could be applied to commercial logging activities on up to 7,300 acres if it is determined there are additional restoration benefits to forest health.  
Bill of the Week: Senate Bill 209 (Dodd) - Fire-Weather Monitoring
RCRC has voiced its continued support for Senate Bill 209, authored by Senator Bill Dodd (D-Napa). SB 209 establishes a centralized state wildfire warning center to monitor fire-weather and threat conditions statewide and oversee deployment of a network of automated weather stations in areas not covered by an electrical corporation or local publicly owned electric utility’s weather network.  
The Rural Rundown  Podcast: RCRC’s 2019 Legislative and Regulatory Priorities
The Rural Rundown discusses the legislative and regulatory issues impacting California's rural counties, featuring commentary and interviews from individuals committed to improving the quality of life in rural California.
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
RCRC members are encouraged to share letters addressed to state and federal representatives and regulatory bodies with RCRC’s Government Affairs staff. Click “Read More” to access information related to the current status of legislation impacting California’s rural counties.   
NEWSROOM
RCRC Press Releases and Related News Clips