from Damon R. Conklin, Director of Government Affairs, Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
As we know, the state Legislature delayed returning in mid-July due to several members testing positive to COVID-19. As a result, they pushed returning back to the Capitol on Monday the 27th. The truncated legislative calendar has left over 800 active measures to be analyzed, heard/debated and voted on in 5 weeks before the August 31 Constitutional deadline for the governor to receive on his desk bills passed by the legislature. There are approximately 600 Assembly bills in the Senate and 200+ Senate bills in the Assembly. Legislative leaders had asked members earlier to shelve non-covid/essential bills, but received very little response, so leaders paused committee hearings until Mid-August, thus leaving two short weeks to act on policies. As a result, several bills were amended this week and will be taken up in a couple weeks.
It is rumored and frankly, I do not see any way to avoid having a special session in October and November.
Please see our updated bill list here. Also, we have been in direct communication with CSLB and policy committees and have learned that SB 1189 (new residential remodeling license, B-2) is still active, as are SB 281 (2-year permit extension for res, comm and indust) and SB 288 (CEQA exemption for transit projects). Honestly, everything is up in the air, but we will pass along any intel as it becomes available.
BUSINESS BEGS FOR REGULATORY RELIEF BUT NEWSOM SAYS NO. MINIMUM WAGE TO INCREASE IN 2021:
Governor Newsom sets forth the motion to raise the minimum wage to $14 an hour for larger businesses and $13 an hour for smaller businesses. In response, businesses in the restaurant sector say they will struggle to survive amid the recurrence of restaurant closures throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Also, Governor Newsom announced over $1 billion in tax credits through the California Earned Income Tax Credit and Young Child Tax Credit. Families with children who are also eligible for the CalEITC will receive an additional $1,000. The development of the CalEITC and the installation of the YCTC comes in response to Californians' need for financial assistance throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more.
SACRAMENTO LAWMAKERS ANNOUNCE $100 BILLION STIMULUS
Read the announcement and outline of the newly unveiled $100 billion stimulus plan from a group of CA legislators. It is predicated predominately on borrowing and providing a tax credit voucher for those who prepay their taxes.
GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF PLANNING & RESEARCH
OPR’s SB 743 website breaks down complexities of new vehicle miles traveled (VMT) transportation impact requirements and highlights the focus on prioritizing housing near transit-rich or jobs-rich sites. It is important to note, this VMT will likely result is upwards of 20%-25% increased costs for building production and cause many entry-level affordable homes not to be developed.
VIRTUAL SERIES- “CALIFORNIA’S GLOBAL CONNECT VIRTUAL TRADE MISSIONS”:*
The California Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) has teamed up with Kallman Worldwide and the U.S. Commercial Service to offer California businesses an online series of virtual trade missions designed to link California suppliers directly with pre-screened international buyers, potential partners and buying authorities. Learn more and register here.
CALIFORNIANS FACE POTENTIAL WAVE OF EVICTIONS
In April 2020, the Judicial Council instated a statewide moratorium on tenant evictions that is due to expire on August 12. Lawmakers and tenants now fear a “a wave of evictions” and hope for an extension to be voted on. California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakau has now announced her plan to hold a vote to extend the order. Read more here.
As always, please contact me if you should have any questions about the above items.
Best,
Damon R. Conklin
Director of Government Affairs
Sacramento Regional Builders Exchange
5370 Elvas Avenue ǀ Sacramento, CA 95819
Telephone: 916.442.8991 ǀ Cell: 916.290.3400
Email: dconklin@srbx.org ǀ www.srbx.org