This week marks a critical deadline for bills to advance from the appropriations committees in both the Senate and Assembly, with hearings having taken place earlier today. The legislature has until the end of August to finalize legislation before the session concludes, while the governor has until September 30th to sign or veto any bills.

During the meeting, staff recommended that the commission delegate authority to the executive director to take positions on legislation in consultation with the chair and vice chair until the next commission meeting. This delegation has been a common practice in recent years. Currently, staff is not advocating for any new positions on bills but provided updates on recent developments from the appropriations committees.

Notably, Senate Bill 934, introduced by Senator Gonzales, aimed at establishing a central delivery team for overseeing the deployment of zero-emission freight, was held in committee. The commission plans to continue collaborating with legislative staff on this issue and other recommendations stemming from the clean freight corridor efficiency assessment.

Additionally, the commission discussed Senate Bill 1297, co-authored by Senator Ben Allen and Assembly Member Jackie Erwin, which seeks to implement safety improvements along Pacific Coast Highway through the installation of cameras and systems for a limited period. The bill has garnered overwhelming legislative support and is set to proceed to the assembly floor for further consideration.

The meeting also touched on the topic of quick build projects, with inquiries about their application in various contexts. Staff indicated that the Active Transportation Program (ATP) has received applications for eight quick build projects this cycle, recognizing their potential as low-cost, rapid safety measures. Further insights into the efficacy of these projects are expected to be explored in future discussions.

Overall, the meeting underscored the urgency of legislative actions as deadlines approach, while highlighting ongoing efforts to enhance safety and sustainability in transportation initiatives.