Lobbyist: Sen. Padilla introduces bill to transfer former CHP building to Imperial for police use; advocates outline legislative timeline

A representative from JCG Government Affairs told the City Council that Senator Alex Padilla introduced a bill on the city’s behalf — cited in the meeting as SB461 — to facilitate transfer of the former California Highway Patrol building to the City of Imperial for use as a police station.

The lobbyist described the early procedural steps: the bill was introduced the same day, must sit in print for 30 days, will likely see its first policy committee hearing in the Senate in mid-to-late March or early April, and then proceed through fiscal review and the Assembly if it advances. The presenter said, if successful, the two houses would send the bill to the governor in late August under the typical legislative calendar.

“This bill's been introduced today. It has to sit in print for 30 days, likely have its first policy committee hearing in the Senate sometime mid to late March, early April,” the lobbyist said. The presenter also encouraged the city to expect opportunities for testimony in Sacramento and noted the narrower bill-introduction caps on legislators this year.

The lobbyist framed the introduction as a positive development and encouraged continued staff coordination for advocacy and testimony if the bill reaches committee hearings. He also discussed broader state budget pressures and policy areas likely to draw legislative attention this year, including fire-related insurance and homelessness, and noted the potential for federal funding shifts to affect state priorities.

Action: No council vote was necessary on the informational update. The lobbyist requested city staff continue coordination for the bill’s legislative process and potential testimony in Sacramento.

Ending: City staff and the lobbying team said they would continue to track SB461’s committee assignments and will notify the council about opportunities for testimony and potential impacts.