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Assembly committee advances bill requiring fire‑department consultation on major road projects
Summary
The Assembly Transportation Committee voted to send AB 6 12 to the Appropriations Committee after debate over whether the measure should mandate consultation or encourage it as best practice. The bill would direct Caltrans to update its highway design manual to require local jurisdictions to consult fire agencies on major road improvements.
Assemblymember James Rogers on behalf of the author presented AB 6 12 to the Assembly Transportation Committee, saying the bill would require the California Department of Transportation to update its Highway Design Manual to instruct local jurisdictions to consult with local fire departments on major road improvement projects.
The bill’s sponsor, Doug Soopers of the California Professional Firefighters, told the committee that recent local road design changes—such as uncoordinated roundabouts—have impeded emergency vehicles. "When a response is delayed, it can have negative impacts on the person who called for help," Soopers said, adding the bill “would just really enhance that collaboration…while having safer streets.”
Why it matters: supporters say the change aims to reduce delays in emergency response for fires, medical calls and other incidents by ensuring road planners incorporate input from fire and emergency agencies. Opponents and some local officials said the measure, as…
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