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Committee clears bill to speed uncontested rail crossing approvals
Summary
The committee approved SB 544 16–0, which would allow the California Public Utilities Commission to establish expedited review for uncontested rail crossing applications so those that are uncontested can move faster.
The Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities and Communications voted to pass SB 544, a bill that would allow the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish expedited review for uncontested rail crossing applications. The committee recorded a 16–0 vote to move the measure to the Senate Transportation Committee.
Senator Laird, who presented the bill to the committee, said the legislation responds to a backlog and delay in processing rail crossing applications that are uncontested and therefore do not require the full CPUC hearing process. "A significant number of these are uncontested and it takes an extra amount of time when they're uncontested; they could move expeditiously," Laird said.
Committee members voiced support for streamlining administrative processes that reduce delays and allow the CPUC to focus resources on contested matters. Senator Grove raised an unrelated comparison to Texas oil permitting timelines during discussion; Senator Archuleta moved the bill and Senator Laird accepted closing comments.
No opposition witnesses appeared at the hearing. The committee recorded an initial unanimous vote and later closed the roll at 16–0 for do pass to the Senate Transportation Committee.
The bill will next be considered by the Senate Transportation Committee.
