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Senate approves AB 107, sponsor and critics clash over waived procedures
Summary
The California Senate passed Assembly Bill 107, a budget technical-corrections bill that accepts roughly $15 million in federal revenue; supporters said it speeds allocations for already‑approved projects, while critics warned a waiver of the Administrative Procedures Act reduces transparency. (Ayes 28, No 10).
The California State Senate on Feb. 20 approved Assembly Bill 107, a budget-related measure presented by Senator Laird that accepts updated federal revenue and makes technical corrections to this year’s budget.
Senator Laird said AB 107 contains no new projects or new general‑fund spending and that the bill simply accepts additional federal money and makes administrative adjustments such as extending encumbrance dates and correcting fiscal agents. He asked colleagues for an I vote so agencies could release previously identified projects without delay.
Senator Anilo urged a no vote, arguing the bill’s waiver of the Administrative Procedures Act undermines transparency and oversight. “Expediting” allocations, Anilo said, should not come at the expense of public notice and opportunities for scrutiny; he suggested emergency procedures could provide both speed and accountability.
Laird responded that the items in the bill were already approved in the budget and that agencies — including the Coastal Conservancy cited on the floor — need the trailer bill to move funds to projects. After closing remarks, the Secretary called the roll; the measure passed with 28 ayes and 10 no votes.
The bill will take effect immediately as a budget act trailer; no new general‑fund commitments were reported on the floor. The Senate’s vote record and roll-call tallies were entered before the chamber moved on to other business.
