Yuma County adopts 2026 federal legislative priorities; board backs preservation of $750,000 for Family Advocacy Center

The Yuma County Board of Supervisors voted to adopt the county's 2026 federal legislative priorities after a staff presentation from Alejandro Figueroa, Economic Development staff. The list includes several county-specific requests and priorities intended for advocacy at the federal level.

Alejandro Figueroa reviewed pending state and federal bills and asked the board for direction. He said SB1419 (solar consumer protections) is scheduled for a Senate Natural Resources Committee hearing, HB2324 (preemption on local land-use authority for small modular nuclear reactors) was assigned to a House committee, and SB1241 (private permitting providers) would limit county permitting authority and require posting of codes and fees online. He recommended staff monitor and, where appropriate, oppose bills that would reduce local control.

Figueroa described SB1161 as a Yuma-specific measure that preserves $750,000 previously appropriated for the Yuma County Family Advocacy Center from lapsing at year-end; the bill does not increase funding but lets the county use the existing appropriation if project timelines delay procurement or contracting. Staff recommended a position of support on that bill and the board agreed to support it.

On federal priorities, staff recommended seeking permanent PILT funding, H-2A visa flexibility (including extending the application window to 100 days), a clear post-2026 Colorado River management framework to preserve agricultural water reliability, and additional staffing for the San Luis port of entry during its expansion. The board voted to adopt the 2026 federal legislative priorities and directed staff to coordinate letters and advocacy per the packet recommendations.

Board members also discussed impacts from the partial federal government shutdown on some administrative functions and the county's ongoing monitoring of grant and port operations.