Carlsbad secures authors for two city-sponsored bills on workplace restraining orders and first‑responder UTVs

City staff reported the legislative program includes two city‑sponsored proposals that now have state authors: Assemblymember Darshana Patel agreed to carry a bill to allow electronic filings and remote appearances for workplace violence restraining order filings and hearings, and Assemblymember Davies agreed to author a proposal to permit first responders to operate UTVs while performing official duties.

Sharon Gonsalves of the California Public Policy Group told the subcommittee the bills are expected to be introduced as spot bills or early author carries and that the city will receive bill numbers and fact sheets shortly. "Assemblymember Patel has agreed to carry the city's proposal that will allow for electronic filings and remote appearances in workplace violence restraining order filings and hearings," Gonsalves said. "Assemblymember Davies has agreed to author the bill that will allow first responders to operate a UTV in an operational capacity while they're performing their job duties."

Members welcomed the progress and asked staff to circulate final bill language and sponsorship materials when available. Gonsalves said the city will work with the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office on the workplace‑related bill and will provide sponsorship letters and fact sheets after bill numbers are assigned.

Next steps: staff will obtain bill numbers, prepare fact sheets and sponsorship letters, and return to the subcommittee with recommended positions.