Carlsbad highlights e‑bike safety pilot and Brown Act cybersecurity exception in city‑sponsored bills

Jason Haber, the city’s intergovernmental affairs director, told the City Schools Committee on May 7 that the city is sponsoring two bills in Sacramento this year: one to create a San Diego County electric‑bicycle safety pilot and another to clarify Brown Act closed‑session authority for cybersecurity matters.

On AB 2234, Haber said the original proposal to ban riders under 12 was narrowed to permit an opt‑in San Diego County pilot from now through January 2029 that would allow local authorities to prohibit operation by children 12 and under or require completion of a safety and training course; infractions could carry a $25 fine or mandated training. "That bill passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee," Haber said, adding it was referred to Appropriations. He noted there has been pushback from some bicycle advocacy groups concerned about access.

Haber described a second bill that would explicitly allow a legislative body to hold closed sessions with law enforcement or security personnel to discuss cybersecurity threats to critical infrastructure. The bill cleared the Assembly Local Government Committee and was scheduled for a floor vote. The city attorney and city manager testified in Sacramento in support of the measures.

Committee members discussed how school districts and the city can coordinate on legislative ideas. Councilmember Acosta noted the city’s legislative subcommittee offers a public forum where districts can present ideas and encouraged districts to engage with legislative staff. Members flagged costs and administration questions associated with the e‑bike pilot and said they would monitor Appropriations action.