HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-04-09 Policy & Services Committee Agenda PacketPOLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEE
Regular Meeting
Tuesday, April 09, 2024
Council Chambers & Hybrid
7:00 PM
Policy and Services Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option to
attend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while still
maintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participate
from home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in the
meeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending in
person. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o n
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen Media
Center https://midpenmedia.org.
VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/94618744621)
Meeting ID: 946 1874 4621 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or an
amount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutes
after the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance to
city.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspection
on the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in your
subject line.
PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted only
by email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,
the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strong
cybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are not
accepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
1.Update, Discussion, and Potential Direction Regarding State and Federal Legislation
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 946‐1874‐4621 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
1 Regular Meeting April 09, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, April 09, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid7:00 PMPolicy and Services Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/94618744621)Meeting ID: 946 1874 4621 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.
Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,
posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do not
create a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated when
displaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view or
passage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.
CALL TO ORDER
PUBLIC COMMENT
Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda.
ACTION ITEMS
1.Update, Discussion, and Potential Direction Regarding State and Federal Legislation
FUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDAS
Members of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 946‐1874‐4621 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
2 Regular Meeting April 09, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
POLICY AND SERVICES COMMITTEERegular MeetingTuesday, April 09, 2024Council Chambers & Hybrid7:00 PMPolicy and Services Committee meetings will be held as “hybrid” meetings with the option toattend by teleconference/video conference or in person. To maximize public safety while stillmaintaining transparency and public access, members of the public can choose to participatefrom home or attend in person. Information on how the public may observe and participate in themeeting is located at the end of the agenda. Masks are strongly encouraged if attending inperson. T h e m e e t i n g w i l l b e b r o a d c a s t o n C a b l e T V C h a n n e l 2 6 , l i v e o nYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/cityofpaloalto, and streamed to Midpen MediaCenter https://midpenmedia.org.VIRTUAL PARTICIPATION CLICK HERE TO JOIN (https://cityofpaloalto.zoom.us/j/94618744621)Meeting ID: 946 1874 4621 Phone: 1(669)900‐6833PUBLIC COMMENTSPublic comments will be accepted both in person and via Zoom for up to three minutes or anamount of time determined by the Chair. All requests to speak will be taken until 5 minutesafter the staff’s presentation. Written public comments can be submitted in advance tocity.council@CityofPaloAlto.org and will be provided to the Council and available for inspectionon the City’s website. Please clearly indicate which agenda item you are referencing in yoursubject line.PowerPoints, videos, or other media to be presented during public comment are accepted onlyby email to city.clerk@CityofPaloAlto.org at least 24 hours prior to the meeting. Once received,the Clerk will have them shared at public comment for the specified item. To uphold strongcybersecurity management practices, USB’s or other physical electronic storage devices are notaccepted.Signs and symbolic materials less than 2 feet by 3 feet are permitted provided that: (1) sticks,posts, poles or similar/other type of handle objects are strictly prohibited; (2) the items do notcreate a facility, fire, or safety hazard; and (3) persons with such items remain seated whendisplaying them and must not raise the items above shoulder level, obstruct the view orpassage of other attendees, or otherwise disturb the business of the meeting.CALL TO ORDERPUBLIC COMMENT Members of the public may speak to any item NOT on the agenda. ACTION ITEMS1.Update, Discussion, and Potential Direction Regarding State and Federal LegislationFUTURE MEETINGS AND AGENDASMembers of the public may not speak to the item(s)
ADJOURNMENT
PUBLIC COMMENT INSTRUCTIONS
Members of the Public may provide public comments to teleconference meetings via email,
teleconference, or by phone.
1. Written public comments may be submitted by email to city.council@cityofpaloalto.org.
2. For in person public comments please complete a speaker request card located on the
table at the entrance to the Council Chambers and deliver it to the Clerk prior to
discussion of the item.
3. Spoken public comments using a computer or smart phone will be accepted through
the teleconference meeting. To address the Council, click on the link below to access a
Zoom‐based meeting. Please read the following instructions carefully.
You may download the Zoom client or connect to the meeting in‐ browser. If using
your browser, make sure you are using a current, up‐to‐date browser: Chrome 30 ,
Firefox 27 , Microsoft Edge 12 , Safari 7 . Certain functionality may be disabled in
older browsers including Internet Explorer. Or download the Zoom application onto
your smart phone from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and enter in the
Meeting ID below.
You may be asked to enter an email address and name. We request that you
identify yourself by name as this will be visible online and will be used to notify you
that it is your turn to speak.
When you wish to speak on an Agenda Item, click on “raise hand.” The Clerk will
activate and unmute speakers in turn. Speakers will be notified shortly before they
are called to speak.
When called, please limit your remarks to the time limit allotted. A timer will be
shown on the computer to help keep track of your comments.
4. Spoken public comments using a phone use the telephone number listed below. When
you wish to speak on an agenda item hit *9 on your phone so we know that you wish to
speak. You will be asked to provide your first and last name before addressing the
Council. You will be advised how long you have to speak. When called please limit your
remarks to the agenda item and time limit allotted.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN Meeting ID: 946‐1874‐4621 Phone: 1‐669‐900‐6833
Americans with Disability Act (ADA) It is the policy of the City of Palo Alto to offer its public
programs, services and meetings in a manner that is readily accessible to all. Persons with
disabilities who require materials in an appropriate alternative format or who require auxiliary
aids to access City meetings, programs, or services may contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at
(650) 329‐2550 (voice) or by emailing ada@cityofpaloalto.org. Requests for assistance or
accommodations must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting, program, or
service.
3 Regular Meeting April 09, 2024
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the Board after distribution of the agenda packet are
available for public inspection at www.CityofPaloAlto.org/agendas.
Policy & Services Committee
Staff Report
From: City Manager
Report Type: ACTION ITEMS
Lead Department: City Manager
Meeting Date: April 9, 2024
Report #:2403-2801
TITLE
Update, Discussion, and Potential Direction Regarding State and Federal Legislation
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Policy and Services Committee receive an update on State
Legislation and Federal updates and provide feedback on bills to monitor.
BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City Council adopted the 2024 Legislative Guidelines on January 22, 2024. The guidelines
provide a baseline for the City’s legislative advocates at the State and Federal level to advocate
on the City’s behalf in relation to proposed legislation. Where the Guidelines provide sufficient
direction, the City’s legislative advocates may discuss Palo Alto's interests with state legislators
and their staff and / or may prepare a letter of advocacy in alignment with the guidelines for
the Mayor's signature. This is key to enabling the City to weigh in on fast-moving developments.
For the April 9 Policy and Services Committee discussion, Townsend Public Affairs prepared the
attached memo (Attachment A) on bills in the current legislative session. The memo is
organized in the ’State Updates‘ section by highlighting a handful of bills and including specific
Palo Alto impact information for those bills. There are also four individual brief analyses as
Attachments B, C, D, and E on the same highlighted bills for further context and discussion for
the Committee. Additionally, the main Attachment A memo also lists other bills that Townsend
is monitoring on behalf of the City. Staff will continue to review these bills with Townsend as
they progress. If desired, Council members may also raise for discussion other legislation of
Palo Alto interest that is not listed in the memo or may recommend action on any of the bills
listed on the monitoring list. For example, the Mayor shared interest in learning more about SB
1164, AB 1886, AB 1820, AB 2814, AB 1794, AB 2943, AB 1772, AB 1779, and AB 1999. TPA is
reviewing these to see which ones to suggest for inclusion on the monitoring or position list
beyond what is already reflected on the list.
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 4
The Attachment A memo also includes a Federal update. The 2024 State legislative calendar
(which includes deadlines and other important dates) can be found online at:
https://www.assembly.ca.gov/system/files/2023-
10/2024%20Legislative%20Calendar%20Final.pdf. This calendar provides helpful context when
reviewing the bills included in the Townsend memo.
FISCAL/RESOURCE IMPACT
There is no additional funding needed for this update report. The City Council budgets annually
for the legislative advocacy services and these efforts are led by staff in the City Manager’s
Office with stakeholder support across departments on key issues.
STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT
Staff from multiple departments are involved in the legislative process in helping to review the
impacts of bills as well as discussing grant opportunities linked to state and federal programs.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The City’s legislative advocacy activities are not a project under section 15378(b)(25) of the
California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines (administrative activities that will not result in
direct or indirect physical changes in the environment).
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment A: Update Memo from Townsend Public Affairs
Attachment B: Bill Analysis on SB 1210
Attachment C: Bill Analysis on AB 2485
Attachment D: Bill Analysis on SB 903
Attachment E: Bill Analysis on SB 915
APPROVED BY:
Ed Shikada, City Manager
Item 1
Item 1 Staff Report
Packet Pg. 5
1
M E M O R A N D U M
To: Council Members Kou, Lythcott-Haims, and Tanaka
(Policy and Services Committee)
cc:Ed Shikada, City Manager; Chantal Cotton Gaines, Deputy City Manager
From: Townsend Public Affairs
Niccolo De Luca, Vice President
Carlin Shelby, Associate
Date: March 22, 2024
Subject: State and Federal Legislative Updates
Townsend Public Affairs, Inc. (TPA) has prepared this report for the City of Palo Alto’s Policy and
Services Committee to provide a summary of State and Federal efforts, highlight the current
status of the legislative process, and identify various pieces of legislation that may be of interest
to the City.
State Legislative Updates
The State Legislature convened the second year of the 2023-2024 legislative session on January
3, 2024. Since then, the Legislature has introduced a total of 2,124 bills before the bill introduction
deadline of February 16. Of the total bills introduced, there were 619 Senate Bills and 1,505
Assembly bills. This total is comparable to previous legislative sessions, which typically hover
around 2,000- 2,200 bill introductions total.
Following this bill introduction milestone, the months of March and April will continue to be focused
on policy committee hearings, which serve as the first filter for the consideration of the practical
impacts of proposed legislation. The first house policy committee process is a critical time to
suggest policy amendments to bills before they move on to their appropriations Committee for
consideration of their fiscal impact (if there is one) and the floor for consideration from the entire
legislative body. Notable trends that have emerged during the 2024 Legislative Session include
development impact fee transparency and delays, organized theft prevention, utility rate
affordability, and autonomous and active transportation reforms, among others.
Priority Legislation for the City of Palo Alto
1. Bills With City Positions
The following chart provides an overview of bills with pending positions taken as of March 22,
2024.
Item 1
Attachment A - Update
Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
Packet Pg. 6
2
BILL SUMMARY/STATUS CITY IMPACT POSITION
SB 1193
(Menjivar)
Phases out the sale and use of leaded airplane
fuel at airports in California
Status: Pending consideration from the Senate
Environmental Safety and Toxic Materials
Committee
This bill is likely to result in
airplane emissions and
health impacts associated
with the flight paths over the
City, which aligns with the
City’s Legislative Guidelines.
City Position:
Support
2. Bills With Recommended Action
The following chart features four measures that TPA advocates have identified at this time with
recommendations for the City to take a formal position on. Based on the existing legislative
guidelines, the City could take these positions through Mayoral review pending Council
consideration and approval.
BILL SUMMARY / STATUS CITY IMPACT RECOMMENDATION
SB 1210
(Skinner)
Prohibits utility hook-up fees from exceeding 1%
of the reported building permit value of the unit
for new housing construction.
Status: Pending consideration from the Senate
Energy, Utilities, and Communications
Committee.
If passed, this bill could
negatively impact local utility
revenues and could impact
service quality long-term.
Recommendation:
Oppose
AB 2485
(Carrillo)
Enhances transparency in HCD’s regional
housing needs calculation process by creating an
advisory panel and requiring the publication of
methodologies used on HCD’s website.
Status: Pending consideration from the Assembly
Housing Committee.
For future RHNA cycles, this
bill would increase
transparency for how HCD
calculates its regional
housing needs numbers,
which could offer the City
more clarity moving forward.
Recommendation:
Support
SB 903
(Skinner)
Beginning 2030, prohibits the manufacture,
distribution, or sale of any product that contains
intentionally added PFAS. Requires the
Department of Toxic Substances Control to
include on its website products that meet criteria
for unavoidable use and requires them to be
reassessed regularly.
Status: Pending consideration from the Senate
Environmental Quality Committee.
If passed, this bill could work
to reduce the presence of
“forever chemicals” in public
water supplies, thus
increasing public health and
alleviating costs and
resources associated with its
remediation.
Recommendation:
Support
SB 915
(Cortese)
Grants local authority over the operations and
regulations for autonomous self-driving vehicles.
Status: Pending consideration from Senate Local
Government Committee.
Given the presence of self-
driving vehicles in the City
and the Bay Area, this bill
would offer the city more
local control over the
operations of these vehicles
to protect the public’s safety.
Recommendation:
Support
Item 1
Attachment A - Update
Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
Packet Pg. 7
3
3. Notable bills with Recommendations to Monitor Progress
The following chart encompasses priority legislation TPA advocates are monitoring on behalf of
the City (in addition to the bills listed in the previous tables). Any positions shared beyond
“Monitoring” is as of this moment based on current TPA advocates recommendations and are
subject to change, pending a review of each bill’s impact on the City. Should the City Council or
staff note any additional pieces of legislation to incorporate into this chart, TPA advocates will
gladly accommodate.
BILL SUMMARY POSITION
Energy and Utilities
AB 2037
(Papan)
Grants county sealers jurisdiction over publicly-operated electric vehicle (EV)
charger to test all weight and measuring devices. Authorizes county sealers to
charge a "registration fee" to cities they service.
Monitoring
AB 2427
(McCarty)
Requires GO-Biz's Zero-Emission Vehicle Market Development Office to
develop a model permitting checklist, model zoning ordinances, and best
practices for permit costs and permit review timelines to help local
governments permit curbside charging stations as part of the office’s
development of the Electric Vehicle Charging Station Permitting Guidebook or
any subsequent updates. The bill would also require the office to consult with
local governments, electric vehicle service providers, and utilities while
developing the above-described materials.
Monitoring
AB 2601
(Ramos)
Requires that energy-efficient appliances provided pursuant to the Energy
Savings Assistance Program shall only replace natural gas appliances with
electric appliances.
Monitoring
AB 2619
(Connolly)
Repeals the CPUC net energy metering 3.0 (NEM 3.0) ruling that cut
incentives for customers to install solar and would restore the previous net
energy metering incentives/market.
Monitoring
AB 3011 (Bains)
Provides that any electrical rate schedule that imposes rates on vulnerable
customers (senior citizens, medically or economically vulnerable, etc.) above
baseline rates during any hour where the temperature is above 90 degrees
Fahrenheit for the duration of the hour is considered an unreasonable
hardship.
Monitoring
Environmental Quality
AB 2346 (Lee)
Authorizes local jurisdictions to be credited for the procurement of recovered
organic waste products through an agreement with a direct service provider
and would allow the direct service provider agreement to include the
procurement of recovered organic waste products on a prospective or
retrospective basis as long as the purchase of those products occurs during
the year for which the local jurisdiction seeks credit. The bill also allows local
governments to count investments made for the expansion of capacity of
compostable materials into their procurement targets.
Monitoring
Item 1
Attachment A - Update
Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
Packet Pg. 8
4
BILL SUMMARY POSITION
Governance and Transparency
AB 2032 (Addis)
Existing law establishes Brown Act remote teleconferencing allowances for
local agency officials and limits them to no more than 3 consecutive months or
20% of the regular meetings for the local agency within a calendar year, or
more than 2 meetings if the legislative body regularly meets fewer than 10
times per calendar year. This bill would revise those limits, instead prohibiting
such participation for more than a specified number of meetings per year,
based on how frequently the legislative body regularly meets.
Monitoring
SB 1032
(Seyarto)
Allows local agencies additional time to respond to PRA requests during a
state of emergency.Monitoring
Homelessness
AB 2338
(Jones-Sawyer)
Requires the Governor to appoint a Statewide Homelessness Coordinator to
serve as the lead person for ending homelessness in California. The
Coordinator would be tasked with identifying a local leader in eeach local
government throughout the state to collaborate on homeless solutions.
Monitoring
SB 1011
(Jones)
Prohibits unhoused individuals from loitering on public property, so long as
peace officers provide them with 72 hours of notice and resources related to
available services and housing.
Monitoring
Housing and Land Use
AB 1889
(Friedman)
Requires local governments to incorporate a wildlife connectivity plan into the
next update or amendment to its general plan beginning after January 1, 2025 Monitoring
AB 1886
(Alvarez)
Clarifies that the builder’s remedy is applicable to cities and counties that have
not received official certification of housing element compliance from HCD.
Additionally creates a rebuttable presumption of the validity of HCD’s findings
as to whether an adopted element or amendment complies with housing law.
Monitoring
AB 2243
(Wicks)
Makes various changes to the objective standards and affordability and site
criteria applicable to an affordable housing development or mixed-income
housing development subject to the streamlined, ministerial review process
under AB 2011 (Statutes of 2023)
Monitoring
AB 2430
(Alvarez)
Prohibits local governments from charging monitoring fees on developments
that include a 100% affordability component for lower income households and
have received a density bonus. Additionally, the bill phases out all monitoring
fees on existing properties that meet these standards beginning 2025.
Monitoring
AB 2553
(Friedman)
Revises zoning standards by which a local government may impose a
vehicular traffic impact fee from a “transit station” to a “major transit stop,” thus
narrowing the applicability of sites eligible for the imposition of those fees. The
bill further modifies the definition of what constitutes a major transit stop to
increase the frequency of service intervals from 15 to 20 minutes.
Monitoring
AB 2584 (Lee) Prevents institutional investors that own more than 1,000 single-family homes
from purchasing additional properties and converting them into rentals. Monitoring
AB 3057
(Wilson)
exempts from CEQA the adoption of an ordinance by a city or county to
provide for the creation of junior accessory dwelling units in single-family
residential zones.
Monitoring
Item 1
Attachment A - Update
Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
Packet Pg. 9
5
BILL SUMMARY POSITION
SB 1211
(Skinner)
Streamlines the development of ADUs on properties with multifamily housing.
(In spot form, lacks substantive language) Monitoring
SB 1212
(Skinner)
Bars hedge funds and other corporate investment entities from buying single-
family homes in California.Monitoring
Labor Relations and Retirement
AB 2561
(McKinnor)
Requires each public agency with bargaining unit vacancy rates exceeding
10% for more than 90 days within the past 180 days to meet and confer with a
representative of the recognized employee organization to produce, publish,
and implement a plan consisting of specified components to fill all vacant
positions within the subsequent 180 days.
Monitoring
SB 1116
(Portantino)
Allows striking workers to collect unemployment insurance benefits after two
weeks. Monitoring
Public Safety
AB 2309
(Muratsuchi)
Authorizes the city attorney of any general law city or chartered city to
prosecute any misdemeanor committed within the city arising out of violation
of state law without the consent of the district attorney.
Monitoring
AB 2574
(Alvarez)
Codifies existing case law from 2019, which determined that unlicensed
recovery homes operating as part of a licensed treatment facility located
elsewhere may be considered unlawful business use within a residential zone.
Monitoring
SB 22 (Umberg)
Proposes Proposition 47 reforms including aggregating theft amounts to
amount to grant theft felony, adding enhancements for organized theft crimes,
includes enhancements for the trafficking and furnishing of fentanyl, among
other provisions.
Monitoring
SB 905 (Wiener)
Removes hurdles to prosecutors holding auto burglars accountable by
removing the requirement that a victim prove a vehicle was locked in order to
establish a crime.
Monitoring
Revenue and Taxation
AB 2488 (Ting)
Authorizes a local government to designate one or more downtown
revitalization and economic recovery financing districts for the purpose of
financing office-to-residential conversion projects with incremental tax
revenues generated by office-to-residential conversion projects within the
district.
Monitoring
AB 2813
(Aguiar-Curry)
Makes statutory changes to ACA 1 which will appear on the November 2024
ballot to lower the voter threshold for the passage of general obligation bonds
from 2/3 to 55%. This bill modifies the allowable uses of funds generated via
bonds to include affordable housing programs. Further, the bill specifies that
special taxes are limited to a useful life of at least 15 years or 5 years if the
funds are used for public safety purposes. The bill also specifies that a local
government may commit revenues to projects or programs administered by
nonprofit organizations for affordable or permanent supportive housing
programs.
Monitoring
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BILL SUMMARY POSITION
SB 955
(Seyarto)
Requires the Office of Planning and Research, upon appropriation by the
Legislature, to establish the Infrastructure Gap-Fund Program to provide
grants to assist local agencies in developing and constructing infrastructure
projects.
Monitoring
Transportation
AB 2744
(McCarty)
Beginning on January 1, 2025, prohibits the addition of a right-turn or travel
lane within 20 feet of a marked or unmarked crosswalk where there is not
already a dedicated and marked right-turn or travel lane, and prohibits
vehicles from using this 20-foot area for right turns unless the area is already
marked as a dedicated right-turn lane before January 1, 2025.
Monitoring
SB 1031
(Wiener)
Authorizes Bay Area voters to consider a measure to fund climate-friendly
transportation investments in the San Francisco Bay Area as early as 2026.
requires a minimum of $750 million in revenues from a future Bay Area
transportation measure to be annually allocated to public transportation
operations and regional transit coordination initiatives directly related to
operations spending,
Monitoring
State Budget Update
State lawmakers this year are focused on mediating the issues associated with an anticipated
budget deficit. Following the release of the Governor’s January Budget Proposal which outlined
a spending plan to absorb the impacts of a $38 billion deficit, the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s
Office (LAO) did its own update to State Revenues and projected deficit. The LAO reports a
revised budget shortfall of $73 billion which is $15 billion more than was previously forecasted in
December. These numbers contrast significantly with the Governor’s budget proposal, mostly due
to anticipations surrounding revenue returns.
The LAO said that the actual budget shortfall will depend on a variety of factors, such as
mandatory Proposition 98 spending on schools and community colleges. To mitigate the impacts
of this anticipated shortfall, the LAO suggests that lawmakers find “new budget solutions” to
ensure a balanced budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year. The LAO said solutions could include
increasing revenue, reducing either – or both – one-time and ongoing spending, and exploring
the possibility of cost shifts or dipping into reserves.
Lawmakers are exploring a number of proposed avenues to temporarily cut one-time spending to
manage the issue, totaling $16 billion. Categories of cuts include business and labor, criminal
justice, education, health and human services, housing and homelessness, resources and
environment, and transportation.
Looking forward, the budget process will continue to unfold with the introduction of April tax
receipts, which could change the deficit picture. The Department of Finance emphasizes that the
State is still forecasted to see more than $51 billion in income and corporate tax receipts. The
State’s progressive taxing structure oftentimes leads to a boom and bust cycle with most revenues
tied to the performance of high-income earners. This creates volatile budget cycles, which can
change within a matter of months depending on revenue returns.
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Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
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The Legislature is in the process of creating a counter-budget proposal which will kick off
negotiations between both houses and the Governor’s office. The next few weeks will feature
budget committee hearings and additional insights into the Legislature’s spending and saving
priorities.
FEDERAL UPDATES
Update on Congressionally Directed Spending Submittal
The City/TPA team worked in partnership to draft, fine-tune, and submit a congressionally directed
spending request for infrastructure funding to help redevelop the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park.
The Park, a locally significant affordable housing resource, is in desperate need of sustainable
redevelopment, including 100% electrification. An award would assist the predominantly Latinx
and very low-income residents who call it home. This application was in partnership with the Santa
Clara County Housing Authority and was submitted to Senator Padilla, Senator Feinstein, and
Congresswoman Eshoo.
On March 9, the President signed the first tranche of Appropriations Bills into law, which included
the earmark for the Buena Vista Mobile Home Park in the amount of $850,000. The funding is
expected to be delivered to the Santa Clara County Housing Authority within the next few weeks.
Looking forward, the TPA team has completed an application for funding from the FY 2025
congressionally directed spending request process to Senator Butler for the Fire Station #4
Replacement Project in the amount of $3 million. TPA will replicate this application to put forward
for Senator Padilla and Congresswoman Eshoo as well.
Federal Budget Update
On March 22, congressional leaders reached an agreement with the White House on a package
of funding bills, finally bringing the Fiscal Year 2024 federal government funding debate to a close.
The deal includes roughly $1.2 trillion in funding for key federal departments. These include the
Departments of:
•Defense
•Homeland Security
•State
•Treasury
•Labor
•Health and Human Services
•Education
In a true sign of compromise, leaders from both political parties claimed legislative victories as
part of the agreement. Congressional Republicans are touting a boost in migrant detention beds
from 34,000 to 42,000, a pay increase for US troops, cuts to diversity programs and the
Pentagon’s climate change program, and a six percent cut to foreign aid. Democrats are
celebrating 12,000 new visas for Afghan migrants, as well as increases to Title I education
funding, Head Start, cancer research, and Alzheimer’s research.
Additionally, this latest package would boost funding for the Defense and Homeland Security
departments and provide a 5.2% pay raise for troops. State-Foreign Operations funding would be
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reduced by six percent from Fiscal Year 2023 levels; other agencies, such as the Education
Department, would also be cut. The bill also includes funding for the construction of a new FBI
headquarters.
The agreement, which had been held up in recent weeks over Homeland Security funding, would
expand detention facilities for migrants but doesn’t include sweeping border policy changes
Republicans sought.
Other policy riders included in the package are a measure that bans US embassies from
displaying LGBTQ+ Pride flags, block funding for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency,
prohibits the government from banning gas stoves, and provides 12,000 new visas for Afghans
who helped the US during the Afghanistan War. The longstanding Hyde Amendment, which
restricts funds for most abortions, is maintained, while other Republican-backed abortion
restrictions were omitted.
Finally, the measure rescinds about $20 billion in tax enforcement funds for the IRS provided by
Democrats’ 2022 tax, health, and climate law.
Congress will now immediately turn its attention toward funding for Fiscal Year 2025.
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Memo from Townsend
Public Affairs
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State Capitol Office ▪ 925 L Street • Suite 1404 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • Phone (916) 447-4086 • Fax (916) 444-0383
Federal Office ▪ 600 Pennsylvania SE • Suite 207 • Washington, DC 20003 • Phone (202) 546-8696 • Fax (202) 546-4555
Southern California Office ▪ 1401 Dove Street • Suite 330 • Newport Beach, CA 92660 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Central California Office ▪ 744 P Street • Suite 308 • Fresno, CA 93721 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Northern California Office ▪ 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza • Suite 204 • Oakland, CA 94612 • Phone (510) 835-9050 • Fax (510) 835-9030
MEMO
M E M O R A N D U M
To:City of Palo Alto
From:Townsend Public Affairs
Date:March 15, 2024
Subject: Bill Analysis: SB 1210 (Skinner)
The official text of SB 1210 can be found here.
Summary
SB 1210 requires, for new housing construction projects, that a connection, capacity, or other
point of connection charge from a public utility does not exceed 1% of the reported building permit
value of the housing unit. Specifically, SB 1210:
•Defines “public utility” to mean an electrical corporation, a gas corporation, a sewer system
corporation, or a water corporation.
•Applies its provisions to both public utility districts and special districts that provide public
utility services.
•Requires that the 1% of the building permit value of the unit charge be stabilized over a
period of 10 years commencing on the date when the housing unit is first occupied. If the
housing unit is sold before the expiration of that period, the subsequent owners of the
housing unit shall continue paying the charge over the remainder of that period.
•Requires public utility districts to publicly report on their internet website the amount of any
charge issued each year.
•Requires public utility providers to prioritize the processing, approval, scheduling, and
completion of electrical, gas, sewer, and water service connections to new housing
construction over the processing, approval, scheduling, and completion of service
connections to all other structures.
Status
SB 1210 has been referred to the Senate Committee on Energy, Utilities, and Communications
and will be considered on April 2.
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Analysis on SB 1210
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Author’s Statement
While no official committee analysis has been published yet, a press release from the Author’s
website states the following about SB 1210.
“SB 1210, meanwhile, would address the costly hook-up fees levied on new housing. Currently,
hook-up fees for electric, gas, sewer, or water service can add tens of thousands of dollars to the
cost of each housing unit, including ADUs. Under SB 1210, each utility hook-up fee would be
capped at 1% of the cost of the building permit value of the housing unit. In addition, property
owners would be allowed to pay hook-up fees over a 10-year period, rather than upfront.
SB 1210 would also require utilities to post on their websites the fees they charge and to prioritize
housing utility hook-ups over other structures.”
Support and Opposition
There are no officially recorded entities registered in support or opposition as of March 22. The
release of the measure’s first policy committee analysis will reveal more.
Recommended Position
Oppose
This measure seeks to drastically reduce the ability of public utility districts to recoup costs
associated with the connection of new units to utilities, which would mean local utility districts
would need to subsidize a portion of these costs without reimbursement. Given that the City of
Palo Alto operates its own full suite of utilities, this could impact revenues and service delivery.
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Attachment B - Bill
Analysis on SB 1210
Packet Pg. 15
State Capitol Office ▪ 925 L Street • Suite 1404 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • Phone (916) 447-4086 • Fax (916) 444-0383
Federal Office ▪ 600 Pennsylvania SE • Suite 207 • Washington, DC 20003 • Phone (202) 546-8696 • Fax (202) 546-4555
Southern California Office ▪ 1401 Dove Street • Suite 330 • Newport Beach, CA 92660 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Central California Office ▪ 744 P Street • Suite 308 • Fresno, CA 93721 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Northern California Office ▪ 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza • Suite 204 • Oakland, CA 94612 • Phone (510) 835-9050 • Fax (510) 835-9030
MEMO
M E M O R A N D U M
To:City of Palo Alto
From:Townsend Public Affairs
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject: Bill Analysis: AB 2485 (Carrillo)
The official text of AB 2485 can be found here.
Summary
AB 2485 (Carrillo) seeks to enhance transparency in the Department of Housing and Community
Development’s (HCD) regional housing needs calculation process by creating an advisory panel
and requiring the publication of methodologies used on HCD’s website. Specifically, AB 2485:
•Requires, for the 7th and subsequent revision cycles of the housing element, the assembly
and convening of an advisory panel that includes, among others, an expert on the data
assumptions by each council of governments to advise HCD on the assumptions and
methodology it will use to determine each region housing need.
•Requires the advisory panel to be comprised of the following:
o A United States Census Bureau-affiliated practitioner.
o An expert on population projections and transportation needs, and
o A representative from the council of governments.
•Requires HCD to publish on its Internet website the data sources, analyses, and
methodology, including the assumptions and factors used in and applied to the
Department of Finance projections and engagement process with the council of
governments, prior to finalization of the regional determination.
Status
AB 2485 was amended into its current form on March 19 and is pending policy committee
scheduling.
Author’s Statement
“In March 2022, the State Auditor conducted an emergency audit to examine the RHNA process
and identified several errors in HCD’s housing projections, resulting in a decrease in the housing
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Analysis on AB 2485
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amounts. Specifically, Sacramento COG fell short by 2,484 housing units and Santa Barbara
COG by 1,338 units.
The State Auditor attributed HCD’s miscalculations to a lack of oversight in staff data entry and a
failure to consider all factors required by state law in its estimates. Additionally, the State Auditor
stated that shortcomings in calculations and support for HCD’s factor considerations risk eroding
public confidence in their ability to provide accurate information to COGs about housing needs.
In 2021, the Orange County COGs filed a lawsuit against HCD, claiming that HCD used inaccurate
data rates in their evaluations. In a separate lawsuit, individuals and nonprofit corporations argued
that HCD failed to consider factors required by law in its assessment for the San Francisco Bay
Area COGs.
The State Auditor recommended a formal review process and thorough documentation measures
to ensure that all RHNA calculations provided to COGs by the HCD are accurate.
AB 2485 aims for transparency in the RHNA determination process by providing COGs, housing
stakeholders, members of the public, and all interested parties with information on the data
sources, analyses, and calculation methods used by HCD. This bill would establish a formal
review process by creating an expert panel to advise HCD on its assumptions, data, and analyses
prior to a final RHNA determination.”
Support and Opposition
AB 2485 is officially sponsored by the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG).
There are no officially recorded entities registered in support or opposition as of March 22. The
release of the measure’s first policy committee analysis will reveal more.
Recommended Position
Support
This bill will increase local government stakeholder engagement on the RHNA allocations for
future cycles of the housing element revision process. This in turn will increase transparency and
ensure that HCD is responsible for its methodologies in assessing regional housing needs
allocations.
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Attachment C - Bill
Analysis on AB 2485
Packet Pg. 17
State Capitol Office ▪ 925 L Street • Suite 1404 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • Phone (916) 447-4086 • Fax (916) 444-0383
Federal Office ▪ 600 Pennsylvania SE • Suite 207 • Washington, DC 20003 • Phone (202) 546-8696 • Fax (202) 546-4555
Southern California Office ▪ 1401 Dove Street • Suite 330 • Newport Beach, CA 92660 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Central California Office ▪ 744 P Street • Suite 308 • Fresno, CA 93721 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Northern California Office ▪ 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza • Suite 204 • Oakland, CA 94612 • Phone (510) 835-9050 • Fax (510) 835-9030
MEMO
M E M O R A N D U M
To:City of Palo Alto
From:Townsend Public Affairs
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject: Bill Analysis: SB 903 (Skinner)
The official text of SB 903 can be found here.
Summary
SB 903 prevents the sale and use of products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances —
commonly known as “PFAS” — unless the use of PFAS in the product is necessary and there is
not a safer alternative available. Specifically, SB 903:
•Prohibits a person from distributing, selling, or offering for sale a product that contains
intentionally added PFAS by 2030
•Provides a narrow exemption if the Department of Toxic Substances Control has made a
determination that the use of PFAS in the product is currently unavoidable, the prohibition
is preempted by federal law, or the product is used.
•Requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to maintain on its internet website
a list of each determination of currently unavoidable use, when each determination
expires, and the products and uses that are exempt from the prohibition.
•Imposes a civil penalty for a violation of the prohibition. Additionally establishes the PFAS
Penalty Account and requires all civil penalties received to be deposited into that account
and, upon appropriation by the Legislature, to be used for the administration and
enforcement of the provisions.
•Requires the Department of Toxic Substances Control to adopt regulations to implement
the provisions of the bill by 2027.
Status
SB 903 has been referred to the Senate Environmental Committee with a hearing date set for
April 3.
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Analysis on SB 903
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Author’s Statement
“PFAS are used in a wide range of products because of their stain- and water-resistant and
nonstick properties. Forever chemicals are used in clothing, packaging, plastic food ware,
cleaning products, ski waxes, menstrual products, metal products, paints, propellants, coatings,
and much more.
According to a new data report by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), PFAS has
been found in water systems serving at least 25.4 million Californians. A study commissioned by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identified PFAS in the breast milk, umbilical cord
blood, or bloodstreams of 98% of participants. A 2023 report by the U.S. Geological Survey
estimated that nearly half of the nation's tap water is contaminated with forever chemicals. In
addition to being associated to higher rates of kidney and testicular cancer, exposure to PFAS
has been linked to high cholesterol and harmful impacts on the liver, kidneys, and immune,
nervous, and reproductive systems.
Toxic PFAS chemicals have contaminated our water, air, food, and even our bodies. PFAS can
cause harm at vanishingly low levels — and yet we continue to pump out vast new quantities of
them into the worl. This bill is a sensible and comprehensive approach to phase out unnecessary
uses of PFAS so that we stop adding to an already enormous problem.”
Support and Opposition
SB 903 is sponsored by the California Association of Sanitation Agencies, Breast Cancer
Prevention Partners, Clean Water Action, and Environmental Working Group. The release of the
measure’s first policy committee analysis will reveal more.
Recommended Position
Support
This bill could result in public health benefits and resource and cost savings associated with
removing PFAS from public water utilities.
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Attachment D - Bill
Analysis on SB 903
Packet Pg. 19
State Capitol Office ▪ 925 L Street • Suite 1404 • Sacramento, CA 95814 • Phone (916) 447-4086 • Fax (916) 444-0383
Federal Office ▪ 600 Pennsylvania SE • Suite 207 • Washington, DC 20003 • Phone (202) 546-8696 • Fax (202) 546-4555
Southern California Office ▪ 1401 Dove Street • Suite 330 • Newport Beach, CA 92660 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Central California Office ▪ 744 P Street • Suite 308 • Fresno, CA 93721 • Phone (949) 399-9050 • Fax (949) 476-8215
Northern California Office ▪ 300 Frank Ogawa Plaza • Suite 204 • Oakland, CA 94612 • Phone (510) 835-9050 • Fax (510) 835-9030
MEMO
M E M O R A N D U M
To:City of Palo Alto
From:Townsend Public Affairs
Date:March 22, 2024
Subject: Bill Analysis: SB 915 (Cortese)
The official text of SB 915 can be found here.
Summary
SB 915 grants local governments control over the rules and regulations self-driving autonomous
vehicles must follow before being deployed within communities. Specifically, SB 915:
•Prohibits an autonomous vehicle service from operating within a jurisdiction unless
authorized by a local government ordinance.
•Authorizes each city, county, or city and county in which an autonomous vehicle has
received authorization to operate, to protect the public health, safety, and welfare by
adopting an ordinance or resolution in regard to autonomous vehicle services within that
jurisdiction.
•Requires local governments that adopt an ordinance or resolution to include certain
provisions within that ordinance or resolution. These would include a policy for entry into
the business of providing autonomous vehicle services including a permitting program, the
establishment of reasonable vehicle caps and hours of service restrictions, and the
establishment of an interoperability or override system accessible by first responders in
case of an emergency.
•Authorizes local governments to levy service charges, fees, or assessments in the amount
sufficient to pay for the costs of carrying out an ordinance or resolution adopted in regard
to autonomous vehicle services.
•Makes it unlawful to operate an autonomous vehicle service without a valid permit to
operate issued by the local jurisdiction in which the service is substantially located, with
violations subject to administrative fines.
•Authorizes a local government to enter into an agreement with another local government
to form a joint powers authority or into an agreement with a transit agency for the purpose
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Analysis on SB 915
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of regulating or administering autonomous vehicle services within jurisdictional
boundaries.
Status
SB 915 has been referred to the Senate Local Government Committee with a hearing date
scheduled for April 3.
Author’s Statement
None available at this time
Support and Opposition
SB 915 is sponsored by the League of California Cities and has received support from other Bay
Area jurisdictions with autonomous vehicle operating agreements in place. The official committee
analysis will reveal a more comprehensive list of supporters and opponents.
Recommended Position
Support
This bill provides for additional local control over the operations and licensing of autonomous
vehicle services. Given Palo Alto’s location in the Bay Area and proximity to tech sectors, this bill
could provide additional guardrails for future agreements with autonomous vehicle companies,
providing for the safety and well-being of residents.
Item 1
Attachment E - Bill
Analysis on SB 915
Packet Pg. 21