AgdaPkt 2008-08-04 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

8A Page 5 Legislative Action - 5B 1617 and AB 2447 Earlier this year, two bills were introduced with the same goals as the Emergency Response Initiative. 5B 1617 (Kehoe) would require the State Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, on or before July 1, 2009, to adopt emergency regulations to establish a fire prevention fee of $50 to be charged on each structure on a parcel that is subject to property taxes and is within a state responsibility area. The board would be required to adjust the fire prevention fee annually using methods as prescribed in the bill. SB 1617 is currently on the Assembly Appropriations Committee suspense file. AB 2447 (Jones) would require a county board of supervisors to deny approval of a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required. if the proposed map is in a state responsibility area or a very high fire hazard severity zone. The supervisors may approve a tentative map, or a parcel map for which a tentative map was not required, with specified exceptions. AB 2447 Is expected to be heard on Aug. 4 in the Senate Appropriations Committee. It is undear If these bills will continue to move if the Emergency Response Initiative receives final approval. League staff will monitor the progress of the two bills as well as the initiative and will issue an update through Priority Focus. League Supports State Green Building Standards The green building code released by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger lastweek places California at the forefront of energy conservation and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from new buildings. Recently adopted by the California Building Standards Commission, the League commends the Governor's readership in developing the code. The new code is consistent with the League's policy to support programs and legislation that encourage sustainable building practices, induding energy and water efficiency. In a statement issued by the League on July 21, Executive Director Chris McKenzie acknowledged the impact the new standards will have. ~These new codes and standards will help the state move forward in meeting its efforts to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions," said McKenzie. "We appreciate the Governor's leadership on this issue. This is a prime example of why earlier this year the League presented the Governor with our first Sustainable Community Leadership Award. H Administration Releases Health Care Reform Language Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's Administration launched a Web site (htto:/Ioor.ca.Qov/temp) with information about language pertaining to Phase I of Its comprehensive health care refonn. This phase focuses on cost, containment, prevention and consumer protection of health care reform. The new Web site, htto:lloor.ca.Qov/temo contains the following sections: . 24-Hour Coverage Pilot . Balance Billing . E-Prescribing . Healthy Action Healthy Rewards Program . Medical Loss Ratio . Medi-Cal Managed Care Surveys . Non-Payment of Adverse Events . Nurse Practioner Scope . Patient Safety Plan 5