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/�.4-g .......... 1 -e . g!slative .. Bi11 .. Action .............. through no fault of the local agency, a construction assessments from businesses as well. The bill ^Iso _ contractor or subcontractor fails to pay prevailing gives cities the option of issuing bonds to financE wages to its workers. In times of great fiscal re- proposed improvements in BIDs. The term of a BIL` straint, cities do not need additional lawsuits over may be extended from the existing cap of 10 years matters that are not within their control. This bill to the maximum term of any bonded indebtedness. would still place public agencies in a position of Both the House and Senate approved A 944 at the either being forced to claim a project as a"public end of the legislative session, and the bill now work" so that we are not bearing the risk later or awaits action on the Governor's desk. Staff: Dan forced to bear the risk if DIR later makes such Carrigg, Status: Governor's Desk, Position: determination. Staff: Natasha Fooman, Status: Request for Signature. Governor's Desk Position: Request for Veto. AB 218 (Simitian) Housing Elements: Defini- SB 868 (Dunn). Prevailing Wages. B 8 8 tions. AB 18 requires the Department of Housing would unnecessarily raise prevailing wage rates and Community Development to defer to the De- that are paid on public works projects. SB 868 wi11 partment of Finance in any disputes over the increase the cost of capital projects as well as application of the "housing unit" definition. The bill increase cities, counties, and the State's adminis- directs the Department of Finance to make a written tration time in assuring the industry advancement determination about the dispute based on the most and collective bargaining of administrative fees are recent definition of a housing unit from the United properly documented and handled. With the recent States Census Bureau. There are many issues substantial cuts in state and federal funding for the associated with the state housing element review critical maintenance of our infrastructure, this bill is process that lack clarity, including the definition not only unwarranted, but detrimental to cities and "housing unit." This bill would at least improve the counties. SB 868 aims to create a level playing process by emphasizing the use of existing federal field for both union and non-union contractors, but definition. AB 218 was approved by both the instead it increases the prevailing wage rate for Senate and Assembly, and now awaits action on the non-union contractors. Staff: Natasha Fooman; Governor's Desk. Staff: Dan Carrigg, Status: Status: Governor's Desk; Position: Request for Governor's Desk, Position: Request for Signa- Veto. ture. HOUSING AND LAND USE AB 1631 (Salinas) School Facilities. AB 1 31 will altow a school district to receive a supplemental AB 944 (Steinberg). Parking and Business with a tory ng witho t�equ �i�ng theacility Improvement Areas: Benefit Assessments. school to operate on an multi-track, year-round This measure makes Business Improvement Dis- (MTYR) schedule. The League has historically iricts (BID) law more flexible for local governments. supported legislation designed to ensure that The establishment and maintenance of BIDs plays school districts have the flexibility to upgrade their an important role in urban revitalization in many existing facilities and remain in neighborhoods, communities in California by targeting economically rather than moving to new locations on the outskirts disadvantaged or underutilized areas for renewal. of our communities. This concept is consistent with AB 944 enhances city capacity for establishing and the principles of supporting "smart growth" adopted managing these districts by expanding city authority by the League in 19gg. By remaining in an exist- to collect assessments to support local efforts to ing location, a school will continue to serve adjacent provide improvements and promote activities that neighborhoods and create cost savings for local benefit real property or business in a designated governments by reducing the need to expand improvement area. Existing law allows cities to infrastructure in other areas to support a new assess property owners in a BID, and AB 944 would school. A 16 1 has been sent to the governor's expand local authority to allow cities to collect desk, where it awaits signature. Staff: Dan PAGE 8/PRIORITY FOCUS Visit the League's Official Web Site--www,cacities.org