HomeMy WebLinkAboutBOARD STANDING COMMITTEES - 02082021 - Legislation Cte Agenda PktLEGISLATION COMMITTEE
February 8, 2021
1:00 P.M.
Virtual Meeting via Zoom
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Conference code: 219464
Meeting ID: 350 176 3799
Supervisor Diane Burgis, Chair
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Vice Chair
Agenda
Items:
Items may be taken out of order based on the business of the day and preference
of the Committee
1.Introductions
2.Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on this
agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
3.RECEIVE and APPROVE the Record of Action for the December 3, 2020
meeting of the Legislation Committee, with any necessary corrections.
4.ACCEPT the report on the 2021-22 State Budget and Legislation of Interest to
Contra Costa County, and provide direction to staff and state lobbyists.
5.RECOMMEND to the Board of Supervisors an amendment to the adopted
2021-22 Federal Legislative Platform to include the principle related to
COVID-19 recovery that supports climate change initiatives. RECOMMEND to
the Board of Supervisors an amendment to the adopted 2021-22 State Legislative
Platform to include principles related to (1) support for progressive design-build
in project delivery for construction contracts; and (2) support for legislation to
facilitate public meeting attendance, participation, and accessibility through
virtual/technological means.
6.ACCEPT the report on President Biden's American Rescue Plan and provide
direction to staff and federal lobbyists, as needed.
7.ACCEPT the report from Dr. William Walker on health care related advocacy
efforts at the state and federal levels.
8.CONSIDER finding AB 240 (Rodriguez): Local Health Department Workforce
Assessment consistent with the Board's adopted 2021-22 State Legislative
Platform, as recommended by Daniel Peddycord, Public Health Director.
9.The next meeting is currently scheduled for Monday, March 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., via
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9.The next meeting is currently scheduled for Monday, March 8, 2021 at 1:00 p.m., via
Zoom.
The proposed meeting schedule for the Legislation Committee for 2021 is as follows:
DATE ROOM TIME
February 8, 2021 ZOOM 1:00 pm
March 8, 2021 ZOOM 1:00 pm
April 12, 2021 1:00 pm
May 10, 2021 1:00 pm
June 14, 2021 1:00 pm
July 12, 2021 1:00 pm
August 9, 2021 1:00 pm
September 13, 2021 1:00 pm
October 11, 2021 1:00 pm
November 8, 2021 1:00 pm
December 13, 2021 1:00 pm
10.Adjourn
The Legislation Committee will provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities
planning to attend Legislation Committee meetings. Contact the staff person listed below at least
72 hours before the meeting.
Any disclosable public records related to an open session item on a regular meeting agenda and
distributed by the County to a majority of members of the Legislation Committee less than 96
hours prior to that meeting are available for public inspection at 1025 Escobar St., 4th Floor,
Martinez, during normal business hours.
Public comment may be submitted via electronic mail on agenda items at least one full work day
prior to the published meeting time.
For Additional Information Contact:
Lara DeLaney, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 655-2057, Fax (925) 655-2066
lara.delaney@cao.cccounty.us
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 3.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:Record of Action for Legislation Committee Meeting
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-01
Referral Name: Record of Action
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
County Ordinance requires that each County body keep a record of its meetings. Though the
record need not be verbatim, it must accurately reflect the agenda and the decisions made in the
meeting.
Referral Update:
Attached is the draft Record of Action for the December 3, 2020 meeting of the Committee.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE and APPROVE the Record of Action for the December 3, 2020 meeting.
Attachments
DRAFT Record of Action
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D R A F T
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
RECORD OF ACTION FOR
December 3, 2020
Supervisor Diane Burgis, Vice Chair
Supervisor Karen Mitchoff, Chair
Present: Diane Burgis, Vice Chair
Karen Mitchoff, Chair
Staff Present:Lara DeLaney, Senior Deputy County Administrator, staff to Committee; Jocelyn
Stortz, Director of Environmental Health; John Cunningham, Principal Planner, DCD;
Erick Untal, Legislative Analyst, EHSD; Mark Goodwin, Chief of Staff, District III; Tim
Ewell, Assistant CAO; Lynn Peralta, Division Manager, EHSD; Cassie Hourlland,
Contra Costa County CoC Manager
Attendees:James Gross, Michelle Rubalcava; Aly Brown; Paul Schlesinger; William Walker;
Perrin Badini; Dom Pruett
1.Introductions
Chair Mitchoff convened the meeting at 2:30 p.m. with introductions of herself and Vice Chair
Burgis.
2.Public comment on any item under the jurisdiction of the Committee and not on
this agenda (speakers may be limited to three minutes).
No public comment was provided to the Committee.
3.RECEIVE and APPROVE the Record of Action for the September 14, 2020
meeting.
The Record of Action for the September 14, 2020 meeting was approved as presented.
AYE: Vice Chair Diane Burgis
Chair Karen Mitchoff
4.RECEIVE the reports on the November 3, 2020 General Election.
Oral reports that recapped the written reports regarding the outcomes of the
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Oral reports that recapped the written reports regarding the outcomes of the
November 2020 election were provided to the Committee by the County's state
and federal advocates. They noted that members of our delegations were in
committee leadership positions or poised for those positions, including Senator
Skinner, Assemblymember Grayson, and CongressmanThompson. They also
speculated on the Governor's appointment to replace Vice President-elect Harris
in the Senate, noting that Secretary of State Alex Padilla was the front-runner.
Potential Biden Administration appointees from California were also discussed.
AYE: Vice Chair Diane Burgis
Chair Karen Mitchoff
5.PROVIDE direction to staff on the development of the 2021-22 Proposed State
Platform and recommend its adoption by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting
on January 19, 2021.
Vice Chair Burgis requested that the Community Crisis Response
recommendation related to a central line for mental health services, substance
use, and homelessness be added to the Platform as a priority or sponsored bill,
noting that Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan would be introducing a bill related to
a pilot program for this subject. Chair Mitchoff noted that the City Managers
would also be bringing forward a related proposal to the Board of Supervisors
after the first of the year. Jim Gross noted that Assemblymember Grayson had
been requested to sponsor the EMS related sponsored bill. Michelle Rubalcava
noted that the sponsored bill proposal related to treated wood waste would be
evolving and would likely not require County bill sponsorship. Chair Mitchoff
expressed support for revisions to the Brown Act that would enable continued
citizen engagement and accessibility to public meetings via technology tools
ushered in during the pandemic. Vice Chair Burgis concurred.
AYE: Vice Chair Diane Burgis
Chair Karen Mitchoff
6.PROVIDE direction to staff on the development of the 2021-22 Proposed Federal
Platform and recommend its adoption by the Board of Supervisors at its meeting
on January 19, 2021.
The County's federal advocate, Paul Schlesinger of Alcalde & Fay, noted there
is a possibility of the return of earmarks, with Democratic leaders advocating for
or supporting their return in the next congress. The projects in the Draft Platform
for 2021-22 could be candidates if earmarks do return. Paul also discussed the
advantage of having secured provisions in WRDA 2020 creating flexibility for
the Army Corps of Engineers to address the water resource needs of
economically disadvantaged communities through pilot efforts to reduce or
eliminate the local cost share for projects with the Corps, as well as the
language related to "harmful algal blooms" in the Delta. Dr. Walker reported on
the on-going efforts of the America's Essential Hospitals association and the
California Association of Public Hospitals advocating with our congressional
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California Association of Public Hospitals advocating with our congressional
delegation for the delay or elimination of reductions to the Medicaid
Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) allocation, as well as advocating for the
$900 billion (final amount) coronavirus relief bill.
AYE: Vice Chair Diane Burgis
Chair Karen Mitchoff
7.The next meeting is not currently scheduled. The schedule will be set in January
2021.
8.Adjourn
For Additional Information Contact:
Lara DeLaney, Committee Staff
Phone (925) 335-1097, Fax (925) 646-1353
lara.delaney@cao.cccounty.us
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LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 4.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:State Budget FY 2021-22 and State Bills of Interest
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-02
Referral Name: State Budget and Bills of Interest
Presenter: L. DeLaney and Nielsen Merksamer
Team
Contact: L. DeLaney,
925-655-2057
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee regularly receives reports on the State Budget and state legislation of
interest to the County.
Referral Update:
Governor's Proposed 2021-22 State Budget
Governor Newsom released his $227 billion 2021-22 proposed State Budget on January 8, 2021,
highlighting the dramatic differences from 2020 to today. The General Fund revenue forecast has
improved dramatically since the enactment of the FY 2020-21 budget. According to the
Department of Finance, the increase can generally be tied to three factors:
a less severe economic downturn than anticipated in the 2020-21 budget,
a significantly greater unequal spread of wage losses in the downturn between higher- and
lower-wage workers, and
a stronger stock market than was expected.
The Administration has identified $34 billion in “budget resiliency,” which is what the Governor
is calling the state’s budgetary reserves and surplus. Of this amount, reserves include $15.6
billion in the state’s Proposition 2 Stabilization Account (the Rainy Day Fund) for fiscal
emergencies; $450 million for the Safety Net Reserve; $3 billion in the Public School System
Stabilization Account; and $2.9 billion in the state’s operating reserve.
The state’s improved revenue picture also allows the state to delay $2 billion in scheduled program
suspensions for one year. These are previously scheduled suspensions in the 2020-21 budget that
would have otherwise taken effect on July 1, 2021 or December 31, 2021. These include (but are
not limited to) Proposition 56 supplemental payment increases, reversing the seven percent
reduction in In-Home Supportive Services hours, certain Medi-Cal optional services, and
developmental services payment increases.
The budget notes that in December, over 4 million Californians were still receiving some form of
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The budget notes that in December, over 4 million Californians were still receiving some form of
unemployment benefits and only about half the jobs lost during the pandemic have been
recovered. The budget also estimates a structural budget deficit of $7.6 billion for 2022-23 that is
forecast to grow to more than $11 billion by 2024-25. To that end, the budget indicates that
additional federal stimulus is necessary to ensure a robust ongoing pandemic response and
economic recovery. In particular, the Governor noted during his press conference the urgent need
for the Biden Administration to focus on local government discretionary relief. Further, the
budget does not include information associated with federal funds received in the December’s
Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act; beyond what is already
outlined for early action, the May Revision will reflect these investments.
An analysis of the Governor's proposed 2021-22 state budget by the California State Association
of Counties (CSAC) is available here.
On February 3, Governor Newsom announced on Twitter that California has an additional $10.3
billion in its coffers than estimated when the proposed budget was introduced.
Urban Counties of California (UCC) Recap of Assembly Joint Hearing on Homelessness
The Assembly Budget Subcommittee No. 4 on State Administration and the Assembly Housing
and Community Development Committee held a joint information hearing on January 21 to
explore the state’s role in the ongoing homelessness crisis. The agenda featured three panels of
speakers including the Secretary of the Business, Consumer Services, and Housing Agency, local
agency representatives, and experts from academia and nonprofits. The agenda includes
background material that succinctly summarizes the one-time allocations the state has made to
local jurisdictions in recent years. The Legislative Analyst’s Office handout also provides some
additional context and details that were the focus of the hearing.
UCC's biggest takeaways from the hearing are that some members of the Assembly are still
singularly focused on the ability of local governments, and in particular counties, to expeditiously
and effectively invest state funds to mitigate and prevent homelessness and that a state database
might soon help answer numerous data related questions about the efficacy of certain
homelessness programs over others.
The Administration’s representatives responded to the local government inquires stating that
nothing in the data suggest that counties, cities, or Continuums of Care (CoCs) are working with
anything other than appropriate exigency to implement state programs to house our burgeoning
homeless population. Moreover, a significant share of the funding was only made available to
locals in the middle of 2020 and amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the state anticipates its
new data system – the Homeless Data Integration System (HDIS) – to become operational in the
spring. The database will allow the state to access and compile standardized data collected by
CoCs and will provide more information about the delivery of homeless services in the state.
Future legislative hearings on homelessness issues are anticipated in the coming months,
especially once new quarterly data is reported by locals and CoCs and the HDIS system is up and
running.
HHS Budget Hearings
The Assembly and Senate budget subcommittees have released their schedules for discussing
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health and human services budget issues. The hearings are starting much earlier – in early
February – and will conclude in mid-March. Both houses note that in an effort to prioritize
limited time and hearing space, fewer issues will be discussed. We’re also hearing that very few
member budget requests will be agendized and discussed.
The health hearings are as follows:
Public health: Assembly, February 8; Senate, February 19
CalAIM: Assembly, March 9 (behavioral health components) and March 16 (jointly with
Assembly Health); Senate, February 12
Behavioral Health: Assembly, February 22; Senate, February 12
Office of Health Care Affordability: Senate, February 5
The human services hearings include:
Aging issues: Assembly, February 2; Senate, March 2
CalWORKs and CalFresh: Assembly, likely March 3; Senate, February 16
Children’s issues: Senate, February 9
Child Care: Senate, February 16
Access to housing, eviction prevention and racial equity: Assembly, March 3
LAO Issuing Budget Analyses
As the budget subcommittee hearing picture becomes more clear, the Legislative Analyst’s Office
has begun to release its assessment of various aspects of the Governor’s proposed 2021-22
spending plan. The office’s publications are posted as they are released on this page.
Eviction Protections Extended, Rental Assistance Program Gearing Up
The Legislature has approved and Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law an extension of
the state’s eviction moratorium and allocation of federal rental and utility assistance funds. The
bills do the following:
SB 89: Budget Bill Jr.
SB 89 makes technical changes to the 2020-21 Budget Act to appropriate and implement federal
funds received for rental assistance under the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD).
SB 91: Eviction Moratorium/Rental Assistance
SB 91 extends the existing statewide moratorium (established via last year’s AB 3088) on evictions
through June 2021 and includes provisions to allocate up to $2.6 billion in federal stimulus funds
for purposes of rental and utility assistance ($1.1 billion for cities and counties with populations of
200,000 or greater and $1.5 billion to the state for allocation and administration).
As a reminder, HCD is tasked with administering a program to allocate the state share of federal
assistance, as follows:
Funding for the first round is prioritized for those renters with incomes less than 50% area
median income (AMI); funding for the second round is for communities disproportionately
impacted by COVID-19; finally, funding for round 3 is dedicated for eligible households at
80% AMI or less.
Funding may be used for rental arrears, prospective rent payments, utility arrears, and
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Funding may be used for rental arrears, prospective rent payments, utility arrears, and
prospective utility payments.
Payments may be made directly to landlords, with rental arrears limited to 80% of unpaid
rental debt from April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2021; under an agreement between
grantees and the landlord, the payment must be accepted as payment in full. If a landlord
refuses to participate, payments may be made directly to renters up to 25% of unpaid debt.
Funds are allocated based on population, with $150 million set aside for counties with
populations under 200,000. Remaining funds will be allocated to those cities and counties
with populations above 200,000. For cities and counties with populations greater than
500,000, amounts will be received as a block grant from the state. Cities and counties with
populations between 200,000 and 500,000 are eligible to receive funding as a block grant.
For localities with populations below 200,000 or those who have declined to receive their
state block grant, the bill permits HCD to contract with a vendor to serve as the program
implementer to manage and fund services to distribute emergency rental assistance
resources. Up to 10 percent of funds may be used for administrative purposes.
For those cities and counties with populations above 200,000, there are three options for
administration: (1) state-administered: a jurisdiction authorizes the state to administer its
federal and state shares; (2) self-administered: a jurisdiction requests the state block grant
and administers that with the federal allocation in accordance with state and federal
guidelines; (3) self-administered and state-administered: a jurisdiction chooses to administer
its program in a different manner than that prescribed by the state, it is not eligible for a state
block grant. The state will administer its program with those funds within that jurisdiction.
Initial allocation of funds must be completed and shared no later than February 19, 2021 by
HCD, in consultation with the Department of Finance. Locals must request the block grants
by February 12, 2021, must contractually obligate at least 65 percent of those funds by June
1, 2021, and must fully expend those funds by August 1, 2021.
HCD is also directed to establish a contract with an education and outreach contractor to
conduct a multilingual statewide campaign to promote program participation and
accessibility.
Other legislation of interest to the County is included in Attachment A.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT the report and provide direction to staff and the County's state lobbyists, as needed.
Attachments
Attachment A: Master List of Bills of Interest
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1
2021 Master File of Bills of Interest
To Contra Costa County
AB 15
AUTHOR:
Chiu [D]
TITLE: COVID-19 Relief: Tenancy Stabilization Act of 2021
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: yes
INTRODUCED: 12/07/2020
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee
SUMMARY:
Extends the definition of "COVID-19 rental debt" as unpaid rent or any other
unpaid financial obligation of a tenant that came due between March 1, 2020,
and December 31, 2021. Extends the repeal date of the COVID-19 Tenant Relief
Act of 2020 to January 1, 2026. Prohibits a landlord from taking certain
actions with respect to a tenant's COVID-19 rental debt, including, among
others, charging or attempting to collect late fees, or withholding a service or
amenity.
STATUS:
01/11/2021 To ASSEMBLY Committee on HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
AB 16 AUTHOR: Chiu [D]
TITLE: Tenancies: Tenant, Small Landlord, and Housing Act
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 12/07/2020
LAST AMEND: 01/12/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Assembly Housing and Community Development Committee
SUMMARY:
Establishes the Tenant, Small Landlord, and Affordable Housing Provider
Stabilization Program. Authorizes the Director of Housing and Community
Development to direct an existing office or program within the Department of
Housing and Community Development to implement the program. Establishes in
the State Treasury the COVID-19 Tenant, Small Landlord, and Affordable
Housing Provider Stabilization Fund, and, upon appropriation, distributes all
moneys in the fund to carry out the purposes of the program.
STATUS:
01/12/2021 From ASSEMBLY Committee on HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT with author's amendments.
01/12/2021 In ASSEMBLY. Read second time and amended.
Re-referred to Committee on HOUSING AND COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT.
AB 71 AUTHOR: Rivas [D]
TITLE: Homelessness Funding: Bring California Home Act
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 12/07/2020
LAST AMEND: 01/12/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
Attachment A
Page 11 of 29
2
LOCATION: Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee
SUMMARY:
Makes various changes to the Personal Income Tax Law and the Corporation
Tax Law and designates that any resulting revenue be used for purposes of the
Bring California Home Act, as described.
STATUS:
01/15/2021 In ASSEMBLY. Suspend Assembly Rule 96.
01/15/2021 Re-referred to ASSEMBLY Committees on REVENUE AND
TAXATION and HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT.
AB 240 AUTHOR: Rodriguez [D]
TITLE: Local Health Department Workforce Assessment
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/12/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Assembly Health Committee
SUMMARY:
Requires the Department of Public Health to contract with an appropriate and
qualified entity to conduct an evaluation of the adequacy of the local health
department infrastructure and to make recommendations for future staffing,
workforce needs, and resources, in order to accurately and adequately fund
local public health.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To ASSEMBLY Committee on HEALTH.
AB 270 AUTHOR: Ramos [D]
TITLE: Core Behavioral Health Crisis Services System
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/19/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Assembly Health Committee
SUMMARY:
Creates the Core Behavioral Health Crisis Services System, using the digits 988
for the 988 Suicide Prevention and Behavioral Health Crisis Hotline, in
compliance with existing Federal Law and standards governing the National
Suicide Prevention Lifeline. Requires the department, as defined, to take
specified actions to implement the hotline system.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To ASSEMBLY Committees on HEALTH and
COMMUNICATIONS AND CONVEYANCE.
AB 284 AUTHOR: Rivas R [D]
TITLE: Global Warming Solutions Act of 2006: Climate Goal
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/21/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Assembly Natural Resources Committee
SUMMARY:
Requires the State Air Resources Board, when updating the scoping plan and in
collaboration with the Natural Resources Agency and other relevant state
Attachment A
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3
agencies and departments, to take specified actions by a certain date, including,
among others, identifying a 2045 climate goal, with interim milestones, for the
state's natural and working lands.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To ASSEMBLY Committee on NATURAL RESOURCES.
AB 339 AUTHOR: Lee [D]
TITLE: State and Local Government: Open Meetings
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/28/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Requires all meetings of the Legislature, including gatherings using
teleconference technology, to include an opportunity for all persons to attend
via a call-in option or an internet-based service option that provides closed
captioning services and requires both a call-in and an internet-based service
option to be provided to the public. Requires all meetings to provide the public
with an opportunity to comment on proposed legislation, and requires
translation services to be provided, as specified.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 INTRODUCED.
AB 389 AUTHOR: Grayson [D]
TITLE: Ambulance Services
FISCAL COMMITTEE: no
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 02/02/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: ASSEMBLY
SUMMARY:
Relates to ambulance services. Authorizes a county to contract for emergency
ambulance services with a fire protection district that is governed by the
county's board of supervisors and provides those services, in whole or in part,
through a written subcontract with a private ambulance service. Authorizes a
fire protection district to enter into a written subcontract with a private
ambulance service for these purposes.
STATUS:
02/02/2021 INTRODUCED.
SB 73 AUTHOR: Wiener [D]
TITLE: Probation: Eligibility: Crimes Controlled Substances
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 12/10/2020
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Public Safety Committee
SUMMARY:
Deletes various crimes relating to controlled substances, including, but not
limited to, possessing or agreeing to sell or transport opiates or opium
derivatives, from those prohibitions against granting probation or a suspended
sentence. Authorizes the remaining prohibitions on probation to be waived by a
Attachment A
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4
court in the interests of justice.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To SENATE Committee on PUBLIC SAFETY.
SB 91 AUTHOR: Budget and Fiscal Review Cmt
TITLE: COVID-19 Relief: Tenancy: Federal Rental Assistance
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 12/16/2020
ENACTED: 01/29/2021
DISPOSITION: Enacted
LOCATION: Chaptered
CHAPTER: 2021-002
SUMMARY:
Extends the imposition of additional damages, if a tenant has provided a
declaration of COVID-19 financial distress, on a landlord who violates the
prohibition from interrupting or terminating utility service furnished to a tenant
with the intent to terminate the occupancy of the tenant. Relates to the
evaluation of tenants using an alleged COVID-19 rental debt. Extends the
prohibition from bringing an action for unlawful detainer based on a cause of
action other than nonpayment of COVID-19 rent.
STATUS:
01/29/2021 Signed by GOVERNOR.
01/29/2021 Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter No. 2021-002
SB 110 AUTHOR: Wiener [D]
TITLE: Substance Use Disorder Services: Contingency Management
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/06/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Health Committee
SUMMARY:
Expands substance use disorder services to include contingency management
services, as specified, subject to utilization controls. Requires the Department of
Health Care Services to issue guidance and training to providers on their use of
contingency management services for Medi-Cal beneficiaries who access
substance use disorder services under any Medi-Cal delivery system, including
the Drug Medi-Cal Treatment Program and the Drug Medi-Cal organized delivery
system.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To SENATE Committee on HEALTH.
SB 219 AUTHOR: McGuire [D]
TITLE: Property Tax: Delinquent Penalty Cost: Health Orders
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: yes
INTRODUCED: 01/12/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Governance and Finance Committee
SUMMARY:
Authorizes the auditor or the tax collector to cancel any penalty, costs, or other
charges resulting from tax delinquency upon a finding that failure to make a
Attachment A
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5
timely payment is due to a documented hardship, as determined by the tax
collector, arising from a shelter-in-place order, as defined, if the principal
payment for the proper amount of tax due is paid no later than June 30 of the
fiscal year in which the payment first became delinquent.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To SENATE Committee on GOVERNANCE AND FINANCE.
SB 234 AUTHOR: Wiener [D]
TITLE: Transition Aged Youth Housing Program
FISCAL COMMITTEE: yes
URGENCY CLAUSE: no
INTRODUCED: 01/19/2021
DISPOSITION: Pending
LOCATION: Senate Human Services Committee
SUMMARY:
Establishes the Transition Aged Youth Housing Program for the purpose of
creating housing for transition aged youth under 26 years of age, who have
been removed from their homes, are experiencing homelessness
unaccompanied by a parent or legal guardian, or are under the jurisdiction of a
court, as specified, and would require the Homeless Coordinating and Financing
Council to develop, implement, and administer the program.
STATUS:
01/28/2021 To SENATE Committees on HUMAN SERVICES and
HOUSING.
Copyright (c) 2021 State Net. All rights reserved.
Attachment A
Page 15 of 29
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 5.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:Proposed Amendments to 2021-22 Adopted Legislative Platforms
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-04
Referral Name: Amendments to Legislative Platforms
Presenter: L. DeLaney Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
The Contra Costa County Legislation Committee reviews and makes recommendations to the
Board of Supervisors on the County's draft State and Federal Legislative Platforms as well as
proposed Platform amendments.
Subsequent to the Board of Supervisors' adoption of the 2021-22 State and Federal Legislative
Platforms at their January 19, 2021 meeting, staff was advised of advocacy interests that had not
been incorporated into the Platforms. One request is to add to the Federal Platform a principle
included in the adopted State Platform related to supporting climate change initiatives through the
COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Two additional requests are recommended for inclusion in the
State Platform.
Referral Update:
1. Adopted 2021-22 Federal Legislative Platform Amendment Proposal
The County's Sustainability Coordinator, Jody London, has requested that the following language,
currently included in the County's adopted 2021-22 State Legislative Platform, also be
incorporated into the Federal Platform as a "Priority Policy Statement":
ENSURE that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic supports the following:
Technologies that support the County’s climate goals, including battery energy storage and
microgrids, solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle charging
infrastructure;
Energy efficiency programs that encourage whole house retrofits and address asthma
triggers in the built environment;
Planning work for adapting to rising sea levels;
Planning and implementation of microgrids;
Active transportation and green infrastructure programs;
Job training for careers in clean energy, clean transportation, and green infrastructure.
Page 16 of 29
2.Adopted 2021-22 State Legislative Platform Amendment Proposals
a. Chief Assistant County Administrator Eric Angstadt has requested advocacy assistance for the
use of the Progressive Design-Build (PDB) project delivery method for construction contracts.
This proposal, supported by Los Angeles County, would allow counties to: (1) use the PDB
project delivery method for construction contracts, allowing local agencies to evaluate bids on
factors other than price; (2) reduce certain risks as compared to alternative contracting methods;
reduce project delivery schedules and costs; and (3) partner with the designer during the initial
phase of the process.
A synopsis of the PDB methodology change and background from Mr. Angstadt is included in
Attachment A.
b. County staff and Board members have expressed interest in advocating for legislation that
would enable virtual public meetings, including advisory body meetings, to continue in some
fashion after the pandemic's emergency has ended.
Existing law, the Ralph M. Brown Act, requires, with specified exceptions, that all meetings of a
legislative body of a local agency, as those terms are defined, be open and public and that all
persons be permitted to attend and participate. The Governor has issued several Executive Orders
during the COVID-19 pandemic enacting suspensions of certain Bagley-Keene Act and Brown
Act provisions so that there is no requirement for state or local legislative bodies to make a
physical location available from which the public can make public comment, so long as options to
participate telephonically or electronically are provided. Local bodies must still adhere to noticing
requirements and implement a procedure for resolving requests for accommodation from
individuals with special needs.
As the adopted 2021-22 State Platform does not address the issue of public meetings, an
amendment would be required to advocate on the subject.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
1. RECOMMEND to the Board of Supervisors that the adopted 2021-22 Federal Legislative
Platform be amended to include the following:
ENSURE that the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic supports the following:
Technologies that support the County’s climate goals, including battery energy storage and
microgrids, solar and wind energy, electric vehicles, and electric vehicle charging
infrastructure;
Energy efficiency programs that encourage whole house retrofits and address asthma
triggers in the built environment;
Planning work for adapting to rising sea levels;
Planning and implementation of microgrids;
Active transportation and green infrastructure programs;
Job training for careers in clean energy, clean transportation, and green infrastructure.
Page 17 of 29
2. RECOMMEND to the Board of Supervisors that the adopted 2021-22 State Legislative
Platform be amended to:
A. SUPPORT legislation that would enable the use of Progressive Design-Build (PDB) in project
delivery for construction contracts; and
B. SUPPORT legislation that would provide public entities options to engage in virtual or
teleconferencing public meetings to continue post-pandemic with an opportunity for all persons to
attend via a call-in option or an internet-based service option.
Attachments
Attachment A
Page 18 of 29
Synopsis of Progressive design-build methodology change:
Design-build is a procurement methodology allowed by the Public Contract Code (PCC) sections 22160-
22169. It allows a local agency to pre-qualify a short list of bidders for a project and then accept
guaranteed maximum price bids on the project from the qualified short list. The winner is selected from
those bids by using a best value to the agency approach, not necessarily the lowest bid as required by
the design-bid-build standard procurement method.
Progressive design-build (PDB) allows the selection of the design-builder even earlier in the process. The
design-builder is selected by the local agency primarily based on qualifications and then they work with
the local agency in designing the process. Some California agencies are specifically allowed to use
progressive design build, for instance in PCC section 20928.1, for certain projects but that specific
allowance is not extended to all local agencies that I am aware of.
In addition, the code sections that define the procurement method do not have an allowance for
selection of a design-build entity on the basis of qualifications alone as it would need to be to use PDB
approach.
Background on design-build and progressive design-build:
The conventional method of design-build has quickly become a popular delivery method for projects of
all types. The most commonly used design-build method is called “Best Value Selection” (BVS).
Using this method, local agencies manage only one single source design-build entity contract as opposed
to the multiple contracts used in traditional design-bid-build project delivery. Design-build entities are
selected based on a procurement process that asks them to develop a design and cost proposal with
performance guarantees with either a fixed price or a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP).
In the BVS method, a design package is developed based on parameters from the local agency, but
typically without including the agencies input in the final design process beyond what is in the bridging
documents. The method can be successful when it’s guaranteed a project won’t change after the design-
build entity is selected, but it can also be inefficient and more costly if the project scope changes.
To remedy some of these inadequacies, some agencies, like the California State University system and
San Francisco Airport, are turning to a project delivery approach known as progressive design-build
(PDB). Using this method, agencies select a team based on the qualifications of the design-builder as
opposed to developing a design package, allowing the agency to be more invested in the project right
away by being a part of the design process. There is still one contract, like in the traditional design-build
approach, but the agency has input in the whole design/pre-construction phase and the ability to
control crucial decisions of scope, schedule and cost. Progressive design-build encourages heightened
levels of collaboration between the agency, designer and builder as the design is developed in a step-by-
step progression collaboratively.
Attachment A
Page 19 of 29
Designer and builder are selected by owner early in the process before any design development.
Selection is made on qualifications without a final cost and schedule commitment.
The first phase of the project includes design development, preconstruction services and negotiation of
a price for the second phase. Decisions are made collaboratively with the agency and design-builder and
based on cost, schedule, operations and more.
The second phase consists of final design and construction. A final price and schedule are agreed upon
and the construction is completed. It is quite common to provide a GMP with multiple sub-trade
packages bid out or a fixed price construction cost.
The most commonly-voiced concern with PDB is that price is not a major factor for the selection of the
design-build team. While it is true that the fixed price for the entire project is not a factor for selection
in a PDB project, other pricing factors such as design fees, the design-builder fee, general conditions for
the project or other pricing elements can be used as evaluation tools. Due to the absolute transparency
of the open-book process utilized in PDB, agencies gain the assurance that they have received the best
market-driven pricing for all of the construction work and a fixed price and markup for the design phase.
Attachment A
Page 20 of 29
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 6.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:President Bident's American Rescue Plan
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-03
Referral Name: American Rescue Plan
Presenter: L. DeLaney and Alcalde & Fay Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee regularly receives reports on federal legislation of interest to the County.
Referral Update:
On January 21, 2021, President Biden announced his "American Rescue Plan."
A recap of the President's "American Rescue Plan," from the County's federal advocates at Alcalde & Fay is provided as
follows:
American Rescue Plan
Although Congress approved a $900 billion COVID-19 relief package last month, the effort was completed with the
common understanding that another package would be needed shortly after the new Congress convened. As such,
this week President-elect Joe Biden outlined his $1.9 trillion American Rescue Plan, the first step of his two-step plan
for rescue and recovery from both the coronavirus pandemic and the economic crisis it has caused. While
announcing the outline of his American Rescue Plan, the President-elect also confirmed he planned to unveil the
second step, the Build Back Better Recovery Plan, during his first appearance before a Joint Session of Congress in
February; that proposal, will focus on economic recovery and will include what he described as “historic
investments in infrastructure and manufacturing, innovation, research and development, and clean energy.”
As expanded on below, the proposal is focused on immediate pandemic-related needs, such as providing direct
relief and support to families and struggling communities and the expansion and enhancement of vaccine
distribution as President-elect Biden has set an ambitious goal to deliver 100 million vaccine doses within the first
100 days of his Presidency. Of particular note, and further expanded on below, the rescue plan includes another
round of direct payments to individuals as well as nearly $350 billion in stabilization funding for state, local, and
territorial governments.
For your reference, we have highlighted several key components of the American Rescue Plan below; we expect
additional details to be made available in the coming weeks as the President-elect and his Administration work with
Congress to develop specific details and legislative language on each of the below items, and we will continue to
update you as this process moves forward.
Support to Struggling Communities -- $440 billion
State and Local Stabilization Funding: $350 billion in stabilization funding to state, local, and territorial
governments to ensure public workers are on the job and paid, while also distributing vaccine, scaling testing,
opening schools, and providing vital government services. $3 billion of this funding would be allocated to the
EDA to provide resources to state and local governmental entities, tribal institutions, institutions of higher
education, and non-profits to fund economic development initiatives, twice as much as was provided in the
CARES Act. An additional $20 billion would also support Tribal governments’ response to COVID.
Small businesses support: $15 million to provide flexible, equally distributed grants for small businesses; $35
billion in investments in state, local, tribal, and non-profit small business financing programs to generate $175
Page 21 of 29
billion in low-interest loans and venture capital; and ensure support for restaurants, bars and other businesses
that have suffered disproportionately.
$20 billion for hardest hit public transit agencies.
National Vaccination Program, Containing COVID-19, and Safely Reopening Schools -- $400 billion
$160 billion to establish a national vaccination program, expand testing, mobilize public health jobs
programs, and executive other COVID-19 containment activities. This amount would include:
$20 billion for a national vaccination program in partnership with state and local governments, territories,
and tribes to establish community vaccination sites, vaccination centers, and mobile vaccination units for
hard-to-reach areas. The vaccine would be available to all free-of-charge and without cost-sharing (regardless
of immigration status), and the Federal Medicaid Assistance Percentage (FMAP) will be expanded to 100% for
administration of vaccines.
$50 billion to expand testing, purchase rapid tests, expand lab capacity and help schools and local
governments implement regular testing protocols.
$40 billion pandemic-related emergency management activities to support President-elect Biden’s
commitment to fully use the Defense Production Act (DPA) to produce more pandemic supplies. This amount
includes: $30 billion for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) for
supplies and PPE, as well as to provide 100% federal reimbursements to states, localities and tribes for
emergency response resources related to the pandemic including deployment of the National Guard; and $10
billion to expand domestic manufacturing for pandemic supplies.
Funding for a public health jobs program to fund the deployment of 100,000 public health workers to perform
community vaccine outreach and contact tracing and eventually transition to community health roles in order
to expand long-term public health capacity and reduce hospitalization for low-income individuals.
Funding to provide health services in underserved populations in order to address health disparities and
expand access to health care services through Community Health Centers and tribal health services and
supports the expansion of COVID-19 treatment and care, including vaccination access.
Funding for states to deploy strike teams to long-term care facilities experiencing an outbreak and conduct
infection control oversight, as well as funding for prisons including supplies for COVID-19 safety and
mitigation activities including social distancing and PPE, safe re-entry for the formerly incarcerated, and
vaccination of both incarcerated individuals and staff.
Funding to increase national disease sequencing, surveillance, and outbreak analytics capacity at the levels
demanded by the crisis, as well as funding to invest in reliable treatments for COVID treatments and therapies.
$170 billion to safely reopen schools and continue providing institutional and student support, including the
following allocations:
$130 billion for K-12 schools to support efforts to safely reopen, and the President-elect noted a goal of
opening most K-8 schools within the first 100 days of his administration. Funding can be used to reduce
class sizes, modify space so teachers and students can socially distance, improve ventilation, hire janitors,
purchase PPE and other pandemic supplies, ensure access to school nurses, provide student support
including summer school and other support resources, close the digital divide, expand community
schools, and other costs to safely reopen schools. This funding must also be used to provide resources for
students’ academic, mental health and social and emotional needs in response to COVID, and funds may
also be used to prevent cuts to pre-k programs. Funding will be reserved for a new COVID Educational
Equity Challenge Grant to support state, local, and tribal governments in working with educational
stakeholders to respond to educational challenges in the pandemic. Additionally, schools will have access
to the FEMA Disaster Relief Fund for the reimbursement of certain incurred pandemic-related expenses
COVID expenses and will receive support implementing regular testing protocols.
$35 billion to expand the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) to implement public health
protocols and distance learning plans, and provide emergency grants to students at public institutions,
including community colleges, as well as public and private HBCUs and MSIs. Additionally, this funding will
provide students with up to $1,700 in financial assistance from their colleges.
$5 billion for governors to provide grants to support the hardest hit elementary and postsecondary schools,
institutions of higher education, and early childhood programs and support educational programs and the
learning needs of students.
Emergency Paid Leave
Reinstates and expands the emergency paid sick and family and medical leave policy through
September 30, 2021;
Reimburses state and local governments for the cost of this leave, a provision long sought by state/local
government following enactment of he expanded leave requirements in the Families First Coronavirus
Response Act (FFCRA).
Provides expanded paid sick and family and medical leave of up to 14 weeks to help parents with
Page 22 of 29
additional caregiving responsibilities when a child or loved one’s school or care center is closed, people
who have or are caring for people with COVID symptoms, or those who are quarantining due to exposure
and need to take time off to get vaccinated;
Provides a maximum paid leave benefit of $1,400 per-week for eligible workers earning up to $73,000
annually; and
Eliminates exemptions for employers with more than 500 and less than 50 employees, while reimbursing
employers with less than 500 employees for the cost of this leave by extending the refundable tax credit
to reimburse employers for 100% of this cost.
Immediate and Direct Relief to Families -- $1 trillion
Direct Payments to Individuals: Provides another round of direct payments to individuals of up to $1,400,
which when combined with the direct payment of up to $600 provided by the Coronavirus Response and Relief
Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 enacted in late December, reaches the $2,000 level touted in recent
weeks.
Unemployment Insurance: Provides enhanced unemployment insurance (UI) benefits at $400 per week
through September 2021, extends UI benefits for self-employed individuals and gig workers who don’t usually
qualify for unemployment, and fully funds state work sharing programs.
Rental Assistance: The plan would extend the eviction/foreclosure moratorium, continue applications for
forbearance on fed guaranteed mortgages through September 30, 2021, and provide legal assistance to
households facing eviction or foreclosure. In addition the plan provides:
$30 billion total in rental assistance - $25 billion to provide rental relief for low- and moderate-income
households and $5 billion to cover home energy and water costs and arrears through programs such as
the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program; and
$5 billion in emergency assistance to states and localities help secure housing for people experiencing or
at risk of homelessness.
Food and Nutrition Assistance:
Provides a 15-percent SNAP benefit increase through September 2021 and temporarily eliminate the
required state match. President-elect Biden additionally has committed to providing this boost in SNAP
benefits for as long as the pandemic persists.
$3 billion for the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) to
account for increased enrollment.
$1 billion in additional nutrition assistance for territories.
Proposes using the FEMA Empowering Essential Deliveries (FEED) Act to leverage resources of the
restaurant industry to get food to those who need it and help get laid-off restaurant workers around the
country jobs.
Raises the federal minimum wage from $7.25/hour to $15/hour and end tipped minimum wages and
sub-minimum wages for tipped workers and individuals with disabilities.
Child Care:
$25 billion for an Emergency Stabilization Fund to help hard hit childcare providers reopen, pay rent
and utilities, payroll, and increased costs associated with the pandemic;
$15 billion in additional funding for Child Care and Development Block Grant program;
The plan proposes an increase in tax credits to help cover the cost of childcare to as much as half of their
spending on child care for children under 13, for a total of $4000 for one child and $8000 for two or more.
The full 50 percent credit will be available to families making less than $125,000 per year, while families
making between $125K and $400K will receive a partial credit.
Earned Income Tax Credit: Raises the maximum EITC for childless adults from $530 to $1,500, raise the
income limit for the credit from about $16,000 to about $21,000 and expand the age range eligible by
eliminating the age cap for one year.
$20 billion for veterans health care
$1 billion for states to cover the additional assistance Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
recipients have needed during the pandemic.
$4 billion for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and Health
Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to expand access to substance abuse and mental and
behavioral health services.
$800 million in supplemental funding for federal programs that protect survivors of domestic violence,
dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.
================================================================================
According to The Hill, Senate Democrats took a first step on February 2 toward passing a coronavirus relief bill, following a
call with President Biden, who urged them to “go big.” President Biden apparently signaled that he is rejecting a $618 billion
proposal sponsored by 10 GOP senators as “too small” and told Democrats that his clear preference is for Congress to pass a
$1.9 trillion package, despite concerns voiced by Republicans about the impact on the deficit.
Page 23 of 29
$1.9 trillion package, despite concerns voiced by Republicans about the impact on the deficit.
After the call concluded, the Senate voted 50-49 on a straight party-line vote to proceed to a budget resolution that greenlights
passing a separate coronavirus relief bill through reconciliation, avoiding a 60-vote legislative filibuster.
On February 3, the House approved a budget measure on a 218-212 vote directing a dozen committees to start drafting the
pieces of President Biden's bill, including $1,400 stimulus checks, $350 billion in state and local aid, and the $15 minimum
wage.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
ACCEPT the report and provide direction to staff and the County's federal advocates, as needed.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Page 24 of 29
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 7.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:Health Care Advocacy Update
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-05
Referral Name: Health Care Advocacy
Presenter: Dr. William Walker Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee regularly receives an oral report from Dr. William Walker on the
status of the County's health care-related state and federal advocacy efforts.
Referral Update:
A Health Care Advocacy Update will be provided to the Committee at the meeting.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE and ACCEPT the report on health care advocacy on behalf of Contra Costa County at
the state and federal levels.
Attachments
No file(s) attached.
Page 25 of 29
LEGISLATION COMMITTEE 8.
Meeting Date:02/08/2021
Subject:AB 240 (Rodriguez): Local Health Department Workforce Assessment
Submitted For: LEGISLATION COMMITTEE,
Department:County Administrator
Referral No.: 2021-06
Referral Name: AB 240
Presenter: Daniel Peddycord Contact: L. DeLaney, 925-655-2057
Referral History:
AB 240 was referred to the Legislation Committee by the County's Public Health Director, Daniel
Peddycord. AB 240 is sponsored by the County Health Executives Association of California
(CHEAC) and the Health Officers Association of California (HOAC).
Referral Update:
AB 240
Author:Freddie Rodriguez (D-052)
Title:Local Health Department Workforce Assessment
Fiscal
Committee:
yes
Urgency
Clause:
no
Introduced:01/12/2021
Disposition:Pending
Location:Assembly Health Committee
Summary:Requires the Department of Public Health to contract with an appropriate and
qualified entity to conduct an evaluation of the adequacy of the local health
department infrastructure and to make recommendations for future staffing,
workforce needs, and resources, in order to accurately and adequately fund local
public health.
Status:01/28/2021 To ASSEMBLY Committee on HEALTH.
Local health departments such as ours play a critical role in protecting and promoting the health
and well-being of the residents of our jurisdiction. The role and importance of local public health
has been most evidently displayed amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, as well as other
disasters and emergencies faced by our jurisdiction. In carrying out this important work, County
public health departments rely on a workforce of highly trained and specialized public health
Page 26 of 29
professionals.
AB 240 would provide an opportunity for state and local governments in California to better
understand the adequacy of local health department infrastructure, including needs related to local
health department staffing, workforce, and resources. Findings and recommendations produced
by this assessment will serve as a useful roadmap in better supporting the development and
retention of a skilled and diverse public health workforce necessary to carrying out the vital
services we provide to our residents.
The County's adopted 2021-22 State Legislative Platform includes the following related principles (p.
16):
• SUPPORT increased funding for the public health infrastructure, capacity and prevention
services as outlined in the public health components of the Affordable Care Act and the National
Prevention and Public Health Fund.
• SUPPORT enhanced funding and capacity for public health programs.
Attachment A: AB 240 Fact Sheet
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
CONSIDER finding AB 240 (Rodriguez) consistent with the Board's adopted 2021-22 State
Legislative Platform, enabling the Chair of the Board to send a letter of support for the bill and
advocacy by our state advocates and staff to proceed.
Attachments
Attachment A: AB 240 Author Fact Sheet
Page 27 of 29
Assembly Bill 240 (Rodriguez)
Local Health Department Workforce Assessment
As Introduced 01/13/2021
Summary
As California moves forward to recover from COVID-19,
it is imperative that state policy makers re-examine
how local public health departments are staffed and
resourced. Assembly Bill (AB) 240 would require the
California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to
contract with an appropriate entity to evaluate and
make recommendations on adequate staffing levels
and infrastructure needs to ensure that local health
departments can perform daily activities of prevention
and public health and, during times of emergency,
adequately flex to meet emergent community needs
(such as during a pandemic). The bill would also require
CDPH to convene an advisory group to oversee and
provide technical assistance to the evaluating entity.
Background
Public health promotes and protects the health of
people and the communities where they live, learn,
work, and play. Local health departments are the first
line of defense against public health threats, including
novel pandemics, and rely on trained public health
professionals such as epidemiologists, communicable
disease investigators, public health nurses,
laboratorians, and health educators. Through disease
surveillance and tracking, public health staff monitor
disease outbreaks so officials can rapidly identify and
implement the most effective interventions. In
response to pandemics, such as COVID-19, public
health professionals must conduct rapid case
identification and trace contacts for additional testing,
isolation of cases, and quarantine of close contacts.
Epidemiologists also amass databases for situational
disease surveillance, risk assessment, and disease
mapping.
California’s local public health workforce faced the
following challenges before the outbreak of COVID-19:
• Year after year of underfunding of federal,
state, and local public agencies left the United
States ill-prepared for the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Trust for America’s Health estimated in
April 2019 that public health efforts nationally
were underfunded by $4.5 billion and that
nationally 55,000 positions were eliminated
from public health between 2008 and 2017.
• According to the California Future Healthcare
Workforce Commission February 2019 report,
the public health workforce in California is
chronically underfunded, and most local public
health agencies lack personnel with expertise
in key areas such as epidemiology and the
essential skills to design, implement, and
evaluate comprehensive approaches to
community health improvement.
• In California, both state and local public health
agencies face increasing competition with the
private sector, which provides higher pay, and
amenities such as updated technology.
Additionally, many public health leaders are
nearing retirement.
• Many local health departments in California
report challenges in recruiting and retaining
well-qualified workers, citing a lack of tools for
recruiting, limited options for advancement,
and instability of funded positions. Public
health nurses require additional education and
certification, above and beyond what is
required to become a registered nurse. Public
health nurse certification fees in California
increased by several hundred dollars recently.
• Rural areas of California face more difficulty
recruiting the specialized staff required for
Attachment A
Page 28 of 29
public health work. It is not uncommon for
rural counties to have public health nurse
recruitments open for several months and have
no candidates apply.
The public health worker shortage has received little
attention and there is not a focus on public health
pipeline in California’s higher education systems.
Additionally, while public health work is rewarding, it is
also quite challenging, and the difficulty of the work
may lead to burn out in the public sector.
This Legislation
California needs to prepare for the workforce
challenges facing public health – and for the next
emergency or pandemic – by creating a comprehensive
plan to address urgent workforce and resource needs
of local public health departments. AB 240 will create a
process to examine and make recommendations on
addressing public health workforce issues.
Support
County Health Executives Association of California
(CHEAC) (Co-Sponsors)
Health Officers Association of California (HOAC) (Co-
Sponsors)
Contact Information
Alice Montes
Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez
Phone (916) 319-2052
Fax (916) 319-2151
Alice.Montes@asm.ca.gov
Attachment A
Page 29 of 29