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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 10011996 - SD3 SD-3 TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS Se L Contra F�ROM: PHIL BATCHELOR, COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR �_ ► '.' o� - -�s Costa County V DATE: September 23, 1996 °s>.Cogs: SUBJECT: REQUEST FOR AUTHORITY TO JOIN THE URBAN COUNTIES CAUCUS SPECIFIC REQUEST(S)OR RECOMMENDATION(S)&BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION RECOMMENDATIONS: 1. AUTHORIZE the County Administrator to join the Urban Counties Caucus and pay the 1996-97 dues of $20,000 from the existing 1996-97 County Budget. 2. APPOINT Supervisor Jim Rogers as the County's representative to the Urban Counties Caucus in view of his past involvement with the Caucus. 3. AUTHORIZE the County Administrator to designate a member of his staff as the "key staff person" to work closely with the Caucus on legislation and issues of interest to the County. BACKGROUND: The larger urban counties formed the Urban Counties Caucus in 1991. The current members are Alameda, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, Santa Clara and Ventura counties. San Francisco County is considering joining effective January 1, 1997. The original members of the Caucus felt they needed an organization separate from CSAC to represent them on issues which have a greater impact in highly populated areas. CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: YES SIGNATURE: Z AL Lo_� RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE APPROVE OTHER SIGNATURE(S): RHII RATC:HR OR ACTION OF BOARD ON_ October 1 1996 APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED —X— OTHER r VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE X UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) AND CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AYES: NOES: AND ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD ABSENT: ABSTAIN: OF SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN. ATTESTED October 1 ., 1996 Contact: PHIL BATCHELOR,CLERK OF THE BOARD OF cc: See Page 2 SUPE ISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR 0 BY 1A,I DEPUTY We have been impressed over the past few months with the responsiveness of the Caucus' staff in getting information faxed to us on what was happening in Sacramento on an overnight basis, even though we were not a member of the Caucus. The Caucus is not intended to replace CSAC, which is still the principal voice for all counties in Sacramento. Nor does membership in the Urban Counties Caucus replace the need to have our own contract lobbyist in Sacramento who is responsible for the Board's annual legislative program and for maintaining close ties with this County's delegation in the Legislature. The Caucus fills a special need for the large, urban counties in California to have a mechanism to address common problems. Welfare Reform will undoubtedly be one of the major issues which will consume the time of the Caucus in 1997. The continuing need for Trial Court funding legislation and return of the property tax to the counties are also important issues for the urban counties. It is, therefore, recommended that the Board of Supervisors agree to join the Urban Counties Caucus and authorize the County Administrator to pay the 1996-97 dues from the existing adopted County Budget. Supervisor Rogers has been involved in conference calls with the Caucus on several issues to date. Since he is continuing on the Board in 1997 and since most of the Caucus' work with its members' supervisors can be done over the telephone, it is recommended that Supervisor Rogers be designated as the Board's representative to the Caucus. With the Board's approval the County Administrator will also appoint Claude L. Van Marter, Assistant County Administrator, as the "key staff person" to work with the Caucus' staff on a daily basis. cc: Casey Sparks Kaneko, Executive Director UCC (Via CAO) Steve Szalay, Executive Director CSAC (Via CAO) Les Spahnn Heim, Noack, Kelly & Spahnn (Via CAO) Claude L. Van Marter, Assistant County Administrator -2- •r ' Executive-Director . RBAN: Casey.Sparks Kaneko; UNTIES. CUS :U 1100 "K"Street Suite 14/sa4ra nto;CA 9581'4``/;,(916)327-7531 FAX(916)441=4093: September�5, 199.6 s ,�,R '.• CONTRA GOSTA•COUN. , RECEIVED Mr Phil Batchelor; County Administrator SEP 0 91996' 651 Pine Street, l lth Floor` 'Martinez, CA 94553 OFKEOF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR Thank you for calling this morning to express interest in joi inggthe other large'countiesin the Urban Counties Caucus Tfie current members;of the°Caucus are.Alameda;,Los r Angeles, Orange, River$de; Sacramento, San Bernardino; San Diego;. Santa'":Clara,>.and =.Ventura `San Franc>sco';.has ex ressed interest >n oimn '•effective Jariva We have been P J g rY working with San;Mateo;but'have no'commitment from them,as of yet The Caucus,was originally formed m 1991 by supervisors=from`seven counties who felt they;n eeded,-an organization other than CSAC to represent them'on.issues which have a greater impact irihighly,populated areas This past,year-'our primary.focus lias'beeri on -legislation`related o-ERAF, trial courts, and welfare reform UCC sponsored AB 282 Sweene which Would have returned art of the:ERAF.base to local. overnments. Y) p g x The organization is governedboard of directors compassed of one;supervisor from ; each member y.: The board meets monthlvr(as necessary.) by conference call;an also convenes at',CSAC's spring-ahd fall`conferences �Ahile we are separate from CSAC and -,`.maintain our;owns.funds :we are'.housed in the CSAC buildin for conventerice and' 1 ..: g.•. :economy _We have worked very well., ".-th CSAC''smce I`became the Executive"IDireetor.. in early 199.5 Also, our.- oar d`members have made a coricerted':effortao work together.,to influence CSAus policies for the past'yearland a"half r ` h Ave- When was first formed, the dues:were,$40,000 annually per county We have T K a streamlined expenses and;'staffing ave reduced the dues for'1996`L97 to $20,000 "This amount-is reflective°of a balance"in our".trust'f ind and assumes ten member counties;' A copy,of our budget is enclosed t � Y In recq ration of the fact-that urban.su• 'ervisors are,extreinel bus each count has g, P Y Y, Y :designated a'"key staff person";;as the haison,to UCC I work`closely':,with this group of stafferS and''Communicate':with.them regularly; sometimes'even dally,'when things are 7 ho in in Sacramento.-In most counties he UCC ke staffer is someone"from the pp g Y CAO�+s office Thi group works together to,make,recotninendations on policy to.the Board of,Directorsi Chair Supervisor Keith Carson Alameda County Members: Supervisor Yvotuie$rathwaite$urke;•Los Angeles County Sypervisor William G eStemer.Orange.County,,Supervisor Tom Mullen;Riverside County'"Supervisor Muriel R:Johnson, Sacramento Count Su ervtsor Je EaJes,San Bernardino Count _Su ervisoi Pam Slater,San Die o Count Y P ?r) Y, . p g Y, Supervisor JmeBeall a s Ji :Santa ClarCounty Supervisor`,'Maggte Kildee Ventura County a . j Vol 114 ( 1 -t 1 make P �eekussedti: w�th1 t Ube r her wl eck for , e will be getting tog t prontresfor 194 a end us: ch w re need to,s ke staff b et g oa board me Costa Would d d>>esignal!a y t NQveraher ucus,Contra r board,an we can be m Ca au than ' ber,.of the, to sere on AT VON, e believe L �y . be�Qme a neem int a su�e�lsor ill do s°'.s�nGe�' T°gjT dues;:ah ° ithin'our fold , l rta�nl'h p urbans W y ersan, alfa°f the'. 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Health and`VNelfare Reform 1 ­1Support 'measures which would provide hcreased f{ex�bii�ty,: and' greater local control;:of programs, a- 11nd those which' would all' counties ' -develop, - collaborative ., interdisciolinary : aooroaches to' 4 service',delivery1. t x. I , .. Oppose proposed -'formulas° w4 �chd�scnrii%�nate � r againsfiurban:areas:because of#heir-high',costs of: 'i I _. living or;:an1 . 1 'y either typically urban{factor Oppose' ar y reform proposals ,which ;would ;continue or: , - =. increase, county responsibiiittes "or eXp'enses_: without:a viable and:adequate source of revenue j TtreeStrikesx K - ,:' ' , Advocate f....state �fundir g for`increased coon#ji: _ f 1 hegThree S#r kes$ir�'tttiat4vebm arrests made, under ' r g S pport•efforts which.: would reduce the cos#s oof Three Strikes, such �as eliminating nonviolent and nonserious offenses'; 1� 1�i�1 `. ration as a third,strike from cons�de s 1. Qppase any` $tran11 �sfer of'>:s#a#e` justice `costs to T7 1�1, =1'1 w�:;.. : counties- without , «:;«:.. adequate reimtiursemeit artd�- ',-. rov e,. ., app al.of th .board bf,.supervisors; }. y. `( Y h M - t j SFr!1 Y �M�/ 4 - , Mandate Relief , ., , ` _111 •" . ::ate.0 x , ` 1. A` Support,'proposals which :eliminate unnecessary, r M�. I redundant or overlapping` el gab►litji, - furidmg;, maintenance ;of effort morntor►'ng permiftmg or� reporting.requirements , . . ,A COAGITIQN F CALIFORNIA'S ` _ ,LARGEST GQUNTIES Support : a constitu'tionaI amendment alI' ' ' , 1. r1, I r counties sto;opt not'to provide services for,which- x , funding'has not been provided: or ,is no =lange`r t . t, - ,r 3 h 1. Iavailable.11� If'a pfoposed constitutional;ameridmen#;: , , addresses ,any ;acldrtronal issues, 'rt; would be , . suN A-to further review kiy the 11cc Board -k % j. A 1. ;A F „x - Qppose any legisla#ion which requites, a ,new'; r ,program; higf er; level of`,service ar' other` cos#: r t y imposed` upon' counties :by the State without - adegUate funding -t ' ;° �: t ,�} X t �, t ,4 tk ✓ — ,.. Any, "mandate relief" ,' proposals shou4d be, w `quantified by.,.d(ties before they are,r4accepted as ,:= "trades" 1n any'legrsi'atrve negotra`trans •. ,: 11 T . . ., . . :� . . .-_. ,- Potential disproportionate impacts of mandate ti. r'. relief I 11proposals must,be considered before such ` A proposa{s are supported A '1 ,s - �� 1. s. , �. 4 ` a 11 J ,. z 11, h ;> AU::>...: .:. >. r: aitftttt= o .:k tsstas »;; j i. The Urban Counties'Caucus4was formed'in .1991 to, address, the:,needs of Olgh-popukitfor counties Property Tax The,twelve "urban";counties'are':the-oneswith`the Rursueand suPport,.measureswhichwouid'restore overwhelming majority of "the caseloads in the.", health, welfare; and::jfxstice. areas. We have'the ' ;Post propertjr,tax revenues to-c©unties•: greatest chaffenges` and` the largest 'budgetary,', needs. The„Caucus enables.4he urban•counties to,. t Support,measures inrhtch would enhance counties" pool and coordinate ttseir 'efforts .to :pursue effofts to administer the property tax system. legislative"action in which reflects the needs of the . State's most populous`areas other revenue sources ' :Support, but do, n Proposals which i ♦ i ♦ s; ♦ '.� ' ♦ increase a board's abilit to raise :revenues; Y :.. ,~ provided' suchmeasures are,;•permissve It is preferable That .any, stew revenues notbe Beard of atrectc�rs earmarked e 1 9E� F braa 9. Oppose any,. measure'r,.which; would reduce a Supervisor:keith CarsonChatr. county's revenue from any:•:sour ce or limit. a Alameda County county's revenue;s raising autho'rityWiithout a 5 commensurate reduction in responsibiEity . ' ,Sruperv�sor Pam Slater`, Vice-Chair ' San Diego County i ` CQppose measures which would limit counties` ?. current revenue raising authcirity Supervisor James Beall, Jr ;Treasurer t Santa Clara County r v Maintenance O'Effort S ti w upport measures'which' reduce maintenance,­of Supervisor.Yvonne.Brathi+vaite Burke effort requirements; provided they are permissive. ;.Los Angeles County Supervisor William G.°Steiner UPpose any: measure which imposes additional QrangeCounty ;, ` ." maintenance°:of effort'�req(A' merits on-counties,' Supervisor:Tom•Mullen. unless the provision is in conflict.with other UCC Riverside County positions Supervisor Mur�ei'.P .Johnson •.Sacramento;County Elexibhty :` Supervisor Jerry Eaves Support measures which.. .would increase a San:Bernardino County county's flex►biiity to ' 'administer =either state Supervisor Maggie Kil, mandated oraocal programs. Ventura.County ; 4 t C}Pposemeasurewhichwould hniit' a county's 'abEl�t too er Casey Kaneko y p , ate in'a reasonable and cost.effective:- Executive,Director manner. ' ;ponrta`Brown SB 91OfMAC Admrnistratwe Assistant - As ,th•is program"transitions `#rom< administrative claiming-:to -targeted case. management; support �. .• s, i i :w `.eff6rfs..whi6h,,wouid'result in'the maximum county, CU r 11 00=K Street, Suite;lQ1 -reimbursement-for both past and future claims.and' Sacramento,'CA:95814 would lower the pay back`to the'state. } , -• . 91'+6) 327-?S3.)- , -4093 •Fax' Executive Director BANCasey Sparks Kaneko UNTIES CUs 1100"K"Street Suite 101/Sacramento,CA 95814/(916)327-7531 FAX(916)4414093 URBAN COUNTIES CAUCUS BYLAWS Board of Directors: Chair: Supervisor Keith Carson, Alameda County Members: Supervisor Yvonne Brathwaite Burke, Los Angeles County, Supervisor William G.Steiner,Orange County, Supervisor Tom Mullen,Riverside County, Supervisor Muriel P.Johnson, Sacramento County, Supervisor Jerry Eaves,San Bernardino County, Supervisor Pam Slater,San Diego County, Supervisor James Beall,Jr., Santa Clara County, Supervisor Maggie Kildee,Ventura County 2 vY ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP A. QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS. The more populous and urbanized counties, as determined by the member counties pursuant to section IV D, shall be eligible for membership in the Caucus. A county board of supervisors may initiate membership and may renew such membership each year, by timely payment of annual dues assessed to the county by the Caucus, as adopted by the Caucus' Governing Board in the Caucus budget. County populations shall be determined by the latest regular federal census, provided that a new census shall not be controlling until the Annual Meeting of the Governing Board following publication of the census, or if the census is published less than 60 days before such annual meeting, until the next succeeding Annual Meeting. B. TERMINATION. A membership shall terminate upon: 1. Resignation of the member county. 2. A determination by the Governing Board that the member's county board of supervisors has failed or refused to make timely payment of the Caucus' annual dues. Termination of a membership under 1. above shall not reduce or otherwise affect the annual dues obligation of the terminated member's county. ARTICLE IV GOVERNING BOARD A. POWERS. Subject to the provisions of the California Nonprofit Corporation Law and any limitations of the Articles of Incorporation and this Constitution, the activities and affairs of the Caucus shall be conducted, and all of its corporate powers shall be exercised, by or under the direction of the Governing Board. The Board may delegate the management of the activities and affairs of the Caucus to any person or persons, or to any committee, however composed, provided that such activities and affairs shall be managed and all corporate powers shall be exercised under the ultimate direction of the Board. 3 B. COMPOSITION AND ELECTION. The Governing Board shall be composed of one elected representative from each county board of supervisors maintaining the membership of its supervisors in the Caucus. Each such director and alternates shall be a member of the county board and shall be elected by the board, pursuant to its normal rules and procedures, prior to the Annual Meeting of the Caucus, to serve for a one- year term commencing with the Annual Meeting. C. MEETINGS. The Board shall meet at least once annually, and at such other times and places as may be directed by the Chairperson. D. QUORUM AND VOTING REQUIREMENTS. A majority of the members of the Board shall constitute a quorum of the Board. Voting shall be one vote per county. All actions of the Board shall require an affirmative vote that represents a majority of the votes of all the member counties. Votes may be cast by the Supervisor delegate from the member county in person, by written proxy (including facsimile copy), by telephone or by any other representative from the member county, either elected or appointed, authorized to vote on behalf of the member county. Any action required or permitted to be taken by the Board may be taken without a meeting, through teleconferencing, faxing or mail. Such action shall have the same force and effect as a vote of the Board at any meeting. E. PRESIDING OFFICER. The President of the Caucus shall serve as presiding officer of the Board of Directors. F. RESIGNATION. Any Governing Board member may resign, effective immediately or at a later time specified by giving written notice to the Governing Board. If the resignation is effective at a future time, a successor may be elected in advance to fill the vacancy at that time. G. VACANCIES. A vacancy shall be deemed to exist in the Governing Board upon the death, resignation, disqualification, or removal of any member. A vacancy created by the death, resignation or disqualification of a director shall be filled by the county board represented by the vacated position, with a member of that board. Any director elected to fill a vacancy on the Board shall serve until the expiration of the term of the director replaced. 4 ARTICLE V OFFICERS A. DESIGNATION AND SELECTION. The officers of the Caucus are as follows: 1. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, each of whom shall be a member of the Governing Board and shall be elected by the Board at the Annual Meeting for a one-year term. 2. The Treasurer, who may be either a member of the Governing Board or an employee of the Board. 3. The Secretary, who shall be the Executive Director of the Caucus, appointed by the Governing Board. B. DUTIES 1. The Chairperson shall: a. Preside at all meetings.of the Governing Board. b. Appoint the members of such advisory committees, task forces and other advisory groups as may be established by the Governing Board. C. Perform such other duties as may be authorized by the Governing Board. 2. The Vice Chairperson shall assist the Chairperson in the performance of the above duties. The Vice Chairperson shall act in behalf of the Chairperson when the latter is absent. 3. The Treasurer shall cause to be maintained adequate and correct books and records of accounts for the Caucus; shall cause all funds of the Caucus to be deposited and disbursed as directed by the Governing Board; shall report to the Board Committee, as requested, upon the financial condition of the Caucus; and shallotherwise oversee the financial affairs of the Caucus. 4. The Secretary shall provide for the preparation and keeping of minutes and other records of the Caucus, as required by this Constitution and by the Nonprofit Corporation Law. 5 C. VACANCIES 1. A vacancy in the office of Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Treasurer or Secretary, for any cause, shall be filled by the Governing Board subject to the requirements for original appointments to those offices. ARTICLE VI COMMITTEES A. ADVISORY COMMITTEES. The Governing Board may establish such policy advisory committees, standing or special, and such task forces or other groups as it finds necessary in conducting the activities and affairs of the Caucus; provided, that no such committee, task force, or group shall have any authority of the Board or make any decision or take any action on behalf of the Caucus. The members of any such committee, task force, or group shall be appointed by the Chairperson of the Caucus, and may include county officials and staff persons, as well as county supervisors. B. COMMITTEES OF THE BOARD. The Governing Board may by resolution adopted by a majority of the members representing the majority of the population, establish one or more committees, each consisting of two or more directors, to serve at the pleasure of the Board. Any such committee, to the extent provided in the resolution of the Board, shall have the authority of the Board, subject, however, to the authority assigned to the Governing Board by this Constitution, and the same limitations upon its actions as are placed upon actions of the Governing Board. ARTICLE VII STAFF The Governing Board shall appoint an Executive Director of the Caucus, to serve at the pleasure of the Board, who shall administer the activities and affairs of the Caucus pursuant to the directives of the Board and within the established policies and budget of the Caucus. The Board shall fix the compensation of the Executive Director, subject to budgetary review and approval by the Board and may prescribe any specific powers and duties for that position which are consistent with this Constitution and applicable law. 6 The Board may authorize the Executive Director to employ such professional and support staff as it finds necessary to conduct the activities and affairs of the Caucus, and shall fix the compensation of such staff, subject to budgetary review and approval by the Board. ARTICLE VIII FINANCES A. ANNUAL DUES. The Governing Board may levy annual dues and other fees upon each county board of supervisors maintaining the membership of its supervisors in the Caucus, and may change the amount of such dues and fees from year to year, as it finds necessary. Dues shall be equally apportioned among the member counties. B. BUDGET. At least sixty days before the close of the Caucus fiscal year, the Executive Director shall prepare a Caucus budget for the succeeding fiscal year. The budget shall be submitted to the Governing Board, which shall finally review, revise and adopt the budget. C. INDEBTEDNESS. The Governing Board may borrow money and incur indebtedness on behalf of the Caucus, and may cause to be executed and delivered for the Caucus' purposes, in the Caucus' name, promissory notes, deeds of trust, mortgages, pledges, and other evidence of debts and securities. D. COMPENSATION OF MEMBERS. Members shall not be entitled to compensation for services to the Caucus. However, to the extent authorized and budgeted by the Board of Directors, members may be reimbursed from Caucus funds for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. E. BONDS AND INSURANCE. All officers and employees of the Caucus who handle Caucus funds shall be bonded in amounts determined by the Board. Also, the Caucus shall secure and maintain liability insurance for the protection of the Caucus and all officers, members and employees. F. BOOKS, ACCOUNTS AND FINANCIAL REPORTS. The Caucus shall keep adequate and correct books and records of accounts. Within 120 days after the close of each fiscal year, the Governing Board shall secure a financial audit and report by an independent accountant. G. DISSOLUTION OF CORPORATION. The Caucus may, upon unanimous agreement of its Board of Directors, dissolve the Corporation. Upon dissolution, and after any and all outstanding debts have been paid, any remaining assets shall be disbursed to member counties in proportion to their contributed dues. 7 ARTICLES IX AMENDMENTS This constitution may be amended by: 1. The Governing Board on the affirmative votes of the majority of the weighted votes of all member counties. Adopted and revised December 20, 1989 Revision February 6, 1992 (ARTICLE VIII, Section G) 8 BAN LEGISLATIVE UPDATE UNTIES kuCUS September 1, 1996 Trial Court Funding Saga Ends in Spat In the wee hours this morning AB 2553 (Isenberg) was left stranded in the Senate as the result of a disagreement between the author and the President Pro Tem of the Senate over "hostile" amendments to an unrelated bill. AB 2553 was one of the very last bills approved by the Senate, on a vote of 32 to 5. However it needed one final approval by the Assembly before it could be sent to the Governor. Unfortunately, the Senate adjourned its 1995/96 session before the measure was transmitted to the Assembly. AB 2553 was the product of months of discussions between CSAC, the administration, and the Administrative Office of the Courts and was intended to protect counties from fiiture increases in court costs. The bill became the subject of marathon negotiations in the last days of the legislative session when UCC and Alameda County staff worked to reduce the estimated $57 million financial penalty on counties caused by the double counting of facilities costs. Our negotiations resulted in the set aside of $18 million in the current fiscal year to partially mitigate this situation and the inclusion of other amendments to address future responsibilities for facilities maintenance and retirement costs. However, the bill faced an uncertain fate if it reached the Governor since his staff indicated that he would veto it if it still contained collective bargaining language included for court employees. The derailment of AB 2553 creates a financial problem which must be remedied when the new Legislature convenes in December. The courts built their budgets anticipating the availability of$80 plus million in new fee revenues provided by the bill. Also, the current State Budget does not contain language enabling the transfer from the General Fund to the Trial Court Trust Fund of the fee, fine and forfeiture revenues submitted to the State by the counties. Therefore, without legislation, these funds cannot reach the courts. CYA Fee Bill Approved Counties can expect some minor relief in the future from the new "sliding scale" CYA fees which take effect in January if the Governor signs AB 2312 (Woods). The bill got its final legislative approval last night. It reduces the new fees by 25 percent in 1997, and increases the amount to be paid per CYA ward by 5 percent aunnually until the full payment schedule is in place. The measure also clarifies that the prior record of the offender must be considered when detennining whether a ward is classified in a category which requires payment by the county. ERAF Focus Shifts to Governor The AB 2797 (Aguiar) and SB 1001 (Craven) conference reports were approved unanimously by the Legislature and are on their way to the Governor. AB 2797 caps the ERAF property tax which must be shifted to schools at the 1996/97 level, beginning in 1997/98 and addresses the basic aid schools "excess ERAF" problem. AB 1001 caps the county contribution to special education in 1996/97 at $2.5 million. In addition to contacting the Governor themselves, supervisors are urged to ask law enforcement and business representatives to request that the Governor sign these measures. While they do not transfer a portion of the ERAF base back to counties, we hope that their approval will open the door for broader legislation next year. No Movement on Welfare Contrary to previous rumors, the Legislature did not adopt any significant health or welfare reform legislation in the final days of the legislative session. It is anticipated that there will be considerable activity is this area during the interim. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee has already scheduled two hearings: October 10 in Sacramento and October 18 in Los Angeles. Constitution Revision Fizzles Despite initial great hopes for meaningful redesign of California government, the two bills containing portions of the recommendations of the Constitutional Revision Commission were not approved by the Legislature. Since the Commission has been disbanded, the status quo reigns.