State Capitol Updates
Streetsblog California
Interview: Mike Gatto Talks Hit and Runs and Why Jerry Brown Will Get Behind a “Yellow Alert” System
Last week, I conducted a phone interview with Assemblyman Mike Gatto, best known to Streetsblog readers for his tireless work fighting for tougher laws to prevent hit and run drivers. While Gatto's efforts have proven popular with safety advocates, his center piece legislation to create a statewide hit and run alert system was vetoed last session by Governor Jerry Brown after sailing through the Assembly and Senate.
April 22, 2015
Bill Asking for Delay in CEQA Reform Guidelines Amended But Alive
An attempt by large developers to undermine promised reforms to the state's landmark environmental review law (CEQA) is winding its way through the Assembly.
April 21, 2015
Republican’s Attempt to Undermine High Speed Rail on Hold…for Now
The Assembly Transportation Committee said “thanks, but no thanks” to A.B. 6, legislation by a Santa Clarita Republican that would give voters the chance to overturn $8 billion in bonds meant to fund California High Speed Rail. A.B. 6 was defeated by an unofficial vote of 7-4 (which will likely be 11-5 when the official tally is released.)
April 20, 2015
CA Legislative Update: Raise the Gas Tax? Cap and Trade, HOT Lanes
Bills have started moving through committees in both houses of the California legislature as the hearing season starts.
April 17, 2015
CA Bill to Prohibit Bridge Tolls for Bikes, Peds Passes Committee
A bill in the California Assembly that would prohibit state-owned bridges from charging tolls for pedestrians and bicycle riders moved forward yesterday in committee. Assemblymember Phil Ting's A.B. 40 passed the Assembly Transportation Committee with a vote of 31 to 2.
April 14, 2015
Mandatory Helmet Bill Is Gutted: Now Asks for Study
The mandatory bicycle helmet bill, Senator Carol Liu's Senate Bill 192, has been dropped—or rather amended. Instead of requiring bicyclists to wear helmets, it calls on the Office of Traffic Safety to conduct a study of bicycle helmet use.
April 10, 2015