The Legislature spring recess starts next week. There will be some committee deadlines shortly thereafter that will keep the legislators, lobbyists and sponsors very busy. This fiscal year’s budget looks good – there are budget surpluses. Everyone is waiting for the Governor’s May revision to next fiscal year’s budget. Don’t anticipate any issues with passing a budget by July 1st. The Governor’s Rainy Day Fund is on the ballot for this November. Of concern is the CAL State Teacher Retirement System deficit – it is going to be an issue this year. Because of recent indictments of legislators, the Democrats don’t have their two-thirds majority anymore. Legislature will be out most of July, and this legislative session ends August 31st.
Review of Public Safety Communications/9-1-1 Legislation
AB47 – Gatto – Emergency Telephone System Abuse – this is a two-year bill that has not had any action this session.
AB911 – Bloom – Multi-Line Telephone Systems – 9-1-1 – this is also a two year bill. CALNENA was a sponsor. No action yet, but CALNENA expects it to be acted upon before the end of the session.
AB1717 – Perea – Pre-Paid Phone Surcharge – This bill will be heard in the Assembly Utilities and Commerce Committee Hearing on 4/21. Berdan met with Perea’s staff last week. Staff was very confident that it would pass. Also met with California Public Safety 9-1-1 Coalition. Was told that the bill would be amended to meet rules to stay alive, and the sunset clause was removed, but it will be put back in. Still no definitive answer on it’s impact on the SETNA. Opposition already on file from CA Police Chiefs, CALNENA, and CPUC, with CA Fire Chiefs to send an opposition letter this week.
SB1211– Padilla – Next Gen 9-1-1 – This bill will be heard in the Senate Governance and Finance Committee Hearing on 4/23. Berdan is meeting with Padilla’s staff on 4/8. The wording is very generic – there needs to be more substance on how we will pay for Next Gen 9-1-1 infrastructure.