YOUR DUES DOLLARS AT WORK CAPITAL ISSUES COVER THE GAMET, FROM FIRE AND WATER TO TAXES AND REGULATION by CCA Vice President of Government Affairs Kirk Wilbur CCA enjoyed significant legislative success in 2021, most notably with two CCA-sponsored bills signed into law which took effect January 1 of this year. The first, AB 1103 (Dahle), established a statewide framework for “Livestock Pass” programs – several of which have subsequently been established throughout the state in recent months. The second, SB 332 (Dodd), promotes the use of prescribed fire by minimizing prescribed fire practitioners’ financial liability for the uncommon circumstance in which controlled burns escape their designated burn area. In the second year of the 2021-22 Legislative Session, CCA has sought to build upon last year’s success by continuing to support prescribed fire and other forest resilience policies under consideration in Sacramento. Additionally, CCA has sponsored two bill to preserve policies that enhance the viability of agricultural operations within the state. Finally, CCA has successfully worked in the Capitol this year to amend or defeat legislation which threatened to harm ranching operations, and we continue to oppose harmful measures still pending before lawmakers. As the Legislature heads into its Summer Recess, this article provides an update on CCA’s lobbying efforts in
12 California Cattleman July • August 2022
2022 (note that some legislation was still pending before policy committees as of press time, so the below may not reflect some bills’ final disposition as of July 1, when Summer Recess began). August 31 is the last day of the 2021-22 Legislative Session, after which Governor Newsom will have until September 30 to sign bills into law or veto them. CCA will provide a final update on the Association’s legislative year in the November edition of California Cattleman. CCA-Sponsored Legislation AB 2415 (Lackey) – Agricultural vehicle exemption from Basic Inspection of Terminals program Current Status: Will be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee June 28. Vote History: Passed Assembly 72-0. The Basic Inspection of Terminals (BIT) program, administered by the California Highway Patrol (CHP), requires commercial trucking fleets to have their vehicles, maintenance records and driving records inspected by CHP at least once every six years. Even minor violations can result in severe consequences, including suspension
