Asm. Carlos Villapudua

Under existing law, the State Water Resources Control Board and the California regional water quality control boards prescribe waste discharge requirements in accordance with the Federal Water Pollution Control Act and the Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act. Under federal law, any applicant seeking a federal license or permit for an activity that may result in any discharge into the navigable waters of the United States is required to first seek a state water quality certification, as specified. The Porter-Cologne Water Quality Control Act authorizes the state board to certify or provide a statement to a federal agency, as required pursuant to federal law, that there is reasonable assurance that an activity of any person subject to the jurisdiction of the state board will not reduce water quality below applicable standards. The federal act provides that if a state fails or refuses to act on a request for this certification within a reasonable period of time, which shall not exceed one year after receipt of the request, then the state certification requirements are waived with respect to the federal application. This bill would authorize the state board to delegate its authority regarding the above-described issuance of a certificate or statement to the regional boards. The bill would require a project proponent, as defined, to request a prefiling meeting with the state board, as specified. The bill would require the state board to act on the certification request within 60 days, except as specified. The bill would require a certification request to the state board for either an individual license or permit or a general license or permit to contain specified information. The bill would require the state board to take specified actions depending on whether it grants, grants with conditions, or denies the certification request.

Existing law, the California Financing Law (CFL) , establishes, until January 1, 2028, the Pilot Program for Increased Access to Responsible Small Dollar Loans, which requires licensees and other entities that wish to participate in the program to file an application and pay a specified fee to the Commissioner of Financial Protection and Innovation. The CFL also requires a licensee to offer, before disbursing loan proceeds under the program, a credit education program or seminar to the borrower that has been previously reviewed and approved by the commissioner or to invite the borrower to a credit education program or seminar offered by an independent third party that has been previously reviewed and approved by the commissioner, as prescribed. This bill would require the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation to make available on its internet website a list of approved credit education program or seminar providers. The bill would authorize a licensee approved by the commissioner to participate in the program to contract for and receive a monthly maintenance fee, as defined, not to exceed $40, as prescribed. The bill would also require a licensee to disclose the amount of the monthly maintenance fee when a consumer applies for a loan under the program. By expanding the crime of violating the CFL, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This measure would recognize March 2022 as Sudden Unexplained Death in Childhood Awareness Month.

This measure would proclaim the month of March 2022 as Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month.

This measure would resolve that the Legislature declares March 12, 2022, as National Girl Scout Day.

Under existing law governing the Community Development Block Grant Program, the Department of Housing and Community Development is required to distribute federal funds in the form of grants to eligible cities and counties to provide housing and economic development, principally for persons and families of low or moderate income. Existing law requires all funds made available under the program to be utilized to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities, consistent with federal requirements. This bill would authorize the Department of Housing and Community Development to prioritize 10% of program funds for down payment assistance. The bill would provide that these requirements be implemented only to the extent that they are consistent with federal requirements. Existing federal law establishes the HOME Investment Partnership Act, which allocates funds to states and local governments to, among other things, expand the supply of affordable housing. Existing law designates the Department of Housing and Community Development as the state agency responsible for the administration of the state's allocation of HOME Investment Partnership Act funds, the provision of technical assistance, and coordination of HOME Investment Partnership Act activities. This bill would authorize the Department of Housing and Community Development to prioritize 30% of the federal funding provided under the HOME Investment Partnership Act for purposes of promoting homeownership. The bill would provide that this requirement be implemented only to the extent that it is consistent with federal requirements.