[{"_1":2,"_124":-5,"_125":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88,100,112],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6517312,"mediaKeyId","5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c","parentId",5419011,"title","Assembly committee advances bill letting cities return abandoned shopping carts to retailers and recover costs","audioSeconds",3421,"startMs",2335000,"endMs",5756000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c&start=2335&end=5756","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c/thumbnail_2335000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6517312/California/Assembly-committee-advances-bill-letting-cities-return-abandoned-shopping-carts-to-retailers-and-recover-costs","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517312-78b1c1982bc3e46826f4cbd095314ca0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026344&Signature=hk-tk9iwzMKBt8SMIQeqlu1~B-obLZVxJ2L2xv0YdlhVOnuGWpGI4uF8ektLNzLGenmMfAa~lDW63hzCOjJ4ajTcfsTLiMS30X1RTEzJZnOXOEPxJHZZ1D9tzkopHY6mpHR7DwNuMwnKBA1CS5sCk769NDt0RiWPx9t3pJPBe~qDh6mxGwSM9VNAhl88sjfzVOHi1IWyzZ06XKSd7P9D8WSMjqupSZipJknaFW9iedSEaoq12UIctphi3JxqfWeStJ42LDW3Pb7pHCwA-qXCbPuBKo~0W0JbqV7Z-KVwpyezMNSc48Dl6uRGzytLGDrjT9K1JP20nTbbY2uLHGYlcQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","California State Assembly","date","2025-07-16T00:00:00Z","article","The Assembly Local Government Committee on Tuesday debated SB 753, a bill by Sen. John (presented in committee as Senator Cortese) that would allow cities and counties to retrieve abandoned shopping carts and return them directly to retailers and recover documented costs for retrieval rather than storing carts in impound lots for up to 30 days under the current state law.

Proponents told the committee the change would reduce cost and delay and help keep streets, sidewalks and waterways clear. “SB 753 simply allows cities and counties to directly return abandoned shopping carts to retailers rather than being forced to store them in impound areas for up to 30 days,” the senator said in presenting the bill. San Jose Councilmember Michael Mulcahy said the proposal “strikes that balance” of helping cities clean up public spaces while treating retailers “fairly.” Caroline Grinder of the League of California Cities said the change would create “flexibility for cities to act quickly and effectively.”

Retail trade groups said the bill risks charging retailers to recover stolen property and could create perverse incentives. Daniel Conaway of the California Grocers Association said the bill would, in his view, allow cities to charge more to retrieve what grocers consider stolen property and said retailers want to preserve their “right of retrieval” without facing new charges. Bridal Elaine of the California Retailers Association said the proposed $500 per-cart cap in committee amendments could exceed the cost of most carts and raised practical concerns about carts dumped in inaccessible locations (private property, waterways) where retailers could not safely retrieve them.

Committee members pressed both sides on how the current 72‑hour notice and impound procedure operates and whether the bill would preserve retailers’ opportunity to retrieve carts first. The author and supporters said committee amendments require an ordinance and public hearing before a city can charge for retrieval; the ordinance must describe how actual retrieval costs are calculated and must respect a cap on cost recovery (committee text referenced a cap included in amendments). The author said cities could still choose to continue the existing practice of giving retailers three days to retrieve carts and that local ordinances could set grace periods or other local rules. “If the cities don't adopt an ordinance, the default is these retailers will wait…for 30 days to get their cart back,” the senator said.

Several committee members urged continued negotiation before final action, focused on keeping a meaningful, retailer-accessible period to retrieve carts and on clear local‑level safeguards. The author agreed to continue discussions with retailers and city sponsors. The committee accepted committee amendments and moved the bill forward (motion: do pass as amended). The roll was called on the committee motion and the measure advanced.

Why it matters: SB 753 addresses a recurring municipal problem—abandoned shopping carts in public rights-of-way and waterways—by changing the mechanics of retrieval and cost recovery. Supporters said it reduces municipal storage and handling costs; opponents warned it could shift costs onto retailers and create liability/operational challenges where carts are inaccessible.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Assembly Local Government Committee","oneSentenceSummary","The Assembly Local Government Committee on Tuesday debated SB 753, a measure that would let cities and counties immediately retrieve abandoned shopping carts and return them to retailers while recovering documented costs, replacing a process that can require 30 days of impoundment.","taxTitle","California State Assembly, House, Legislative, California","taxId",17099,"location","California","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517302,"Committee advances SB 79 to encourage housing near major transit hubs; bill includes local flexibility and affordability provisions",3298,7590000,10888000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c&start=7590&end=10888","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c/thumbnail_7590000.jpg","/articles/6517302/California/Committee-advances-SB-79-to-encourage-housing-near-major-transit-hubs-bill-includes-local-flexibility-and-affordability-provisions","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517302-36615eb3294e67f1dba21bdf74824fcc/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026344&Signature=GLH48V45Cz0IvdCHrjbx7HFbFJswqkLwqaRGCPjFzliYMkcXKlVavx14u-~CbEIkTjG~BQLkFqoIQ7DvQu2AWy6UdClY5ueoGpGK4OnHUrms~WrVnWbT0DbhDSLV-JFqvRqxDDt8POfXx1HzX1N3ezcWnTod958y~uP76699DtYAfvXvba6Mc~u~Y77rBR8kdCsG2OuzJXHBJMairWpuRdPBlQ1lUapR-WLHUdMkekNzKlms8ul2SmKdz0jGfaSJFhZlknYlyGV~o-GhLX72cD6QUmMRmsmlCMr1dKAJhgNQWjQDcEsjqaROBvxlMNgLRx0Z2ccQUjKLMz3jma1G7w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Local Government Committee advanced SB 79, a high‑profile bill by Senator Wiener aimed at increasing housing near high‑capacity, high‑quality transit stations by establishing minimum zoning and development standards within concentric zones around those stations.

The author said the bill focuses on building housing where public investments already exist: “When we are making significant public investments in public transportation…we need to make sure it's working for those people and that has to be close to where they live.” The bill creates tiered zones (tier 1, tier 2, tier 3) tied to station quality and frequency, sets minimum density expectations and includes an alternative local plan pathway so cities can craft a locally tailored approach. The bill also contains provisions to protect against demolition and displacement and added affordability requirements after negotiations with stakeholders and Senate Appropriations.

Supporters—ranging from mayors, housing advocates and environmental groups to former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs—urged the committee to pass the bill, saying transit‑adjacent housing reduces vehicle miles travelled, supports transit ridership and addresses the housing shortage. “This is a balanced bill that recognizes both the absolute crushing demand for more homes with the value of local partnerships,” said Claremont councilmember Jed Liano, supporting the measure.

Many cities and local officials testified in opposition or with concerns, arguing the bill could undermine locally adopted transit‑oriented plans and specific plans that had years of community engagement; they cited infrastructure, fire hazard, historic preservation and implementation costs. Paramount's vice mayor told the committee that her city had a specific plan for the transit gateway that reflects many years of local engagement and warned broad mandates could undercut locally tailored planning. Several members urged the author to continue negotiations and noted the bill's local alternative pathway and a temporary delayed implementation for jurisdictions that had already rezoned for TOD.

Committee members engaged in extended questioning about flexibility for areas with topographic constraints, wildfire severity zones, infrastructure capacity, planned districts and the definition of station catchment area (path‑of‑travel vs as‑the‑crow‑flies). The author said the bill includes provisions allowing cities to adopt local alternative plans, and that a delayed implementation option exists for jurisdictions that have already taken substantial TOD action.

The committee voted to pass SB 79 as amended to the Appropriations Committee. The author and several members emphasized continued negotiations with local governments, building trades and preservation interests prior to floor action.

Why it matters: SB 79 ties housing objectives to existing transit investments and would change local zoning near transit stations unless cities adopt alternative compliant plans. The bill contains significant affordability, displacement protections and a local‑alternative pathway; its final form will depend on ongoing negotiations.","The Assembly Local Government Committee on Tuesday passed SB 79, a bill to require denser housing near high‑quality transit stations unless cities adopt an approved local alternative plan.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517307,"Committee approves bill to streamline third‑party permitting for California high‑speed rail; utilities raise concerns",3422,3488000,6910000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c&start=3488&end=6910","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c/thumbnail_3488000.jpg","/articles/6517307/California/Committee-approves-bill-to-streamline-thirdparty-permitting-for-California-highspeed-rail-utilities-raise-concerns","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517307-9b8ec8ef471f17aad41ad140767dc252/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026344&Signature=BoqyfgVO7ER59Fk3dhPrRIXXOcHSNO4Zh-cfUEHWDOa8NuK2iWeWft5evPplZI~eDXZkD8p4rhxruJ1T3u-tuCNXu3sFh2IYZl~uU69b4fEttBQhdJH4nPYDV4ABqLMeHYukFkBhv8PnyLpenFS1kO3y3YVQgbKke-ZrObueVnaDi4ckJwoE4AaKPGbSeCT0IFsa~m7W5k4EvoYeCGlGdKyVcG7Wb1Jo~bgdkdYSZychZb2QaaZ9w9z~9KeGeVQM-uwOuvb0uFPRJs6Ez0iv97pJQKNlTXOI6-t~wBlELX4nezHmdOTe2wh-bbIaG73Wm4J-eZWH-7f-TEhTTFKunw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Local Government Committee advanced SB 445, a bill focused narrowly on high‑speed rail that would require the California High‑Speed Rail Authority to adopt regulations establishing early engagement protocols for third‑party permit approvals and a binding arbitration process to resolve disputes.

Author Senator Weiner said the bill targets one documented cause of multi‑year project delays—third‑party permitting or encroachment approvals from utilities, special districts and local agencies—and seeks to set standards for early engagement, responsibilities and a dispute-resolution backstop. “Are we going to allow a hundred different entities to be able to veto it?” the senator asked, arguing the current fragmented process can slow large projects.

Supporters including Mark Butkovich of Streets for All and Keith Dunn of the Building and Construction Trades Council urged passage, citing studies showing permit and third‑party delays can add 12–18 months to major projects. “By requiring high‑speed rail to adopt clear enforceable standards…it ensures that early engagement happens, responsibilities are clearly defined, and that projects don't get held hostage by foot dragging or red tape,” Butkovich said.

Opponents—principally utilities and local government associations—said the bill initially overreached by applying mandatory arbitration to investor‑owned utilities and risked undercutting affordability, safety and reliability. Derek Dolph of the California Municipal Utilities Association and Catherine Borg of Southern California Edison registered opposition and asked for amendments. The author and committee discussed removing IOUs from mandatory binding arbitration and classifying public‑power and other utilities differently; the senator said those changes would be taken in Utilities & Energy and committed to negotiating with affected stakeholders over the summer.

The committee voted to move SB 445 to the Utilities & Energy Committee with amendments; the transcript records the measure passed the committee on an 8‑1 vote. Supporters and the author committed to continued stakeholder work before the bill advances further.

Why it matters: The bill targets a specific, widely reported bottleneck for large infrastructure projects—coordination and approvals from other agencies and utilities. The measure would create a formal, statewide structure for engagement and a faster resolution process on high‑priority state transportation projects if finalized.","The Assembly Local Government Committee on Tuesday advanced SB 445, which would require the High‑Speed Rail Authority to set early‑engagement rules and a dispute‑resolution process for third‑party permitting on high‑speed rail projects.",{"_33":101,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":102,"_41":103,"_43":104,"_45":105,"_47":106,"_49":107,"_51":108,"_53":109,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":110,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":111,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517297,"Committee advances SB 5 to prevent tax‑increment financing from subsidizing development on lands under Williamson Act contracts",546,10662000,11208000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c&start=10662&end=11208","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c/thumbnail_10662000.jpg","/articles/6517297/California/Committee-advances-SB-5-to-prevent-taxincrement-financing-from-subsidizing-development-on-lands-under-Williamson-Act-contracts","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517297-17c56d6bbcedd15ee56f444b03097b73/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026344&Signature=XOQTzhNJJcj9UJfSnsi~OPNhXI4XpxqQe~XFRI3q~jbtpFbnnUyn0qLytHsUOTKOQ1mu~gbun0bOVF5RikTdIuUutI0~08tSOBDC1dV-TXzdywUZs4d2NOzrP0pb2FgbtnId43RR7FwG9T~1-RiGEb4aUzZpBOhaX5OESVGMC6GW6iO9vjEXghHuG1iJNge3IeVh-nRMZf4fATTwVvN05jgbiQoWRBzvkaj9~fPDxN-cbc1GB27F5PyaqPmGRlQIgQzVa46MZtlu5nzkV3xLGZfKhRONIAqGOC6jopDGlGCl-cH1UfmarkcQDzNDdHAiBEqa57J4PTroUyGPogispw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Local Government Committee advanced SB 5, a measure intended to close a financing loophole that can allow tax‑increment infrastructure districts to capture revenues on parcels that remain protected by Williamson Act farmland contracts.

The sponsor said the bill protects the integrity of the Williamson Act, the state’s principal farmland conservation program, by ensuring parcels under active agricultural contracts or farmland security zones cannot be included in enhanced infrastructure financing districts (EIFDs) or community revitalization and investment areas (CRIAs) for tax‑increment allocations until contracts are cancelled and lands are rezoned for non‑agricultural use. Jordan Grimes of Greenbelt Alliance and Daniel Jones of the California Farm Bureau urged the committee to support SB 5. Grimes said EIFDs should not be able to leverage “artificially low property tax assessments created through conservation incentives to subsidize infrastructure for future development.”

Supporters argued the change prevents a double subsidy—first via reduced tax assessments to support farmland preservation and then via public investment to subsidize development that undermines that preservation. Opponents were limited; the California Building Industry Association registered opposition but said it was engaged in negotiation with the author. Committee members asked for clarification on mechanics and whether included parcels could be added in future assessment cycles if a contract is cancelled; the author and supporters confirmed the bill permits inclusion only after cancellation or rezoning and in a later assessment cycle, preserving local flexibility while protecting farmland.

The committee voted to move SB 5 forward (motion: do pass). Supporters said the bill balances farmland conservation with responsible use of tax‑increment financing tools and maintains flexibility if landowners and local governments decide to release contracted land for redevelopment.

Why it matters: The bill protects agricultural lands enrolled in the Williamson Act from being used as a vehicle to capture public infrastructure funding for development, addressing concerns that conservation contracts could be indirectly undermined by financing structures.","The Assembly Local Government Committee voted to advance SB 5, which would bar enhanced infrastructure financing districts and similar tax‑increment mechanisms from using tax increment derived from parcels under Williamson Act farmland contracts until those parcels have been formally released and rezoned.",{"_33":113,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":114,"_41":115,"_43":116,"_45":117,"_47":118,"_49":119,"_51":120,"_53":121,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":122,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":123,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6517293,"Committee advances Clean Energy Safety Act (SB 283) to tighten safety, inspections and fire‑service role for large battery storage projects",531,12973000,13504000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c&start=12973&end=13504","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5419011-9b0332b14c7d4620975d8caf92485a8c/thumbnail_12973000.jpg","/articles/6517293/California/Committee-advances-Clean-Energy-Safety-Act-SB-283-to-tighten-safety-inspections-and-fireservice-role-for-large-battery-storage-projects","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6517293-891b4118bca1445f065983bb52432ebf/orig.mp4?Expires=1771026344&Signature=cYwH7NIpHkUD09v8uJCN-JepDDJYGWlh07HLLZAEtIzTvGpQP-BVR41gyopTUYwe0hYxxfyKsj25wS-IrG5o9APdJboLqbjflqiMaL-L-VVF-TIsnqKh-EcjdBf~6BGds8dk6WnTdvEkGde2I-VcvcsqfgM4E7e~Dcf0uB-0W-hZHE2qpujSpVpheA6eihpLfnI3-wf2AVoHmBLKn~fjNmK-Q5~frUJL4Cn9GDaqeiYw-msjuo-SJbNVOrv2xfWmkjVL7Pm2vs~wZhl5kaSPWlcoE0J3tFZVB97LTs2bDpPLdL1HdsCXuC6SVDMwY0pb6UphEoiHA6p67z0cbZowVQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Assembly Local Government Committee advanced SB 283, the “Clean Energy Safety Act of 2025,” authorizing new safety requirements, standardized codes and structured fire‑service involvement for large battery energy storage systems (BESS).

Sen. (presenting) said the bill responds to the Moss Landing battery fire and the rapid growth of storage capacity in California, which has climbed from a few hundred megawatts to over 13,000 MW in recent years. The measure would require projects to adhere to standardized safety standards (including NFPA guidance and updated building/electrical/fire code provisions), prohibit containment of storage inside combustible buildings, and require local fire agency consultation during design plus an inspection and verification before the facility starts operation.

Firefighters’ unions and statewide labor organizations strongly supported the bill. Doug Subers of the California Professional Firefighters said large battery fires can be complex and long‑running and urged the committee to adopt measures that improve firefighter and community safety, including pre‑application meet‑and‑confers with fire agencies, adherence to NFPA 55 and inspection prior to operation. The California State Association of Electrical Workers and California Coalition of Utility Employees also cosponsored the bill and emphasized worker safety.

A broad set of local governments, fire authorities and industry groups also registered support, and the author accepted committee amendments intended to harmonize the proposed standards with CEC and CPUC efforts already underway. No formal opposition was recorded in committee testimony; the committee voted to move the measure to Appropriations with the accepted amendments.

Why it matters: California is rapidly scaling battery storage to integrate renewable energy. SB 283 aims to codify minimum safety standards and give fire agencies a structured role in design review and pre‑operation inspection, addressing public safety and firefighter risk concerns raised after recent incidents.","SB 283 would require safety standards, firefighter involvement in planning, and inspections before large battery storage facilities operate. The measure targets lessons from the Moss Landing incident and won broad support from fire unions, labor and utilities; committee adopted amendments and referred the bill to Appropriations.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Assembly committee advances bill letting cities return abandoned shopping carts to retailers and recover costs

Committee advances SB 79 to encourage housing near major transit hubs; bill includes local flexibility and affordability provisions

Committee approves bill to streamline third‑party permitting for California high‑speed rail; utilities raise concerns

Committee advances SB 5 to prevent tax‑increment financing from subsidizing development on lands under Williamson Act contracts

Committee advances Clean Energy Safety Act (SB 283) to tighten safety, inspections and fire‑service role for large battery storage projects