Carlsbad legislative subcommittee backs AB1999 and AB2684

The Carlsbad legislative subcommittee voted to support two state bills during its April 9 meeting, recording unanimous affirmative votes from the two council members present.

Councilmember Burkholder moved to support AB1999, a proposal that would change fixed charges on utility bills; Councilmember Acosta seconded the motion and both voted "Yes." The subcommittee then moved to support AB2684, which would require local hazard mitigation plans to address extreme heat and could make jurisdictions eligible for FEMA funding; that motion also passed with both members voting in favor.

The votes followed an extended briefing by regional lobbyists and state legislative staff on pending bills. Laura Morgan Kessler of Carpe & Clay told the subcommittee that "All 12 of those bills are passed into law" in the recent federal appropriations process, underscoring the current pace of legislative activity at the state and federal levels. Sharon Gonzales of Renee Public Policy Group detailed numerous state measures affecting coastal cities, housing, public safety and utilities before the votes.

The subcommittee recorded the motions and roll-call results during the meeting. Councilmember Burkholder moved to support AB1999 and Burkholder and Acosta recorded "Yes" votes. Burkholder moved to support AB2684 and both members again recorded "Yes." Earlier in the meeting the subcommittee also voted to approve the minutes from its prior meeting.

Why it matters: AB1999 addresses how utility fixed charges are set and could affect rate structures; AB2684 aims to incorporate extreme-heat planning into local hazard-mitigation rules, a change that local officials said could open doors to federal funding for heat-response measures.

Next steps: Staff and the city’s contract lobbyists said they will circulate letters and coordinate advocacy with the San Diego County delegation and state agencies as appropriate. The subcommittee’s formal positions will inform the city’s outreach during upcoming Sacramento and Washington, D.C., advocacy trips.