PPCC Addresses Confusion Around Proposed Fire Recovery Authority Bill
The Pacific Palisades Community Council issued the following update about SB 549, which is going through the California Assembly process and would establish a fire recovery authority for Pacific Palisades:
It has come to our attention that incorrect or misleading information about the status of this bill is being communicated on various platforms in the community. Please note the following:
The bill passed in the state Senate in late May and is now in the required committee process in the Assembly. SB 549 will be heard … Wednesday, July 16, at 1:30 pm in the Assembly Local Government (LG) Committee. See the LG Committee’s agenda HERE.
See also the LG Committee’s Legislative Analysis of the bill (including information on who supports and who opposes to date) HERE.
After the LG Committee meeting, the legislature goes on recess during August. If the bill passes in the LG Committee, then when the legislature returns the bill must be heard in the Assembly Appropriations Committee. If it passes there, it would go to the full Assembly for a floor vote.
If the bill passes in the Assembly with amendments since it was last voted on in the Senate, it must return to the Senate for a further vote in early fall. It would go to the governor's desk (for signing or a veto) only after this process plays out, i.e., if the bill passes at the various stages and is not paused or put on hold (which sometimes occurs).
Sen. Ben Allen and his staff have met with the PPCC Rebuild Committee as well as some of our board members. They have advised us that there will be time for study and several opportunities to amend the bill as the legislative process proceeds, and that he wishes to hear from the community with input that may lead to needed and expected amendments.
The senator will be our special guest at the PPCC meeting this Thursday, July 17, at 6 p.m. via Zoom (details on www.pacpalicc.org); he will speak during item 11.1 (new business), beginning at approximately 7pm.
Sen. Allen will explain the bill’s history and answer questions from the board and meeting attendees.
We also learned yesterday about a recent letter from Councilwoman [Traci] Park to Supervisor [Lindsey] Horvath and Sen. Allen, expressing recommendations and concerns related to SB 549 and the proposed Rebuilding Authority. See her letter HERE.
The PPCC Executive Committee will bring a motion before the Board related to these matters following the presentation by Sen. Allen at our July 17th meeting (during agenda item 11.1). There will be an opportunity for full discussion.
