LEGISLATION COMMITTEE
Meeting Date: April 9, 2024
Subject: State Legislative Updates of Interest to Contra Costa County
Submitted For: Legislation Committee
Department: County Administrator’s Office
Referral Name: Federal Update
Presenter: M. Rubalcava and G. Neill, Nielsen Merksamer
Contact: E. Struthers (925) 655-2045
Referral History:
The Legislation Committee regularly receives reports on the State Budget and bills of interest to the County and provides direction and/or input to staff and the County’s state lobbyists.
Referral Update:
The California State Legislature reconvened for its 2025-2026 session on January 6, 2025. February 21, 2025 was the last day for bills to be introduced. Since that time, the Legislature has been undertaking numerous policy committee hearings to consider new legislation.
Thus far, around fifteen bills have been advanced from the Assembly, not including special session bills. About two-thirds of these measures are related to the LA fires, disaster recovery (including permitting), and fire insurance. These bills, advanced from their house of origin in the Assembly, are now awaiting referral to policy committees in the Senate.
The state is also working on its FY25-26 budget, which, barring significant federal uncertainty, was generally expected to be balanced. Budget hearings have been underway in the various subcommittees in both chambers.
One development that has added further uncertainty to the state budget is the rising cost of medical services, particularly for the Medicaid (Medi-Cal) program. Throughout the past month, the state has twice needed to borrow during the current fiscal year to cover higher-than-budgeted costs of Medicaid. Coupled with federal threats to the Medicaid program, it raises questions about how the state will respond and adapt to these increasing fiscal pressures.
The County’s state lobbyist will provide an update on current budgetary and policy issues being addressed by the state.
Recommendation(s)/Next Step(s):
RECEIVE the report and provide direction and/or input to County staff and the County’s state advocates, as needed.
Fiscal Impact (if any):
None.