Legislative Update — July 17, 1998

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A major milestone was reached this week on the education bond front, when the Assembly approved SB 50 (Karnette) on Monday evening (July 13^th) by a 66 to 11 vote. This bill was Speaker Villaraigosa's negotiated package with the Republican caucus. It was generally disliked by the education community, but not entirely.

The measure contains a $9.0 billion bond of which $2.5 billion is for higher education, to be allocated over a 4 year period ($1.25 billion for each biennium). The controversy revolves around several K-12 provisions, namely:

Suspension of the CEQA developer fee authority for 8 years.

The revisions of K-12 building funds on the basis of an average allowance per pupil by level (elementary, middle school and high school).

A limited developer fee increase conditioned on four criteria.

The Assembly action at the 11^th hour of the deadline to make the regular November ballot was in vain. Immediate Senate approval and the Governor's signature were also required, with the former being remote. On Thursday morning the Senate voted nonconcurrence in Assembly amendments to SB 50, which means the bill is poised to be sent to a conference committee.

Rumors and wishes abound in the Capitol. At mid week, five names surfaced as SB 50 conference committee members (Senators Johnston, Alpert and Brulte and Assembly Members Baugh and Hertzberg); however, nothing is written anywhere. It is rumored that some factions do not want a conference committee. Since Senate approval on SB 50, as is, is unlikely, a conference of some sort, if only to provide technical corrections to ambiguous language, seems certain. A number of vehicles (other bills) are appropriately situated in both houses to accommodate almost any conceivable strategy on this issue. You can be certain the scheming is underway.

AB 1921 (Scott) AWAITING SENATE APPROVAL — This measure to permit prebid qualification of bidders in community college projects is now awaiting approval on the Senate Floor after Senate Appropriations action.