REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Travis K. Hopkins, Assistant City Manager
Subject:
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Consider positions on legislation pending before the State and Federal Legislature, as recommended by the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC)
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Statement of Issue:
On May 24, 2021, the Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IRC), comprised of Mayor Kim Carr, Mayor Pro Tem Tito Ortiz, and Council Member Mike Posey discussed State and Federal issues with relevance to Huntington Beach. Following discussion, the IRC chose to take positions on certain proposed legislation, which are presented to the City Council for consideration.
Financial Impact:
Not applicable.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Approve one or more City positions on the following State legislation:
A) Watch Assembly Bill 1177 (Santiago) - California Public Banking Option Act
B) Support Assembly Bill 1158 (Petrie-Norris) - Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery or treatment facilities
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Alternative Action(s):
Do not approve one or more recommended legislative positions and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
On May 24, 2021, the IRC recommended positions on the following State legislation, which are being presented to the City Council for approval:
1. WATCH - AB 1177 (Santiago) - California Public Banking Option Act
This bill establishes the Public Banking Option Board to administer the BankCal Program, offering consumers who lack access to traditional banking services access to no-cost, zero-fee, zero-penalty federally-insured bank account and debit card services. It would require the Board, before July 1, 2023, to conduct a market analysis to determine if BankCal can be implemented, and if program revenue will be sufficient to cover program costs within six years of the program’s implementation. The Board’s determination is subject to approval of the Legislature through enactment of a subsequent statute. The author believes that establishing BankCal will help close the racial wealth gap, and allow families to keep money they have earned and build their savings. Dozens of labor and social organizations, as well as public banks support this bill; multiple bankers associations and the California Chamber of Commerce oppose. The IRC is not certain that a public bank is a critical necessity at this time, and chose a Watch position as this bill makes its way through the Assembly.
2. SUPPORT - AB 1158 (Petrie-Norris) - Alcoholism or drug abuse recovery facilities
This bill imposes additional standards on “recovery residences” (sober living homes), as well as drug treatment facilities that contract with government entities. These standards include maintaining minimum insurance coverage levels, and higher standards to protect patients from abuse or injury. Furthermore, it would require these facilities to fully comply with all standards issued by the National Alliance for Recovery Residences. Currently, there is no registered opposition, and the industry is generally supportive of this bill. The IRC believes maintaining insurance and industry standards are a commonsense approach to operating any facility or business.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. AB 1177 (Santiago)
2. AB 1158 (Petrie-Norris)