Capitol Update
By Chris Wysocki
WMA LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE TO REVIEW, RECOMMEND FORMAL POSITIONS ON STATEWIDE LEGISLATION
The WMA Legislative Committee will soon be reviewing and recommending formal positions on all bills that directly impact the industry. WMA faces several formidable, legislative challenges this year, including SB 869 by Senator Connie Leyva. Opposed by WMA, the bill would require park managers to undergo state-led, 18 hours of mandatory training per year and certification. SB 869 will be heard on March 24 in the Senate Housing Committee. A comprehensive list of bills can be found on the Government Affairs section of the website, https://www.wma.org/
Next week’s Capitol Update will contain a chart highlighting the priority bills and the positions adopted by the Legislative Committee. This chart will be featured monthly in the WMA Reporter.
IMPORTANT HCD ANNOUNCEMENT REGARDING UNPAID RENT DUE TO COVID
Courtesy of Housing Is Key – Members should be aware that March 31, 2022, is the last day to apply for rental assistance and landlords may use the accompanying letter to send to tenants who have not applied for rental assistance but still have unpaid rent.
Information regarding the Housing Is Key Program can be found here:
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS EXECUTIVE ORDER TO UPDATE WORKPLACE SAFETY RULES
On February 28, Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order updating the workplace safety rules. Please click on the following link to view the detailed announcement and full text of the Executive Order:
IMPORTANT UPCOMING LEGISLATIVE DEADLINES
Lawmakers will adjourn for a weeklong Spring Recess from April 7 – April 18. Upon their return, there are several key deadlines worth mentioning:
April 29- Last day for policy committees to hear and report to fiscal bills introduced in their house to the responsible fiscal committee.
May 6 - Last day for policy committees to hear and report to the floor nonfiscal bills introduced in their house
May 13 - Last day for policy committees to meet prior to May 31
May 20 - Last day for fiscal committees to hear and report to the floor bills introduced in their house
May 27 - Last day for each house to pass bills introduced in the house of origin
GET INVOLVED AND STAY INFORMED
As the Legislature begins its formal committee process, please be on the lookout for opportunities to weigh in on legislation through the Voter Voice program utilized by WMA to help educate legislators about important pieces of legislation. Over the coming weeks and months, WMA members may receive requests to share opinions with their Senators and Assemblymembers about priority bills. To learn more, please visit https://www.wma.org/government-affairs
Chris Wysocki is WMA’s State Legislative Advocate. He can be reached at chris@wma.org.
