FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF MAY 2026
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GENERAL MANAGER'S RECOMMENDATION
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RECOMMENDATION: Recommend to the Board of Directors to:
Receive and file the Legislative Affairs Update for the month of May 2026.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating for policy and legislative priorities, sponsoring legislation (where appropriate), and seeking local, state, and federal funding for projects and programs.
RELEVANT STANDARDS
• Maintain influential legislative advocacy and a public outreach program
• Build brand, trust, and support with policy makers and community leaders
• Maintain collaborative and cooperative relationships with regulators, stakeholders, and neighboring communities
PROBLEM
Without ongoing legislative engagement, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects, or how proposed legislation may impact OC San operations and infrastructure planning.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with Local, State, and Federal officials to advocate for OC San’s interests and help identify, monitor and respond to legislation and grant opportunities that benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To strengthen relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to engage elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and outreach trips to Washington, D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not actively engage with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be enacted that adversely impacts OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Activities in May:
• On May 1, OC San submitted position letters establishing an "Oppose Unless Amended" position on both Assembly Bill (AB) 1621 (Wilson) and Senate Bill (SB) 1117 (Cervantes):
o As currently proposed, AB 1621 would make significant changes to the post-entitlement permitting process for housing development projects by limiting plan check reviews, shortening review and appeal timelines, and restricting inspection-related modifications, raising concerns regarding local agency flexibility and implementation.
o Additionally, SB 1117 would further restrict how local agencies calculate impact fees for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), which could affect agencies’ ability to appropriately recover infrastructure-related costs associated with growth and development.
• On May 15, staff participated in the California Association of Sanitation Agencies (CASA) State Legislative Committee to discuss proposed and current legislation, including potential impacts on OC San and other wastewater agencies.
Upcoming Activities in June:
• OC staff, subject matter experts, and lobbyists will start the process of updating the 2027 OC San Legislative and Regulatory Plan. The Plan is a guiding document that is presented annually to the Board of Directors for approval, typically in November. Staff will present a draft plan to the Administration Committee in October 2026.
PRIOR COMMITTEE/BOARD ACTIONS
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CEQA
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FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
All items mentioned are included in OC San’s FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
ATTACHMENT
The following attachment(s) may be viewed on-line at the OC San website (www.ocsan.gov) with the complete agenda package:
• Federal Legislative Update
• Federal Matrix
• State Legislative Update
• State Matrix
• Local Legislative Update
• Assembly Bill 1621 Bill Oppose Unless Amended Letter
• Assembly Bill 1621 Bill Language
• Senate Bill 1117 Bill Oppose Unless Amended Letter
• Senate Bill 1117 Bill Language
• Presentation