FROM: Robert Thompson, General Manager
Originator: Jennifer Cabral, Director of Communications
SUBJECT:
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS UPDATE FOR THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY 2025
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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 February 2025.
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BACKGROUND
The Orange County Sanitation District’s (OC San) legislative affairs program includes advocating for OC San’s legislative interests; 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 a strong advocacy program, elected officials may not be aware of OC San’s mission, programs, and projects and how they could be impacted by proposed legislation.
PROPOSED SOLUTION
Continue to work with local, state, and federal officials to advocate for OC San’s legislative interests. Help to create and monitor legislation and grants that would benefit OC San, the wastewater industry, and the community. To assist in relationship building efforts, OC San will continue to reach out to elected officials through facility tours, one-on-one meetings, and trips to Washington D.C. and Sacramento.
RAMIFICATIONS OF NOT TAKING ACTION
If OC San does not work with Local, State, and Federal elected officials, legislation could be passed that negatively affects OC San and the wastewater industry. Additionally, a lack of engagement may result in missed funding opportunities.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
On a quarterly basis, legislative updates are provided to the committee by our local, state, and federal advocates. This month, we will receive a federal report, followed by the local report next month.
Bid Advertising Reform Bill Proposal:
Background:
Currently, Sanitation Districts are required to advertise construction bids in print newspapers. This can cost several hundred thousand dollars annually in advertising fees for local and regional newspapers, without evidence showing an increase in bidders.
OC San ran a bill in 2018, AB 2003 (Daly), to try to expand the allowable public notification methods for construction bids. AB 2003 died in the Assembly Local Government Committee. The legislative climate around the issue has potentially changed since 2018.
OC San was looking to run a bill this legislative session. However, no author has been secured for the proposed bill due to the current legislative climate and allotted budgetary funds.
Looking Forward:
OC San staff and lobbyist will continue to do research and information gathering. Based on the legislative climate and potential interests, we will look at the opportunity of running this bill next year.
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
• Presentation