BILL NUMBER: AB 342 AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN SENATE JANUARY 31, 2012 INTRODUCED BY AssemblyMemberAtkinsMembers Atkins, Butler, Cook, and John A. Pérez FEBRUARY 10, 2011 An act to add Section 65040.14 to Government Code, relating to the Office of Planning and Research. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 342, as amended, Atkins. Office of Planning and Research. Existing law establishes the Office of Planning and Research as a coordinating agency in state government for environmental justice programs. This bill would require the office to serve as the state's liaison to the United States Department of Defense in order to facilitate coordination regarding issues that are of significant interest to the state and department, as provided. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 65040.14 is added to the Government Code, to read: 65040.14. The office shall serve as the state's liaison to the United States Department of Defense in order to facilitate coordination regarding issues that are of significant interest to the state and the department , particularly with regard to any proposed federal Base Realignment and Closure actions . In this role, the office shall do all of the following: (a) Coordinate with the department and other state agencies, state departments, local governments, and other private and public entities to ensure the sustainability of defense activities within the state. (b) Develop legislation that supports the relationship between the state and the department. (c) Work with federal defense agencies to address regulatory activities by state agencies that affect the sustainability of defense operations within the state. (d) Develop any necessary regional or stateside strategies necessary for the establishment and retention of the state's military facilities and installations that are potentially impacted by any proposed federal Base Realignment and Closure actions.