BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 2544 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 2, 2012 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Felipe Fuentes, Chair AB 2544 (Gordon) - As Introduced: February 24, 2012 Policy Committee: Natural ResourcesVote:6-3 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: No Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill authorizes the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE), with the permission of the Department of General Services (DGS), to undertake certain real estate transactions. Specifically, this bill: 1)Authorizes CAL FIRE, with DGS approval, to undertake certain real estate transactions involving no more than $150,000, including: a) Leases for use of CAL FIRE land or real property acquired for forestry and fire protection if the director of CAL FIRE determines the use would be compatible with other uses of the property, provided CAL FIRE charges rent based on fair market value. b) Temporary ingress, egress and right-of-way. c) Leases that allow CAL FIRE temporary access to facilities necessary for temporary use when CAL FIRE facilities are inadequate. d) Granting of permits and easements to a public agency for public roads or utility lines, or for utility and oil and gas infrastructure. 2)Authorizes CAL FIRE to enter into contracts with owners of communication and telecommunication facilities to provide communications and telecommunications needed in connection with the prevention and extinguishment of forest fires. FISCAL EFFECT Potential savings of an unknown amount, less than $100,000, AB 2544 Page 2 resulting from eliminating the need for DGS review of minor CAL FIRE real estate transactions. The amount of these potential savings is unknown. (DGS expresses concern the bill will result in duplication of services, since DGS has a Real Estate Services Division that conducts real estate transactions for all departments. It seems more likely, however, that such duplication of services exists under current law, as CAL FIRE real estate transactions, which are reviewed by CAL FIRE capital outlay staff, must also be reviewed by DGS.) COMMENTS 1)Rationale. The author contends it is duplicative to require relatively minor CAL FIRE real estate transactions, which have been reviewed by CAL FIRE's capital outlay staff, to be reviewed by DGS real estate transaction staff. The author notes the authority this bill would grant to CAL FIRE is patterned on statutory authority provided to the Department of Parks and Recreation. 2)Background. CAL FIRE works with DGS to acquire property and develop plans for facilities such as fire stations, training centers, emergency command centers, fire lookout towers, radio towers and other facilities. When CAL FIRE engages in a real estate transition, CAL FIRE staff negotiates and drafts agreements and prepares necessary documents. Statute requires CAL FIRE, then, to send the proposed real estate transaction to DGS for review and approval, the costs of which are reimbursed by CAL FIRE. According to CAL FIRE, in recent years these reimbursements have ranged from $65,000 to $88,000. DGS confirms that the authority sought by this bill is similar to current statutory authority enjoyed by the Department of Parks and Recreation. 3)Support . This bill is supported by the California Land Surveyors Association. 4)There is no opposition formally registered against this bill. Analysis Prepared by : Jay Dickenson / APPR. / (916) 319-2081 AB 2544 Page 3