BILL NUMBER: AB 337	INTRODUCED
	BILL TEXT


INTRODUCED BY   Assembly Member Allen

                        FEBRUARY 13, 2013

   An act relating to ports.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   AB 337, as introduced, Allen. Ports: economic importance of ports.

   Existing law establishes various port districts along California's
coast, and prescribes procedures for the formation and operation of
those districts.
   This bill would make various legislative findings and declarations
relating to the economic importance of port systems in the state.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares all of the
following:
   (a) California's network of ports, especially the Los Angeles and
Long Beach port systems, are vital to the continued economic vibrancy
of our state.
   (b) Port systems are increasingly important to California,
especially because the modernization and expansion of the Panama
Canal will result in increased shipping capacity and vessel travel to
California's ports.
   (c) The Legislature needs to address issues related to the
increased efficiency and capacity at ports, and the ability of
California's ports to ensure that we have adequate infrastructure to
provide for the movement of goods in and out of our state.
   (d) The maintenance of an efficient port system in California will
facilitate job creation, economic growth, and competitiveness in the
world marketplace, with a particular emphasis on Pacific Rim trade
and commerce.