BILL ANALYSIS Ó
SB 734
Page 1
Date of Hearing: August 26, 2015
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Jimmy Gomez, Chair
SB 734
(De León) - As Amended June 2, 2015
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Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: NoReimbursable: No
SUMMARY:
This bill requires the Natural Resources Agency (NRA) to allow
at least 30 days for public comment regarding proposed state
land acquisitions, including easements.
SB 734
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FISCAL EFFECT:
Minor, if any, additional state costs.
COMMENTS:
1)Purpose. According to the author, this bill will increase
transparency on land and conservation easement acquisitions by
adding at least 30 days advance notice for public comment to
the uniform open process established to ensure that
information will be readily-available regarding hearings where
state land acquisitions will be approved.
2)Background. Advance public notice requirements for relevant
acquisitions vary among existing programs, which makes it
difficult for the public to monitor. Generally, if a land or
conservation easement acquisition constitutes a project under
the California Environmental Quality Act, there are applicable
public notice and comment requirements.
Additionally, depending upon the program and funding source,
the acquirer may have to meet public notice and meeting
requirements. For example, WCB provides its preliminary
agenda on its website and notifies certain stakeholders at
least 30 days in advance of a hearing where acquisitions may
be considered. The final agenda is released at least 10 days
ahead of the hearing to satisfy the open meeting requirements
of the Bagley-Keene Open Meetings Act.
SB 734
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There are also extensive notice requirements both before and
after acquisition under the Williamson Act for agricultural
lands. Moreover, when an acquisition requires action by local
government entity, additional notice provisions are
applicable.
Analysis Prepared by:Jennifer Galehouse / APPR. / (916)
319-2081