BILL ANALYSIS Ó
AB 2012
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Date of Hearing: April 25, 2012
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
Felipe Fuentes, Chair
AB 2012 (John A. Pérez) - As Introduced: February 23, 2012
Policy Committee: JEDE Vote:6-0
Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program:
No Reimbursable:
SUMMARY
This bill transfers the authority for undertaking international
trade and foreign investment activities from the Business,
Transportation and Housing Agency (BT&H) to the Governor's
Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). In
addition, the bill transfers the responsibility for establishing
an Internet-based permit assistance center from the Secretary of
the California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA) to
GO-Biz.
FISCAL EFFECT
Negligible fiscal impact.
COMMENTS
1)Purpose : According to the author, AB 2012 is a continuing
effort started in 2010, to create a single point of contact
for business in California. The author notes while the
foundation for both the inclusion of foreign trade and
permitting was included in prior legislation that was signed
into law, the details had not been worked out. The author
also states there is currently an agreement between GO-Biz and
CalEPA to allow GO-Biz to be able to maintain the permitting
system website, called "CALGOLD," and AB 2012 codifies that
agreement. The author also notes this bill formally transfers
the responsibility for foreign trade to GO-Biz.
2)Background . In April 2010, Governor Schwarzenegger issued
Executive Order S-05-10 to create the Governor's Office of
Economic Development (GOED). The office offers assistance to
businesses including help with permit streamlining, starting a
AB 2012
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businesses, relocation and expansion of businesses and
regulatory challenges. Under the auspices of GOED, a number
of state programs and services are administered, including
programs related to international trade, permit assistance,
the Office of the Small Business Advocate, and innovation.
3)CalGOLD Program : In 1997, the state established CalGOLD to
aid businesses in complying with laws and regulations.
CalGOLD provides other online resources that business can use
to identify permit requirements. CalGOLD has been operated by
CalEPA, the site and its related permit assistance activities
are being undertaken by GO-Biz through a memorandum of
understanding.
4)Previous legislation . AB 29 (John A. Pérez) Chapter 475,
Statutes of 2011 establishes GO-Biz within the Governor's
Office for the purpose of serving as the lead entity for
economic strategy and marketing of California on issues
relating to business development, private sector investment
and economic growth.
5)Reorganization. The Governor submitted a reorganization plan
to the Little Hoover Commission, which includes transferring
economic development programs from BT&H to GO-Biz. The Little
Hoover Commission is in the process of reviewing the plan
before it submits its recommendation to the Legislature.
6)There is no registered opposition to this bill.
Analysis Prepared by : Roger Dunstan / APPR. / (916) 319-2081