BILL ANALYSIS �
AB 2544
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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
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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
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