1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 1 Date: May 6, 2026
To: Christian Clegg, City Manager
City of Bakersfield
From: Sharon Gonsalves
Managing Director
California Public Policy Group
Re: CPPG Legislative Summary: April 2026
LEGISLATIVE UPDATE
Policy Committees Accelerate After Spring Break
April has been an especially active month at the Legislature, with packed agendas, lengthy hearings, and a steady flow of amendments as nearly 1,800 bills introduced between early January and late February move through the process. April 24 marked the deadline for all bills designated as fiscal— those identified as potentially having a state fiscal impact—to be heard in policy committees. Once fiscal bills clear policy committees, they are referred to their respective Appropriations Committees for fiscal review. Measures determined to have minimal fiscal impact may be released, while those with more significant costs are placed on the Suspense File.
Both Appropriations Committees will take up Suspense File bills in mid-May, where measures may be held (ending their advancement), approved without changes, or approved with technical or substantive amendments. If a bill is approved by its fiscal committee, it then moves to the Floor of its house of origin, where it must pass by May 29 in order to advance to the second house.
As of May 5, approximately 1,780 bills —including two -year measures carried over from 2025 — remain active in the Legislature.
Board of Forestry Holds Meeting and Releases Latest Draft of Regulations for Zone 0 The California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection held a Zone 0 Advisory Committee meeting on April 23, releasing the latest draft of its long -awaited defensible space regulations. The Board’s proposal establishes a stricter “Safety Zone” within one foot of a home, requiring the removal of all combustible vegetation, while allowing some low -growing plants in the remainder of the five -foot “Zone 0” area. The draft prioritizes education and outreach over enforcement and reflects a phased, flexible approach for local implementation. The requirements would apply only to properties located in high fire-risk zones. If adopted, homeowners would have three years to comply with landscaping requirements and up to five years to complete more substantial changes, such as removing combustible fencing. New construction would be required to comply immediately upon completion.
The Board is continuing to solicit public input before advancing a recommendation to the full Board for final consideration, with the goal of adopting the regulations by the end of the year.
Budget Update
In mid-April, Governor Gavin Newsom told Assembly Democrats in a closed -door caucus meeting that additional budget cuts are likely to be included in the 2026 -27 May Revision, set for release on May 14. Despite stronger-than-expected revenues, the Governor indicated he still intends to reduce
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 2 spending to place California’s finances on more stable footing for the next administration and Legislature. Some lawmakers, however, have suggested the impact of cuts could be mitigated by closing tax loopholes—an approach supported by some Democrats. These discussions come as the Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) projects in a report that the state’s structural deficit could reach $35 billion annually beginning in 2027-28.
High Speed Rail Authority Tax Increment Financing Proposal The California High -Speed Rail Authority continues to advocate for inclusion of a proposal in this year’s budget that would allow it to cap and capture property and sales tax revenues and exercise land-use authority within a half -mile of high-speed rail stations. These revenues would support rail construction and operation s through state-administered Tax Increment Financing districts. Local government associations are coordinating in opposition to the proposal.
A local government opposition letter can be found here.
More information on the proposal can be found here and here.
CARB Cap-and-Invest Regulation Proposal
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) extended the public comment deadline for the Proposed Amendments to the Regulation for the California Cap on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Market - Based Compliance Mechanism (known as the Cap -and-Invest Regulation) to May 4, 2026. This extension responds to a joint r equest from the Chairs of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and Senate Budget Subcommittee No. 2 on Resources, Environmental Protection, and Energy. CARB has also extended the comment period to the same date for proposed amendments to the Mandator y Reporting of Greenhouse Gas Emissions (MRR) regulation, given its close connection to the Cap-and-Invest program. Both sets of proposed amendments, originally released on January 20, 2026, are scheduled to be considered by the Board on May 28, 2026.
2026 ELECTIONS UPDATE
Governor’s Race
On April 20, former State Controller Betty Yee withdrew from the 2026 gubernatorial race, narrowing an already competitive field. The race remains fluid, with several candidates participating in early debates that have begun to draw clearer contrasts on po licy and leadership priorities. Former U.S.
Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra appears to be gaining momentum, benefiting from increased visibility and growing support among key constituencies. Despite these developments, the race remains wide open, with no clear frontrunner and significant opportunity for shifts as fundraising, endorsements, and voter engagement continue to evolve.
Measures Placed on the Ballot by the Legislature
There are currently three statewide measures on the 2026 ballot that were placed there by the Legislature. ACA 13 (Ward, 2023) would change how voter approval thresholds are increased by requiring that any initiative seeking to raise those thresholds be approved by voters at the same higher level. SCA 1 (Newman, 2024) would modify California’s recall process by eliminating the automatic successor election for statewide offices, instead requiring a separate special election to fill the vacancy and allowing the recalled official to run. SB 42 (Umberg, 2025) would permit candidates to voluntarily participate in a public campaign financing system under specified conditions.
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 3
Measures Placed on the Ballot by the Signature-Gathering Process Two statewide measures have qualified for the 2026 ballot through the signature-gathering process.
Although they are slated to appear on the November ballot, proponents may withdraw them by June 25 if the Legislature takes action that satisfies their concerns. After that deadli ne, the Secretary of State begins preparing official election materials.
Howard Jarvis Measure: On April 16, the Secretary of State announced that a measure sponsored by the Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association qualified has qualified for the 2026 November ballot. If approved by voters, this measure would retroactively repeal certain local tax increases, eliminate real estate transfer taxes, and make it more difficult for cities and counties to pass new tax measures. The Legislative Analyst’s Office (LAO) estimates that local governments could lose up to several billion dollars annually, with the greatest impact on certain charter cities. The measure could also constrain future local revenues by raising voter approval thresholds for some taxes and restricting the types of taxes local governments are allowed to enact.
Loan Program for Homebuyers Bond Measure: On April 21, the Secretary of State announced that an initiative authorizing up to $25 billion in bonds to provide eligible homebuyers with fixed -rate mortgages—covering up to 17% of the purchase price of a qualifying new home —has qualified for the November 2026 ballot. Eligible properties would include newly constructed homes or the first sale of converted nonresidential buildings, with price caps generally ranging from about $1 million to $1.5 million depending on the county and adjusted annually. To qualify, borrowers would need to have lived in California for at least one year, intend to occupy the home, earn no more than 200% of the area median income, and provide a minimum down payment of 3%.
Voter ID Measure: On April 24, the Secretary of State announced that a measure to establish additional voter identification and citizenship verification requirements ha s qualified for the November 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the measure would require individuals to present a government-issued ID in order to vote. Under current law, voters are required to provide an ID and Social Security number when registering to vote . The primary proponent of the measure is Assemblymember Carl DeMaio (R-San Diego).
Measures Not Yet Officially Qualified for the Ballot
California Billionaire Tax Act: This proposed initiative would impose a one -time 5% tax on the net worth of individuals and trusts exceeding $1 billion, with the goal of raising roughly $100 billion for health care, education, and food assistance programs.
Tax on High Earners: This measure would extend existing high-income tax rates beyond their current 2031 expiration date. It would apply to individuals earning more than $250,000 annually and is projected to generate between $5 billion and $15 billion per year, with about 40% of the revenue dedicated to schools and community colleges.
Building an Affordable California Act: Backed by the California Chamber of Commerce, this initiative would reform the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to accelerate housing, water, and energy projects by streamlining environmental review processes and limiting litigation - related delays.
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 4 The Transparency Act: This proposal would revise how California adopts new taxes and manages state spending. Widely seen as a countermeasure to the billionaire wealth tax, it would increase audit and oversight requirements and mandate that excess tax revenues be returned to taxpayers.
ACTIVE POSITIONED BILLS
• AB 1265 (Haney) Income taxes: credits: rehabilitation of certified historic structures. o Location: Senate Rules
o Position: Support
• AB 1383 (McKinnor) Public employees’ retirement benefits: safety members. o Location: Senate Rules
o Position: Watch
• AB 1439 (Garcia) Public retirement systems: development projects: labor standards. o Location: Senate Rules
o Position: Watch
• AB 1821 (Pacheco) California Public Records Act: agency response time. o Location: Assembly Third Reading
o Position: Support
• AB 1866 (Rogers) California Disaster Assistance Act: minimum damages thresholds. o Location: Assembly Appr. Suspense File
o Position: Support
• AB 2170 (Boerner) California Environmental Quality Act: overburdened communities:
notices and hearings: translations.
o Location: Assembly Appropriations
o Position: Watch
• AB 2517 (Calderon) Fire safety: fire hazard severity zones. o Location: Assembly Appropriations
o Position: Support
• AB 2569 (Hart) California Environmental Quality Act: natural hazards and adverse environmental conditions.
o Location: Assembly Appr. Suspense File
o Position: Watch
• SB 892 (Grove) Public postsecondary education: priority registration: members and former members of the Armed Forces of the United States and State Guard. o Location: Assembly Desk
o Position: Support
• SB 1018 (Grove) Human trafficking: specialized license plates. o Location: Senate Appr. Suspense File
o Position: Support
• SB 1159 (Cabaldon) Artificial intelligence: transparency and governance. o Location: Assembly Desk
o Position: Support
• SB 1177 (Cortese) High-Speed Rail Authority: project update report. o Location: Senate Third Reading
o Position: Watch
• SB 1217 (Grove) Nonconsensual Intimate Image Clearinghouse. o Location: Senate Appropriations
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 5 o Position: Support
• SB 1411 (Stern) Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund: funding conditions: high-speed rail. o Location: Senate Appr. Suspense File
o Position: Watch
• SB 1425 (Cortese) High-Speed Rail Authority: property: right-of-way. o Location: Senate Appropriations
o Position: Watch
LOOKING FORWARD
• Mid-May: Governor releases the May revision of the state budget • May 29: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills out of their house of origin • June 15: Legislature must pass the primary budget bill • June 30: Governor must sign the primary budget bill
• July 2: Summer Recess begins upon adjournment
• August 3: Legislature reconvenes from Summer Recess
• August 31: Last day for the Legislature to pass bills; end of the session • September 30: Last day for the Governor to sign or veto bills
GRANT WRITING
CPPG continues to monitor new regional, state, and federal grant opportunities on behalf of the City of Bakersfield. The April 2026 Municipal Funding Outlook was sent out on April 22 nd. On April 1 st, Director of Services Jake Whitaker, CPPG Consultant Bruce Rudd, and Grant Services Assistant Kylie Sheridan met with Walter Villa and Jarita Nunez to discuss Prop 4 funding and potential parks opportunities. J. Whitaker and K. Sheridan met with Miguel Chavez , Daniel Maldonado, and Christopher Hinds to discuss t he Bureau of Reclamation’s Snow Water Supply Forecasts Grant on April 14 th. Senior Grant Writing Associate Maira Durazo met with City Staff and CapK to review the Homekey+ application and make edits based on CalHCD’s requests on April 21 st. On April 24 th, J.
Whitaker, M. Durazo, K. Sheridan, and Grant Services Intern Remi Beck met with Jaie Achterberg for a bi -weekly check-in meeting. On April 27 th, J. Whitaker and K. Sheridan met with Jennifer Byers, Cecilia Griego, an Victor Palacio to discuss the Love Your Block Grant. On April 30th, M. Durazo, City Staff, and CapK met with CalHCD to go over the Homekey+ application and project. Opportunities are being tracked for many of the City’s high priority project areas, including Martin Luther King Jr.
Park, Econ omic and Community Development, Housing and Homelessness, High -Speed Rail Station Area Development, Water Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, and Community Violence Reduction.
Pending applications include the following:
• Homekey+ Program submitted on May 30, 2025 for $12,635,799. Funding will be used for the Ramkabir Permanent Supportive Housing Project.
• Land and Water Conservation Fund submitted on August 5, 2025 for $3,207,625. Funding will be used for the MLK Park Reimagining and Revitalization Project. • Homeless Housing Assistance and Prevention submitted on August 29, 2025 for $6,504,298.
Funding will be used to build affordable housing related infrastructure. • Hazard Mitigation Grant Program submitted on September 19, 2025 for $61,216.85. Funding will be used to install a standby generator at Station 3.
1127 11TH STREET, SUITE 300, SACRAMENTO, CA 95814 • 916.974.9270 • PUBLICPOLICYGROUP.COM PAGE 6 • Illegal Disposal Site Abatement Program submitted on October 15, 2025 for $275,000.
Funding will be used for cleanup at four sites across the City that are in desperate need of repair.
• Community Project Funding FY27 submitted to Rep. Fong on March 6, 2026 for $1,500,000.
Funding will be used for the TRIP Hageman Flyover Project. • Community Project Funding FY27 submitted to Rep. Fong on March 6, 2026 for $ 391,651.
Funding will be used for a MedEvac Emergency Rescue and Response Vehicle. • Community Project Funding FY27 submitted to Rep. Valadao on March 9, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the Monitor Street Phase II Project. • Community Project Funding FY27 submitted to Rep. Valadao on March 9, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the SR-58/SR-99 Hardscaping Project. • Arts in California Parks submitted on March 13, 2026 for $100,000. Funding will be used for the Planz Park Urban Art Revitalization Project.
• Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Schiff on March 13, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the SR-58/SR-99 Hardscaping Project. • Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Schiff on March 13, 2026 for $1,500,000. Funding will be used for the TRIP Hageman Flyover Project. • Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Schiff on March 13, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the Monitor Street Phase II Project. • Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Padilla on March 13, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the SR-58/SR-99 Hardscaping Project. • Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Padilla on March 13, 2026 for $1,500,000. Funding will be used for the TRIP Hageman Flyover Project. • Congressionally Directed Spending submitted to Sen. Padilla on March 13, 2026 for $5,000,000. Funding will be used for the Monitor Street Phase II Project.
Additionally, CPPG sent grant alerts on the following upcoming funding opportunities: Encampment Resolution Fund, Transit and Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), and Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program.