Subject
title
State Legislative Status Report
overview
Overview
The Orange County Transportation Authority provides regular updates to the Legislative Committee on policy issues directly impacting its overall programs, projects, and operations. Staff recommends support positions on six bills that are related to California Environmental Quality Act streamlining, zero-emission transit implementation, wildfire resilience, transportation funding policy, and transit-oriented development. Staff opposes positions on two bills that would significantly alter state transportation funding priorities and reduce regional flexibility. An overview is also provided on legislation related to California Environmental Quality Act vehicle miles traveled mitigation requirements, for which a support position was taken pursuant to Orange County Transportation Authority's 2025-26 State Legislative Platform.
recommendation
Recommendation(s)
A. Adopt a SUPPORT position on AB 1855 (Gonzalez, R-Indio), which would expand California Environmental Quality Act exemptions for passenger rail projects.
B. Adopt a SUPPORT position on AB 1944 (Lee, D-Milpitas), which would establish a phased extension of axle weight allowances for zero-emission transit buses to support fleet transition requirements.
C. Adopt a SUPPORT position on AB 2513 (Petrie-Norris, D-Irvine), which would expand eligibility for regional wildfire resilience funds.
D. Adopt an OPPOSE position on AB 2560 (Schultz, D-Burbank), which would codify the Climate Action Plan for Transportation Infrastructure goals and apply them to major state transportation funding programs.
E. Adopt a SUPPORT position on AB 2576 (Harabedian, D-Pasadena), which would delay implementation timelines associated with SB 79 (Chapter 512, Statutes of 2025).
F. Adopt a SUPPORT position on SB 935 (Choi, R-Irvine), which would indefinitely extend design-build authority for local agencies.
G. Adopt a SUPPORT position on SB 1167 (Blakespea...
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