TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Salvador Llamas, General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
SUBJECT: Monthly Legislative Report
ACTION ITEM
AGENDA PLANNING REQUEST: ☐
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
Title
Consider receiving the monthly legislative report and approve recommended legislative positions.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report tracks state, regional, and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and its goal of maintaining strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels can impact District operations and revenues, making ongoing monitoring and engagement essential.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Update
Following recent legislative meetings in Washington, D.C., and at the District’s urging, Representatives Ro Khanna and Lateefah Simon have joined the Bipartisan Congressional Bus Caucus. The Caucus is a leading voice for sustained federal investment in the nation’s bus systems. Their participation strengthens federal advocacy for key bus transit priorities, including increased operating support, workforce development, and safety enhancements. Their voices on the Caucus will help ensure the District and our riders are well represented in Washington.
The U.S. House Committee on Transportation & Infrastructure was rumored to begin marking up its version of the Surface Transportation Reauthorization bill on May 13. The reauthorization bill will establish federal transit funding levels and policy priorities for the next five years. At the time this report was submitted, the Committee had yet to schedule the markup.
State Update
California’s income tax revenues are nearly $9 billion above fiscal-year-to-date projections. However, most of the additional revenue will be allotted to Constitutionally required state obligations for education and budget reserves. Governor Newsom’s revision to his proposed budget, to be released on May 14, is expected to include significant reductions in spending.
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) has proposed amendments to the Cap-and-Invest program aimed at affordability, including higher allocations for utility bill credits. However, this proposal would redirect limited Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund (GGRF) revenues and jeopardize essential transit and climate programs - in particular, “Tier 3” programs like the Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP), Transit & Intercity Rail Capital Program (TIRCP), and Affordable Housing & Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program. Without these funds, many student bus pass programs could be terminated, and transit operators may not be able to meet the zero emission bus purchase requirements mandated by CARB’s Innovative Clean Transit mandate. A coalition of transit, housing, and environmental stakeholders, together with concerned state legislators, are aggressively advocating for the continued funding of these critical transit programs. General Manager Llamas signed on to a coalition letter of transit agencies and metropolitan planning organizations expressing concern about the proposed changes. The CARB board is currently scheduled to vote on this proposal when it convenes on May 28 and 29.
Staff recommend the Board adopt the following legislative positions.
SUPPORT H.R. 6635 (Rep. Figures): The Bus Operator Safety & Security Act. This bipartisan bill would require that, within two years of enactment, any new fixed-route bus that is at least 30 feet long must have a fully enclosed operator barrier, unless the main union representing frontline workers agrees in writing to waive this requirement. The barrier must extend from the floor to the ceiling; fully enclose the driver’s area and block people, liquids, or objects from entering; and not block the driver’s view outside the bus. This bill, championed by the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), supports the District’s ongoing efforts to prioritize safety, reduce assaults and improve workforce retention.
SUPPORT SB 1218 (Arreguin): Illegal Dumping. This bill holds violators accountable by requiring the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to refuse to renew a vehicle’s registration if the registered owner or lessee has unpaid illegal dumping penalties. The District experiences ongoing illegal dumping at and adjacent to bus stops across our service area. Discarded materials can range from household trash to bulky items such as mattresses and furniture, which can create unsanitary, unsafe, and unpleasant conditions for our customers. When dumped materials spill onto the roadway they also pose operational and safety risks for bus operators. Supporting this bill aligns with the District’s interest in maintaining clean, safe, and accessible transit facilities. The City of Oakland is a co-sponsor of this bill.
SUPPORT SB 1408 (Arreguin): Contra Costa Transportation Authority Transactions & Use Tax. This bill would authorize CCTA to place up to a 1% sales tax on the ballot and allow for a sales tax measure to be placed on the ballot via a citizen’s initiative. This authority would sunset on January 1, 2045. The original language naming CCTA as a transit operator and giving it transit coordination authority has been removed. With these changes, all Contra Costa County transit operators now support the bill. AC Transit currently has a watch position on this bill.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
No alternatives were considered as this report provides an update of monthly legislative activities.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
Monthly updates keep the Board informed of pending legislation and its potential impact on the District. The adoption of favorable legislation by policymakers helps further the District’s goal of having strong public and policymaker support.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report No. 25-411a: Adopted 2026 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Federal Update
2. State Update
3. Matrix of State Legislation
4. 2026 Federal Advocacy Program
5. 2026 State Advocacy Program
Prepared by:
Steven Jones, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Executive Director of External Affairs & Customer Experience
Chris Andrichak, Chief Financial Officer
Paul Kincaid, Assistant General Manager/Chief Executive Officer
Aimee L. Steele, General Counsel/Chief Legal Officer