TO: AC Transit Board of Directors
FROM: Michael A. Hursh, 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 approving legislative positions, if necessary.
Staff Contact:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs & Community Relations
Body
STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE:
Goal - Strong Public and Policymaker Support
Initiative - Financial Efficiency and Revenue Maximization
The Monthly Legislative Report helps the District track state, regional and federal legislation to ensure alignment with the District’s Strategic Plan and the specific goal of having strong public and policymaker support. Policy decisions at all levels of government can positively or negatively affect District operations and revenues and, as such, are important to track and influence as needed.
BUDGETARY/FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no budgetary or fiscal impact associated with this report.
BACKGROUND/RATIONALE:
Federal Legislative Update
On November 18, President-elect Trump announced his intent to nominate former Wisconsin Republic Congressman Sean Duffy to be the next Secretary of Transportation, The Senate Commerce Committee will hold its confirmation hearing as early as January 20, once Mr. Duffy is formally nominated.
• Mr. Duffy was elected to Congress in 2010, where he served on the House Financial Services Committee, the Budget Committee and the Joint Economic Committee.
• During his time in Congress, he sponsored four bills that were referred to the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee.
o Three of them were related to waiving certain truck size limits on a Wisconsin interstate, fines for blocked grade crossings and seeking to penalize EPA for not satisfying various regulatory requirements were not considered by the Committee.
o Another bill concerning a national lakeshore in Wisconsin died in the Senate.
o Two transportation bills he co-sponsored became law - one was the tax title for the surface transportation bill, and another was a measure to carve out an exemption to exempt commercial truck drivers delivering critical heating fuels during a shortage from rules restricting how long they can drive.
Former BART Board member, Lateefa Simon has been elected to represent California’s 12th Congressional District, she replaces long time Congresswoman Barbara Lee.
State Legislative Update
The California Legislature returned to Sacramento on December 2 for swearing in ceremonies. Former Berkeley Mayor, Jesse Arreguin, has been sworn in representing the 7th District. He replaces long time Senator Nancy Skinner.
Regional Transportation Revenue Measure Update
A special meeting of the Metropolitan Transportation Commission will be held on Monday, December 9 to discuss the revenue measure. As of the writing of this report, agenda materials for that meeting were not yet available. Staff will provide a verbal update on the outcome of the meeting during the December 11 Board meeting.
ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES:
Providing monthly updates to the Board ensures the Board is aware of pending legislation and the potential impact it may have on the District. The adoption of favorable legislation by policymakers helps further the District’s goal of having strong public and policymaker support.
ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS:
No alternatives were considered as this report provides an update of monthly legislative activities.
PRIOR RELEVANT BOARD ACTION/POLICIES:
Staff Report No. 23-420a: Adopted 2024 Federal and State Advocacy Programs
ATTACHMENTS:
1. 2024 Federal Advocacy Program
2. 2024 State Advocacy Program
3. Federal Update
Prepared by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations
Approved/Reviewed by:
Claudia Burgos, Director of Legislative Affairs and Community Relations