New Laws Impacting Cities and Counties in 2022
A number of new laws took effect in California on New Year’s Day. They range from a $14-15 minimum wage to new pig breeding standards that could seriously affect your bacon supply.
The governor’s office recently highlighted some of the legislation taking effect in 2022. Below are some key bills that will impact cities and counties.
SB 1383: Food Composting Law
Californians are now required to separate organic material such as food and ground coffee beans from material waste. The new rules aim to free up California landfills, improve soil quality through composting, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Local jurisdictions are responsible for establishing the new trash collection programs. Most cities say they will raise waste collection rates between 1% and 20%. In a survey, about one-fifth of cities predicted rates would climb even higher. Down the line, violators will face fines of up to $500 per day for individuals and up to $10,000 a day for cities.
Read more here.
SB 8: Housing Crisis Act Extension
By extending the Housing Crisis Act of 2019 through 2030, this law will accelerate the approval process for home-building and limit local governments’ ability to downzone.
SB 9: Re-Zoning Single-Family Neighborhoods
This bill allows up to four dwellings (as many as two duplexes or two houses with attached units) to be built on almost any lot currently zoned for a single-family residence. The bill only allows cities a veto when there is a threat to health and safety. YIMBYs say it is imperative to increase housing supply and overall affordability. The law has faced criticism for its potential impacts on property values and the character of suburban neighborhoods. Over 200 cities opposed the bill.
SB 10: Housing Density
Local governments can implement a streamlined zoning process for new multi-unit housing near transit or in urban infill areas.
AB 215: Planning and Housing Element Violations
The state is increasing pressure on local governments when there is a failure to meet regional housing goals. With AB 215, local agencies are required to make draft revisions of the housing element available for public comment for 30 days. This bill also expands the attorney general's authority to go after jurisdictions that violate certain housing laws.
SB 2: Officer Accountability
This bill creates the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Division and the Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board within Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) to review serious officer misconduct cases. The Board can investigate and revoke or suspend peace officer certification for serious offenses like excessive use of force, sexual assault, discriminatory behavior, and dishonesty.
SB 16: Expanding Access to Police Misconduct Records
This is the latest effort to expand the public’s access to police misconduct records. In addition to officers who use excessive force or make unlawful arrests, this bill will shine a light on those who failed to intervene when a fellow officer acted improperly.
