CALL TO ACTION:  
OPPOSE SB 649 (HUESO - D)

Unfortunately, Senate Bill 649 has advanced out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and has moved to the Assembly Floor for consideration of passage to the Senate for concurrence. The Association of California Cities - Orange County (ACC-OC) is in opposition to SB 649, due to the b latant circumventing of local government jurisdiction when applied to revenue collection and discretionary review. 

SB 649 would establish a streamlined permitting process for small cell facilities, and would severely restrict the fees that local governments may charge for placement of such facilities. The bill would also limit the creation or erection of any unreasonable requirement for access to the public rights-of-way by providers, including delays in the negotiations and approvals for facilities. This is concerning to cities in Orange County and throughout the State, because it disables the ability for cities to make necessary discretionary decisions related to the aesthetic and safety of communications infrastructure within their jurisdictions. 

Yesterday, amendments were adopted requiring indemnification for local governments, and to strengthen existing contract agreements under current revenue structures. Additionally, amendments would require providers to report on deployment efforts in underserved areas. These amendments are a step in the right direction, but still do not provide the changes necessary to allow cities local discretionary review or provide for a fair revenue structure. 

CALL TO ACTION:
 
ACC-OC asks  that you contact our Orange County Assembly delegation urging them to vote in the best  interest  of Orange County cities by Opposing SB 649 when the bill is presented on the Assembly Floor. We have included ACC-OC's letter of Opposition and a Sample Opposition Letter for your use and review: 
Please contact the Orange County Legislators' Sacramento offices on the attached  contact sheets. The bill is eligible to be voted on the Assembly Floor, next week. 
Orange County Assembly  Delegation 

As SB 649 moves through the end of the legislative process the ACC-OC will make regular updates, and analyze the effects of the Legislature's actions on local government. Should you have any questions please contact Legislative Affairs Director, Diana Coronado at  (714) 953-1300 or at [email protected].