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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4/7/2026 Item 6c, Hermann and Harnett - Staff Agenda CorrespondenceCity of San Luis Obispo, Council Memorandum City of San Luis Obispo Council Agenda Correspondence DATE: April 7, 2026 TO: Mayor and Council FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager Prepared By: Natalie Harnett, Policy & Project Manager VIA: Whitney McDonald, City Manager SUBJECT: ITEM #6c – 2026 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFORM Staff have received several questions from Council and recommend making several small clarifying changes to the proposed 2026 Legislative Action Platform language as noted below. 1. Update the Community Development Plank #18 (Attachment B, Page 13) to clarify that support for any reforms to single-stair mid-rise apartment buildings need to consider the findings and recommendations as presented in the March 3, 2026, Cal Fire - Office of the State Fire Marshal Report to the Legislature pursuant to Assembly Bill 835. The updated language is included below: Support building code reforms to enable single-stair mid-rise apartment buildings, consistent with the findings of the March 2026 Cal Fire – Office of the State Fire Marshal report to the Legislature pursuant to Assembly Bill 835 and that incorporate modern fire and life safety standards. 2. Update the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plank #14 (Attachment B, Page 9) to clarify that this includes support for reforms across the health insurance industry and not just Medicare. The updated language is included below: Medicare and other health insurance program reforms, including updates to geographic designation criteria, that promote equity, expand access to care, enhance regional collaboration, and ensure healthcare sustainability on the Central Coast. Staff also received a public comment regarding several legislative items, and Council has asked whether these bills fit under the City’s existing Legislative Platform. Additional information on each is provided below: ITEM #6c – 2026 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFOR M Page 2 E-Bikes: E‑bike legislation continues to be top of mind as e‑bikes become an increasingly popular mode of transportation. Cal Cities is currently updating a formal e‑bike policy, expected to be completed this month. Staff recommends using that framework to guide the City’s legislative advocacy. Lawmakers have introduced at least ten e‑bike bills this session, and Cal Cities is currently supporting three: AB 1569, AB 1614, and AB 2346. The remaining, including SB 1167, AB 1942, AB 1557, SB 956, AB 2284, AB 2595, are still under policy committee review. As specified in the City’s Legislative Platform, the City of San Luis Obispo may take positions consistent with Cal Cities’ adopted stances. The City has existing language1 in its Legislative Platform that supports the City’s authority to regulate activities with adverse health and safety impacts on local streets, sidewalks, and rights‑of‑way, which aligns with many of the e‑bike safety proposals. If Council chooses to add an e‑bike specific plank to the Legislative Platform, staff recommends the following language: “Support legislation that strengthens e‑bike safety through rider education, improved equipment regulations, and visibility standards, provides cities with local authority to set operating and speed rules on bike paths and multi‑use trails and that also support the City’s mobility and climate goals.” Housing Leadership Designation: As referenced in the Public Agenda Correspondence, SB 1216 would create a new “housing leadership designation” allowing qualifying cities to exempt themselves from certain provisions of SB 9, along with providing additional flexibility regarding other state housing mandates. If the City were to qualify, this legislation could increase local authority and would be consistent with the City’s existing Legislative Platform2 which supports local control of land use planning and zoning matters. Driving Under the Influence (DUI): Cal Cities is also advocating for updates to DUI and impaired‑driving laws and has issued letters of support for a handful of bills, including AB 1546, AB 1662, AB 1874, and SB 907. The City’s existing Legislative Platform already includes a broadly relevant plank3 that supports legislation to help curb drug and alcohol‑related criminal behavior. If Council would like to include a more specific plank in the Public Safety section, staff propose the following: 1 Public Safety Plank #8 (Pg 16): The City's right to regulate activities with adverse health and safety impacts on local streets, sidewalks, public spaces, and rights‑of‑way, including illegal street parties. 2 Community Development #1 (Pg 11): Support - Local control of land use planning and zoning matters. 3 Public Safety Plank #4 (Pg 15): Support - Legislation to help curb drug and alcohol‑related criminal behavior and underage consumption. ITEM #6c – 2026 LEGISLATIVE ACTION PLATFOR M Page 3 “Support legislation that strengthens and modernizes distracted ‑driving and impaired‑driving laws to improve roadway safety through education, technology, and statewide standards.” Remote Work: The City’s Legislative Platform does not currently include language that would support a position on requiring State telework options. Council could direct staff to develop a new legislative plank on this topic or take positions on specific bills, such as AB 1729, referenced in public comment, on a case‑by‑case basis.