(SACRAMENTO, CA) Late yesterday, the State Senate passed a bill authored by Assemblymember Noreen Evans (D-Santa Rosa), Chair of the Assembly Democratic Caucus, eliminating a statutory obstacle to help the Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District protect land in Sonoma County.

Sponsored by the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors, which serves as the special district’s board of directors, Assembly Bill (AB) 1063 passed the Senate with a 38-1 vote. This followed a 70-0 Assembly vote on May 3rd. It now goes to the Governor for his signature or veto.

“Our community places a premium on preserving agricultural land and open space,” said Evans. “It defines Sonoma County. We have an obligation to protect it for future generations.”

AB 1063 fixes a disparity in current law. A county may levy, increase, or extend a special tax if the ordinance proposing the tax is approved by a 2/3 vote of the board of supervisors and a 2/3 vote of the qualified voters of the county. However, the power to issue bonds backed by revenues from those taxes is only granted to special districts.

“Without this bill, the Sonoma County Board of Supervisors cannot exercise the full authority granted under Measure F to protect farmland and open space,” added Evans.

Last November, Sonoma County voters passed Measure F which extended the County's existing 0.25% transactions and use tax to fund the Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District. It generates about $18 million a year for land preservation. Measure F also authorized the County to issue limited tax bonds to finance the purchase of open space lands. Bonds have not previously been issued to protect farm land or open space in Sonoma County.

In 1990, Sonoma County voters created this special district to preserve and protect the cherished ranches, farms, natural areas, and open spaces that define Sonoma County. The special district has permanently protected 144 properties totaling over 70,000 acres.

“Bond issuing authority will help our community seize critical land preservation opportunities,” added Evans. “There is no going back once a property is paved over by development. That’s why this bill was written to take effect immediately.”

Further information about AB 1063 is available online at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov.