Senate unanimously approves bill to consolidate, relocate CHP headquarters

Wolk bills pass out of Appropriations and on to Assembly floor for vote

SACRAMENTO–Three bills by Assemblywoman Lois Wolk (D-Davis) to strengthen flood protection planning throughout the state advanced a step closer to the Governor’s desk today, passing from the Assembly Appropriations Committee and on to the Assembly Floor. 

Wolk’s Assembly Bills 5, 162 and 1452—her legislative package on flood protection--were among nearly 550 bills voted upon today by the fiscal committee. The bills will next be voted upon by the full Assembly.

“The committee’s approval of these bills is a strong step toward addressing the ongoing disconnect between flood management decisions and floodplain land-use decisions, particularly in the Central Valley ,” said Wolk.

• Assembly Bill 5 connects flood management with local land-use decisions using financial incentives to encourage local governments to adopt flood protection plans before approving new developments. The bill also includes minimum flood protection standards for new developments within flood-prone areas.

• AB 162 requires local governments to incorporate flood hazards in their general plans in order to minimize risk in flood-prone areas.  

• AB 1452 sets priorities and establishes criteria for the cost-effective expenditure of the $5 billion flood bond approved by voters in November 2006.