Assembly Bill 313 provides for a more specific notice process for the Department of Corrections (DOC) and California Youth Authority (CYA) when locating a community parole office.

“Given recent controversies in San Mateo County regarding attempts by DOC to locate parole facilities in our communities, I authored AB 313 to require a public hearing when local elected officials object to placing a parole site too close to a school, playground or childcare facility,” Ruskin said.

“Community input is vital to successfully placing a parole facility, and I believe that government agencies must work collaboratively to find the most appropriate locations. My bill guarantees that communities and their elected leaders will get a public hearing to voice their concerns,” Ruskin stated.

(AB 313 is sponsored by San Mateo County and is supported by the California State Sheriff’s Association and the California Probation, Parole and Correctional Association.

Assembly Bill 865 makes it easier for charitable foundations to loan money for land conservation, environmental protection, healthcare and other civic purposes.

“AB 865 gives charitable foundations a greater ability to loan funds to non-profits to carry out their good works. At a time when public funds for environmental enhancement and protection are scarce, foundations must be able to provide loans for the public benefit,” Ruskin said.

AB 865 creates an exemption in the California Finance Lenders Law for tax exempt foundations and charities that make loans for charitable, program-related purposes. Many charities and foundations in California make low- or no-interest loans to finance conservation land acquisitions or the construction of non-profit facilities. They may also provide bridge financing for other non-profit organizations.

AB 865 is supported by the Packard Foundation, Peninsula Open Space Trust, Planning and Conservation League, Big Sur Land Trust, Second Harvest Food Bank, The Nature Conservancy, California Economic Development Lending Initiative and the Low Income Investment Fund.