Bill > AB830

This bill amends existing California law regarding encroachment permits on state highways, specifically creating a special provision for small public utility districts in Mendocino County. Under current law, entities obtaining permits for infrastructure on state highways must typically pay to relocate or remove their encroachments if future highway improvements require it. However, this bill exempts public utility districts in Mendocino County with 5,000 or fewer households from bearing those relocation costs, instead requiring the state Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to cover the expenses. The bill mandates that Caltrans notify the utility district at each stage of a project requiring encroachment relocation and is set to expire on January 1, 2031. The Legislature justifies this special statute by citing the unique geographical challenges and rural nature of Mendocino County, which create distinctive burdens for local governmental entities when utility infrastructure must be moved for transportation projects. This targeted approach aims to provide financial relief and support to small utility districts in the region during highway improvement projects.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB830