Bill > AB978

This bill amends existing California law regarding the use of recycled materials in street and highway construction by local agencies. Specifically, the bill would permanently require local agencies to allow recycled materials in their standard specifications at levels no less than those specified by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans), including recycled base and subbase materials, reclaimed asphalt pavement, and recycled concrete components. The bill introduces a new provision allowing contractors to request explanations from local agencies if their specifications do not permit recycled materials at the specified levels, with the local agency required to provide a written explanation via email. The bill also clarifies that local agencies are not prohibited from exceeding the maximum levels of recycled materials in their specifications. Importantly, the bill eliminates a previous requirement for transportation agencies to use advanced technologies and material recycling techniques that reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The legislation applies to most local agencies, excluding special districts and smaller cities and counties with populations below certain thresholds. If the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill imposes state-mandated costs, local agencies would be eligible for reimbursement under existing state procedures.

Budget and Finance, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB978