In July of 2019, Assembly Member Garcia (D-Bell Gardens) gutted an existing bill of hers, AB 315 (C. Garcia), and amended language into the bill aimed at placing new restrictions and reporting requirements on public agency associations and their expenditures. The restrictions included in the July version of the bill would have prevented associations from expending funds on anything other than lobbying the legislature and the federal government or traveling to an annual conference or other membership gatherings. The bill was amended again on January 6th to allow public agency associations to expend money on educational efforts, but still restricts funds from expenditures for any other purpose. If passed, this legislation would have significant detrimental impacts on all public agency associations including CSDA and its membership. The following are some of the programs CSDA offers its membership that would be eliminated or significantly impacted should AB 315 be signed into law:
- Public Affairs Field Coordinators program – CSDA staff that travel to various districts for events, meetings, workshops, presentations, etc.
- Financial Services Assistance – The CSDA Finance Corporation helps districts access infrastructure project financing
- Districts Makes the Difference Campaign – Public education campaign regarding special districts
- Legal efforts/LAW Group – legal assistance, guidance, and amicus brief program
- Regulatory Advocacy
CSDA is leading the efforts to stop this legislation with the support of many other public agency associations and may soon be asking for your assistance in stopping this ill-considered legislation by asking you to contact your legislators, sending in letters of opposition to AB 315 and communicating to the legislature the value you receive from your membership in CSDA and other professional trade associations. Click here to view coalition letter.