Legislative Program Committee - County of Santa Barbara - 07/06/26

The Legislative Program Committee of the County of Santa Barbara convened on July 6, 2026, to discuss several federal and state legislative updates impacting county operations and funding. Key procurement-related topics included updates on federal appropriations and the Water Resources Development Act, highlighting potential Army Corps of Engineers projects such as the Lower Mission Creek and Los Alisos wastewater projects, which require federal authorization and future appropriations. The committee also reviewed state budget allocations, including nearly $200 million for CalFresh eligibility expansion and $900 million for the Homelessness Assistance Program, with no new local matching requirements identified. Additionally, the committee considered supporting court reform legislation (Assembly Bill 218) addressing tort reform and liability caps for public entities, with plans to bring the issue to the full Board of Supervisors. Finally, the committee approved joining the Local Government Climate Alliance, a new lobbying coalition focused on climate and energy affordability policies, with a $6,500 membership fee funded from the TST budget. Motions to receive reports and approve the alliance membership passed unanimously.