This week, Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick announced she has introduced a series of bills aimed at addressing key challenges facing rural communities. “These proposals will ensure rural cities and counties receive the resources and support they need to serve their residents effectively by increasing funding for local programs, improving environmental safety and providing counties with greater administrative flexibility,” said Hadwick’s office.
Hadwick serves the 1st Assembly District, which includes Plumas County. The bill package includes the following:
AB 998: Allows consolidated reporting on highly hazardous waste items, such as vape cartridges. “This bill simplifies compliance for local agencies by allowing consolidated hazardous waste reporting and reducing administrative burdens while upholding safety standards,” said Hadwick.
AB 993: Increases rural funding for Certified Unified Program Agency cities. “In many parts of my district, hazmat response after an emergency can be hours away,” said Hadwick. “This bill ensures rural CUPA cities receive their fair share of state funding to support essential emergency management and public health programs.”
AB 964: Allows local governments to keep state mandated reimbursement funds. “The state of California owes rural counties in AD-1 millions of dollars for mandated services,” said Hadwick. “This measure allows cities and counties to keep funds which would otherwise need to be repaid if the State Commission on Mandates owes the county money. This bill aims to hold the state accountable.”
“Our communities are drowning because of policies coming from Sacramento that hurt rural Californians,” said Hadwick. She pointed out that these bills provide solutions to improve efficiency and funding, and bridge the urban-rural divide. “This package is about fairness — ensuring that rural areas receive the same level of support and opportunity as big cities.”
The legislation is expected to undergo hearings in the state Assembly in the coming weeks. The progress of these bills can be tracked online here.
Information provided by Office of Assemblywoman Heather Hadwick
