Background
A number of controversial bills are introduced each year in the California Legislature. The level of controversy and number of bills involved varies, but it is always important to understand how ACWA takes positions on legislation. An explanation of that process follows, including details on ACWA’s State Legislative Committee Annual Planning Meeting.

State Legislative Committee: A Definition
ACWA's State Legislative Committee is a standing and limited committee comprised of four representatives from each of ACWA's 10 geographically based regions, for a total of 40 participants. Representatives are nominated by their member agency and then from that pool of candidates, the chairperson (in most cases in consultation with the regional board) of the respective region makes recommendations for appointments. After consideration of the recommendation of each region chair, ACWA’s president chooses who will serve on the committee for the two-year term.

The Role of ACWA Members and the SLC Annual Planning Meeting
To establish priorities for the legislative session, each summer the State Legislative Committee notifies all ACWA member agencies via announcements in ACWA News and a direct letter to the agency General Manager that they are accepting proposals for legislation to review and consider for sponsorship or support. ACWA’s legislative deparment compiles the proposals, completes a thorough analysis of each submission, and provides them to committee members with an accompanying recommendation for action. The full committee then reviews the proposals in the fall (usually October) at its annual planning meeting and determines legislative priorities for the following year, including which proposals will or will not be sponsored or supported by ACWA.

Committee Meetings
During the regular legislative session, which begins in January of odd-numbered years, the State Legislative Committee meets approximately every three weeks, for a total of ten meetings a year, to review legislation. ACWA positions on legislation are determined by a formal vote of the committee based on analyses and recommendations prepared by ACWA legislative staff. Analyses are sent to members of the committee and subscribers of AccessACWA in two separate mailings before every committee meeting. Subscription information for the bill packets is available through the State Legislative Department or online at www.acwa.com. The committee reviews discusses each bill during its meetings and votes on positions.

ACWA's Positions on Legislation
The State Legislative Committee may take the following positions on legislation: Watch (neutral), Support, Support if Amended, Favor, Oppose, Oppose unless amended, and Not Favor. ACWA’s legislative staff testifies at hearings and lobbies legislators and staff through meetings and member agency contacts on all positions except Watch, Favor and Not Favor. For Favor and Not Favor, written communication of ACWA’s position is provided to the legislator. Positions are taken on legislation that, if enacted, would impact members. Positions are not normally taken on legislation if member agencies are on opposite sides of an issue. Exceptions include legislation that, if enacted, would establish poor precedent if applied broadly to ACWA member agencies.

If a particular bill requires further review before consensus on an official ACWA position can be determined, policy subcommittees may be formed. Any of the 40 members of the committee may serve on the subcommittee and any member agency may appoint a representative to the subcommittee on a particularly controversial bill.

To provide adequate information to the entire ACWA membership, the committee sponsors an annual Legislative Symposium, provides state legislative updates in ACWA News, posts positions and other information on ACWA’s Web site at www.acwa.com, and sends out advisories and alerts on key legislation. ACWA’s legislative department is available to provide specific and personalized information on bills, and committee members are encouraged to communicate ACWA positions on priority legislation at the region level.


Contact:
Jenn Lujan, ACWA State Legislative Analyst, 916.441.4545

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