BILL NUMBER: AB 266AMENDED BILL TEXT AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY APRIL 20, 2009 INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Carter FEBRUARY 11, 2009 An act to add Section 14537 to the Government Code, relating to transportation. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 266, as amended, Carter. Transportation needs assessment. Existing law creates the California Transportation Commission, with various duties and responsibilities relative to the programming and allocation of funds for transportation capital projects. Existing law requires the commission to submit, by December 15 of each year, an annual report to the Legislature summarizing the commission's prior-year decisions in allocating transportation capital funds and identifying timely and relevant transportation issues facing the state. This bill would require the commission, on an every-5-year basis, to develop an assessment of the unfunded costs of programmed state projects and federally earmarked projects in the state, as well as an assessment of available funding for transportation purposes and unmet transportation needs on a statewide basis. The bill would require the Department of Transportation to assist in conducting the assessment. The bill would require the commission to submit the first assessment report to the Legislature by March 1, 2011. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: yes. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. Section 14537 is added to the Government Code, to read: 14537. (a) The commission, on an every-five-year basis, shall develop an assessment of the unfunded costs of programmed state projects and federally earmarked projects in the state, as well as an assessment of available funding for transportation purposes and unmet transportation needs on a statewide basis, as follows: (1) The total costs of programmed state transportation projects and federally earmarked projects in the state. These projects shall include, but are not limited to, projects in the state transportation improvement program, the Traffic Congestion Relief Program, projects funded by bond revenue, and projects receiving earmarked federal funding pursuant to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU) or other federal laws. (2) The unfunded portions of programmed state projects and federally earmarked projects. (3) Total funding provided from state and federal sources for transportation projects. (4) Statewide unmet transportation project needs, including public transportation needs and local street and road system needs . (5) Recommendations by the commission on how the state and local transportation agencies may address the transportation funding shortfalls and unmet needs identified in the assessment. (b) The department shall assist in conducting the assessment. (c) In conducting its assessment, the commission shall consult with regional transportation planning agencies, the California Transit Association, the League of California Cities, and the California State Association of Counties. (d) Results from the initial assessment shall be submitted in a report to the Legislature on or before March 1, 2011. Subsequent reports shall be submitted on an every-five-year basis.