BILL NUMBER: AB 337INTRODUCED BILL TEXT INTRODUCED BY Assembly Member Allen FEBRUARY 13, 2013 An act relating to ports. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST AB 337, as introduced, Allen. Ports: economic importance of ports. Existing law establishes various port districts along California's coast, and prescribes procedures for the formation and operation of those districts. This bill would make various legislative findings and declarations relating to the economic importance of port systems in the state. Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no. State-mandated local program: no. THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS: SECTION 1. The Legislature finds and declares all of the following: (a) California's network of ports, especially the Los Angeles and Long Beach port systems, are vital to the continued economic vibrancy of our state. (b) Port systems are increasingly important to California, especially because the modernization and expansion of the Panama Canal will result in increased shipping capacity and vessel travel to California's ports. (c) The Legislature needs to address issues related to the increased efficiency and capacity at ports, and the ability of California's ports to ensure that we have adequate infrastructure to provide for the movement of goods in and out of our state. (d) The maintenance of an efficient port system in California will facilitate job creation, economic growth, and competitiveness in the world marketplace, with a particular emphasis on Pacific Rim trade and commerce.