California Senate Bill SB127

California 2019-2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/19
• Refer: 1/24/19
• Report Pass: 4/29/19
• Refer: 4/30/19
• Report Pass: 5/17/19
• Engrossed: 5/23/19
• Refer: 6/6/19
• Refer: 7/1/19
• Report Pass: 7/9/19
• Refer: 7/9/19
• Report Pass: 8/30/19
• Enrolled: 9/11/19
• Vetoed: 10/12/19

Caption

Transportation funding: active transportation: complete streets.

Impact

The bill significantly impacts how state transportation funds are allocated, mandating that safety improvements specifically address the needs of pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users. By requiring new facilities or the improvement of existing ones for these groups on state-funded projects, SB 127 aims to reduce fatalities and injuries that these vulnerable populations face. The legislation builds on previous statistics highlighting California's critical pedestrian fatality rates and attempts to remedy longstanding infrastructure inadequacies that have left certain communities, especially low-income and minority ones, at a disadvantage.

Summary

Senate Bill 127, introduced by Senator Wiener, focuses on enhancing transportation infrastructure in California by prioritizing active transportation methods such as walking and biking. The bill amends existing laws related to transportation funding and mandates the Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to incorporate comprehensive plans that enhance pedestrian and bicycle access on state highways. Notably, the asset management plan outlined in the bill must consider safe and connected facilities for all users, reinforcing the state's commitment to multi-modal transportation policies that benefit both urban and rural areas.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding SB 127 appears to express strong support from various stakeholders, particularly cycling and pedestrian advocacy groups who see it as a step forward in addressing transportation justice. They argue that the bill fulfills a pressing need to create livable communities with better access to essential services and improve the overall safety of California's roads. However, there may be some contention regarding funding allocation and the impact on existing transportation development priorities, suggesting some apprehension among specific interest groups who may feel economically constrained by the new requirements.

Contention

One notable point of contention is the prioritization of projects—the bill mandates that communities identified as vulnerable receive specific attentiveness during project planning. This focus may lead to debates regarding resource allocation, especially in regions that traditionally receive less attention. Additionally, the implementation complicates timelines and potential costs for transportation projects, as it requires collaboration among various local stakeholders, which could lead to logistical challenges. The bill's requirements for community involvement at all levels may impact project progress if disagreements arise about those priorities.