California Assembly Bill AB408

California 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/2/23
• Refer: 3/16/23
• Refer: 3/20/23
• Report Pass: 3/16/23
• Report Pass: 3/29/23
• Refer: 3/29/23
• Report Pass: 4/11/23
• Refer: 4/17/23
• Refer: 5/10/23
• Report Pass: 5/18/23
• Engrossed: 5/31/23
• Refer: 6/1/23
• Refer: 6/14/23
• Report Pass: 7/5/23
• Refer: 7/5/23
• Report Pass: 7/13/23
• Refer: 7/13/23
• Report Pass: 8/14/23
• Refer: 8/21/23
• Refer: 8/14/23

Caption

Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024.

Impact

If passed, AB 408 will facilitate substantial funding directed towards agricultural resilience, directly impacting the practices of farmers and ranchers, with a distinct emphasis on supporting socially disadvantaged communities and tribal producers. Key areas of focus include improving climate resilience of agricultural lands, increasing food and fiber infrastructure, and expanding access to nutrition and food aid programs. It will also ensure that specific financial benefits are available for projects that can demonstrate a positive environmental impact.

Summary

Assembly Bill 408, also known as the Climate-resilient Farms, Sustainable Healthy Food Access, and Farmworker Protection Bond Act of 2024, aims to improve the agricultural landscape across California by authorizing the issuance of bonds totaling $3,650,000,000. This funding will support various programs focused on enhancing agricultural facilities, workforce development, and sustainability initiatives geared towards climate resilience. The bill highlights California's dedication to addressing the impacts of climate change on agriculture while enhancing food access and supporting farmworkers.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB 408 tends to be favorable among proponents, particularly environmentalists, agricultural advocates, and legislators who recognize the urgent need for a sustainable agricultural framework in light of ongoing climate challenges. However, there may also be apprehension or contention regarding the bond's overall cost and efficacy in generating concrete outcomes. Opponents might question whether the financial allocation will achieve its intended goals effectively.

Contention

Contention associated with AB 408 may arise from concerns about fiscal responsibility and the feasibility of funding large-scale agricultural initiatives. Legislators opposing the efforts argue about the potential misallocation of funds and the necessity of ensuring that the investments yield measurable improvements in food access and environmental protection. Additionally, the urgency of immediate implementation is framed within the context of pressing climate-related urgencies, which may lead to heated debates about prioritization of state spending in the agricultural sector.