New laws Supporting Transportation, Economic Development, and Renewable Energy
(COACHELLA) – Four more bills authored and co-authored by Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) were signed into law this week by the Governor:
AB 2394 (E. Garcia) – Nonmedical Transportation: Ensures that low-income Medi-Cal beneficiaries in rural areas have access to transportation to medical appointments. Medi-Cal recipients will now be reimbursed for transportation to and from the doctor.
“Families who live in rural areas spend over 4 hours for a one-way trip to see their health care provider,” said Assemblyman Eduardo Garcia. “AB 2394 would ensure low-income beneficiaries have access to medical care by allowing Medi-Cal recipients to be reimbursed for transportation to and from the doctor.”
AB 2492 (Alejo and E. Garcia) – Community Revitalization: Authorizes an authority to carry out a community revitalization plan if the census tract or census block groups within the community revitalization and investment area are within a disadvantage community, as prescribed.
Assemblyman Garcia Co-Authored
AB 797 (Steinorth) – Rescue Animal Protection: Exempts a person from criminal and civil liability who removes an animal from a vehicle. One of the qualifications for said exemption is that the animal must be immediately turned over to a representative from law enforcement, animal control, or other emergency responder who responds to the scene.
SB 1074 (Hueso) – Geothermal Plants: Authorizes revenues to recover lithium, metals, and other beneficial minerals from highly mineralized geothermal brines at existing geothermal facilities that are in disadvantaged communities. These activities will provide economic growth and local employment opportunities.
“Senate Bill 1074 directs $2.5 million of Federal Trusts Funds for competitive grants in mineral recovery from geothermal brine, such as lithium recovery projects,” said Governor Brown. “I am signing this bill because lithium recovery may provide California with a domestic source to help meet our growing demand for electrical vehicle batteries. Moreover, we continue to work towards a sustainable Salton Sea, finding markets for geothermal brine can contribute to the combined efforts that will be needed for a healthy sea.” concluded Governor Brown.
