By Jacob Villagomez, Director of Governmental Affairs
Members of Congress have returned to the Capitol in D.C. with a full slate of priorities, including oversight, Farm Bill negotiations, and appropriations. With the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) now signed into law, House Agriculture Committee Chairman G.T. Thompson is preparing a standalone Farm Bill to address issues left out of OBBA—such as conservation, research, marketing support, and discretionary programs. In addition, Congress must pass a continuing resolution or a full budget by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
In California, state lawmakers face a September 12 deadline to move bills off the Assembly and Senate floors. With more than 2,000 measures still in play, key debates will center on cap-and-trade reauthorization. The Newsom Administration has signaled it may pursue an extension this year to bolster carbon market confidence and avoid a politically fraught election-year negotiation. CCM is closely watching this effort, given its importance in sustaining Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund programs that benefit agriculture.
SB 601, which would’ve expanded California’s authority over wetlands, streams, and other waterways, has now become a 2-year bill. The bill would’ve expanded protections for waterways that federal protections after the Sackett v. EPA decision. It would’ve also created a new category of “nexus waters” and required state-issued permits for discharges into them, effectively applying Clean Water Act–level standards at the state level. This bill was opposed by water agencies and much of the agricultural industry. CCM will keep membership apprised of its movement in the next session.
As for live legislation, CCM is monitoring the following bills:
SUPPORT
- AB 732 – Authorizing county ag commissioners to issue financial penalties for pest-infested properties.
- AB 1264 – Removing ultra-processed foods from school lunch programs.
OPPOSE
- AB 1136 – Providing employees up to five unpaid workdays per year for immigration-related matters (appointments, legal proceedings, work authorizations).
- AB 1336 – Presuming heat illnesses occurred during work hours unless proven otherwise.
- AB 1319 – Requiring the Fish and Game Commission to list a species under CESA in response to potential federal rollbacks.
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