Bill Text: CA AB2873 | 2019-2020 | Regular Session | Introduced

California Assembly Bill 2873 (Prior Session Legislation)

Introduced

Bill Title: Public transit operators: bus procurement: new technology considerations.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-03-05 - Referred to Com. on TRANS. [AB2873 Detail]

Download: California-2019-AB2873-Introduced.html

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2019–2020 REGULAR SESSION

Assembly Bill

No. 2873

Introduced by Assembly Member Kalra

February 21, 2020

An act to amend Section 99173 of the Public Utilities Code, relating to transit operators.

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

AB 2873, as introduced, Kalra. Public transit operators: bus procurement: new technology considerations.

Existing law requires a public transit operator, before the procurement of a new bus to be used in revenue operations, to take into consideration recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, the exclusive representative of the recognized organization representing bus operators of the transit operator for specified purposes, including, among other purposes, preventing accidents caused by blind spots created by bus equipment or bus design.

This bill would require a public transit operator, for these purposes, to also take into consideration recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, that exclusive representative for the purpose of changing or introducing new technology that can affect the nature of work for employees of the transit operator or require job training for employees of the transit operator. By creating new duties for public transit operators, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Vote: MAJORITY Appropriation: NO Fiscal Committee: YES Local Program: YES

The people of the State of California do enact as follows:

SECTION 1.

Section 99173 of the Public Utilities Code is amended to read:

99173.

(a) Before the procurement of a new bus to be used in revenue operations, a public transit operator shall take into consideration recommendations of, and best practices standards developed by, the exclusive representative of the recognized organization representing bus operators of the transit operator for the following purposes:

(1) To reduce the risk of assault on bus operators.

(2) To prevent accidents caused by blind spots created by bus equipment or bus design.

(3) To enhance the safety of passengers, bus operators, or other vehicles or pedestrians that the bus may come into contact with while in service.

(4) To change or introduce new technology that can affect the nature of work for employees of the transit operator or require job training for employees of the transit operator.

(b) Nothing in this section shall be construed to require a public transit operator to implement specific recommendations.

SEC. 2.

If the Commission on State Mandates determines that this act contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement to local agencies and school districts for those costs shall be made pursuant to Part 7 (commencing with Section 17500) of Division 4 of Title 2 of the Government Code.