Bill Text: CA SB538 | 2023-2024 | Regular Session | Chaptered

California Senate Bill 538 (Prior Session Legislation)

Bill Title: Department of Transportation: Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation.

Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)

Status: (Passed) 2023-10-08 - Chaptered by Secretary of State. Chapter 617, Statutes of 2023. [SB538 Detail]

Download: California-2023-SB538-Chaptered.html

Senate Bill No. 538

CHAPTER 617

An act to add Section 14007.3 to the Government Code, relating to transportation.

[ Approved by Governor October 08, 2023. Filed with Secretary of State October 08, 2023. ]

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST

SB 538, Portantino. Department of Transportation: Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation.

Existing law establishes the Department of Transportation and provides that the Director of Transportation shall perform all duties, exercise all powers and jurisdiction, assume and discharge all responsibilities, and carry out and effect all purposes vested by law in the department, except as otherwise provided by law.

This bill would require the director to appoint a Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation, to serve as the department’s primary advisor on all issues related to bicycle transportation, safety, and infrastructure, as specified.

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

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

SECTION 1.

Section 14007.3 is added to the Government Code, to read:

14007.3.

(a) The director shall appoint a Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation, who shall serve as the department’s primary advisor on all issues related to bicycle transportation, safety, and infrastructure.

(b) The Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation shall do all of the following:

(1) Serve as a point of contact for stakeholders and the public to provide concerns and suggestions related to bicycle transportation, safety, and infrastructure.

(2) Serve as a point of contact for local officials on issues related to bicycle transportation, safety, and infrastructure to ensure that bicycling avenues are up to date and follow correct regulations.

(3) Coordinate with the director, deputy directors, and assistant directors within the department on issues, including, but not limited to, legislative affairs, public affairs, sustainability, and active transportation.

(c) The primary goal for the Chief Advisor on Bicycling and Active Transportation shall be to lower bicycle and pedestrian deaths and to increase public access through proper infrastructure development, better allocation of resources, and promotion of active transportation.