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	<ns0:Description>
		<ns0:Id>20250SB__053498AMD</ns0:Id>
		<ns0:VersionNum>98</ns0:VersionNum>
		<ns0:History>
			<ns0:Action>
				<ns0:ActionText>INTRODUCED</ns0:ActionText>
				<ns0:ActionDate>2025-02-20</ns0:ActionDate>
			</ns0:Action>
			<ns0:Action>
				<ns0:ActionText>AMENDED_SENATE</ns0:ActionText>
				<ns0:ActionDate>2025-05-08</ns0:ActionDate>
			</ns0:Action>
		</ns0:History>
		<ns0:LegislativeInfo>
			<ns0:SessionYear>2025</ns0:SessionYear>
			<ns0:SessionNum>0</ns0:SessionNum>
			<ns0:MeasureType>SB</ns0:MeasureType>
			<ns0:MeasureNum>534</ns0:MeasureNum>
			<ns0:MeasureState>AMD</ns0:MeasureState>
		</ns0:LegislativeInfo>
		<ns0:AuthorText authorType="LEAD_AUTHOR">Introduced by Senator Padilla</ns0:AuthorText>
		<ns0:Authors>
			<ns0:Legislator>
				<ns0:Contribution>LEAD_AUTHOR</ns0:Contribution>
				<ns0:House>SENATE</ns0:House>
				<ns0:Name>Padilla</ns0:Name>
			</ns0:Legislator>
		</ns0:Authors>
		<ns0:Title> An act to add and repeal Chapter 34.5 (commencing with Section 7599.105) of Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code, relating to local government. </ns0:Title>
		<ns0:RelatingClause>local government</ns0:RelatingClause>
		<ns0:GeneralSubject>
			<ns0:Subject>Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys. </ns0:Subject>
		</ns0:GeneralSubject>
		<ns0:DigestText>
			<html:p>Existing law establishes procedures for the formation of infrastructure financing districts, enhanced infrastructure financing districts, infrastructure and revitalization financing districts, community revitalization and investment authorities, and public-private partnerships, as specified, to undertake various economic development projects, including financing public facilities and infrastructure, affordable housing, and economic revitalization. Existing law, until January 1, 2028, authorizes the establishment of a Green Empowerment Zone for the Northern Waterfront area of the County of Contra Costa for the purpose of building upon the comparative advantage provided by the regional concentration of highly skilled energy industry workers by prioritizing access to tax incentives, grants, and loan programs, among other incentives.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill,
			 until January 1, 2035, would authorize establishment of a Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys (empowerment zone). The bill would authorize the empowerment zone to be composed of specified land and communities within the Imperial, Eastern Coachella, and Palo Verde Valleys, upon adoption of a resolution by the Imperial County Board of Supervisors, and would provide for the empowerment zone to be governed by a board of directors, as specified. The bill would task the empowerment zone with various duties, including, among other things, identification of projects and programs that will best utilize public dollars, distribute benefits to disinvested communities, and most quickly improve the economic vitality of California’s southeastern desert valleys, as specified, in a coordinated effort to support the development and equitable transition to a clean energy economy. The bill would require the board of directors, beginning on January 1, 2027, to submit an annual progress
			 report to the Legislature and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, as specified. The bill would require the empowerment zone, commencing on January 1, 2027, as specified, to post the above-described report on its internet website and to submit a letter to the Legislature informing the Legislature that the report has been posted.</html:p>
			<html:p>This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Southeastern Desert Valleys.</html:p>
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		<ns0:DigestKey>
			<ns0:VoteRequired>MAJORITY</ns0:VoteRequired>
			<ns0:Appropriation>NO</ns0:Appropriation>
			<ns0:FiscalCommittee>NO</ns0:FiscalCommittee>
			<ns0:LocalProgram>NO</ns0:LocalProgram>
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			<ns0:ImmediateEffect>NO</ns0:ImmediateEffect>
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				<ns0:Urgency>NO</ns0:Urgency>
				<ns0:TaxLevy>NO</ns0:TaxLevy>
				<ns0:Election>NO</ns0:Election>
				<ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>NO</ns0:UsualCurrentExpenses>
				<ns0:BudgetBill>NO</ns0:BudgetBill>
				<ns0:Prop25TrailerBill>NO</ns0:Prop25TrailerBill>
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	<ns0:Bill id="bill">
		<ns0:Preamble>The people of the State of California do enact as follows:</ns0:Preamble>
		<ns0:BillSection id="id_FB9B22F2-1B91-4149-8DF4-80482255B133">
			<ns0:Num>SECTION 1.</ns0:Num>
			<ns0:Content>
				<html:p>
					(a)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(1)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					A sustained effort is underway to support the state’s equitable transition to a net-zero-emissions economy. This includes developing reliable and ongoing renewable energy sources and the equipment, facilities, and raw materials necessary to support that production. Full deployment of these renewable power resources could provide a once-in-a-generation opportunity to support catalytic economic growth within the Salton Sea region and its historically disinvested communities.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(2)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					The region’s access to
				economic incentives must be improved to drive an inclusive high-road economic vision. If not proactively addressed, resource extraction can result in the region being less economically, environmentally, and socially well-off when its critical minerals and renewable energy are exported to benefit other areas of the state and nation. A more comprehensive and balanced approach recognizes the environmental and public health costs already borne by the people in the region and commits that the buildout of Lithium Valley and its related economic activities include processing, manufacturing, research facilities, workforce development, public health improvements, infrastructure enhancements, and other community benefits.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(3)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					One impediment to an inclusive transition to a net-zero-emissions economy and realizing the economic and national
				security benefits is government-imposed administrative challenges to collaboratively applying for and deploying funds within the region. Due to their historically small populations, these desert valley regions have been legally assigned to regional planning and state program delivery areas that lie beyond significant geographic barriers. Most commonly, the County of Imperial has been linked with the County of San Diego and the Coachella Valley with the Inland Empire. However, these southeastern communities have vastly different needs, resources, and demographic profiles from other areas within their foster homes. This shortsighted government administrative practice dilutes the interests, voices, and opportunities of the people and businesses that comprise the Imperial and Coachella Valleys.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(4)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					This misassignment of southeastern desert
				communities was documented in the December 2022 report by the Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California, published by the State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission, which recommended the designation of a “Salton Sea region” consisting of the Eastern Coachella and Imperial
				Valleys. More specifically, the report called for the recognition of a Salton Sea region that includes all of the County of Imperial and the Eastern Coachella and Palo Verde Valleys of the County of Riverside, extending from the City of Coachella to the unincorporated communities near the Salton Sea and then farther east to the California-Arizona border.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(5)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					The Blue Ribbon Commission on Lithium Extraction in California report states that this large area is economically distinct from other state regions, with approximately 150,000 people living and working in its communities. Major employment sectors across the region are described as agriculture and tourism, making these communities more similar to each other than they are to the economies of the Inland Empire and the County of San Diego. The demographic makeup of the population
				in the Salton Sea region designated in the commission report is also distinct from its neighboring regions due to the substantially higher percentage of households where Spanish, rather than English, is the primary language.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(6)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					To capture the full benefits of the Lithium Valley renewable energy development hub, the southeastern desert valleys need a definitive economic development designation and structure that supports efficient resource attraction and fosters economic relationships between business, labor, and community. The goal for such a designation and structure is to support this historically disinvested area to build local career pathways to high-quality jobs, a dynamic small business ecosystem, improved quality of life, and critical extraction, processing, manufacturing, and supply chain opportunities consistent with the needs
				and assets of the southeastern desert valley communities.
				</html:p>
				<html:p>
					(b)
					<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
					Therefore, it is the intent of the Legislature to authorize the establishment of the Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys. These actions will increase the area’s competitiveness in seeking funds and deploying resources by facilitating collaboration with state, federal, tribal, regional, and local organizations, entities, and governments on issues of mutual interest that advance the economy and quality of life of residents and businesses. A special focus of this work shall be those communities and groups of individuals who have historically been excluded from decisionmaking and the benefits of economic development projects.
				</html:p>
			</ns0:Content>
		</ns0:BillSection>
		<ns0:BillSection id="id_1E1B7A38-BC7A-4D0F-882C-3574FD5FC5BB">
			<ns0:Num>SEC. 2.</ns0:Num>
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				Chapter 34.5 (commencing with Section 7599.105) is added to Division 7 of Title 1 of the 
				<ns0:DocName>Government Code</ns0:DocName>
				, to read:
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			<ns0:Fragment>
				<ns0:LawHeading id="id_CC9EDE32-DF7C-40C8-B2E0-852D433183DB" type="CHAPTER">
					<ns0:Num>34.5.</ns0:Num>
					<ns0:LawHeadingVersion id="id_D8E3544D-1DE5-4E68-AF35-F8443C9D064B">
						<ns0:LawHeadingText>Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys </ns0:LawHeadingText>
					</ns0:LawHeadingVersion>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_DF634B68-0F4E-41EF-AE99-99C44240C3B7">
						<ns0:Num>7599.105.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_C8F52BCD-8644-47CC-9EE5-EE9C930EBC67">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>This chapter shall be known, and may be cited, as the Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys Act.</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_8C95725E-EDEE-451A-9A61-3AF147EC05FF">
						<ns0:Num>7599.106.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_AA47AB75-34BF-42C7-B7E4-321C2038F2CC">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>For purposes of this chapter, the following definitions apply:</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									“Board” means the board of directors set forth in Section 7599.108.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									“Entrepreneurial ecosystem” means policies, structures, and approaches to investment that support economic activity and business enterprise throughout the business life cycle. Place-based entrepreneurial ecosystems refer to the strategic alignment of various public and private efforts, including, but not limited to, education and training, funding and finance, human capital, community culture, and regulatory frameworks.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(c)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									“Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys” or “empowerment zone” means a zone authorized and established pursuant to this chapter.
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_9E49DC63-B9A5-42D9-98DD-A05E35DBB7DF">
						<ns0:Num>7599.107.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_923C1433-1A52-4E0B-B569-A5921A4D4743">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys may be established pursuant to subdivision (d).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The geographic boundaries of the zone may extend to the territories of the jurisdictions listed in subdivision (c), subject to the jurisdiction’s approval, as provided in subdivision (d).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The purpose of the empowerment zone is to cultivate and stimulate targeted investments by the public and private sectors in California’s southeastern desert region, which has historically been overlooked and left
						  behind by the state’s existing economic planning and funding activities. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The empowerment zone will accomplish the goal described in this subdivision by facilitating the region to work collaboratively on strategically leveraging state, federal, and local government-provided tax incentives with grant, loan, and workforce training programs and services offered through public and private sector entities.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Success of the empowerment zone shall be measured by the increased flow of public and private capital into the region, the participation of local residents and businesses in the benefits of those investments, and the expansion and innovation of a green energy industrial center.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The measurement of success of the empowerment zone described in this subdivision includes, but is not limited to, the development of the region’s lithium extraction and processing capabilities, the development of related manufacturing, and an increased quality of life for the residents and businesses located within the empowerment zone, especially those communities and groups of individuals who have historically experienced an unequal distribution of environmental benefits and harm.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(c)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Subject to the limitations and requirements of this chapter, the empowerment zone may include the land and communities within the Imperial, Eastern Coachella, and Palo Verde Valleys.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The maximum boundaries of the empowerment zone include each of
						  the following jurisdictions and designated places:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									All unincorporated areas of the County of Imperial, including the following census-designated places:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Bombay Beach.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Desert Shores.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Heber.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iv)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Naval Air Facility El Centro.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(v)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Niland.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vi)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Ocotillo.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Palo Verde.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(viii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Salton City.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ix)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Salton Sea Beach.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(x)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Seeley.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(xi)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Winterhaven.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Unincorporated areas of the County of Riverside, which lie south of 33.90 degrees north and east of 116.25 degrees west. This includes the following census-designated places within the County of Riverside:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Desert Center.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Indio Hills.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Mecca.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iv)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Mesa Verde.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(v)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									North Shore.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vi)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Oasis.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Ripley.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(viii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Thermal.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ix)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Vista Santa Rosa.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The following incorporated jurisdictions in the County of Imperial:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Blythe. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Brawley.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Calexico.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iv)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Calipatria.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(v)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of El Centro.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vi)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Holtville.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Imperial.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(viii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The City of Westmorland. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(D)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The following incorporated jurisdictions in the County of Riverside:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Coachella.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Indio.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(d)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Imperial County Board of Supervisors may adopt a resolution to initiate the establishment of the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The resolution shall state the county’s support for the creation of the
						  empowerment zone and commit to appointing two representatives to the board of directors within 10 business days.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Following the adoption of the County of Imperial’s resolution, the legislative body for jurisdictions listed in subparagraph (C) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) may adopt a resolution supporting their jurisdiction’s inclusion in the empowerment zone and commit to appointing one representative to the board of directors within 10 business days.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Following the adoption of the County of Imperial’s resolution pursuant to subparagraph (A), the Riverside County Board of Supervisors may adopt a resolution supporting their jurisdiction’s inclusion in the empowerment zone and commitment to appoint two representatives to the board of directors
						  within 10 business days.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									If the County of Riverside adopts a resolution, the legislative body for jurisdictions listed in subparagraph (D) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) may adopt a resolution supporting their jurisdiction’s inclusion in the empowerment zone and commitment to appointing one representative to the board of directors.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									To ensure the timely establishment of the empowerment zone, cities listed in subparagraphs (C) and (D) of paragraph (2) of subdivision (c) shall adopt the resolution within 45 business days of their respective county adopting their resolution.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Following the 45 days described in subparagraph (A), a jurisdiction shall not join the empowerment zone until
						  the first anniversary of the full establishment of the empowerment zone, as prescribed in subdivision (e).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The legislative body of a city or county listed in subdivision (c) may remove the land within its jurisdiction from the empowerment zone by adopting a resolution stating that it no longer wishes to participate. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The resolution ending participation in the empowerment zone shall identify a final date for inclusion in the empowerment zone, which shall be no later than 60 days from the adoption of the resolution.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Any benefits or incentives awarded before the adoption of a resolution removing the jurisdiction from the empowerment zone shall continue under the same terms and
						  conditions as would have been applied if the jurisdiction were still in the empowerment zone for not fewer than two years. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(e)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The empowerment zone shall become a state-designated zone with full powers and authorities provided in this chapter when both of the following conditions are met:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The County of Imperial has adopted the initiating resolution pursuant to subparagraph (A) of paragraph (1) of subdivision (d).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board of directors has been formed and a public meeting has been held.
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_B7E149FB-7FFC-498A-A52B-AF27620957F5">
						<ns0:Num>7599.108.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_1D448D0A-A0C6-48E1-966D-0B064411EE72">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys shall be governed by a board of directors composed of representatives of stakeholder groups identified in subdivision (d).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall exercise all of the powers of the empowerment zone, except as otherwise provided in this chapter.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									All stakeholder group representatives on the board of directors shall serve a three-year term and may be reappointed by their appointing body for up to two additional terms.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									In the initial round of appointing directors, the board shall use a lottery system to decide which directors will serve two-year and four-year terms.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The appointment approach described in this subdivision shall aim to stagger the turnover of board members so that no more than one-third of the directors leave at the same time.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									No representative for a public stakeholder entity shall retain their seat on the empowerment zone board of directors after ceasing to hold the position that qualifies them as an eligible representative for the board. That person’s membership on the board shall thereafter be considered vacant.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board
						  member’s eligibility from a private entity shall be determined by the board in consultation with the appointing entity if there is one. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall have an approved policy for making the determination before taking any action to determine the eligibility of a board member pursuant to this subparagraph.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(4)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									A vacancy on the board shall be filled for the unexpired term by the selection and appointment process used to appoint the director whose position has become vacant.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(5)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									A director who fails to attend at least 50 percent of the board meetings in any 12-month period is subject to removal from the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall
						  have an approved policy for making the determination before taking any action to determine the eligibility of a board member pursuant to this subparagraph.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(c)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									All directors shall be voting members of the board, except those directors appointed from stakeholder groups listed in paragraph (11) of subdivision (d) that represent a state or federal agency and paragraph (12) of subdivision (d) representing state and federal elected officials.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Individuals representing state and federal governmental entities on the board shall be nonvoting members.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									A majority of the voting directors shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business and may act
						  for the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Ex officio nonvoting members shall not be counted in establishing a quorum.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Vacancies shall not change the number of voting directors required to be in attendance to constitute a quorum.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(D)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Notwithstanding subparagraph (C), during the first 12 months following the establishment of the empowerment zone, a quorum shall consist of a majority of voting directors sitting on the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(d)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The membership of the board of directors shall comprise all of the following representatives who shall participate in meetings and serve as a liaison with their appointing entities and related organizations:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Two local government directors selected by each of the counties listed in subdivision (c) of Section 7599.107 and that have adopted a resolution expressing their support for participating in the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									One local government director selected by each incorporated city listed in subdivision (c) of Section 7599.107 that adopted a resolution expressing their support for participating in the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Three directors selected by the Southern California Tribal Chairmen’s Association to represent tribal governments with lands in the empowerment zone. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(4)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Three directors representing large private sector employers with facilities in the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Each of the three largest employers shall select a representative to the board based on the number of employees and whether the business is in the energy, health, or manufacturing sector.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Employer size shall be based on data from the local workforce board and the boundaries of the empowerment zone at the time the director is selected.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(5)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Three directors from universities and laboratories with specialized expertise and knowledge of clean energy who shall, upon agreement by the Regents of the University of California, be nominated by the office of the President of the University of California and confirmed by the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(6)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Four directors representing the five largest private sector organized labor organizations whose membership works in the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The directors shall be selected by their organizations.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(7)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Eight directors representing workforce development and public and private educational entities that serve residents and businesses in the empowerment zone. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The directors shall be selected as follows:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Imperial County Workforce Development Board and the Riverside County Workforce Development Board shall each designate one director responsible for participating in meetings and serving as a liaison between the boards
						  and their respective appointing bodies.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The California State University system and the office of the Chancellor of the California Community Colleges shall each select two directors.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Two additional directors shall be nominated by the Southern California Association of Governments and confirmed by the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(8)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Three directors representing foundations with specialized expertise and knowledge of green energy, public health, or economic development.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The foundation representatives shall be nominated by the Southern California Association of Governments and confirmed by the board. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(9)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Three directors representing community-based nonprofit organizations with a mission to serve disinvested lower income communities within the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Governor shall appoint the directors.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(10)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Two directors representing the public interest.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Governor shall appoint the directors from individuals whose residence and employment are within the empowerment zone. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(11)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Six directors representing state government, from the following state governmental agencies:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Natural Resources Agency. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iv)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Transportation Agency. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(v)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The California Workforce Development Board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(vi)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The State Energy Resources Conservation and Development Commission.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Each state government director may designate a representative to serve on the board.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(12)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Every Member of the California Legislature and of the United
						  States Congress representing geographic areas within the empowerment zone shall be ex officio members of the board of directors.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(e)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The empowerment zone shall have an executive committee composed of the chair and two deputy chairs selected pursuant to paragraph (2) and up to eight additional members of the board of directors, which shall be selected by a majority vote of the board of directors.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The executive committee may carry on the administrative and executive functions of the board between full meetings.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Each executive committee member serves a two-year term.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Although individuals may serve on the executive committee more than once, they may not serve consecutive terms.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The chair and deputy chairs shall be chosen from among the following:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									One member shall be a Member of the Legislature who represents one or more of the cities or a county listed in subdivision (c) of Section 7599.107.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									One member shall be a representative from a local agency in a city or county listed in subdivision (c) of Section 7599.107 that serves an area within the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									One member shall be a representative whose residence and place of employment is within the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board may elect other officers as it deems necessary from among its members.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(4)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The provisions for the executive committee set forth in this chapter shall not be construed to limit the board or the executive committee from setting up any other committees or groups that it may see fit.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(f)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall meet at least six times per year.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Additional meetings may be called at the discretion of the chair or of a majority of the executive committee.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(g)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall be subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act
						  (Chapter 9 (commencing with Section 54950) of Part 1 of Division 2 of Title 5).
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(h)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board of directors members shall serve without compensation.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									With the chair’s prior approval, each board member shall receive the actual and necessary travel-related expenses incurred in attending board meetings and other events.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Each member of the board of directors shall, upon identifying a conflict of interest, or a potential conflict of interest, regarding a matter before the board of directors of the empowerment zone, immediately and before consideration of the matter, do all of the following: 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Provide written notice to the chair regarding the interest that gives rise to the conflict of interest or potential conflict of interest. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									In the case of the chair, written notice shall be given to one of the deputy chairs.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Recuse themselves from discussing or
						  voting on the matter.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Leave the meeting room until after discussion, vote, and any other consideration of disposition of the matter is concluded. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(j)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									A board of directors member shall not use the name of the empowerment zone on any letterhead, business code, or identification badge unless the person has been authorized to do so by the board of directors. 
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_918CC2F9-AE3E-4550-BB98-357E2DD695E3">
						<ns0:Num>7599.109.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_8525D8C7-76A9-4998-A099-1AEA37CE4561">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The Green Empowerment Zone for the Salton Sea and Southeastern Desert Valleys shall have all of the following powers:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									To establish and maintain such offices as are judged best to facilitate the accomplishment of the empowerment zone’s purposes.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									To contract with any person, firm, association, or corporation, or to contract for any other types of services judged by the board to be necessary or convenient for carrying out the purposes of the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Receive and accept from any source, including, but not limited to, the
						  federal government, the state, or any agency thereof, loans, contributions, or grants, in money, property, labor, or other things of value in aid of the operations and activities of the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The executive director shall manage and conduct the empowerment zone’s business and affairs, subject to the board’s direction.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board may assign to the executive director, by resolution, those duties generally necessary or convenient to carry out its powers and purposes under this chapter.
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_916E0C1A-BF63-4023-9FF7-8423CECD9324">
						<ns0:Num>7599.109.1.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_258955CA-C100-4834-AED6-BF3C98074320">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>The empowerment zone may do all of the following:</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Identify projects and programs that will best utilize public dollars, distribute benefits to disinvested communities, and most quickly improve the economic vitality of California’s southeastern desert valleys, especially those acts that leverage federal, state, local, and private sector resources in a coordinated effort to support the development and equitable transition to a clean energy economy.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Prepare, maintain, and regularly review and revise a regional economic plan that stimulates targeted public and private investments that
						  support transformative economic growth that brings family-sustaining jobs and real economic opportunities to California’s most underserved residents. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The plan shall be a blueprint that reflects, integrates, leverages, amplifies, and fills program and service gaps in economic and workforce development activities within the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The purpose of the plan is to facilitate and supplement regional activities, not supplant or override the work of other governmental entities.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(c)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Prepare, publish, or assist in making or publishing studies or investigations of the region’s resources, and of existing or emerging problems related to the inclusive economic growth and development or prosperity of the region,
						  or any part thereof.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(d)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Work with Members of the state Legislature, state departments, and officials to gain state support for projects identified by the zone as critical to the region’s development and equitable transition to a clean energy economy.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(e)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem to support the region’s development and equitable transition to a clean energy economy. This may include facilitating the establishment of one or more business service centers to facilitate access to business development incentive programs to benefit residents of disadvantaged communities, tribal members, small businesses, and other entrepreneurs.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(f)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Partner with the University of California, the California State University,
						  community colleges, and the state’s other research and educational institutions, as well as private foundations, to provide guidance, advice, and encouragement in support of studies of particular interest and importance to the energy and manufacturing industries and the quality of life in the southeastern desert valleys.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(g)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Work with members of the state’s congressional delegation and federal officials, including the Border Governors Association, to gain federal support for projects identified by the empowerment zone as critical to the region. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(h)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Review state and federal policies and regulations to ensure they are fair and appropriate for the businesses, workers, and residents of the economic region.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Make
						  recommendations to the Governor to improve the region’s economic well-being and residents’ quality of life.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(j)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Create and maintain an internet website to facilitate the goals and projects of the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(k)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Take other actions that support the region’s development into a more diverse economy, including a clean power industrial center that benefits the residents and businesses located within the empowerment zone, especially those communities and groups of individuals who have historically experienced an unequal distribution of environmental benefits and harm.
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_21643EA0-DC95-451A-9D12-286B120A21B7">
						<ns0:Num>7599.109.2.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_6BC36FAA-6101-4056-AC5D-5BA67ED029FC">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>
									(a)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Beginning on January 1, 2027, the board shall submit an annual progress report to the Legislature and the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The annual progress report shall cover empowerment zone activities and their progress meeting reporting metrics during the prior fiscal year. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The scope of the first report shall include empowerment zone activities from January 1, 2026, through June 30, 2026.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(4)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The report shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(b)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(1)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall appoint an advisory committee to develop proposed annual reporting metrics. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(2)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The advisory committee shall include board members and stakeholders who live and work in the empowerment zone. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(3)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The board shall review the proposed metrics and adopt final reporting metrics on or before January 1, 2027. 
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(4)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The reporting metrics shall include, but not be limited to, all of the following:
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(A)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Progress on developing and implementing the regional roadmap for economic recovery and inclusive transition.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(B)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The number, size, and industry sector of businesses assisted through empowerment zone activities, including the type of services provided.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The report shall include information voluntarily provided by the businesses that received the assistance.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Providing the information shall not be a requirement for obtaining the assistance.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(C)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									(i)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The number, type of services, and demographic profile of individuals served by empowerment zone activities.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(ii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The report shall include information voluntarily provided by the individuals who received the services.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(iii)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Providing the information shall not be a requirement for obtaining the services.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(D)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The number of jobs gained and lost in key industry sectors of the regional economy in the empowerment zone.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(E)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The average wage of the jobs gained in each economic sector.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(F)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The number and types of grants, other funding, and incentives brought to the region through empowerment zone activities.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(G)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The type and amount of apprenticeship and preapprenticeship positions facilitated by empowerment zone activities.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(H)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									The type and amount of workforce training conducted in the zone, by whom
						  it was provided, and the amount of capital investment associated with providing that training.
								</html:p>
								<html:p>
									(c)
									<html:span class="EnSpace"/>
									Commencing on January 1, 2027, and on or before January 1 of each year thereafter, the empowerment zone shall post the report described in subdivision (a) on its internet website and submit a letter to the Legislature informing the Legislature that the report has been posted.
								</html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
					<ns0:LawSection id="id_13AE0745-73A4-4D36-B9D6-3E0D910766D4">
						<ns0:Num>7599.109.3.</ns0:Num>
						<ns0:LawSectionVersion id="id_A03209DF-4698-44CE-A91B-1EC9A924B321">
							<ns0:Content>
								<html:p>This chapter shall remain in effect only until January 1, 2035, and as of that date is repealed. </html:p>
							</ns0:Content>
						</ns0:LawSectionVersion>
					</ns0:LawSection>
				</ns0:LawHeading>
			</ns0:Fragment>
		</ns0:BillSection>
		<ns0:BillSection id="id_24230BA6-92D6-417E-8ECB-BC7A2471F47A">
			<ns0:Num>SEC. 3.</ns0:Num>
			<ns0:Content>
				<html:p>The Legislature finds and declares that a special statute is necessary and that a general statute cannot be made applicable within the meaning of Section 16 of Article IV of the California Constitution because of the unique circumstances and challenges relating to economic development in the Southeastern Desert Valleys, and the state and national interests in fast tracking renewable energy generation and extraction of critical minerals within the region.</html:p>
			</ns0:Content>
		</ns0:BillSection>
	</ns0:Bill>
</ns0:MeasureDoc>