AMENDED IN SENATE APRIL 18, 2023

CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE— 2023–2024 REGULAR SESSION

96

CHAPTER 617

Statutes of 2023

[ Approved by Governor October 8, 2023. Filed with Secretary of State October 8, 2023. ]

Introduced by Senator Portantino

February 14, 2023

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

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal committee: yes   Local program: no

LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL’S DIGEST

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.

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.