Municipal and Public Agency
Municipal and Public Agency
With more than 60 years of experience guiding public agencies through major projects, controversial issues, and ethical crises, Hanson Bridgett is one of the most experienced law firms in California in helping local agencies.
Government agencies require specialized knowledge because they operate under public scrutiny and are subject to multiple layers of local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Our long-standing relationships with agency governing boards, staff, and a diverse set of entities throughout California have given us the institutional knowledge and professional experience needed to anticipate issues that can arise and to develop strategies that address them.
Our Municipal and Public Agency practice serves as both general counsel and special counsel to dozens of public entities across the state, with particularly rich experience in city governance and the transportation & transit, water, wastewater, fire, and health care sectors.
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News & Resources
Governor Signs Three New Laws Protecting Water Agencies and their Customers From Higher Costs
In the past week, California's Governor signed into law three bills to ensure fair water rates across California. 1) SB 1072 requires that any surplus funds collected from water & wastewater customers be used to reduce future fees. 2) AB 1827 confirms that meter charges and peak usage associated with higher costs of water service are appropriate components of water fees. 3) and, AB 2257 provides a framework for an administrative exhaustion procedure that will create more protections from Prop. 218 lawsuits for water, sewer, and solid waste agencies in the future.
Trial Court Finds That Sonoma County’s Groundwater Well Ordinance Violates the Public Trust Doctrine
Supreme Court Blocks Taxpayer Initiative from November Ballot
On June 20, 2024, the California Supreme Court ruled that the Taxpayer Protection and Government Accountability Act cannot appear on the general election ballot in November.
California Expands Progressive Design-Build Authority to Most Public Agencies
More flexibility presents new challenges. Agencies can simplify contracting for complex projects, but face challenging negotiations and price uncertainty.
DOJ Mandates Website Standards: Justice Department Sets New Technical Requirements for State and Local Entity Websites and Deadlines for Compliance
On April 24, 2024, the DOJ published a Final Rule establishing technical requirements for web accessibility by public agencies. The Final Rule goes into effect on June 24, 2024 and applies to public entities, including special districts.
The EPA Designates Two PFAS Compounds as “Hazardous Substances” Under CERCLA, Triggering Potential Cleanup Liabilities for Private and Public Entities
CERCLA now requires that owners and operators clean up PFOA or PFOS contamination on their properties.
Is Compliance with Air District Regulations Proving to be Difficult?
Businesses can apply for variances to continue operating despite air rule violations. Variances are subject to hearings which resemble courtroom proceedings, where both parties present evidence and public testimony may influence decisions.
The EPA Finalizes PFAS Drinking Water Limits While California Adopts Public Health Goals for PFOA & PFOS, Which Will Have Wide Ranging Effects
The US EPA moves ahead with new PFAS regulations, which affect public water systems, wastewater treatment operators, and contaminated site cleanups.
Amendments to Surplus Land Act Increase Clarity and Flexibility for Public Agencies
Senate Bill 747 and Assembly Bill 480 provide much-needed clarification and increased flexibility for public agencies disposing of surplus property.
Got Governance?
Steven Miller of Hanson Bridgett discusses ethics complaints against a board member and the steps to address the situation.