California Eminent Domain Report

Ever since the Supreme Court issued its decision in the Matosantos case last December, facilitating the dismantling of California's redevelopment agencies, there has been talk of new legislation -- either in the "clean up" variety or in the substantive overhaul variety. 

Today, the Legislature passed AB1484 as a budget trailer bill (the Senate approved the bill at around 1:30 p.m., and the Assembly followed about an hour later).  

AB1484 probably qualifies as too substantive to be characterized as mere "clean up," though it falls short of a major overhaul of the system.  And it certainly does not reinstate redevelopment in California.

So what does it do?  For now, nothing.  Remember back to high school civics.  A bill does not become a law just because the legislature passes it.  AB1484 now heads to Governor Brown's desk, where he will either sign it or veto it.  If he signs, AB1484 becomes law.  If he vetoes, the legislature has the opportunity to override the veto, something about as likely as me winning the lottery. 

If the Governor signs it, AB1484 will (1) change the manner in which the dissolution process occurs, (2) reallocate some of the affordable housing funds back into affordable housing, and (3) refine how "enforceable obligations" are defined, among other things. 

We will have more about the substance of AB1484 -- along with any rumors we hear about what Governor Brown may do once it lands on his desk -- shortly.