A California Senate committee advanced SB 1061 on Tuesday after a hearing that centered on the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act and complaints that related permitting rules can complicate housing, property improvements and infrastructure work in the high desert.
According to the committee transcript summary, the Senate Water, Parks and Wildlife Committee approved SB 1061 11-0 as amended and sent it to Appropriations. The same summary says supporters tied the bill to concerns in Yucca Valley and Apple Valley and argued it would reduce obstacles for development on privately owned land.
The hearing also included testimony from local governments, water agencies and industry groups. The transcript summary says speakers included representatives for the Town of Apple Valley, the Town of Yucca Valley, San Bernardino County, the High Desert Water District and the California Building Industry Association.
The broader policy dispute over the Western Joshua Tree Conservation Act remains unresolved, but the committee action gives SB 1061 another step toward floor consideration.
