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August 27, 2025

Assemblymember Robert Rivas Speaker of the Assembly P.O. Box 94249-0029 Sacramento, CA 94249

Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel Chair, Assembly Budget Committee 1021 O Street, Suite 8230 Sacramento, CA 95814

Re: SUPPORT – Proposition 4 Appropriation and Administrative Procedure Act (APA) Exemption

Dear Speaker Rivas and Chair Gabriel, 

On behalf of the undersigned organizations, we write in strong support of two key proposals regarding the funding and implementation of Proposition 4. The signatures represent a broad community of conservation-focused organizations, many of which played a critical role in advocating for Proposition 4’s passage on the November 2024 ballot.

First, we support the proposal to exempt Proposition 4 spending from the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). This exemption, consistent with past resources bonds, will enable funds to be deployed more quickly and efficiently. Subjecting Proposition 4 spending to the full regulatory process would be protracted and administratively burdensome. 

It’s important to note that an exemption from the APA does not eliminate public review, consultation, or transparency. The California Natural Resources Agency has directed its Departments to follow best practices for public engagement in developing program guidelines. These practices align with bond accountability requirements set by the legislature and reflect lessons learned from past bond implementation as well as feedback from diverse stakeholders. 

Departments have been asked to allow 90 days for input on draft grant guidelines for new programs or significant revisions to existing programs. This timeline ensures meaningful tribal consultation and provides community-based organizations the opportunity to share input that reflect their priorities and needs. These best practices will simplify funding pathways, ensure community input and transparency, and ensure there is a consistent approach to program administration. 

For these reasons, we support a full APA exemption for all Proposition 4 spending. Applying exemptions selectively on a program-by-program basis would create unnecessary barriers, particularly for grantees relying on multiple public funding streams. Inconsistent regulatory process timelines and implementation would complicate project delivery. 

Secondly, the final FY 2025-26 state budget directed the Proposition 4 spending plan to be dealt with in a supplemental budget trailer bill later this session after the enactment of the budget. The Assembly has indicated that they are not prioritizing appropriating Proposition 4 funding in a budget trailer bill or budget bill junior this year. We strongly encourage the Legislature to appropriate Proposition 4 funding this year. 

The conservation community, relevant agencies, and broader community are counting on the timely release of funds this year to implement critical projects. A one-year delay not only jeopardizes these plans but also threatens the long-term viability of shovelready projects that are essential for environmental protection and restoration. It is imperative that we avoid such delays to ensure that these important projects are not rendered infeasible due to sudden financial changes. 

Voters supported Proposition 4 with the expectation that the funding would start this year. Timely implementation is vital to fulfill the promise made to voters. Do not delay the allocation of Proposition 4 funding and please ensure a Proposition 4 spending plan is passed this year.

READ THE FULL LETTER HERE