AB1790 | Orange County Fair Preservation Society

What is AB 1790?

AB 1790 is proposed State legislation introduced by Assemblyman Jose Solorio to stop the sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds to a private developer.

What does it say?

As currently written, AB 1790 calls for the repeal of provisions of a state law passed last year (AB 4X 22) which provide for sale of the Orange County Fairgrounds. The text of AB 1790 can be found at http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/pub/09-10/bill/asm/ab_1751-1800/ab_1790_bill_20100210_introduced.html    which will include updates if and when the bill is amended.

Why would AB 1790 be amended?

The bill would be amended to reflect changes in the fairgrounds situation. Earlier in the year, it seemed likely that the land would go to a private developer, and the only way to stop that was to reverse the earlier bill providing for the sale. Now it seems likely that the City of Costa Mesa may purchase the land. This may require legislative action.

In addition, any legislation must make its way through several legislative committees and both houses of the legislature and then be signed by the governor.  Often changes occur along the way in order to garner the necessary support for a bill.  This is especially important because AB 1790 is considered an “urgency” statute, which means it needs a super majority to pass. 

What types of amendments would probably occur?

The City of Costa Mesa is negotiating with the State to purchase the fairgrounds. Issues to be addresses by the legislature could include transfer to the City, financing mechanisms, provision for existing fairgrounds employees, and future governance of the fairgrounds.

Why not wait to introduce legislation until later, when these issues have been worked out?

Under the legislature’s rules, new bills cannot be introduced after a certain date in the legislative session. If it is expected that legislation will be needed to address a pending issue, then a bill is introduced to hold a place in line for the anticipated legislation.