CA AB1252

Expands eligibility for the Environmental Justice Small Grant Program to include nonfederally recognized California Native American tribes with nonprofit status or in partnership with a nonprofit organization located in areas adversely affected by environmental pollution.

Authorizes the California Environmental Protection Agency to distribute advance payments from grants awarded under the program for projects providing service to or benefiting disadvantaged or low-income communities.

First advance payment may equal up to 50 percent of the total award (maximum $25,000) and must be spent within eight months unless the agency establishes a different requirement.

Final advance payment may be disbursed before project completion and must be spent within eight months unless the agency establishes a different requirement.

Recipients of advance payments must place funds in noninterest-bearing accounts and may be required to submit accountability reports; the agency may withhold additional advance payments at its discretion.