SB 995 Summary

• Extends the Governor's authority to certify environmental leadership development projects from January 1, 2020 to January 1, 2024, and delays the repeal of the leadership act to January 1, 2025.

• Adds housing development projects as eligible for certification if located on infill sites, requiring minimum $15 million investment (but less than $100 million) and 15 percent affordable housing units.

• Requires lead agencies to prepare master environmental impact reports for general plans and specific plans for housing projects when the state provides funding, allowing streamlined review of subsequent housing projects described in the master report.

• Establishes labor standards requiring certified projects to use skilled and trained workforces, with different requirements for public agencies (project labor agreements or skilled workforce commitments) and private entities (prevailing wage requirements and skilled workforce certification).

• Authorizes the Office of Planning and Research to charge applicants a fee for implementation costs and allows the Governor to certify project alternatives studied in environmental impact reports if they meet leadership project definition requirements.