CA SB149

Extends the Governor's authority to certify environmental leadership development projects from January 1, 2024 to January 1, 2032, with certification expiration moved from January 1, 2025 to January 1, 2033, and repeals the Leadership Act on January 1, 2034 instead of January 1, 2026.

Establishes new infrastructure project certification process allowing the Governor to certify energy, semiconductor, transportation-related, and water infrastructure projects that meet specific environmental and job creation requirements, with judicial review timelines capped at 270 days.

Requires applicants to pay costs of record preparation and litigation rather than plaintiffs, prohibits recovery of these costs from plaintiffs in any litigation, and mandates case management conferences within 30 days of action filing to review record scope and costs.

Requires lead agencies to prepare records concurrently with environmental review, post documents electronically within 5 days, and certify final records within 5 days of project approval for infrastructure projects.

Appropriates $1,000,000 to the Judicial Council for judicial officer training and takes effect immediately as an urgency statute.