CA SB420

Exempts rebuilding of existing electrical transmission facilities from Public Utilities Commission (PUC) certification requirements.

Exempts electrical corporations serving 10,000 or more retail customers from PUC permits and discretionary approvals for new or modified electrical transmission facilities rated at 138 kilovolts or less, if located on previously disturbed land, in urbanized areas, or subject to California Environmental Quality Act review.

Prohibits exempted transmission facilities from being located on wetlands, unremediated hazardous waste sites, or federally-designated critical habitats or state-designated endangered species habitats.

Requires the PUC to update General Order 131 by January 1, 2025 to implement these exemptions, treating qualifying facilities the same as electric distribution facilities.

States no state reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts because any costs result from the bill's criminal provision changes under Article XIII B of the California Constitution.