Adopt resolution authorizing the Yolo County Director of Environmental Health to apply for and execute the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) Proposition 64 Public Health and Safety Grant. (No general fund impact) (Fieseler/Meneghetti)

Background
In November 2016, voters approved Proposition 64, the Control, Regulate and Tax Adult Use of Marijuana Act (AUMA), which legalized the adult recreational use of cannabis in California for individuals 21 years of age and older. Proposition 64 also established that a portion of the tax revenue generated from the cultivation and retail sale of cannabis and cannabis products would be appropriated to local governments.

Section 34019 of the Revenue and Taxation Code (RTC) was amended by Senate Bill 141 (Chapter 18, Statutes of 2025). Under this section, funds may be allocated to the Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) for the purpose of making grants to local governments to support law enforcement, fire protection, and other local programs addressing public health and safety issues related to the implementation of AUMA.

To be eligible for funding, a local government must either:

The BSCC is required to prioritize grant applications that include illicit cannabis enforcement. Grants may be awarded both competitively and by formula to ensure consistent and ongoing funding. (Rev. & Tax. Code, § 34019, subd. (f)(3)(C).)

Prop 64 Grant 
The Cannabis Unit, under the direction of the Director of Environmental Health, administers the licensing and regulatory oversight of commercial cannabis cultivation and related cannabis businesses within the unincorporated area of the county. The Cannabis Unit is applying for Proposition 64 funding to build and strengthen its enforcement against illegal cannabis activity. Grant resources will sustain critical staffing to ensure consistent investigation of complaints, execution of inspection warrants, and coordination of multi-agency enforcement efforts. Strategic investments, such as drones for aerial assessments, will modernize how inspectors document evidence, assess sites, and collaborate with partner agencies. Legal and investigative services, supported by County Counsel and specialized contractors, will amplify the County’s ability to prepare cases and pursue administrative or civil actions when needed. Infrastructure upgrades, including secure refrigerated storage and transport capacity, will ensure seized materials are preserved safely and compliantly. Together, these elements expand the County’s capacity to identify, disrupt, and deter illegal cannabis activity.

Staff are actively working on completing the grant application and anticipate asking for approximately $1.6 million over the 5-year grant period. 

As a condition of award, the BSCC requires successful applicants to submit a resolution from their governing board delegating authority to a designated individual to execute the grant agreement.

Staff requests that the Board adopt a resolution authorizing the Director of Environmental Health to sign the grant application and to enter into and execute the grant agreement on behalf of the County of Yolo.