(a) In addition to the requirements established by the department, the applicant shall demonstrate that the changes to the existing goals, objectives, policies, or programs of the city, county, or city and county that will logically result from the grant will improve protection of, or have a beneficial effect on climate change goals for, agricultural land, grazing land, or grasslands.

(b) Prior to awarding funds under the program, the department shall develop guidelines and selection criteria for awarding grants in accordance with all of the following:

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(1) Prior to the adoption of the guidelines and selection criteria, the department shall conduct at least two public workshops to receive and consider public comments.

(2) The department shall publish the draft guidelines and selection criteria on its Internet Web site at least 30 days prior to the public meetings.

(3) In adopting the guidelines and selection criteria, the department shall consider the comments from farming and ranching groups, agricultural land conservation groups, building and construction groups, local governments, regional agencies, and other stakeholders.

(4) Program guidelines may be revised by the department to reflect changes in program focus or need. Outreach to stakeholders shall be conducted pursuant to paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) before the department adopts changes to guidelines.

(c) Chapter 3.5 (commencing with Section 11340) of Part 1 of Division 3 of Title 2 of the Government Code does not apply to the development and adoption of the guidelines and selection criteria pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2017, Ch. 434, Sec. 10. (SB 732) Effective January 1, 2018.)