Caucus News

Sacramento, CA – October 9, 2019 – California Governor Gavin Newsom has signed Senator Ben Hueso’s (D-San Diego) Coronado Bridge Suicide Prevention Initiative (Senate Bill No. 656). The law, which goes into effect immediately, tasks Caltrans with the creation and establishment of an advisory committee to assist with the selection of a permanent suicide deterrent system for the San Diego-Coronado Bridge.

Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed into law Senate Bill 330, the Housing Crisis Act of 2019, by state Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley. SB 330 is designed to speed up housing construction in California during the next half-decade by slashing the time it takes to obtain building permits, limiting fee increases on housing applications, and barring local governments from reducing the number of homes that can be built.

SACRAMENTO – Senate Majority Leader Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) today announced that SB 36, his bill to regulate the use of pretrial risk assessment tools, was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.

In recent years, California has led the nation in adopting new tools and processes aimed at making the pretrial justice system fairer for the accused in the period between when they are charged with a crime and when they are brought to trial.

NAPA, CA – Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, released the following statement on the massive PG&E power shutoff:

“It’s beyond frustrating that we’re in this situation. Public safety power shutoffs have a role to play when they’re needed to prevent massive wildfires and the huge human and economic costs we’ve seen in recent years. However, many of my constituents are disturbed that the power was shut down before the winds started to pick up in the North Bay.

SACRAMENTO – With more than 80 million electronic devices with digital screens in the state of California, and average screen time exceeding 9 hours per day, exposure to blue light has become a serious concern for public health. Dr. Richard Pan (D-Sacramento), Chair of the Senate Health Committee kicks off Blue Light Awareness Day by speaking to the health hazards posed by extended exposure to blue light from digital devices, in conjunction with World Sight Day. 

Sacramento, California – Senator Anthony J. Portantino’s (D – La Cañada Flintridge) post release services referral program bill SB 620 has been signed by Governor Newsom. The bill was suggested and sponsored by the Pasadena Police Department and would allow local law enforcement agencies to share access to helpful information to those under supervised release and help connect them directly with non-profit service providers.

Sacramento, California – Last night, the Glendale Community College Armenian Genocide Commemoration Bill, SB 568, authored by State Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge), was signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. Prior to the passage of SB 568, GCC would have had to forfeit nearly $500,000 if it were to close on April 24th to commemorate the Armenian Genocide.

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on Senate Bill 113 being signed into law:

“The mortgage crisis hit California homeowners as hard as anyone. Many of the state’s residents have yet to recover from losing their homes, and continue to feel the effects of the financial stress caused by unscrupulous lending practices. This bill will get direct relief and aid to residents struggling to stay in their homes.”

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SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed a law authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to reduce the cost of road projects using federal transportation funds, allowing more improvements with the same amount of money.

“My bill would streamline an often duplicative and bureaucratic process, making every transportation dollar count,” Sen. Dodd said. “We can use that savings to expand both the number and quality of projects, providing Californians with the good roads they deserve.”

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom signed legislation authored by Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) requiring that law enforcement agencies and forensic laboratories promptly test all newly collected rape kits in California.