The California state Senate has approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 1196, which will streamline the creation of accessory dwelling units by accelerating utility service connections.
SB 1196 would direct the California Public Utilities Commission to establish clear timelines for utility hookups for ADUs, also known as backyard cottages, and institute penalties for utilities that fail to provide timely service connections.

The California state Senate has approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 1406, legislation that would close the so-called “Montana Loophole,” which costs California approximately $20 million a year in lost tax revenue.
SB 1406 would strengthen state law prohibiting tax scams in which California residents create empty shell companies to buy exotic luxury cars or recreational vehicles in Montana to avoid paying California sales taxes and vehicle license fees.

SACRAMENTO – This week, the California State Senate passed Senate Bill 1247, a measure authored by Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) which would require content creators who feature their minor children and receive compensation for that content to delete or edit the material if requested by the child after they turn 18.

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California State Senate passed Senate Bill 903 by Senator Steve Padilla, a measure designed to ensure that mental health services are safe, ethical, and conducted by trained professionals, not artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. This bill would prohibit AI algorithms from providing or advertising “therapy” and set standards for professional’s use of AI to promote human-centered care.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego) issued the following statement after 3 victims were killed at the Islamic Center of San Diego.

SACRAMENTO, CA — On May 19, 2026, Senator Lena Gonzalez’s (D-Long Beach) Senate Bill (SB) 1279, which aims to reduce speed-related fatalities on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) in Long Beach, passed the Senate on a 32-6 vote. 
 

As the Governor’s May Revise seeks to cut acupuncture funding for Medi-Cal recipients, SB 944 helps protect acupuncture benefits from healthcare cuts.

SACRAMENTO, CA — Senator Susan Rubio announced that multiple bills from her 2026 legislative package have officially advanced out of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
The legislative package focuses on protecting children and survivors, increasing government transparency, supporting working families, strengthening economic development, expanding healthcare affordability, protecting immigrant communities, and improving access to education and public services.

Statement from Senator Akilah Weber Pierson on Tragic Shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego

For too many homeowners, upgrading a drafty old window to improve energy efficiency and comfort and to reduce costs is an expensive slog through dense regulations. SB 908 will streamline the process and cut red tape to give homeowners more affordable options to upgrade windows.