Sacramento, Calif. (May 20, 2026)—Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) today recognized The Open Door Network as the 2026 Nonprofit of the Year for Senate District 16, honoring the organization’s longstanding commitment to supporting vulnerable individuals and families across the Central Valley through housing assistance, support services, and community-based care.

SAN JOSE, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose) today announced the selection of Silicon Valley Youth Climate Action (SVYCA) as Senate District 15’s 2026 Nonprofit of the Year in recognition of the organization’s leadership in youth climate advocacy, environmental education, and community engagement throughout Santa Clara County.

SB 1046 ensures workers have appropriate training and protections when working outdoors in areas affected by the pollution
SACRAMENTO – The Senate on Wednesday passed legislation by Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to protect workers from ongoing pollution in the Tijuana River Valley.

The California state Senate has approved Sen. Jerry McNerney’s SB 947, the No Robo Bosses Act of 2026 — landmark legislation that would require human oversight of artificial intelligence systems in the workplace to prevent abuses.
SB 947 would bar California employers from relying solely on AI systems, known as automated decision-making systems (ADS), to fire or discipline workers. It would also require human oversight and independent verification when employers use ADS to assist in termination and disciplinary decisions.

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.