Senator Toni Atkins

Colleagues, I’d like to begin with an expression of profound gratitude to you for this privilege.

Every day, I’m struck by your energy and intellect.  I’m inspired by your passion for public service.  I will never stop striving to earn the trust you’ve placed in me.  Nor will I ever take for granted the gravity of this gavel.  
 

SACRAMENTO—In a ceremony in the state Capitol Wednesday, Sen. Toni Atkins was sworn in as the 48th President pro Tempore of the California Senate.

Following introductory remarks from Sen. Hannah-Beth Jackson, outgoing President pro Tempore Kevin de León introduced Senate Resolution 88, proposing that Atkins be elected by a vote of her colleagues. The resolution passed unanimously. Atkins was escorted to the rostrum, and California Supreme Court Justice Tani G. Cantil-Sakauye administered the oath of office.

SACRAMENTO—Sen. Toni Atkins on Monday honored San Diego resident Vicki Granowitz as Woman of the Year in Senate District 39 for 2018. Granowitz was one of 40 women from across California recognized on the Senator floor for their remarkable contributions to their communities.

SACRAMENTO—Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) has issued the following statement:

“Our first priority is to create a safe working environment for our employees, and accepting Tony Mendoza’s resignation is consistent with that goal. Going forward, I will work with my colleagues to ensure that our zero-tolerance policies on sexual harassment are backed up with strong enforcement in order to guarantee that all employees are protected.”

SACRAMENTO—Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1367, legislation that authorizes the San Diego River Conservancy to help restore and enhance three other nearby rivers – the Otay, the Sweetwater and the Tijuana – and their watersheds.

SACRAMENTO—Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1125, legislation that allows community health centers to bill Medi-Cal for two visits if a patient is provided mental-health services on the same day they receive other medical services.

Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1086, legislation that extends the window of time during which the family of a public safety officer whose death is attributable to certain work-related illnesses is eligible to collect survivor death benefits.

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Tuesday introduced SB 1005, a bill that allows survivors of violent crimes, such as domestic violence, to use state-provided victim-relocation funds to pay for expenses related to housing an animal companion, including pet deposits and pet rent.

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Wednesday introduced SB 970, a bill that requires California hotels and motels to train employees how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to law enforcement.

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Monday introduced SB 945, legislation that seeks to remove arbitrary caps in the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) for low-income, uninsured or underinsured patients.

Currently, the BCCTP caps treatment for breast cancer at 18 months and treatment for cervical cancer at 24 months, regardless of medical need. SB 945 would remove those caps and allow the program to continue to provide treatment for as long as necessary.