SAN JOSE, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (District 15) issued the following statement in response to new regulations from the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) regarding the operation and deployment of autonomous vehicles (AVs) in California:
“The California DMV’s proposed AV regulations reinforce exactly why I introduced Senate Bill 1246 — because innovation without accountability cannot be tolerated when public safety is at stake.

(SACRAMENTO) – Senate Bill 1381 by Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) was approved by the Senate Appropriations Committee on Monday. The bill, sponsored by the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, would require the individualized education program team of the Local Educational Agency (LEA) to provide parents of students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, visually impaired, or deaf-blind information regarding the option for the student to attend a state special school.

SACRAMENTO, CA – As a former member on the County of Santa Clara Board Supervisors for 12 years, California State Senator Dave Cortese (D – San Jose) has proudly introduced Senate Resolution 96 (SR 96) to declare April as National County Government Month, spotlighting the frontline role counties play in protecting over 40 million Californians – especially in times of federal uncertainty.\

SACRAMENTO, CA – On Monday, April 27th, 2026, California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), as Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, convened an Informational Hearing to receive and take testimony on the state’s High-Speed Rail (HSR) Project’s statutorily required 2026 Draft Business Plan. 

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D-San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, issued the following statement recognizing Dina El-Tawansy on her appointment as Director of the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans):

Federal cuts put billions in annual funding in the crosshairs for the University of California alone, jeopardizing progress on treatments for severe health conditions and life-saving wildfire research.

SB 1088 clarifies end-of-life care directives, so Californians get the medical care they want when they can no longer express their wishes
SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Sen. Catherine S. Blakespear, D-Encinitas, to ensure Californians get the end-of-life care they desire passed the Senate Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

Today, Senator Sabrina Cervantes (D-Riverside) introduced Senate Bill 73 that would provide California elections with additional protection against outside interference. The bill is a follow-up to Senate Bill 851 (Cervantes), which Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law last year. SB 73 has an urgency clause that would allow its provisions to take effect for the June 2 statewide primary election if signed into law by the Governor in time.

SACRAMENTO, CA — California State Senator Dave Cortese (D–San José) announced the introduction of Senate Concurrent Resolution 157 (SCR 157), recognizing and honoring school bus drivers across California for their critical role in safely transporting students and supporting families every day. My Senate colleagues approved my SCR 157 which now heads to the Assembly for further consideration. 

WHAT: California State Senator Dave Cortese (D – San Jose), Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, will convene a Senate Transportation Committee Informational Hearing to receive and take testimony on the state’s High-Speed Rail Project’s 2026 Draft Business Plan.