Caucus News

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener’s Fresh Start Act, to Remove Outstanding Restitution as a Barrier to Expungement, Passes Assembly

August 8, 2022

SACRAMENTO - Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)’s Senate Bill 1106, the Fresh Start Act, passed the Assembly by a vote of 41-18. It will now head to the Senate for final sign-off.

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener to Hold Hearing on Timely Mental Health Care Access and Impending Kaiser Strike

August 8, 2022

SAN FRANCISCO – Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health and Addiction, will convene an oversight hearing on timely mental healthcare access and SB 221 implementation, as well as the impending Kaiser healthcare worker strike based on lack of compliance with SB 221. SB 221, which requires health plans to provide timely follow-up mental health care for patients, went into effect July 1, 2022. 

Who:

Senator Scott Wiener (San Francisco)

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd Recognizes Sonoma Teens’ Lifesaving Act

August 8, 2022

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, formally recognized three Sonoma teenagers at the Capitol today for their heroic actions in saving the life of a friend who collapsed on a basketball court with a heart attack.

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener Announces Agenda for Tomorrow’s Select Committee Hearing on Monkeypox

August 8, 2022

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox, announced today the agenda for the oversight hearing.

The hearing will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, August 9 at 1:30 pm in room 2100 at 1021 O Street in Sacramento (the Swing Space). Press are allowed to attend in person, but space is limited. The hearing will also stream here. To provide comment during the hearing, members of the public can call in at 877-226-8163, access code 7362833. Public comment will occur after all panelists testify. 

Senator Josh Becker

State Senator Josh Becker Convenes the Senate Subcommittee Hearing on Grid Reliability

August 5, 2022

Typically, summer heatwaves add stress to our electricity grid. Increased warming and extreme heat events from climate change add a further burden. What must California do to ensure grid reliability while also reducing use of fossil fuels? Senator Josh Becker, chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Clean Energy Future, holds a hearing to explore the issue.

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd’s Mobile Pharmacy Van Bill Clears Assembly

August 5, 2022

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly has approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would authorize the creation of mobile pharmacy vans to bring medication and counseling to California’s hard-to-reach communities, improving health for homeless people and many others who have inadequate access to care.

Senator Bill Dodd

Assembly Approves Sen. Dodd’s College Student Hunger Bill

August 4, 2022

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly today approved legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would provide food aid to low-income college students, ensuring the underserved population receives adequate nutrition to fulfill their educational goals.

“It’s no secret that going to college is expensive, but students shouldn’t have to starve to get a college education,” Sen. Dodd said. “Many students today are struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table. My bill addresses chronic hunger, helping more Californians achieve their educational and career goals.”

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener Will Chair New Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox

August 3, 2022

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced today that he has been appointed by Senate President Pro Tem Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) to chair the newly-formed Senate Select Committee on Monkeypox. Also appointed as members of the committee are Senators Susan Eggman (D-Stockton), John Laird (D-Santa Cruz), Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa), Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach), and Richard Pan (D-Sacramento).

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener’s Bill to Provide Refuge for Trans Kids and Their Families Passes Final Assembly Committee, Heads to Assembly Floor

August 3, 2022

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)’s legislation to provide refuge for trans kids and their families, Senate Bill 107, passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee by a vote of 12-4. It will now head to the Assembly floor. SB 107 will protect trans kids and their families if they flee to California from Alabama, Texas, Idaho or any other state criminalizing the parents of trans kids for allowing them to receive gender-affirming care.

Senator Scott Wiener

Senator Wiener’s Safe Consumption Site Bill Receives Final Senate Sign-Off, Heads to Governor Newsom

August 3, 2022

Sacramento - Senate Bill 57, authored by Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco), passed the Senate on a concurrence vote of X-Y – clearing its final legislative hurdle. It now heads to the Governor.