Caucus News

SACRAMENTO - Today, Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) announced Senate Bill 922. SB 922 makes permanent and improves upon his previous legislation (SB 288, 2020) to expedite bike, pedestrian, light rail, and bus rapid transit projects by exempting these environmentally sustainable projects from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). SB 922 will accelerate approval of sustainable, climate-friendly transportation projects.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 923, the TGI Inclusive Care Act. This legislation requires health providers and staff who interact with transgender, gender non-conforming, and intersex (TGI) people to undergo cultural competency training to help them provide inclusive care. These trainings must be facilitated by TGI-led organizations, and they must include the perspectives of TGI people. SB 923 also ensures that health plans’ online directories include a search feature to list providers who offer gender-affirming services.

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 980 to modernize liquor licensing. SB 980 makes it easier for small businesses to fill vacant storefronts by simplifying several elements of the liquor license application process. California’s small businesses often face significant challenges in navigating the liquor application process; these barriers make it difficult for entrepreneurs to open, adapt, relocate, and expand their operations.

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced legislation today to help California hospitals respond to public health crises including pandemics and other emergencies by streamlining the processing of licenses for health professionals, expanding insurance coverage and making it easier to increase bed space for patients.

SACRAMENTO - Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) introduced Senate Bill 964, the Behavioral Health Workforce Revitalization Act. SB 964 increases California’s investment in its behavioral workforce in order to retain workers, increase the size of the behavioral health workforce, and support behavioral health workers who are facing a significant increase in demand for services.

Sacramento, Calif. – On February 10, 2022 Senator Lena A. Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) introduced Senate Bill 972 to help support California’s street food vendors by removing barriers to accessing food vending permits. The bill would help reduce unpermitted vending, protect public health, and create a more equitable economy for women, low-income individuals and people of color who form a major part of the industry and contribute to the State’s economy as micro-businesses. 

SACRAMENTO – Continuing her work to expand educational and developmental opportunities for young children, Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino) today introduced legislation that establishes universal preschool in California.  Specifically, SB 976 ensures that parents have the option to send their children to a public elementary school provider or a community-based childcare provider to benefit from universal preschool.

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman (D-Stockton) and the Steinberg Institute announced the introduction of legislation focused on increasing accountability and improving outcomes through California’s landmark Mental Health Services Act (MHSA).

The California Armenian Legislative Caucus is holding two scholarship contests for the 2022 commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. California high school students in 9th through 12th grade are invited to participate in an essay contest and/or a visual arts contest to increase greater awareness of the Armenian Genocide on its anniversary. 

A new path to accessing affordable healthcare could be coming to Californians – and it would be as easy as checking a box. In an effort to expand access to affordable healthcare and reach uninsured people, Senate Majority Leader Emeritus Bob Hertzberg (D-Van Nuys) introduced legislation Thursday creating a new way for Californians to learn about their health insurance options.