Caucus News

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd’s 2020 Legislative Package Approved

October 6, 2020

SACRAMENTO – In a legislative session shortened by the coronavirus pandemic, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, wrote seven bills that were signed into law on topics ranging from wildfire safety to maternity care. None of his bills were vetoed.

“Clearly, this was an unprecedented year that none of us had ever hoped or planned for,” said Sen. Dodd. “But we made the best use of our abbreviated time, tackling important topics and passing meaningful legislation. I’m looking forward to next year when we will redouble our efforts to serve the people of California.”

Senator Toni Atkins

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Appointment of Justice Martin Jenkins to California Supreme Court

October 5, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the appointment of Justice Martin J. Jenkins to the California Supreme Court:

Ben Hueso

Hueso's Tijuana River Valley Legislation Signed into Law

October 1, 2020

Sacramento, CA – October 1, 2020 – In his final actions on legislation passed this session, California Governor Gavin Newsom last night signed into law Senator Ben Hueso’s (D-San Diego) bill requiring the California Environmental Protection Agency to create a Watershed Action Plan for the Tijuana River Valley.

Senator Tom Umberg

GOVERNOR SIGNS UMBERG PRICE GOUGING BILL INTO LAW

October 1, 2020

(Sacramento, CA) – Today, Senator Thomas J. Umberg (D - Orange County) announced that Senate Bill 1196 (SB 1196), a bill that would protect Californians from price gouging during an emergency, has been signed into law by California Governor Gavin Newsom. Price gouging refers to the criminal act of raising the prices of essential goods more than 10% during an emergency.

Jim Beall

PRESS RELEASE: SB 912 Vetoed by Governor Newsom Neglecting and Exposing Foster Youth During Emergencies

October 1, 2020

Sacramento - Governor Newsom vetoed SB 912 (Beall, D-San Jose) to protect foster youth during emergencies. 

SB 912 responds to the COVID-19 pandemic and establishes standard procedures for future states of emergency, ensuring that foster youth remain safe and have access to essential services. This bill received unanimous support in both the Assembly and Senate, sending a resounding message to the Governor which he ignored: protect our foster youth.

Senator Henry Stern

“A Process of Continual Improvement Given Wildfire Season Is Effectively Now 12 Months Long”

October 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO – This morning, more than two dozen wildfires continue to rage across California in a year when nearly four million acres of land have been charred, 29 people have been killed and over 7,200 structures have been destroyed.

It’s against that backdrop that Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles) announced the Governor has signed three measures that, when they take effect in January, should help people better protect themselves against fire-related and other emergencies.

Senator Bill Dodd

Sen. Dodd: Governor Signs Bill to Protect Newspapers, Journalism

October 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill co-authored by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that grants a one-year extension for newspapers to comply with the state’s new gig-worker law, protecting the industry from financial crisis while ensuring the future of employees and journalism.

Senator Steven Bradford

Senator Bradford Successful in Securing Governor’s Signature on All 2020 Legislation

October 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the two remaining bills on his desk by Senator Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), closing the book on a successful legislative year in which all of Senator Bradford’s bills sent to the Governor were signed into law.

Senator Bill Dodd

Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s UC Davis Wine Sales Bill

October 1, 2020

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom signed into law a proposal from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will allow UC Davis to sell wine made by viticulture and enology students, generating funds for the university during uncertain financial times caused by the coronavirus pandemic.

“This is a commonsense measure that will help us avoid waste and allow us to raise money to support a valuable academic program,” Sen. Dodd said. “It’s a no-brainer to allow these aspiring winemakers to go to market with their product. I thank Gov. Newsom for signing it into law.”

Senator Nancy Skinner

Sen. Skinner Praises Signing of SB 823, Closing Youth Prisons

September 30, 2020

Sen. Nancy Skinner, D-Berkeley, today praised Gov. Newsom’s decision to sign SB 823, a major criminal justice reform measure that will lead to the closure of California’s three remaining youth prisons.