Caucus News

Senator Nancy Skinner

California Legislature Passes Skinner’s SB 1369 Laying Groundwork for Green Hydrogen Energy Storage

August 31, 2018

Sacramento, CA — Today the California State Legislature passed State Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1369 laying the groundwork for California to produce and utilize green electrolytic hydrogen to store excess renewably-generated electricity so that it can be deployed when needed. SB 1369 now goes to Governor Brown’s desk for his signature.

Senator Toni Atkins

California State Senate Highlights 2018 Legislative Accomplishments

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – The California State Senate closed the 2018 legislative session this evening approving significant initiatives that support California’s working families, invest in our education system, protect our environment and prepare California for the harsh new realities of climate change.

“I am proud of the work we have done this year,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins. “We continue to be one of the nation’s most active and effective legislative bodies, confronting age-old inequities and finding innovative solutions to new problems.”

Senator Toni Atkins

California State Senate Highlights 2018 Legislative Accomplishments

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – The California State Senate closed the 2018 legislative session this evening approving significant initiatives that support California’s working families, invest in our education system, protect our environment and prepare California for the harsh new realities of climate change.

“I am proud of the work we have done this year,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins. “We continue to be one of the nation’s most active and effective legislative bodies, confronting age-old inequities and finding innovative solutions to new problems.”

Senator Bill Dodd

Lawmakers Approve Comprehensive Wildfire Safety Plan

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO -- Lawmakers approved a comprehensive wildfire safety plan tonight that will prevent future infernos like those that have been ravaging the state while protecting utility ratepayers from bearing unfair costs.

Senate Bill 901 was approved on votes of 29 to 4 in the Senate and 45 to 10 in the Assembly. It heads next to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.

Senator Nancy Skinner

Secrecy on California Law Enforcement Records Lifted with State Legislature’s Passage of Senator Nancy Skinner’s SB 1421

August 31, 2018

Sacramento, CA — Today, with bipartisan support, the California Legislature passed SB 1421, Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) “Protecting Communities and Law Enforcement” legislation. SB 1421 would open public access to a limited set of records related to investigations of law enforcement use of serious force, on the job sexual assault, or dishonesty. SB 1421 now awaits Governor Brown’s signature.

Senator Nancy Skinner

Legislature Passes Skinner’s SB 607 to Keep Kids in School

August 31, 2018

Sacramento, CA — Today the California Legislature passed Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 607, the “Keep Kids in School Act,” which would curtail the harmful practice of suspending students for low-level misbehavior. Skinner’s bill now awaits Governor Brown’s signature.
“Kicking students out of school does nothing to address underlying problems and ultimately makes it more likely they will drop out,” said Senator Skinner. “SB 607 puts the needs of kids first.”

Jim Beall

SB 906: Improving Mental Health & Addiction Support

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – People struggling with addiction and mental health disorders may soon have a new important source of support and counseling from certified peer providers who have real-life experience from forging their own paths to recovery.

Senate Bill 906, introduced by Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, approved by a 39-0 concurrence vote in the Senate, now moves to the Governor’s office for consideration.

Jim Beall

SB 906: Improving Mental Health & Addiction Support

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – People struggling with addiction and mental health disorders may soon have a new important source of support and counseling from certified peer providers who have real-life experience from forging their own paths to recovery.

Senate Bill 906, introduced by Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, approved by a 39-0 concurrence vote in the Senate, now moves to the Governor’s office for consideration.

Jim Beall

Repurposing Surplus Land to Serve San Jose's and Los Angeles' Homeless

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Senators Jim Beall and Steven Bradford to give the cities of San Jose and Los Angeles an affordable tool to combat the growing homeless crisis is headed to the Governor. 

SB 519 allows the cities to pay $1 a month to lease unused Caltrans properties for emergency shelters and feeding kitchens. It also caps administrative fees to $500 a year.

Jim Beall

Repurposing Surplus Land to Serve San Jose's and Los Angeles' Homeless

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Senators Jim Beall and Steven Bradford to give the cities of San Jose and Los Angeles an affordable tool to combat the growing homeless crisis is headed to the Governor. 

SB 519 allows the cities to pay $1 a month to lease unused Caltrans properties for emergency shelters and feeding kitchens. It also caps administrative fees to $500 a year.