Caucus News

Sacramento–  This week the California State Senate passed 13 of Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) bills, including those to establish net neutrality in California, fix how California sets local housing goals, strengthen conservatorship laws to help people suffering on our streets, allow cities to choose to extend nightlife hours, and provide more support for homeless youth. Friday, June 1 is the deadline for any Senate bills to be passed out of the Senate.

SACRAMENTO – Senator Bob Hertzberg, D-Van Nuys, announced today that his bill, SB 606, was signed by Governor Jerry Brown, along with its partner bill, AB 1668 by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale).

In the midst of the drought, the Brown administration developed a plan to make water conservation a way of life. SB 606 and AB 1668 build on the administration’s plan to modernize the state’s management of this most precious resource by establishing a 21st century framework for drought resiliency by focusing on water use efficiency, something that has never been done before.

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to help protect people from wildfires sparked by power lines that are damaged in high winds or other extreme weather passed the full Senate Thursday with unanimous, bipartisan support.

“We must do whatever it takes to save lives and prevent the kind of destruction we’ve seen throughout the state,” Senator Dodd said.  “It’s absolutely critical that we take these important steps to avoid another disaster.”

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to improve public safety during power outages by requiring newly sold or installed garage door motors to be equipped with backup batteries was approved by the full Senate Thursday in a unanimous, bipartisan vote.

“This is an important safety measure that will provide a quicker and safer evacuation when electric power is lost,” Senator Dodd said. “For seniors, disabled people and those who are unable to manually lift a door, a backup battery in an emergency situation could be the difference between life and death.”

Today, with bipartisan support, the California Senate passed Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1025, legislation that will give judges discretion to grant probation for certain nonviolent drug offenses. Skinner’s bill must now pass the Assembly and be signed by Governor Brown to become law.

Today, with unanimous support, the California Senate passed Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) SB 1138, “Ensuring a Plant Based Meal Option,” which would require hospitals, healthcare facilities and prisons to offer “plant-based” meals to people in these institutions.

Today the California State Senate approved Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) E-CAr legislation, SB 1014. E-CAr, which stands for Electrify California Ride-hailing, would accelerate the uptake of electric vehicles and other zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) deployed by ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. Skinner’s legislation would set zero-emission targets for passenger or vehicle miles traveled as a result of rides arranged through Transportation Network Companies (TNCs).

Sacramento, CA – A measure by that would prohibit the practice of paying signature gatherers on a per-signature basis, was approved by the California State Senate today. Senate Bill (SB) 1394, authored by Fullerton Democrat Josh Newman, passed the Senate on a 24-13 vote.

Sacramento, CA – A measure by that would prohibit the practice of paying signature gatherers on a per-signature basis, was approved by the California State Senate today. Senate Bill (SB) 1394, authored by Fullerton Democrat Josh Newman, passed the Senate on a 24-13 vote.

Sacramento, CA – A measure to allow California drivers to order a DMV license plate with their favorite California professional sports team logo, was approved by the California State Senate today. Senate Bill (SB) 1189 would require revenues from the sports license plate to be used to fund operations and maintenance of state parks.