Caucus News

Sacramento, CA – Senator Mike McGuire’s landmark legislation that seeks to turn the crumbling 300 mile North Coast railroad line into the Great Redwood Trail passed the State Assembly today on a vote of 62 to 3. The bill will be voted on by the State Senate tomorrow and will then head to Governor Brown for his signature. The Trail, which would extend from San Francisco Bay to Humboldt Bay, runs through some of the most dramatic landscapes on earth.

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to strengthen California’s efforts to prevent drunken driving was approved by the Legislature today with overwhelming, bipartisan support.

“Sadly, drunken-driving crashes, injuries and deaths are too common in California,” Senator Dodd said. “This bill will prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and make our roads safer.”

Measure now returns to Senate for concurrence

Assembly OKs legislation to expand sexual harassment prevention training to workers statewide

SACRAMENTO – The California Assembly today on a bipartisan, 60-0 vote approved a plan to address the prevalence of workplace sexual harassment.

Sacramento, CA — Today, with bipartisan support, the California Legislature passed SB 1437 Senator Nancy Skinner’s (D-Berkeley) historic fix to California’s felony murder rule. Skinner’s bill now awaits Governor Brown’s signature.

Sacramento, CA — With bipartisan support, the California Legislature 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.

Sacramento – The California Legislature passed a bill by Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Henry Stern (D-Canoga Park) to expand and strengthen California conservatorship laws.  Senate Bill 1045 establishes a five year pilot program that authorizes San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties to create a new conservatorship focused on providing critical services and housing to the most vulnerable Californians who suffer from mental health and substance abuse issues, and who cannot care for themselves.

Sacramento – Today the Legislature passed Senator Scott Wiener’s (D-San Francisco) Senate Bill 905 to allow – but not require – cities to extend sales of alcohol at bars, nightclubs, and restaurants (but not liquor stores) to as late as 4 a.m.  SB 905 passed the Senate with a 28-8 vote and will now go the Governor’s for his approval. The Governor has until September 30th to sign the bill.

Sacramento–  Today, Senate Bill 822, which enacts the strongest net neutrality protections in the country, passed out of the Assembly with a 61-18 vote. SB 822 now heads back to the Senate for a concurrence vote, and if passed will go to the Governor for his signature. SB 822 is authored by Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Kevin de León (D- Los Angeles).

Sacramento –  Today the California Legislature passed Senate Bill 221, which would ban all gun and ammunition sales at the Cow Palace, a state-owned venue located in Daly City. The Cow Palace hosts gun shows five times a year. The gun shows have drawn opposition from the community and local governments for years, including student protests at recent shows. SB 221 passed by a 26-13 vote and now goes to the Governor for his signature.

Sacramento, CA- As the legislative session comes to a close, SB 1100 and SB 1177  authored by Senator Anthony J. Portantino (D–La Cañada Flintridge) passed both the Senate and Assembly and are headed to the Governor’s desk. The actions further establish Portantino’s legacy as one of California’s leaders for sensible gun control.  SB 1100 raises the age for all gun purchases to 21 after the recent tragedy at Stoneman Douglas High School.  SB 1177 prohibits the purchase of more than one long gun a month.