SACRAMENTO – Senator Dave Cortese’s (D-Silicon Valley) bill providing swift legal remedies for individuals who have had their privacy rights violated by the unauthorized use of their name, voice, signature, photograph or likeness for commercial purposes today was unanimously passed by the state Assembly Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 683 now goes to the state Assembly floor for a vote.  

SACRAMENTO – At a critical time as the state of California scrambles to build more privately financed affordable housing, and rebuild from the devastation caused by fires in Southern California, state Senator Dave Cortese’s Senate Bill 61 would fast track payment of money due to construction contractors and subcontractors for work performed by reducing the amount of retention payments withheld from 10 percent to 5 percent. 

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Dave Cortese’s SB 553 streamlining access to California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) facilities including prisons and other detention facilities by granting short-term clearance to legislators, legal professionals, and more without requiring repeated applications today was passed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee.

SAN FRANCISCO – Senators Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) and Jesse Arreguin (D-Berkeley) introduced SB 627, the No Secret Police Act. The bill prohibits law enforcement at all levels from covering their faces while conducting operations in the state of California. The bill also requires officers to be identifiable via their uniform, whether with name or other identifier. As the Trump Administration expands the use of secret police tactics, SB 627 boosts transparency and supports public safety by bolstering public trust in law enforcement. 

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) and Senate Minority Leader Brian Jones (R-San Diego) issued the following statement condemning the horrific political violence in Minnesota:
“The shocking and tragic assassination and targeted political violence in Minnesota are sickening. Our hearts go out to Speaker Hortman and Senator Hoffman's families, the communities they proudly represent, and all Minnesotans. 

SACRAMENTO – Shortly after the California State Senate convened this morning, the Democratic Caucus, led by Senate President pro Tempore Mike McGuire (D-North Coast), walked onto the State Capitol’s West Steps – the cornerstone of our state’s democracy – to stand against the authoritarian siege of our state by President Trump and federal forces.
“Today the Senate stands on the steps of democracy, here in California – the west steps of the Golden State’s Capitol – to say, ‘Enough is enough.’ 

Senator Sasha Renée Pérez (D-Pasadena) issued the following statement on California State Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara starting an investigation into State Farm’s conduct relating to the Los Angeles County wildfires:

SACRAMENTO, CA – The Chair and Vice Chair of the California Legislative Bay Area Caucus, Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) and Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) released the following statement:

On Friday, June 13, Sen. Christoper Cabaldon, D-Yolo, joined his Senate colleagues in approving an alternative to the governor’s proposed budget. The Legislature’s proposed budget makes about $12 billion in cuts, the amount needed to address the current deficit, but preserves funding for the state’s top priorities: higher education, housing, and reducing unsheltered homelessness. It also contains key items that will help District 3.

A statement from Senator Tim Grayson on recent federal actions and events.