Senate Floor
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
A quorum is present. Colleagues, if we could kindly return to our desk with the members and guests. Behind the rail. Beyond the rail. Please stand up. We will be led in prayer this afternoon by Senator Archuleta, after which, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Cosmologist Brian Swimme says, this must be a central facet of human existence to have the truth right in front of us and yet to be unable to recognize it. So today we pray. Gracious and loving God, we thank you for the gift of sight and insight that give depth and meaning to our lives.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Slow us down. That we may see the beauty that surround us under the blue sky and in the facet and in the face of each person we meet. Help us to see beyond appearances to the mystery and the potential in all that has been created.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
May we recognize the negative effects of fear and self interest as we effectively look for opportunities to serve the common good. Gracious God, we trust that you see deeply into our hearts and love what you see. Amen.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Members and guests, please join me in the pledge.
- Unidentified Speaker
Person
[Pledge of Allegiance]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
All looking very patriotic today. We have, under privileges of the floor, none. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly were deemed read. Reports of Committee were deemed read, and amendments adopted.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Under motions, resolutions and notices without objection, the Senate journals for May 13th, 2024 through May 16th, 2024 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. Here we go. We're going into the meaty part of our session. Consideration of the daily file. Under second reading file, we have items 1 through 114. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 960, 987, 1380, 1468, 895, 896, 897, 899, 905.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
2nd reading with deemed read. Here we go, Senators. Senate third reading. Are we ready? We're going to start with file item 124. Senator Cortese, are you prepared?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 956 by Senator Cortese, an act relating to school facilities.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Go ahead, Senator.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present SB 956, which reauthorizes K-12 districts to use the design-build delivery method when constructing and designing school facilities. It's a unique project delivery method. As most of you know, it allows schools to select the design professional and contractor concurrently through a single contract.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
By establishing a guaranteed maximum price for the project, the method reduces the risk of costs increase once construction begins. This bill also removes the sunset altogether because schools have proven over two decades that they can use this design-build method responsibly and to the benefit of their communities, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senators, any discussion or debate on this item, file item 124. Seeing none, Secretary please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Taking a pause, Senators. Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 32, no's five. Measure passes. Now moving on to file item 128. Senator Caballero, you're prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Please proceed, Senator
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1386 by Senator Caballero, an act relating to evidence.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and Members, I rise to present SB 1386, a bill that would clarify the civil rape law, a law that protects the privacy of survivors of sexual assault, rape, and sexual battery, by prohibiting at trial inquiries regarding their sexual histories.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
This bill is based on the experience of a Jane Doe, an eight year old girl who was sexually abused over a one year period from 2009 to 2010 by her fourth grade teacher while at school. Three years later, the same victim was sexually abused by a family friend at home.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Thereafter, she received counseling for her trauma, and she reported her prior sexual abuse as well. The trial court ruled that evidence of the subsequent sexual assault suffered by Jane Doe could be admitted as evidence to undermine her credibility.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
In reviewing the trial court's decision, the California Court of Appeals and the California Supreme Court ruled that the defendant school district may seek to admit evidence of a survivor's other sexual conduct to impeach the survivor's credibility. Members, forcing survivors to disclose details about their intimate life or to relive traumatic incidents unrelated to the case in order to undermine their credibility can be as traumatizing as the assault itself.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Rape shield laws are specifically designed to protect survivors from unnecessary and intrusive inquiries into their personal lives and sexual histories. SB 1386 would clarify that evidence of a victim's sexual conduct unrelated to the case is not admissible to impeach the testimony as to consent or damages of the victim.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
This bill will preserve the integrity of the civil rape shield law and foster a supportive environment for survivors to come forward and seek the justice they deserve. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Do we have any discussion or debate on file item 128? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
On a vote of 39 to zero, the measure carries. Members, we're going to move next to file item 130. This is SB 1091.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1091 by Senator Menjivar and accurate into school facilities.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Senator Menjivar, the floor is yours.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. President. SB 1091 is seeking to expand access to school ground greening projects by capping the required improvements to the path of travel to 20% of the adjusted construction costs of the project, in line with current federal ADA law.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Children, especially those that attend schools in urban areas that are ill equipped to shelter students from extreme heat, like those in my district, are at a heightened risk of suffering heat-related illnesses, poor health and learning outcomes. Lack of trees in natural areas disproportionately impacts communities of color and communities with the lowest incomes.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Current California law requires school ground greening projects that remove asphalt, plant trees and create nature based outdoor learning spaces to bring the path of travel to the project up to code without a limit on the cost. This represents a tremendous barrier to greening school grounds because even a small project can trigger expensive upgrounds.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Our state grants currently offer the ability to provide funding for 20% upgrades to ADA. Any additional funding would essentially negate the school's ability to upgrade their school campuses to be more green. The 2022 California Extreme Heat Action Plan recognizes the urgency of cooling public schools in vulnerable communities and promotes the use of nature-based solutions.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
It will support the access needs of all students while keeping California's policy in line with federal accessibility laws. Respectfully asking for an aye vote.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Members, any discussion and debate? Senator Ochoa Bogh.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Chair. Just a question to the author.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Will you take a question?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Yes, Mister President.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Please proceed.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
Just any communications with regards to the funding to be able to accommodate these requirements by the school district? Has there been any further discussion?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
So, Mr. President, through the president. There is no mandate regulation for the school under this bill. This is only asking when the school applies for a grant that they only need to upgrade the path of travel to 20% of ADA. So there's no mandate? There's no requirements. Only when they apply.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Very good. Any further discussion or debate, seeing none. Senator Menjivar, you may close.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Respectfully asking for an aye vote.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Allen, aye. Alvardo-Gil? Archuleta, aye. Ashby, aye. Atkins, aye. Becker, aye. Blakespear, aye. Bradford, aye. Caballero, aye. Cortese, aye. Dahle? Dodd, aye. Durazo, aye. Eggman, aye. Glazer, aye. Gonzalez, aye. Grove? Hurtado, aye. Jones, aye. Laird, aye Limon, aye. McGuire, aye. Menjivar, aye. Min? Newman, aye. Niello, aye. Ochoa Bogh, aye. Padilla, aye. Portantino, aye. Roth,, aye. Rubio, aye.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Seyarto, aye. Skinner, aye. Smallwood-Cuevas, aye. Stern, aye. Umberg, aye. Wahab, aye. Wiener, aye. Wilk, aye.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Alvardo-Gil? Dahle, aye. Grove, aye.
- Steven Glazer
Legislator
On a vote of 38 to zero, the measure passes.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
All right, Members, these are the next three bills we're going to be taking up. File item 131. File item 135, and file item 139 so you're prepared, starting with file item 131. Senator Bradford, are you ready? Secretary, please read .
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1177 by Senator Bradford and an act relating to public utilities.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Bradford?
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. SB 1177 updates California utility supplier diversity law to better understand spin, concentration, and foster a more diverse workforce. Better known as General Order 156, California utility Supplier Diversity law is one of the larger engines of socioeconomic mobility for historically disadvantaged businesses and people in the State of California.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
40 years ago, when the late Assembly woman, Gwen Moore, introduced the measure that established General Order 156, it was about making sure that our utilities contracted with women owned, minority owned, and disabled veteran owned businesses. At that time, 40 years ago, the spin was less than a half $1.0 million.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Today, the day the spin is over $18 billion. But what we have found is that though the dollar amount has gone up, the number of businesses hasn't increased. And what we've also found out, that what was once men owned businesses is now women owned businesses owned by their wives or their daughters.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
And this bill simply allows us to track the data and find out how many women owned, veteran, disabled, veteran owned, and minority owned businesses the utilities are doing business with. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate on file item 131? Seeiong none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye 33. No 0. Measure carries. File item 135. The Senator is prepared.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1484 by Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, an act relating to juveniles.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. I rise today to present SB 1484 and would like to thank our Attorney General, Rob Bonta, who is sponsoring this bill, as well as his staff and Committee staff for all of their hard work.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
In 2018, the Legislature passed SB 439, which was intended to protect California's children by completely limiting the juvenile court's jurisdiction in cases involving youth under the age of 12.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
While the intent of the bill was to entirely prevent youth under age 12 from contact with the court system, unintentional omissions in the Welfare and Institutions Code has left these children vulnerable to expedited and informal procedures adjudicating youth charged for nonviolent crimes.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
This unintentional omission has created confusion regarding the minimum age limits of youth who may be subject to such informal or expedited processes. This bill would clarify that the age restrictions enacted in SB 439 also apply even in the context of informal or expedited proceedings.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
These informal and expedited proceedings look different throughout the state, but in some counties, youth may be referred to informal traffic courts or proceedings before juvenile hearing officers. In these proceedings, youth may not be appointed a public defender or court reporter. Youth in these proceedings may face significant fines and penalties.
- Lola Smallwood-Cuevas
Legislator
The Legislature has already agreed that our children under the age of 12 do not belong in our courts. SB 1484 is a common sense clarification that children under the age of 12 must be protected from the negative impacts of justice system involvement, even in informal and expedited proceedings, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion or debate? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 31, no's six. The measure passes. Now moving on to file item 139. Senator Ashby, are you prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1058 by Senator Ashby an act relating to public employment.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to present SB 1058, the Park Rangers Protections act. This bill extends workers compensation and disability protections to county and special district park rangers. Park rangers serve California by protecting regional parks, wildlife, and the public visiting those parks.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Oftentimes, park rangers are the first point of contact for disturbances facing similar risks to law enforcement. Sacramento county park rangers have made 241 arrests in this year alone, including 61 felonies. Despite all of this park rangers are not given the same workers compensation and disability protections granted to other law enforcement agencies.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
SB 1058 creates parity for county and special district park rangers by granting them workers compensation and disability protections. This bill has received unanimous and bipartisan support. I urge and aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate? This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection to utilizing. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 37, no's zero. Measure passes. The next three we have up are file item 140, 143 and 144. We'll start off with file item 140. The Senator is prepared.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1445 by Senator Cortese an act relating to school governance.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please proceed, Senator.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and Colleagues, I rise to present Senate Bill 1445.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
Senate Bill 1445 will enable school districts and charter schools to allow their student board Member to receive limited case information separate from a closed session meeting with the consent of the student facing expulsion and their parent or guardian to provide restorative justice recommendation for the larger board's consideration in their closed session meeting.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
Although California has made strides in recent years to address overly punitive actions in school schools, low income students, students with disabilities, and students of color are still expelled at higher rates compared to their peers.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
By passing this bill, we will be reinforcing restorative justice principles in our schools, strengthening connections among effective individuals, peers, teachers, and the wider school community. The bill has no known opposition. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion or debate? Seeing none secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 34. No's five. Measure passes. Moving on to item 143. I see the Senator is ready.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1290 by Senator Roth an act relating to healthcare coverage.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Roth?
- Richard Roth
Legislator
Thank you, Senators. This bill sunsets California's current essential health benefits benchmark plan. The benchmark plan is the plan that sets the benefits standards for all of the health plan and insurance policies that are sold in California's individual and small-group health insurance markets. According to the Affordable Care Act, which, of course, includes plans through Covered California.
- Richard Roth
Legislator
Federal rules allow states to update their benchmark plan after undergoing a stakeholder process. The rules also establish a cost ceiling and floor for the changes that can occur. This bill is meant to start the stakeholder process for a new essential benefits plan.
- Richard Roth
Legislator
An actuarial analysis will be completed, and stakeholder discussions, both here and in the assembly, will take place before final decisions are made and final votes are taken. We can and should evaluate our benchmark plan to ensure that the benefit structure reflects the needs of Californians. But we can't make changes to the plan without working through this process.
- Richard Roth
Legislator
Ultimately, by updating the plan, we may be able to add new needed benefits without impacting the general fund. With that, ask your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Do we have any discussion or debate? Senator Grove, you're recognized.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
I, too, rise in support of SB 1290. I think it's very important that we look at new benefits that need to be added to the program, but also have to have a mechanism in making sure that we have the ability to pay for them and eliminate maybe things that we don't necessarily use on a regular basis that were covered a few years years ago. Respectfully ask for an aye vote
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Further discussion? Senator Roth, you may close.
- Richard Roth
Legislator
Thank my colleague for kind remarks and ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[RollCall]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Former secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, noes zero. The measure passes. All right, next three are file item 144, 145 and 148 if you want to prepare. First up, fire item 144. Majority leader, are you prepared?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1308 by Senator Gonzalez, an act relating to air pollution.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Majority leader.
- Lena Gonzalez
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and Members. I rise today to present SB 1308 which will ensure that indoor air cleaning devices continue to improve public health and protect Californians living with respiratory conditions.
- Lena Gonzalez
Legislator
Air cleaners are efficient tools that improve indoor air quality and SB 1308 will address this risk by directing CARB to adopt a more stringent ozone emissions standard that limits emissions to no higher than five parts per billion for indoor air cleaning devices to ensure that these devices continue to improve public health and protect Californians with respiratory illnesses and conditions. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Do we have any discussion or debate on file item 144? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 32, no's five. Measure passes. File item 145, Senator Archuleta, you prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1335 by Senator Archuleta an act relating to California Cadet Corps.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator, you may begin.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Thank you, madam President. Senate Bill 1335 will enhance the growth of the California Cadet Corps and will permit additional California Cadet Corps programs to be established ensuring more young Californians have access to this life changing program.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
The California Cadet Corps is the State of California's only school based applied leadership program conducted within a military framework which also includes civilian teachers and instructors. The program provides personal growth, leadership opportunities and public service vocational pathways for approximately 6000 cadets in middle school and high school.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
The California Cadet program establishes a military framework at each participating school that develops leadership skills, enhances academic and vocational achievement, fosters good citizenship and patriotism encourages health, wellness and fitness. Although arranged in a military framework to maximize the leadership experience for the cadets, the program does far more than introduce military experience and concepts.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Cadets are routinely awarded full college scholarships, service academy appointments. Senate Bill 1335 will provide the California Cadet court with additional resources to enhance the program to ensure all students have access to applied leadership opportunities that prepare students for success in college and the framework and the workforce.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
So on behalf of the 6000 cadets throughout California showing success and promise, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate on file item 145? This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection Seeing none. Ayes 39, oh. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye is 38, no is zero. Measure passes. Moving on to fire item 148, Senator Durazzo looks prepared.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1132 by Senator Durazo, an act relating to public health.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. SB 1132 clarifies the authority of county health officers to enter and inspect private detention facilities operating in our state. Today, there are six private facilities that operate in a gray area under our health and safety codes as public health oversight laws do not explicitly cover private detention facilities.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
These private facilities are operated by for-profit companies that often fail to meet minimum standards of health, safety and sanitation. Recent reports from these facilities continue to document a pattern of poor conditions, inadequate healthcare and unsafe work conditions.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Our county health officials will ensure minimum standards in these facilities and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 36, no zero. Measure passes. Next on deck, we have file item 149, 150 and 152. Senator Stern looks prepared for file item 149.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1471 by Senator Stern. An act relating to people instruction.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
Thank you, madam President. SB 1471 brings mental health support into the classroom by allowing authorizing educators to have a daily minute for mindfulness. At the beginning of each school day, one third of California adolescents between 12 and 17 experience psychological distress. There's a 70% increase in anxiety and depression rates.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
We all know these statistics all too well. And it's not just statistics, it's real life. This daily minute, as we both. We all know, here on the Senate Floor, gives us a moment to center ourselves. But in this case, this would just be a moment for either silence, mindfulness, no prayer, or any of that is required.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
Hopefully gives students the ability to focus, self regulate, relieve tension. And there are numerous neurodivergent individuals who also may be sensitive to sensory stimuli who would benefit from this as well. This has no no votes. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? We got one. Okay, Ayes 39. No's zero. Measure passes. Moving on to item 150. Senator Limon, are you prepared? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1195 by Senator Limon an act relating to assessments.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
Thank you. SB 1195 requires a local education agency, an LEA that operates a block schedule, to request the college board to provide an alternative testing date for AP exams while maintaining the option for students to take the exam in the spring.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
SB 1195 ensures that students who take an AP course have the opportunity to take the exam immediately following completion of this course. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Debate? This item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Two in a row. That's great. Ayes 39. No's zero. Measure passes onto file item 152. Senator Rubio, you look prepared.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1295 by Senator Rubio. An act relating to insurance.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise to present SB 1295, a critical bill that will clarify insurers must provide 10 days notice for non payment, starting after nonpayment of a consumer's premium has lapsed.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
Many constituents across the state are being dropped from their auto insurer for being just one day late. And unfortunately, in some cases, we have heard that these incidents are due to either bank error or credit card errors.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
I would like to thank my colleague and joint author from Los Angeles for collaborating with me on this Bill that will eliminate any confusion and inequities consumers are experiencing with cancellation notices on their auto insurance policies. Thank you. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion or debate? Can we go three for three? This item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 39. No's, zero. The measure passes. We got one. File item 155, 159 and 161. If you want to prepare, those are coming up next. File item 155. Senator Wiener is prepared.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 937 by Senator Wiener, an act relating to land use.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please go ahead, Senator.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam President and colleagues. SB 937 temporarily extends land use entitlements for housing, given the high interest rate and other challenging economic environment that we're currently in in terms of building new housing.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And it also shifts when certain impact fees are paid to certificate of occupancy or the equivalent at the end of the construction process. Impact fees play a very important role for local governments, which many of us know as having spent time in local elected office.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
We also know that for projects to pencil at times, having to pay too many of those fees at the very beginning instead of at the end can harm the ability of that project to be financially feasible. So SB 937 will address this issue.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
We worked extensively through the process with local governments so that only certain fees would be put towards the end of the process and that fees that are needed for local government cash flow purpose for specific needs will still be paid early on. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Dahle, you're recognized.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
Thank you. I rise also in support of the bill. Saw this in Committee. You know, if you don't get the project built, nobody gets the fees. So if you can get the project built, then eventually they'll get their fees. So that's why I supported the bill. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion or debate? Senator Wiener, you may close.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Sorry. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 36, no zero. Measure passes. Now moving on to file item 159. Senator Stern is prepared. Secretary, please call the roll. I mean, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1301 by Senator Stern, an act relating to gas.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Stern.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. This bill would require natural gas utilities to make available to the Public Utilities Commission all data required, develop hydraulic models and hydraulic feasibility analyses in order to ensure safety and reliability and to facilitate long term planning and cost effective expenditures by ratepayers. It has no opposition and respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Discussion or debate, Senators? We're waiting till tomorrow and Wednesday. All right. This item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Seeing none. Aye's 39, no zero. Measure passes. File item 161. Senator Atkins is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1342 by Senator Atkins, an act relating to environmental quality.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Atkins.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise to present SB 1342. This bill would authorize CEQA streamlining for two key clean energy and clean water projects in the San Diego region, the San Diego San Vicente pump storage project in eastern San Diego County and the South Bay International Wastewater treatment plant, which, as many of you know, is near the Mexico California border.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
This is the same CEQA streamlining the legislature and governor approved last summer in SB 149 for other energy, water, and microchip infrastructure projects. That streamlining was supported by Governor Newsom, business, energy, and major environmental groups.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
The San Vicente pump storage project is urgently needed for clean energy and load support in the San Diego region to save ratepayers millions in energy costs. The project developer is currently in discussions with the San Diego Water Authority to build the project.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
We're certainly all familiar with the cross-border sewage crisis that's closed beaches and public spaces and impacting the air quality for local communities. This is due to years of delay and the ongoing discharge of raw sewage from the South Bay treatment plant. The plant is in desperate need of upgrade and possible reconstruction.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Extending CEQA streamlining to these projects is entirely elective and at the option of the project applicant. This will shave months or years off completing these projects. This is supported by the building and construction trades, carpenters, iron workers, operating engineers, teamsters, and the San Diego Chamber of Commerce, as well as others.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
It's co-authored by the bipartisan San Diego Delegation and is sponsored by the San Diego Water Authority. I ask for your support.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Padilla, you're recognized.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. For the reasons articulated by the author and as a co author, I rise in support.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any other further discussion or debate? Senator Atkins, you may close.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll. This is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? We're doing great. Ayes 39, noes zero, measure passes. All right, the next three up to bat is file item 166, 168 and 170.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
We're going to start with 166. Senator Umberg is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 918 by Senator Umberg, an act relating to social media platforms.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Umberg.
- Thomas Umberg
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam President. SB 918, the Social Media and Law Enforcement Cooperation Act, would require social media platforms to have a telephone hotline available at times for law enforcement agencies to be able to make a timely request for information. Also compels social media platforms to immediately comply with a search warrant provided by law enforcement agency if the subject of the search warrant has an account on that social media platform. I urge an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion, debate? Another item eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Seeing none. Aye's 39, no zero. Measure passes. File item 168, Senator Rubio, are you prepared?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1106 by Senator Rubio an act relating to conservatorship.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Rubio?
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I proudly rise to present SB 1106 named Casey Ksum Nichols routine law, which aims to strengthen protections for older adults under conservatorship from being isolated by their caretakers.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
This bill requires loved ones to be notified if there is a change in current residence, if the conservator passed away, and details of the memorial services. Unfortunately, there have been countless instances of elder abuse under conservatorships that could have been prevented if close family members and friends knew the whereabouts of their loved ones.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
California's elderly population is growing substantially. The number of older people, those over 65, will double over the next 20 years, from approximately 4 million to over 8 million. We must continue to be proactive in strengthening the laws that protect these older population from facing abuse and neglect and aren't unable to escape their abusers.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
This bill is critical and is a first step in putting policies in place that will help prevent isolation and mistreatment of a loved one under conservatorship. This bill has strong bipartisan support and no opposition. I respectfully asked for an aye vote. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Do we have any discussion or debate on file item 168? Well, we have another winner eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? No, that's ayes 39, noes 0. With that, colleagues, we are 1 hour in, and we've done 19 bills out of the 300 something this week. On a good roll. Next up, file item 170.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Stern, are you prepared? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1399 by Senator Stern, an act relating to property.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Stern, go ahead.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, SB 1399 would clarify in statute that the recordation of private transfer fee covenants are permitted for properties that had such an agreement in place prior to 2019.
- Henry Stern
Legislator
To avoid any confusion, this clarification would ensure preexisting agreements, including those that support ongoing conservation and community development efforts, are implemented as envisioned. Bill has no opposition, broad environmental support, and respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate file item 170? Seeing none, we are going back to roll call. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 39, no zero. Measure passes. Next three are file item 175, 177 and 187. Senator Niello, are you prepared for file item 175? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1141 by Senator Niello and act related to civil actions.
- Roger Niello
Legislator
Thank you again. Madam President, I rise to present to you SB 1141, which increases the threshold of cases that can be sent to mandatory mediation by the courts from the current 50,000 to 150,000. The current threshold of 50,000 was set over 30 years ago. SB 1141 raises that threshold to, as I stated, 150,000.
- Roger Niello
Legislator
California's courts are congested each year of the last three years. The number of unlimited civil case filings were more than double the number of case dispositions. The hurried ER we go, the behinder we get. But we have a solution. Early resolution, when possible, is beneficial for reducing the costs and burden of all parties. I respectfully ask an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate? Will we have another item eligible for unanimous roll call? Okay. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 38, no's zero. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 177. Senator Bradford, are you prepared?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1020 by Senator Bradford, an act relating to law enforcement agency regulations.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Bradford?
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. SB 1020 will prohibit law enforcement agencies from utilizing shooting targets that resemble ethnic groups.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
In a multitude of studies published by the American Psychological Association, researchers established that participants would shoot an armed target quicker if it resembled an African American compared to if they were white, participants were also likely to shoot an unarmed, I should say less likely to shoot an unarmed white target compared to an African American one.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Just three weeks ago, colleagues, we sadly saw what happened to Airman Roger Fortson, who opened the door within three seconds in Florida. He was gunned down, shot five times by a police officer. Mr. Fortson happened to be African American. I challenge you to say if that would have, roles would have been reversed and it would have been a Caucasian person, that person, more than likely, would still be alive today.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
These response times show subconscious racial bias, which leads towards an increased risk of deadly harm towards certain ethnic groups. SB 1020 is a common sense measure that will ensure implicit racial biases are not present in our law enforcement officers, and that all people are treated equal and fairly. I ask for aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Do we have any discussion or debate on file item 177? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 33, no zero. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 182. Senator Hurtado looks ready.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1448 by Senator Hurtado an act relating to food and agriculture.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please proceed, Senator.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President, today I rise to present SB 1448, a bill that will increase access to land at markets for small and underserved farmers. Access to land is a significant hurdle for small, underserved and limited resources farmers. Land access is multifaceted and complex, with a combination of historical discrimination and theft.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Paired with today's increasing pressure of hedge funds and private investment companies rapidly purchasing ag land across California. Local and regional food supply chains have been drastically underfunded and under-resourced, leaving small family farmers to develop new supply chains with little to no financial support to invest in the infrastructure necessary for sustainable transformation.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
SB 1448 addresses essential equity issues for two important existing programs. It would clarify that task force members may receive a reasonable per diem using existing or private funds.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Similar to other task force and committee use. It will ensure the Ag-land Equity Task Force report is made public and it streamlines the Farm to Community Food hub program Advisory Committee by reducing the number of Committee Members being less prescriptive and allowing for members of existing CDFA committees to serve and extend the sunset for the farm to community food hub program to ensure it has sufficient time to comply with reporting requirements. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senators, it's getting a little loud out here. If we have any conversations, if we could please take them off the floor. Secretary, please call the roll or any discussion and debate on file item 182. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39 no zero, measure passes. Next three on deck. We have file item 187, 192 and 198. Senator Umberg, are you prepared for file item 187?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 900 by Senator Umberg. An act relating to common interest developments.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator, please proceed.
- Thomas Umberg
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. This bill is a result of an event that happened in Orange County, where nearly 600 homeowners and tenants were left without gas for over three months. Gas to cook with, gas for hot water, gas for all purposes for which gas is used for.
- Thomas Umberg
Legislator
And the challenge was, once this gas line was interrupted, is there was a series of finger pointing as to who had responsibility to remedy the situation. This is an occurrence that I thought only happened in Orange County, but apparently it is much more widespread.
- Thomas Umberg
Legislator
So, for example, last month, 174 residents at a mobile home park in Vacaville were in the same situation. January 2023, 162 units at a condominium complex in Sacramento in the same situation. This bill simply says that the homeowners Association Board, once they're notified of this leak, has 10 days by which to start repairs for these critical interruptions.
- Thomas Umberg
Legislator
Allows the management company to act. It allows the management companies to act swiftly to fix utilities if the board doesn't meet and requires repairs to have fair pricing, institutes Reserve studies to ensure organized and transparent budgeting processes and allows the HOAs to conduct electronic voting to achieve a quorum, I urge and aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion or debate? File item 187. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, no's zero. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 192. Senator Limon, are you prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1369 by Senator Limon, an act related to healthcare coverage.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
Thank you. Dental plans contract with third party companies to issue provider payments to dental practices with virtual credit cards. Accepting this form of payment, however, charges the dental office processing fees. Two to 5% of the total payment amount. In addition to the standard merchant transaction fee for processing the payment through their credit card terminal.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
SB 1369 requires dental plans and contracted virtual credit card companies to provide notice of any fees associated with payment for dental services and gives providers the ability to optimize in to virtual to receive virtual credit cards. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Do we have any discussion or debate on file item 192? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 37, no's zero. Measure passes. File item 188. Senator Laird looks prepared. Secretary please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1097 by Senator Laird an act related to veterans.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Laird.
- John Laird
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam President. Senate Bill 1097 will update the military and Veterans code to use gender inclusive language, clarify that benefits and protections provided by surviving spouses are also available to domestic partners and will close a minor loophole to clarify. Only service members on active military duty orders shall be exempt from jury duty.
- John Laird
Legislator
I did a similar bill two years ago, SB 272 for the Commissioner of the Highway Patrol, Amanda Ray. She was appointed the first woman to be the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol, and yet the entire code referred to the Commissioner as he. So this bill does the same for the military and veterans code.
- John Laird
Legislator
The bill has no registered opposition and has had no no votes. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 32, no's zero. Measure passes. Next three on deck is file item 199, 201 and 204. Senator Ashby is prepared with file item 199. Secretary please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1110 by Senator Ashby, an act relating to water.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Ashby.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Rise to present SB 1110, the Water Efficiency Standards Act. Bill adds two year extension to when the board may issue informational orders related to water production, water use, water conservation, or urban retail water supply that is not meeting its urban water use objectives.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
This allows the Water Board time to establish its rulemaking before conducting compliance enforcement. As amended, SB 1110 has no opposition. Urge an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Discussion or debate? Item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Seeing none. Aye's 39, no zero. Measure passes. File item 201. Senator Laird is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1190 by Senator Laird, an act relating to mobile homes.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Laird.
- John Laird
Legislator
Thank you very much. Madam President and members, if you live in an individual mobile home and you wish to upgrade to solar and the covenants or park-wide, don't allow you to do it, this bill will allow individual mobile homeowners to upgrade to solar.
- John Laird
Legislator
We engaged with the Western Manufacturer Housing Communities Association, addressed their concerns. They are neutral. There's support on both sides, and has had no, no votes. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Discussion or debate. Eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Fantastic. Ayes 39, noes zero. File item 201. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 204. Senator Limon is prepared.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1266 by Senator Limón, an act relating to product safety.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Limón.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
Thank you. SB 1266 seeks to prohibit manufacturers from selling juvenile feeding, sucking, or teething products that contain any form of bisphenols or BPs at a detectable level of 0.1 parts per billion.
- Monique Limon
Legislator
SB 1266 strengthens the commitment to protect children from harmful chemicals and authorizes the Department of Toxic Substances control to establish standards prioritizing the health and wellness of our children. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Members, discussion or debate file item 204? This is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Aye's 39, no zero. Measure passes. Next three, we got file item 207, 209 and 214. Senator Wahab looks prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1317 by Senator Wahab. An act relating to county jail inmates.
- Aisha Wahab
Legislator
Thank you. I rise to present SB 1317, court ordered meds for county jails. SB 1317 extends for five years, the sunset date for seeking court orders to administer involuntary psychiatric medication to those with severe mental health disorders who are detained in county jails.
- Aisha Wahab
Legislator
Existing law authorizes psychiatrists and county jails to obtain an involuntary medication order for persons in custody who are a danger to themselves and or others are suffering from grave disabilities and unable to give consent. SB 1317 also would require counties that elect to use this authority to submit specified reporting information.
- Aisha Wahab
Legislator
Maintaining this authority is addresses the needs of those in county jails with the most severe mental health treatment needs. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on the item? We are on a roll with bipartisan support. This item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Aye's 30. Any objection? Are you utilizing unanimous rope? Aye's 39. No's zero. Measure passes. File item 209. Senator Wahab is prepared again. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1356 by Senator Wahab, an act relating to the judiciary.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Wahab.
- Aisha Wahab
Legislator
Thank you. I rise to present SB 1356, gender perspective judging. This bill would ensure trainings offered by judicial counsel, consider the role of gender in court proceedings, including strategies to counter stereotypes and take into account inequities in power and their intersection with gender, and meet the needs of litigants in unique situations of vulnerability.
- Aisha Wahab
Legislator
SB 1356 builds upon existing law to ensure we continue to eliminate discrimination and bias in our judicial system. This is systemic change.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on file item 209? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 32, noes zero measure passes. File item 214. Senator Laird, Senator Laird is prepared.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Secretary, please read Senate Bill 1440 by Senator Laird and accurately into water quality.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Laird.
- John Laird
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Senate Bill 1440 increases legislative oversight for the Water Board by requiring the board to report to the Legislature regarding stormwater permitting compliance. Recent data has shown a decline in annual compliance and this will ensure the Legislature has an active role in the protection of water quality.
- John Laird
Legislator
The Bill has no registered opposition, has received unanimous support, and has a support support recommendation. I respectfully ask for an iPhone.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion? Fired on 214 item is also eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? I is 39. No zero measure passes. Next three we have is file item 216217 and 223. Senator Jurasso, are you prepared for final item 216?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1488 by Senator Durazo an act related to outdoor advertising.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Durazo.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. SB 1488 directs Caltrans to support arena advertising displays in their current negotiations with the Federal Highway Administration. This Bill would also reduce the length of time for a marketing contract from one year to 120 days, which more accurately reflects outdoor advertising opportunities.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
It provides stadiums and arenas revenue streams that do not rely on public funding. Stadiums create thousands of permanent local good, Construction jobs and permanent jobs generate millions in taxes. These message boards also play a vital role in helping direct traffic around the stadium and public safety alerts.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
The updated marketing agreement reflects the ever changing models of advertising and enables stadiums to continue to provide civic engagement, jobs, and economic impact. With Los Angeles, in my case, hosting the Olympics and World cup, our stadium and arena infrastructure will need updating.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Bringing marketing agreements closer to the standards of the industry will keep stadiums modernized and ready to meet the needs of these world events. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Jones you're recognized.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I'm going to vote no on this Bill, but I think that we should be taking a serious look at reforming this entire system and come back with more robust reforms on this. So thank you very much.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Senator Durazo, you may close.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Thank you. I just want to remind my colleagues that the marketing plan provisions are within the State of California's purview. We are not including anything that falls under the Federal Government's purview. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Absent Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 31, Noes eight, measure passes. Moving on to file item 217. The Senator is prepared.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Secretary, please read Senate Bill 1175 by. Senator Ochoa Bog and Acri Lanes organic waste.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
Senator. Thank you, Madam President. Members, in order to provide more flexibility to local governments in reaching emission reduction goals, SB 1175 will require Cal recycle to consider alternatives in addition to census tracts, when deciding the boundaries of a jurisdiction eligible for a waiver of some or all of the collection requirements of SB 1383.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
These alternatives include established boundaries of cities and census designated places, as well as boundary maps submitted by local governments who develop waste management routes. SB 1175 passed the Senate Environmental Quality Committee unanimously. Amendments to delayed implementation until the next update to SB 1383 regulations have addressed all all remaining concerns. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Grove, you're recognized.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I, too, rise in support of SB 1175 when SB 1383 by Senator Laura passed in 2016, it required Cal recycle to implement organic waste plan disposal or disposal plans. Complying with the proposal often consists counties of imposing new property owners as high tax fees as $600 a year.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
Since SB 1383 passed, several bills have tried to create exemptions for policy for rural communities that have struggled to comply with the original Bill.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
From Senator Laura I myself introduced SB 1232 this year, which have created an exemption for Prop 18 for those that were sexually protested in rural communities to not have to sustain the high cost of the fee of almost $600.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
Unfortunately, it failed in local government, but I'm really happy that SB 1175 is made to the Senate Floor requiring Cal recycle to consider alternatives to the census tracts when reviewing Low population and elevation waivers from the state's organic waste requirement is important to our rural communities Members. A lot of people that live in these communities are seniors.
- Shannon Grove
Legislator
The population area is above 65 years old, and they're on a fixed income. To impose this on Low level populated areas where mostly our seniors are living is just not a good thing, and there needs to be an off ramp for these people who really, truly can't afford these plans. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Senator Blakespear, you're recognized.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
Yes, thank you. I wanted to rise and express that I will be voting no on this, and the reason is that in this legislative session, there are currently 10 bills, including this Bill, that seek to amend, streamline, or extend various requirements of calorie cycles regulations for SB 1383.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I think it's important to look at the SB 1383 bills all in the universe and not in isolation. And fundamentally, I think it's important that we stick to the print the ambitious principles of SB 1383. I do not agree with the premise of exempting more jurisdictions from SB 1383.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
151 jurisdictions are already exempted from SB 1383, and last year it was only 54 jurisdiction. So we are expanding the reach of those areas that are not required to participate in the really important protections of SB 1383. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Seeing no further discussion, Senator, you may close.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Chair. In addressing some of the concerns that have been expressed, I just want to highlight the fact that current regulations allow for local governments to apply for waivers for some or all of SB 1383 collection requirements for areas that are high elevation and sparsely populated and or rural.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
However, these waivers are not based on well established boundaries like city or county lines, but on census tracts, census tracts which are geographic regions currently used only for census purposes. The result is that these boundaries of areas eligible for a waiver make little sense for the purposes of disposing organic waste.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
For example, in my district, running Springs is an unincorporated town in San Bernardino mountains. It's split between two census tracts, one with Low population waiver and one with an elevation waiver. This means that neighbors literally living across the street from each other have to comply with different collection requirements, which also imposes different fees.
- Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh
Legislator
This also poses logical challenges for waste management entities. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Eyes 361 no. Measure passes. File item 223. Senator Eggman is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1051 by Senator Eggman. An act relating to tendencies.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
Thank you very much. Members, this bill will standardize existing tenant protections by updating laws to ensure that people who are victims of domestic violence can get their locks changed and not be penalized for that. I ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 38. No's, zero. Measure passes. Next three is file item 228, 231 and 233. Senator Wiener looks prepared. Secretary, please read file item 228.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 966 by Senator Wiener and accurately to pharmacy benefits.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'm presenting Senate Bill 966, which will require pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, to be licensed by the Department of Insurance and also to create certain legal requirements around transparency, accountability and consumer protections. PBMs are intermediaries between health insurers or among health insurers, pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
The role of PBMs, which perform services like creating formularies, negotiating drug pricing and their role has grown from processing claims to a much, much broader array of services. They've also grown dramatically in size and play a very, very prominent role in the health care, their space.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And yet, in California, they don't have to be licensed, and there are few, if any, rules governing their behavior. There are over 60 PBMs in the US, but a huge majority of prescription drug claims are processed by a mere three PBMs.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
25 other states already require PBMs to be licensed, and various states require aspects of the regulations that SB 966 creates. Colleagues, it's time to start regulating PBMs, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion of file item 228? Seeing none Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, no's zero. Measure passes. Going back to Senator Wiener, he's prepared for file item 231. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 988 by Senator Wiener. An act relating to independent contractors.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Wiener?
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. SB 988 is the Freelance Worker Protection Act, which provides very basic protections for freelance workers. It's actually shocking that this is not already the law. Most freelancers lack even the most basic of worker protections, most notably the right to be paid on time for their work.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
According to the freelancers union, 71% of freelance workers experience late or nonpayment, 59% report living paycheck to paycheck, and only 25% report that they consistently have written contracts for their work. In 2023, similar versions of this bill were enacted in both Illinois and New York. And in February of this year, LA County adopted similar legislation.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
It's time to take it statewide. The bill will require written contracts, 30-day payment terms, unless the contract provides for a different payment schedule, payment agreement protections, anti-retaliation measures, and damages protections, making sure that these workers actually get paid. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. And discussion on file item 231. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 33, noes 3, measure passes. File item 233. Senator Padilla, are you prepared?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 990 by Senator Padilla, an act relating to state government.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present SB 990. As natural disasters become a more regular occurrence, recent data from UC Irvine found that LGBTQ+ individuals, particularly LGBTQ+ patients of color, are displaced at nearly double the rate of cisgender and heterosexual individuals.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
LGBTQ people are more at risk of experiencing water and food insecurity, security, unsanitary conditions, and fear of crime following a disaster. This is because state and federal agencies continue to lack a clear strategy on how to integrate LGBTQ people into disaster preparedness, planning and emergency response.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
SB 990 would require the California Office of Emergency Services to consult with representatives of the LGBT community to create policies and best practices to more equitably serve the community of Californians during natural disasters.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
This bill would require these policies and practices to be included in the next update to the state Cal OES planning and understanding how to better serve LGBTQ Californians when disaster strikes. This bill is sponsored by Equality California Insurance Commissioner Lara and the LGBTQ Caucus. I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Discussion or debate on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 32, no's one. Measure passes. Next three on deck is file item 234, 236 and 237. Majority leader, you prepared for 234?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 991 by Senator Gonzalez, an act relating to school districts.
- Lena Gonzalez
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present SB 991, which will remove the sunset date from current law to allow the LAUSD office of Inspector General to continue its transparent oversight responsibilities in perpetuity.
- Lena Gonzalez
Legislator
A district as large and diverse as LaOSD is extremely unique and deserves especial attention to ensure there is no waste, fraud or abuse, and it simply removes the sunset the 2025 sunset date and allows LAUSD to maintain a meaningful authority to ensure that the construction of contracts, procurement contracts, student services and other important programs do not fall victim to poor performance or illegal activity.
- Lena Gonzalez
Legislator
I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 31, no's eight. Measure passes. File item 236. Senator Dodd, are you prepared? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senator Dodd an act relating to electricity.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Dodd.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Madam President and members, SB 1003 directs the Office of Electrical Infrastructure Safety to consider timeliness and cost-effectiveness of investor-owned utility infrastructure upgrades when reviewing wildfire mitigation plans. We are all aware of the $13.5 billion rate increase the CPUC approved for PG and E.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
The CPUC has also recently approved an additional rate increase, allowing PG and E to recover past expenditures made in 2020 and 2022. Together, these rate increases will add more than $400 annually to a typical PG and E electric bill.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Most of these rate increases are attributable to wildfire prevention and in particular, the undergrounding of electric cable undergrounding costs $3 million a mile, while alternatives such as covered conductor cost less than a third of that.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Ratepayers want to know if the wildfire protection they are paying for in utility bills is being provided in the shortest amount of time at the most reasonable cost. SB 1003 simply directs the IOUs to perform that analysis when they update their wildfire mitigation plans every three years.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
SB 1003 is supported by Tern, the Planning Conservation League, the California Farm Bureau, and others, and I'm unaware of any formal opposition. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on file item 236? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, noes zero, measure passes. Moving on to file item 237. Senator Padilla, are you prepared? He is prepared.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1006 by Senator Padilla, an act relating to electricity.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise to present SB 1006, which would require utilities to prepare a grid enhancing technology strategic plan to cost effectively increase transmission capacity. As we well know, the Cal ISO estimates that we will need more than 7000 transmission capacity every year for the next decade to meet our energy demands.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
However, California is far from achieving this estimate, threatening our clean energy goals. Grid enhancing technologies can increase capacity, decrease congestion, improve reliability in a cost effective way, such as redirecting energy away from overloaded lines and onto underutilized ones, which can enhance the existing grid. They are far cheaper and faster to install than new lines.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
The bill requires transmission utilities to complete a strategic plan for grid enhancing technologies and an evaluation of what these lines, which lines can be reconducted in a cost effective manner every four years. Every year, California loses $1.5 billion to grid congestion, and these strategies can help save $650 million.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
California should take advantage of these new technologies and upgrade existing transmission lines to expand capacity and deliver reliable energy at lower costs. This bill has no registered opposition. I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, no's zero. Measure passes. Senators, we're doing an amazing job. Zooming through these. Next three up are two file item 247,252 and 255. Senator Padilla, back to you. You are prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1105 by. Senator Padilla and accrual a pay sick leave.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, madam President. I present SB 1105, which would require that paid sick leave be granted to agricultural workers. Can also be utilized to avoid smoke, heat, or flooding conditions created by a local or state emergency.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Workplace conditions expose farm workers to several adverse environmental conditions and hazards resulting from extreme weather events that endanger their health, safety, and economic livelihood, including working under extremely high temperatures, exposure to smoke from wildfires and rain. Agricultural workers are 35 times more likely to die from heat related stress than workers in any other industry.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Industry in the United States. Agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States, and the rapidly changing climate will only make matters worse. As average temperatures increase and heat waves, wildfires and extreme rain events increase, farmworkers will be at a continued risk of losing their lives.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
While the State of California has taken some of the nation's most proactive steps to adopt occupational safety safety hazards, excuse me, related to heat and smoke. Farm workers need to know that during climate emergency, they are not risking their personal financial disaster by choosing their safety.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
SB 1105 is a Latino Caucus priority, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion of item 247 Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 34, noes 3, measure passes. File item 252. Senator Bradford, are you prepared? He is ready. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1130 by Senator Bradford, an act relating to electricity.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Bradford.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Thank you, madam President.,1130 would expand the eligibility criteria for family electric rate assistance, better known as the fair program, and require the state's three largest Invest Your Own utilities to report on their efforts to enroll customers in the FARA program.
- Steven Bradford
Legislator
Both the FARA and the care program are grossly under-enrolled, and this would just bring attention to these badly needed programs as utility prices go up. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on file item 252, seeing none, secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 35, noes 3, measure passes. File item 255. Senator Cortese, are you prepared? He is ready.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Secretary, please read Senate Bill 1162 by. Senator Cortese, an act relating to public contracts.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Cortese.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'm pleased to present SB 1162. This Bill enables labor management cooperation committees, otherwise known as LMCCs, to accurately verify workers have the appropriate training by requiring employers to include a workers date of birth in their monthly certified payroll reports submitted to labor management cooperation committees.
- Dave Cortese
Legislator
By ensuring accurate identification data, we can verify whether the worker meets the eligibility criteria in alignment with state regulations. The bill has strong support and no known opposition. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Discussion and debate of item 255? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 39, no's zero. Measure passes. Senators, we are 2 hours in, and we've done 44 bills. Great job. We're zooming through. Next three are file item 265, 272 and 281. Senator Allen, are you prepared for file item 265. Senator Allen, are you prepared for fire item 265. Secretary, please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1297 by Senator Allen an aquiline to vehicles.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Allen.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
Thank you, madam President. Members, on the evening of October 17, 2023 a young man speeding at 104 miles an hour on the Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu lost control of his vehicle and killed four Pepperdine University students standing on the side of the highway.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
Since 2010, 60 people have been killed in vehicle accidents along this very same stretch of beautiful but exceedingly dangerous roadway. Malibu only has about 10,000 people, but it ranks in the top 25 small cities with the worst crash fatality rates in the country. 2023.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
Crash data from the LA County Sheriff reports 127 property damage collisions, 93 injury collisions, 7 deaths. A primary factor in all of these incidents was high vehicle speed. One very proven way to slow down drivers is automated speed camera enforcement.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
The NTSB, Centers for Disease Control, Federal Highway Administration, have all recommended using this tool to enforce speed limits. In fact, the FHA, the Federal Highway Administration data shows that they can reduce crashes on urban streets by 54%. And NTSB review of speed camera programs around the world found cameras to be effective in reducing fatal collisions.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
This Bill expands upon an existing pilot program, Assembly Member Friedman's legislation that was passed last year, and it would basically apply in a limited manner to this one city, to this one stretch of road.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
This is all about trying to slow people down and save some lives, and I respect for you ask for your aye vote on this Bill.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate on file item 265. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 36 no's three measure passes, file item 272 is next. Senator Archuleta looks prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1330 by Senator Archuleta and agrilaine to water.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator, please proceed.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I rise today to present Senate Bill 1330. Senate Bill 1330 would enact changes to the 2018, making water conservation way of life laws based on recommendations from the Legislative Analysis Office report from earlier this year.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
The 2018 laws established a framework for long term improvements in urban water use efficiency and drought planning as California adapts to climate change and impacts. The State Water Board, in coordination with the Department of Water Resources, was required to adopt long term standards variances guidelines methodologies for calculating urban water usage objectives by June of 2022.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Due to the COVID and other factors, we are still awaiting those regulations.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
The purpose of my Bill is to extend the deadlines of the 2018 laws to match the State Water Board's current schedule, to adapt final regulations, to require the Department of Water Resources to update landscape data in the future, and to give water suppliers the option of reporting their data on either a calendar or fiscal year basis.
- Bob Archuleta
Legislator
Quite simply, Senate Bill 1330 will provide flexibility and cost savings for water suppliers to comply with the 2018 laws and pending state board regulations. Senate Bill 1330 has no opposition, has not received any no votes. For these reasons, I would ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any other discussion or debate, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 39, noes 0, measure passes. Moving on to file item 281. Senator Allen, you got the next two. Senator Allen.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1406 by Senator Allen, an act relating to residential care facilities.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and members. Today I rise to present SB 1406, which addresses the affordability crisis that seniors are facing in assisted living facilities. We know that seniors are the fastest growing population of people experiencing homelessness. In fact, by 2030, our seniors, the number of seniors experiencing homelessness is expected to triple.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
And amidst this growing challenge, assisted living facilities have been serving many, many people. But there are some unscrupulous folks in this space. Unfortunately, they've been raising the rates they charge residents like never before and profiting at rates like never before.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
In fact, an industry survey shows that half of assisted living operators earn returns of 20% or more above the cost to run the facilities, while their residents life savings are rapidly drained to keep up with the cost of care.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
And unlike most residents of nursing homes, where care is generally paid for by MedicAid, assisted living residents or their families are the ones that usually shoulder the full cost.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
So, despite the requirement that these facilities include comprehensive supervision and observation, one to one care, and as a basic service, is a common add on imposed on residents, and it can cost tens of thousands of dollars more per month.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
There's no process to dispute these add on charges, no requirement that these services be reviewed by a primary care provider. And so this is ultimately all about trying to address this affordability challenge that is oftentimes sprung on families and at a moment where they're most vulnerable.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
We're trying to put some limits on some of this usurious behavior, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion on file item 281? Seeing none, secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 31, noes zero, noes 7, measure passes. Moving on to file item 282. Senator Allen again. Secretary, please read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1450 by Senator Allen an act relating to elections.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Allen.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Back in 2016, I authored SB 450, which is the Voters Choice Act, which offers counties a new way to conduct elections by increasing access and convenience for voters.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
As most of you know, under the VCA, counties can choose to switch from the traditional neighborhood polling places on election day to a system that offers several days of early voting, vote by mail for all voters, same day voter registration, accessible voting machines for voters with disabilities, additional language support services, and the ability for voters to vote at any location in the county.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
And I know that so many of us have been able to take advantage of this. You're in another part of the county a couple days before election day. Hey, there's a center there you can vote.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
So something like 20 million voters, 77% of the eligible voting population, live in one of the 29 counties that have adopted the VCA. Now, there have been a lot of beneficial aspects, including increased transparency, community engagement with the election process, as well as far fewer reported voting problems at vote centers, and increased access for bilingual poll workers.
- Benjamin Allen
Legislator
But there are a number of issues that have been raised by county clerks and others hurdles of conducting elections under this model. So this bill seeks to Streamline Administration, improving election management under the VCA while protecting vital voter access requirements. And with that, I respect for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on file item 282? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 32. No's zero. Measure passes. All right, Senators, the good news is we finished the list. The good news is the other good news is there's another list, so we can shave time and the other days that come.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
So give us a couple of minutes, we can take a pause, stay in the area, and we'll get back to you. 30 seconds. We're just stretching our arms. 30 seconds. That's all you get. All right, 30 seconds is up. We are moving on with business.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
All right, Senators, if we have any conversations, we're going to take them off the floor. We're going to now take up the following three file item 190, file item 229, and file item 157. Senator Pedilla, are you ready to kick us off with file item 190, SR 91. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Resolution 91 by Senator Padilla relative to Harvey Milk Day.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present SR 91, which will recognize Wednesday on May 22, Harvey Milk Day. We will honor Harvey Bernard Milk, a hero in the LGBTQ community who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of all people.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
He was the first openly gay elected official in California and in any major us city. He is a global figure, an icon, and a pioneer in the LGBTQ civil rights movement. This was not always the case, however.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Milk unsuccessfully ran in several local elections, but his presence was finally rewarded in 1977 when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. His unprecedented election victory and the power of his advocacy as an elected leader continue to inspire us today as LGBTQ representation continues to grow across California, the country, and the world.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
His voice was often loudest to fight against homophobia and other forms of discrimination at a time when many were afraid to just simply be themselves. He actively encouraged Members of the LGBTQ community to show pride and expressed their true identities. He was adamant that our community must be visible, "for invisible," he said, "we remain in limbo."
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
"A myth. A person with no parents, no brothers, no sisters, no friends who are straight, no important positions in employment." His life was tragically cut short after a former colleague on the Board of Supervisors assassinated him and San Francisco mayor George Moscone.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
His killer was convicted of manslaughter instead of murder, an injustice that serves as a stark reminder that we must always be vigilant in ensuring fairness and equity in our justice system in a world without ensuring equality for all. His impact as a trailblazer and civil rights advocate moves us to continue the fight and finish what we started.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Colleagues, I respectfully urge your aye vote on SR 91.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Wiener, you're recognized.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of Sr 91. As a gay Jew, like Harvey Milk was a gay Jew, I also had the honor of representing the supervisorial district that Supervisor Milk represented, and he is. Harvey's memory is deeply ingrained in San Francisco of so many core values that he stood for.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And I also just want to note that one of the things in the short time that Harvey was in office before he was murdered, he played a key role campaigning against Proposition 6, which would have banned LGBTQ people from being teachers in the State of California. A completely hateful ballot measure targeting and demonizing our community.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And I just want to tie that to today, because once again, nearly almost 50 years later, we are once again seeing a resurgence of these hateful ballot measures, hateful legislative proposals around the country targeting our community.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And so Harvey, I know, is both smiling down on us and also looking intently at us to make sure that we're going to fight for our community, and we will absolutely do so. I ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Atkins, you're recognized.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I just wanted to add a little bit. Before Supervisor Milk made his way to San Francisco, he spent a little time in San Diego. Many of us are wearing red, white, and blue today, you know, to give us a little bit of enthusiasm and energy.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Today, Harvey Milk served in the US Navy, and he was very patriotic. And I want to make sure the record reflects his service to country. And one of the best times I was able to go to the Bay Area as the Administration came out and acknowledged that they were going to name a ship after Harvey Milk.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
And then that ship was built in San Diego. So all of those things as someone growing up in Southwest Virginia and I actually sold, saw on TV the tragedy when he died. And I don't know, for some of us, it's very personal, having grown up and come out as a member of the LGBTQ community in southwest Virginia.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
Very difficult place to do that. But to see how history embraces us all and to know that his nephew, Stuart Milk, carries on this work in honor of his uncle so that a life that was taken way too soon is really a continuation of a legacy that we all get to participate in and celebrate.
- Toni Atkins
Legislator
So thank you for bringing the resolution forward. Ask for your support today of a really great man.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Senator Caballero, you're recognized.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, on behalf of the Latino caucus, it's my honor to rise today and strong support of SR 91. It's, I think, really important that we have the opportunity to stand up on this floor and recognize an individual who changed history. And he changed history because he was the first.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And being the first means that you're out there. It means at a time when people have bad thoughts and they're free to say them, and there's a misunderstanding of the community, it's tough to be the first. And he was the first, the first to run for elected office.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And as you know, he ran and was successful at winning a seat on the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco. And he was able, through his dedication and his talent and his perseverance, to make a statement that cost him his life to make. To live by example and do so many great things.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And it's hard to believe that it was only in 1977 that this happened. He knew his position would come with almost certain danger. Yet he was establishing. He was challenging the established norms, and he pushed forward.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
While he was in office, he worked to pass a gay rights ordinance in San Francisco, as my good colleague from San Francisco said, helped to defeat a statewide initiative that would have banned gay teachers from working in state public schools.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
He encouraged LGBTQ people to be visible in society and forge coalitions with other minority leaders to fight against all forms of oppression. But as we know, danger eventually found him, and he was assassinated by a former colleague after serving just 11 meaningful months in office.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
With chilling foresight, Milk made a tape recording with instructions to have it read only if he died by assassination. And, you know, it's chilling because many leaders, civil rights leaders, have had premonitions, and it's scary to think about that. In it says, "if a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door."
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
A really powerful statement about who he was and what he was willing to do in order to be out there and to be the first. The legacy left by the mayor of Castro street and the courage he showed continues to be appreciated and felt today.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
His recognition as one of Time magazine's most influential people of the 20th century and the numerous institutions and organizations named after him attest to his impact in California, in the United States, and, quite frankly, all over the world.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Today, as we celebrate Harvey Milk Day, let us all find the courage to live our lives unapologetically and genuinely true to ourselves. Let us recommit ourselves to ensuring all marginalized community, especially the LGBTQ community, are treated fairly, equitably, and respectfully in all aspects of our society.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And may we continue our work and the work of Harvey Milk to ensure every californian can live a life full of love, peace, and happiness. On behalf of the Latino Caucus, I want to thank the author for his leadership and work on this important resolution and ask all Members to join me in supporting SB 91.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any further discussion? Senator Padilla, you may close.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 33, no's zero. Measure passes. The next three we have on file. File item 229, 157 and 173. Senator Skinner, are you prepared? She is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 976 by Senator Skinner. An act related to youth addiction.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
Senator thank you, Madam President. Members, I'm very pleased to come before you today with SB 976, a Bill that is directed to protect our children and empower our parents against the harms that we know that social media has been causing.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
SB 976 was developed with input from our school administrators, county superintendents, pediatricians, and many more to address these well-documented harms. And it does so by focusing not on content, because we are prohibited from regulating content on the Internet or social media platforms, but instead by regulating the addictive features that are embedded in these platforms.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
So, in other words, the algorithms. And the LA Times editorial board so aptly stated that the algorithms are designed to feed users a steady stream of content that the user didn't necessarily ask for, and that it's designed to keep the user on the app, which is why researchers have defined the algorithms as addictive.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
So what does SB 976 do specifically? It empowers parents and it makes platforms safer by requiring our social media companies, for all users who are minors, to turn off the algorithms that send the addictive feeds, to not send notifications during school hours and between midnight and 06:00 a.m.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
And to set default limits on time spent on the platform. And further, to protect children's privacy by making a minors account private as a default setting, not something that either a parent or the minor has to go in and tinker with in order to have that privacy.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
Now, all of these settings, and this is where, when I referenced empowering parents, all of these settings can be changed by the parent. If the parent, for example, wants notifications from these platforms to be sent to their children during school hours, the parent can override. If the parent wants a longer time period rather than the time limit
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
that's the default in this Bill. The parent can override the Bill, from that point of view, is reasonable, empowers our parents, and given, unfortunately, that social media companies have been unwilling so far to voluntarily change their practices. We observed it at the congressional hearing in January, and we see it every day as our kids use these.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
And when they won't act, it is our responsibility to act and to protect our children. And with that, I ask for your yes vote on SB 976.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Wiener, you're recognized.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam President. I'll be voting for this Bill today with some reservations. And the author and I have discussed them that on balance, this Bill does a lot of good because there are some real harms that are happening with kids and the addictive nature of the, these services.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And so I appreciate the author's perseverance and really trying to protect kids. And I think in large part, this Bill will help do that. Unfortunately, there are kids who don't have that kind of relationship with their parents, and we want to make sure that those kids are also taken care of.
- Scott Wiener
Legislator
And sometimes access to these services can be a lifeline for these kids. And so I know that the author will engage on these issues, and I trust her incredibly because she absolutely gets it in terms of the needs of these kids. And so I will be voting for the Bill today. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Eggman, you're recognized.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam President. I want to rise in support of this Bill just to share a personal experience. I have a 15 year old who has finals this weekend. So all last week, she's been studying and taking finals this week. And she gave me her phone last week, mom.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
She said, mom, you got to keep it for me because I just keep getting sucked down rabbit holes. And she tried deleting her app. She tried doing different things. And finally she said, hold it for me. Keep it for me because I get sucked down a rabbit hole.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
Our kids shouldn't have to come to us and tell, because not every kid is going to do that. Right? And there's so many who just get sucked down that hole and it, it just feeds them. I can tell you different things that are popping up on her feed than pop up on mine.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
So I respectfully ask for your aye vote on this. This is real.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you. Any further discussion, Senator Skinner, you may close.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
Thank you. And if I could address the concerns from my colleague from San Francisco. This Bill does not limit a minors search for whatever content they want to search for. It does not limit that. And I completely respect that.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
We have, we do have children that sometimes they find their community on the Internet, not at their school or within their social settings. They find the community that they can most relate to via such platforms. And there's nothing in the Bill that would prevent a child from that.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
And, in fact, what the Bill does is goes back to the original design. In effect, the default that the Bill requires is back to the basics of the original design of Facebook. The original design of Facebook was based on chronological feeds and what you liked or you searched for.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
That's what came to you, not content that just came to you based on this algorithm. So it would allow are any minor to be able to search for whatever it is that they, if they are, I'm probably going to date myself.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
But, for example, if they're primarily into dungeons and dragons, you know, it doesn't prevent them from that or any other, any other identity or you name it. So I just wanted to make that clarity.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
But I am absolutely committed to making sure that this Bill does allow for minors to be able, those minors who need to be able to find their communities through the Internet to be able to do so, and willing to work on that if, as time goes on, there appears to be any problem related to it.
- Nancy Skinner
Legislator
And with that, I ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the row.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Absent Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 35, noes two, measure passes. Now on to file item 157. Senator Hurtado, she is prepared.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1155 by Senator Hurtado an act relating to the Political Reform act of 1974.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to present SB 1155, which aims to broaden the scope of lobbying restrictions by including Executive Members of state agencies and appointed officials who receive a salary. The Bill proposes a one year prohibition period for these officials from engaging in lobbying activities.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator?
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Traditionally, state regulations have imposed short cooling off periods, allowing officials to quickly move into lobbying positions after government. SB 1155 addresses this issue by proposing a one year cooling off period and by creating a longer buffer period.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
The Bill aims to reduce conflicts of interest, promote transparency, and restore trust in the integrity of state agencies and the policy making process. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate on the file item 157. Seeing none. Members, this is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 39 no's, zero. Measure passes onto file item 173. Senator Caballero, are you prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1134 by Senator Caballero and Aquiline to surplus land.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and Members, I rise to present SB 1134, which makes minor technical changes to the Surplus Land Act. Last year, Assembly Member Ting and I worked to make the surplus land significant changes to the Surplus Land Act because of the issues that local government had and HCD oversight.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Our two bills struck a balance to provide necessary clarity to ensure that local governments disposing of land were doing so correctly under the provisions of the act. After their passage, the Department of Housing and Community Development proposed draft regulations to their Surplus Land Act guidelines, and they, w Members don't have to.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
They drafted emergency regulations as opposed to going through the entire APA process. This Bill codifies a simple, clarifying change proposed in the draft guidelines to ensure local governments have clear guidance when disposing of separate and distinct contiguous parcels to a singular entity.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
In this case, separate separate parcels that are adjoined and sold to one entity are considered a single parcel for purposes of meeting the requirements under the SLA for disposal. This clarity helps to streamline the disposal process for local agencies.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
However, the draft guidelines in many ways are a significant departure from what was contemplated and ultimately agreed to by the Legislature, which the staff articulates clearly on page four of the analysis.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Over the fall, I met with HCD to discuss the concerns that I had with their guidelines and to tell them they were not reflective of the legislative intent and the direct language of the Bill and based on the current state of the draft guidelines that they had, I fear HCD will continue to put forward guidelines that are counter to the agreements that we made last year.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
This Bill serves as a vehicle to monitor the final guidelines proposed by HCD and ensure the agreements reached between the respective policy committees, members and stakeholders are faithfully adopted.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And the reason this becomes really important is this is the one area that we allow HCD to look over the shoulder of local government to decide whether they're doing the right thing, and then to issue a fine or, or a recall of the property that has been disposed of, as was done last year.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Any changes proposed by this Bill, once the final guidelines are public, will be thoroughly vetted with all interested stakeholders, and I commit to bring the Bill back for any additional hearing. Should that be necessary, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on file item 173. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 39 no's zero, measure passes. The next three on deck are file item 193, 213, and 257. Senator Hurtado, are you ready?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1156 by Senator Hurtado, an act relating to the Political Reform Act of 1974.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator?
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present Senate Bill 1156. You know, many say that water is a new gold, and there's a lot of concerns out there by community members about it being just that. So SB 1156 would require members of the executive team and board of directors for groundwater sustainability agencies to annually disclose any economic or financial interests they maintain. Current law lacks appropriate transparency measures relating to these GSAs. This insufficiency can increase the risk of economic interest influencing decision making processes.
- Melissa Hurtado
Legislator
Addressing these deficiencies is imperative to establish effective governance frameworks that prioritize the long term health and sustainability of groundwater resources. Requiring greater accountability by those in power of GSA seeks to safeguard the sustainable management of groundwater resources. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion? Item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? All right. Ayes 39, noes zero. Measure passes. Senator Ashby, were you prepared for file item 213? She is ready. Secretary, please read. File item 213.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Technical difficulties. Secretary, please read file item 213.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1439 by Senator Ashby an Act relating to land use.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Ashby.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Today I rise to present SB 1439. SB 1439 will allow Sutter Hospital in downtown Sacramento to build a state of the art cancer center on a former regional transit lot a little over a mile from where we stand right now.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Sutter Health has established itself as a reputable provider of quality health care in many of our districts. Right here in Northern California, the Bay Area, Central Valley and Southern California. Many of us have relied on Sutter health to provide critical life saving care for ourselves or our families.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
In fact, many of you here in this room have relayed stories to me of your time at Sutter Health at this exact hospital in Sacramento. Cancer is the second leading cause of death in our state, with 189,000 new cases and over 60,000 deaths every year.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
According to a study done by UC Davis, Sacramento county performed worse in cancer mortality when compared to other state averages. There is a great disparity in getting access to critical life saving care, especially for those who are receiving MediCal and Medicare.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Low income patients are less likely to receive life saving treatment and experience much higher death rates from a cancer diagnosis. Of its 3.2 million patients served every year, Sutter serves over 1.2 million MediCal and Medicare patients, and as Senate district eight's population grows, so too will that number.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Sutter health is heavily invested in our local, federally qualified health centers, such as Wellspace Center here in my district, and will provide care for cancer patients from our most underserved populations. These are populations who see higher rates of death from cancer diagnosis due to delay in care.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
This Bill outlines safeguards that ensure the land is used for critical healthcare and further ensures access for marginalized communities.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
I am proud to have the support of Sutter Health, Sacramento's community clinics, including wealth space and the Sacramento Native American Health center, the California Hospital Association, the California Professional Firefighters, Providence, Scripps Health, the Steinberg Institute, the California State Building and Trades, and Sacramento's LGBTQ Center. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Niello, you're recognized.
- Roger Niello
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I rise also in support of SB 1439 as a fellow representative of the Sacramento region. Sutter Health is a crucial provider of health services throughout our region, and this will allow them to better meet the needs of healthcare in our Sacramento area.
- Roger Niello
Legislator
Or looked at another way to deny this will compromise their ability to provide quality health care to our citizens here in the Sacramento region. I urge an aye vote.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Thank you very much. Madam President, I rise to express some concerns with this Bill and offer a bit of context. This is not. My concern is not about the quality or the need for health care, especially in Sacramento or anywhere else in California.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Durazo, you're recognized.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
The context is the Surplus Land Act is a key piece of the state's efforts to advance affordable housing. The premise is simple. Affordable housing developers should get the first shot at properties that local agencies no longer need. This Bill was the subject of lengthy and good spirited discussions leading up to the Local Government Committee hearing.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
The overriding concern was how to ensure that this exemption doesn't undermine affordable housing and provides a benefit to individuals that otherwise would be helped, would otherwise be helped by the act. The Surplus Land Act.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
It passed out of Committee with amendments I led that, narrowed the parcels to the parcels at Sutter and included strong requirements that the facility treat MediCal patients.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
Since the hearing, however, has come to light, that SAC RT, which owns the parcels that this Bill affects, has started already started the Surplus Land Act process and has received interest from affordable housing developers on these sites.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
SAC RT is following the steps in the act, which requires a 90 day period of good faith negotiations with any affordable housing developers to try to reach agreement. That negotiation process may conclude before this Bill goes into effect.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Dahle, you're recognized.
- Maria Elena Durazo
Legislator
But if it doesn't, and SAC RT is still negotiating with affordable housing developers, when this Bill becomes effective, SAC RT could sell to Sutter, undercutting the opportunity we have to build more housing. Unfortunately, because of this most recent information, I am not able to support this Bill and will be laying off. Thank you,
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of this Bill. I heard this Bill on Committee and also represent part of Sacramento County and the Sutter group and also come out of local government for 16 years where we did land planning and now the state has stepped in. Do we all want affordable housing? Absolutely.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
But it makes good sense to put health care by healthcare where it's already at. For those reasons, I think we should pass this Bill, do the right thing. There are many other places that are available for affordable housing, but this site is simply would be best used for healthcare for the greater Sacramento area.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
She narrowed the Bill down to just take in that one area did not make it a statewide Bill. Unfortunately, I had other areas that might would have been able to use it. But I commend the author for doing that and respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any additional discussion on the item. Senator Ashby, you may close.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
I'd like to just note that I have tremendous respect for the good Senator from Los Angeles, and at her request, did take extensive amendments when the Bill passed through her Committee.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
I respectfully disagree with some of her assertions and analysis today, but at the end of the day, this Bill is so narrow that it only impacts a couple block radius in my district alone and simply allows for additional services for cancer patients in the region of Sacramento. I spent more than a decade on the Sacramento City Council.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
In that time, I served on the regional transit board and on the SaCog Board and on almost every other regional board in Sacramento. I promise you, I have done my homework.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
I ask you to help me help the million people that I represent have additional access to cancer treatment and life saving services by allowing them to buy regional transit's properties adjacent to the existing hospital that serves many of you and your families. And almost all of my constituents in their families. I ask for an aye vote. Please.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Roll Call
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Aye's 37, no, zero measure passes. Next up is file item 257. Senator Padilla, are you prepared? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1208 by Senator Padilla an aquiline to solid waste.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator?
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. I rise to present SB 1208. My community in the southern region of our state, at the international border in south San Diego County, has endured far more than its fair share of pollution and trash and adverse and inappropriate environmental uses for decades.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
This includes rendering plants, wrecking yards, landfills, gas fired power plants on our waterfront, gas fired peaker plants. All over decades, intentionally located in an area of people of color with limited economic and political power to fight back. Just as we are starting to make progress to get rid of dirty industries, we are facing the threat of yet another landfill miles from an existing one to be built in the midst of what is one of the state's worst environmental crises.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Through a misleading ballot measure posed to the county nearly 15 years ago, private landowners and developers achieved a zoning change that they misleadingly represent as project approval in the county's general plan, which basically bypasses the review process, including CEQA, the elected representatives of the County Board of Supervisors, and, of course, the people who elected them.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
The fact is, this was done in a different time, and the needs of our county have changed. According to the County of San Diego and the California Secretary of EPA, our county has more than sufficient landfill capacity for at least the next 30 years. Moreover, there is not a single landfill, not a single landfill in the state has been approved or entitled in this fashion. Aside from not needing another landfill in San Diego County, we don't need it in one of the most polluted and sensitive watersheds in the United States.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
SB 1208 would prohibit the Regional Board from issuing a permit, a discharge permit, for any new class three landfill that falls within the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve or an area that is a tributary to the Tijuana River. This is one of the most environmentally burdened, most distressed rivers in the United States, and this area has some of the worst concentration of industrial, biological, and air pollution in the State of California. We cannot afford not one more straw on this camel's back.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
For decades, the communities surrounding the river have had to put up with being treated as a dumping ground for other regions of the state. This community does not want and should not have to suffer an additional landfill in this distressed environmental disaster. I urge you to vote aye to prevent another dumping ground in the Tijuana River watershed. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Jones, you're recognized.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I must respectfully rise in opposition to 1208, with all of the compelling arguments that the author shared. Those statements are accurate. Unfortunately, the problem with this particular area is 75% of this watershed is located in the country of Mexico, and 25% of this watershed is located in the United States of America.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
As many of us, or maybe all of us, are aware that these pollution problems are very exacerbated in that area, and we do have a lot of problems to fix. The federal government of the United States has been working for decades with the federal government of Mexico on trying to clean up and come to some agreement on some of these operations.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
And this project in particular, that is located in the United States of America, in the State of California, has been going through the proper permitting process through CEQA and the Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Members, I don't think I need to walk through all of the procedures that it takes to go through those two permitting processes, plus all of the other things that this project is having to comply with in the State of California. This bill in particular is interfering with local control.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
As has been mentioned that this project was subject to voter approval, 85% of the voters in San Diego County voted to approve this project. This bill in particular bans the Water Quality Control Board from issuing a permit on a specific project. Ladies and gentlemen, I would argue that it's not the Senate's responsibility nor the Legislature's once we pass these environmentally controlled bills and laws that are protecting our environment, for us to come back in and then usurp the authority that we've given these local jurisdictions when they're going through this very rigorous process of approving these types of permits.
- Brian Jones
Legislator
The valley that this project is located is very pristine and very beautiful, and because of that, there's been a 1300 acre preserve just recently purchased by the Nature Conservancy nearly within walking distance of this project. So for all of these reasons, I'm going to have to ask for a no vote on SB 1208. Thank you very much.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any further discussion on the item? Senator Padilla, you may close.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President and colleagues. With great respect to my distinguished colleague, just make a few points here. The fact that 25%, 75% of of the watershed as occupied by this project is immaterial. The proposed project location is in the watershed, and the impacts of said project will contribute to the adverse environmental impacts in a watershed that is already well documented as overburdened. With respect to the issue of local control, this is 2.0 in a handbook of tricks that we have seen before.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
A little over a decade before this, a similar landfill was proposed with the same exact playbook to go around the local voters, Board of Supervisors, and their representatives to do a zoning change for a landfill that affected a different watershed in wealthy northern San Diego County, adjacent to private tribal lands.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
At that time, the opponents of my bill were arguing the exact opposite of what they are arguing today with respect to that bill. I can't overstate the incredible hypocrisy involved there. In terms of voter approved project, I want to be clear. Voters in San Diego County approved a zoning change for what was advertised to them as some kind of a recycling facility, a 340 acre site. If you look at the application before the Army Corps of Engineers, 97% of the site is proposed for a class three dump, a landfill, and only about 3% for some kind of as yet undefined recycling something or other. And in terms of precedent for the state legislature intervening.
- Steve Padilla
Legislator
There is already precedent, colleagues, in statute, for this Legislature to direct the Water Board not to issue a discharge permit in extenuating circumstances. This is not a new precedent setting act by the Legislature. It would be the most appropriate act by this Legislature. And colleagues, if this issue in this part of our state is not a poster child for environmental justice, I do not know what is. And I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 28, noes 6. Measure passes. The next three on deck are going to be file item 239, 250, and 254. Senator Eggman, are you prepared for file item 239?
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
She is prepared. You ready? Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1025 by Senator Eggman and in accolade to diversion.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Eggman.
- Susan Talamantes Eggman
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. This Bill simply expands the eligibility for veteran diversion programs to make it consistent with the Mental Health Diversion Court. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion or debate on file item 239. Seeing none. Secretary, please call a row.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 33, Noes 0. Measure passes file item 250. Senator Caballero, are you prepared?
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1123 by Senator Caballero an act relating to land use.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. I rise to present SB 1123, which builds upon work that I did last year, to streamline the process for communities to build small scale, more affordable infill homeownership projects. As we know, the high cost of housing construction and regulatory delay has contributed to the state's affordability crisis.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
And just like housing affordability has driven home ownership rates down for communities of color. Local planning rules have also created barriers to home ownership, and many communities throughout the state have enacted policies that restrict denser development in single family neighborhoods, which prevents the construction of smaller starter homes. Working families can afford to address these issues.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
Last year, I introduced SB 684 to streamline the subdivision of parcels for the construction of small scale homeownership projects of up to 10 units, which passed off this floor with bipartisan support. Over the course of the fall, I heard from a variety of stakeholders on the need to include important technical and clarifying changes to the law.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
SB 1123 incorporates the feedback that I received to improve implementation.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
It reestablishes the subdivision and project, streamlining benefits for small projects of 10 units or less on vacant parcels zoned for single family infill residential development, and it also unlocks opportunity to build smaller homes on small art lots to increase homeownership project in single family neighborhoods, which have a history of excluding Low income and communities of color.
- Anna Caballero
Legislator
But to ensure the appropriate guardrails in place, I've included that local government may impose the same height height standards as that of neighboring parcels. This will unlock new development opportunity, but ensure it's consistent with the surrounding community. Thank you, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senators, any discussion on file item 250? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 31, noes 5. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 254. Senator Portantino, are you prepared? He is. Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1147 by Senator Portantino an act relating to drinking water.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
Thank you. Madam President and Members, I rise to present SB 1147, which builds upon work from 2018, where we directed the State Water Board to define microplastics and develop standards and methods to test for microplastics in our drinking water.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
Microplastics have been found everywhere from our soil, air, and in our own bodies, though we know where they are. More must be done to understand how the exposure and consumption of microplastics affects our health.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
We do know, however, that when ingested by marine life, microplastics have both toxic and mechanical effects, causing reduced food intake, suffocation, behavioral changes, and genetic alterations. It's imperative that we prioritize the research and analysis of microplastics for the sake of public safety and public health.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
Currently, the State Water Board is working to establish testing methods, monitoring standards and other goals as outlined in their 2022 policy handbook. Once completed, it's essential that we uphold all sources of drinking water to the same standard. As such, we must begin monitoring bottled water along with tap water.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
SB 1147 will direct the Office of Environmental Health hazards Assessment to prioritize studying the health impacts of microplastics in drinking water. It will also work with the State Water Board in developing health goals to address microplastics in our drinking water, including bottled water.
- Anthony Portantino
Legislator
Under SB 1147, the Department of Public Health will collect microplastics data from water bottling plants that sell bottled water in California on an annual basis. SBLM 47 is a continued commitment to identifying microplastics in our drinking water and respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion on this item? Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 32. Noes 3. Measure passes. Senators, this is it. Four bills left. We got this. All right, last four. File item 260, 283, 194 and 274. Senator Rubio, you prepared for file item 260. Senator Rubio? Secretary, please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1230 by Senator Rubio in accolade to tobacco sales.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm proud to present SB 1230, the stop and seize Illegal Tobacco Products Act. We all know about the health risks caused by smoking and that millions have died from tobacco use. California has made great progress on lowering smoking rates here in our state.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
And in recent years, as we saw tobacco companies begin to hook a new generation of kids to flavor tobacco, we took decisive action, as a body, as a state, to ban the self labored tobacco products. But these illegal products continue to find their way into California and into our schools.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
SB 1230 will strengthen enforcement of California's anti tobacco laws and ensure flavor vapes are kept off the shelves and out of the hands of our children and our youth. This Bill is sponsored by a coalition of public health organizations, including the American Lung Association and the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, and it has no opposition on record.
- Susan Rubio
Legislator
Passing this legislation will send a message that California cares very deeply about our youth, and we will not allow the tobacco industry to hook another generation of nicotine addicts. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Any discussion on fire? Item 260. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent Members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 31 Noes 5. Measure passes. Senator Ashby, are you prepared for your file item 283? She is secretary. Please read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1453 by Senator Ashby an act relating to healing arts.
- Angelique Ashby
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. SB 1453 is the dental board of California's sunset bill from the business, Professions, and economic development Committee. Bill makes a number of changes to improve the board's operations and efficiencies. Without this Bill, the board would expire on January 1. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any discussion? File item 283, item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 39, noes zero. Measure passes. Final two. Up Next file item 194. Senator Dodd is not prepared. We're going to move on to file item 274. We're going to move on to file item 274. Senator Becker, are you prepared? He is prepared. Secretary, please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read file item 274.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1374, by Senator Becker an act relating to energy.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Becker?
- Josh Becker
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. This bill requires the Public Utilities Commission to apply the same rules for distributed solar on schools, apartments, and farms that they do now for single family homes under the new net billing tariff I'm sure you all heard a lot about called NEM 3.0.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
Homes with rooftop solar are able to self consume the energy that they generate themselves. If they use more than they generate in a 15 minutes period, they purchase the extra energy from the utilities at normal electrical rates. If they generate more than they use, then they sell that excess energy at the new low NEM 3.0 rates.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
So, again, these NEM three changes, the two that I mentioned, number one, netting energy use during 15 minutes intervals, and two, selling excess energy at a much lower rate. Those were the PUC's solution to concerns about a cost shift that they believe were leading to higher electricity rates.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
What this bill simply does is requires the PUC to require the same rules and apply the same rules to everyone, including that ability to get credit for self consuming the energy that you generate by a school, a farm, a nonprofit, a community, a civic center that is generating number one from its own solar panels and two, simultaneously using it on its own property.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
Without that, a school that builds solar on its parking lot has to sell that energy to the grid at low NEM 3.0 rates and simultaneously buy back from the grid at four times the price, which makes no sense. If we were to limit this, it would be the same as limiting, for example, energy, more energy efficient appliances.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
This is stuff that we use, that we consume, that we're doing ourselves. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Dahle, you're recognized.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
Thank you, Madam President. Members, I have to rise in opposition, even though many of my friends who are using these programs are in support of this bill. But at the end of the day, Members, during Committee, we had a very lengthy debate about this bill, and there's bipartisan opposition to this bill. Why?
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
Because this bill is allowing somebody who has a piece of property, let's just take, for example, a farm across the room over there and a farm on this side and maybe miles apart, to be able to use that, both of those pieces of property with solar on them as one unit using the grid, by the way, to transport that energy.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
So why do those folks want to have that opportunity? Because for every bit of solar that we produce in California that gets a break, somebody else is paying for it. And we've heard a lot of our constituents and a lot of legislators who are concerned about people who don't have solar, paying for people that have solar.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
That's exactly what this bill does. Last year, $6 billion was transferred from people that have solar to people that don't have solar, actually, more money than what we spent on rates for hardening our system due to wildfire.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
So if we continue to support bills like this and expect rates to go down for hardworking, low income people, they're not, because it's, quite frankly, cost shifting. And so I don't care who supports it or who doesn't or who's in. There's very few in opposition to this because the people that are supporting it are getting a break.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
And who's paying for it? Low income people who don't get represented here very well because they don't have a pac or a lobby to help them. But if you vote against this bill, you'll be helping them because the cost shift is going to them. So for those reasons, I respectfully ask for a no vote on 1374.
- Brian Dahle
Legislator
Help low income people in California survive, and the rates will go down if we stop bad legislation like this.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. No further discussion. Senator Becker, you may close.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
Thank you. I respect the comments. I do want to clarify a couple of things. When we talked about a cost shift, there was concerns around the old NEM 1.0 or NEM 2.0 rates and a residential that you were able to generate more and sell that back at very high prices.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
Number one, we took, you know, the PUC acted on that and rightly or wrongly, created much lower rates. But what we are talking about this bill is non residential and they're actually not allowed to shift costs between residential and non residential.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
So the only way there could be a cost shift is if energy use was the same or going down. But that's not the case. Energy use in this state is projected to double by 2045. So anyone, any school that puts on solar and saves anywhere from $300,000 to $3.0 million.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
And by the way, but join op-ed from the Clovis Superintendent and the Oakland School District Superintendent, the most conservative probably and most liberal districts in the state wrote a joint op-ed. But any say school that does that and saves that money, that's only partially offsetting the increase in energy use from everyone else.
- Josh Becker
Legislator
So that's why there will not be, we do not believe there'll be a cost shift in this bill. And I respectfully asked your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please. Senator Skinner, for what? No. Secretary, please call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 28, noes, 7. The measure passes. Senator Dodd wanted to close us out, so he will be our last. File item, file item 194. Secretary, please read.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Secretary, please read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Senate Bill 1243 by Senator Dodd in accolade to the Political Reform Act of 1974.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Dodd.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Madam President and Members, I rise to present SB 1243 to amend the Levine Act for better clarity, compliance and fairness. The Levine Act limits contributions from individuals who have business before a quasi judicial body. In 2022, the Levine Act was amended to include local elected officials. Previously, the law only applied to appointed officials.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Over the last year, we've heard from numerous elected officials from cities and counties who have struggled to implement the law and from numerous organizations who have struggled to adhere to the overly complicated requirements. The unintended consequences of changes to the Levine Act have resulted in making transparent, direct contributions infeasible.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
The law essentially freezes out a sector of the community from donating directly to candidates and instead promotes a very undesirable consequence, independent expenditures pouring into campaigns more and more, and it creates the risk of strategic misuse by parties wishing to to force a Council Member or supervisor to recuse themselves.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
This Bill addresses a number of issues that have arisen during implementation. The Bill adjusts the contribution limit that has not changed since 1982 from $250 to $1000, approximating inflation.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
It adjusts the prohibition period before and after a decision is made from 12 months to nine months, which is still three times longer than what was law 40 years prior to the 2022 change.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
And it clarifies that increased membership dues for organizations like unions, chambers of commerce, and other associations, for example, they do not trigger inclusion in this statute when they have no direct financial stake in that development project. It also simplifies compliance by keeping contributions from agents in a party or participant calculated separately.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
This bill will further the goals of the Political Reform Act by making the requirements for implementation clear and workable and helping remove conditions that have incentivized dark money pouring into campaigns.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
I've taken numerous amendments to this bill on the floor, including deleting the exemption for housing developments, clarifying definitions, and prohibiting agents from donating while a project is pending, all of which were proposed by the election's chair.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
And I'm committed to continuing to work with supporters and opponents alike to identify additional amendments to help address the underlying concerns as much as possible while still solving the problem and creating a fair system. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Senator Blakespear, you're recognized.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
Thank you, colleagues. I rise today to explain the reasons that I will not be supporting SB 1243 today. At issue in this bill are contributions to locally elected officials, from donors who are actively seeking a permit or contract approval from from those same elected officials.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
This bill raises the amount of a permitted contribution from $250 to $1000, shortens the time period during which the contribution limits apply, loosens longstanding aggregation rules that prohibit what could be multiple contributions from the same entity or person and carves out entirely those who pay membership dues.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
The bill does ban agents from contributing while a matter is pending, which partially addresses the problem. But the bill also removes longstanding aggregation rules, which means that the results of legal action could allow parties to multiply their impact through contributions from multiple agents. We can all imagine this reality.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
City Council Members are choosing between two applications to provide a run of the mill service in their city. For example, two small businesses are competing to run a camp sport store at a popular city campground. Or there are two applicants who want to open a cannabis store in a designated location.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
When one of those applicant hopefuls donates $1,000 to each elected official, and because of aggregation rules, the result is several thousands or multiple thousands and thousands of dollars from one entity, it's hard to imagine that the public would believe that those donations have no effect on decision making.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I evaluate this bill using the lens of principles that I believe are broadly shared. One I think we don't want large financial contributions to influence decisions about government contracts at the local level. We want local elected officials making decisions in support of the public good, not because of their own personal financial advantage in the next election.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I think we want compliance with the law to be easy to understand and workable for both the elected official and the potential donor. We want the rules to be practical.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
We don't want people volunteering their time serving on boards or part time city councils to have to hire an attorney to determine whether someone can give them a campaign contribution. Across the State of California, the average for city's contribution level is $500.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
We want to avoid giant loopholes where the maximum contribution could be made multiple, multiple times, once by the company seeking the permit, then by each and every other agent the company hires that advocate for the permit. We want the rules to apply to all donors equally, no carve outs or favorites.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I think we want to have clear applicability timelines so someone knows when the prohibition applies and when it does not. I recognize that the law, as it currently stands needs improvement. Like many of you, including the office, I have received feedback that the law needs improvement and clarifying. I want to improve it.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I think many of us do. There are currently two different bills from different authors that are also aiming to make changes to this same law, the Levine Act.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
It's worth repeating here that what we are talking about are the rules surrounding the narrow circumstance of an elected official taking a contribution from a party that is actively seeking an approval or permit from that same elected official. Other contributions are not implicated at all. As the chair of elections and constitutional amendments.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I am staying off this bill today because I believe it does not further the goals of the Political Reform Act. And despite quite enough time to have worked through the problems, the problems remain and the bill as it stands is a bill that I cannot support for the reasons I articulated.
- Catherine Blakespear
Legislator
I will also note that while there have been conversations, the clean money campaign and common cause remain opposed to this bill because their most important proposed amendments have not yet been accepted. Thank you.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Any further discussion on this item, Senator Dodd, you may close.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
Yes. Thank you, Madam President. I just think a couple points here need to be made. First of all, in this body, any of us can accept contributions at any given time, up to $5,500, and make a decision on a very important item to the State of California and somebody that had a special interest.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
I firmly do not believe that our local elected officials are bought and paid for by, for $250. I don't really think the way the FPPC is run today is even capable of doing this, frankly.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
And if you are pay to play, that is a subject for a city attorney, a District Attorney and the Attorney General, because that is corruption and we've seen it happen before, and that does work. In terms of the law needing approving, I think it does need some improvement.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
And already, just in the short period of time that I've run this through the Committee, you all saw probably the article on Politico. It's not been that much time, and we've made a lot of progress.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
I believe that my bill is a great vehicle going forward, and you know me over nine or 10 years, that I'm going to work this bill and get that done.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
This is not only supported, and I think one other thing on the opposition to any of these things, let's say a housing subdivision, a contractor can only, right now, the Bill can only give $250 to an elected official, none of his consultants or anybody else can give anything because the aggregation rules.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
And while a bunch of NIMBYs of 500 homes that are all around this potential subdivision can all give the maximum contribution allowable by law to the opposition, I commit to every member in this room, I will continue working this bill.
- Bill Dodd
Legislator
It will evidently, in no doubt, my mind change in some way, shape or form and come back to this body for concurrence. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the row.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Please call the absent members.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
Ayes 30, noes 2. Measure passes. That is all on our 2nd and 3rd reading. Moving on to committee amendments. Committee announcements. That's the second time. Committee announcements. Senator Menjivar has Budget Sub 3 in Room 1200 immediately following this, immediately following session. If there's no other business, Senator McGuire, the desk is clear.
- Mike McGuire
Legislator
Thank you so much, Madam President. Madam President, thank you for such a smooth and efficient kickoff to House of Origin Week. The goal today was 50 bills. We eclipsed that goal. Total measures passed today, 63. Thank you so much to each of the Senators. We are now officially ahead of schedule.
- Mike McGuire
Legislator
As we all know, we're going to be working the late shift each and every day. Members, we'll be starting at 10:00 AM Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and then going late into the evening each of those nights. Thank you for your hard work. The next floor session is scheduled for Tuesday, May 21, at 10:00 AM.
- Caroline Menjivar
Legislator
The Senate is adjourned. We will reconvene Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM.
Committee Action:Passed
Next bill discussion: June 10, 2024
Previous bill discussion: April 3, 2024