Assemblymember Gail Pellerin proudly announces the signing of Assembly Bill (AB) 2839 into law, marking a significant advancement in the protection of electoral integrity and voter trust in California. This groundbreaking bipartisan legislation, authored by Assemblymember Pellerin and coauthored by 11 legislators, addresses the growing threat of deepfake technology that is used to manipulate and deceive voters with false information related to an election.

AB 2839 specifically prohibits the distribution of digitally altered election communications—including mailers, robocalls, and video advertisements—that present false or misleading information pertaining to an officer conducting an election, an elected official, voting equipment, or candidates running for office. The bill acts to safeguard the democratic process from the harmful effects of deceptive deepfake materials by targeting materially deceptive content that is distributed 120 days before an election.

The bill prohibits content that is likely to harm a candidate’s reputation or electoral prospects, or to falsely undermine confidence in the election outcome. Under AB 2839, recipients of such content can seek injunctive relief or damages from the distributor. Additionally, the bill mandates that deepfake parody material be clearly labeled as digitally manipulated.

“Signing AB 2839 into law is a significant step in continuing to protect the integrity of our democratic process,” stated Assemblymember Pellerin. “With fewer than 50 days until the general election, there is an urgent need to protect against misleading, digitally-altered content that can interfere with the election. By targeting deceptive deepfakes and ensuring transparency in parody content, we are reinforcing the public’s trust in our electoral system. I’m thankful that Governor Newsom signed this legislation to ensure that voters are equipped with the accurate information they need to make informed decisions this November.”

The bill will take effect immediately due to its urgency clause, ensuring its provisions are in place well before the November 5, 2024, general election. This timely action reflects California’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its elections and protecting voters from misleading information.

AB 1778, as amended, Connolly. Vehicles: electric bicycles.

Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a “class 2 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a “class 3 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified.

This bill would, until January 1, 2029, authorize a local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, to adopt an ordinance or resolution that would prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle or require a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a bicycle helmet, as specified. The bill would require an ordinance or resolution that is adopted for this purpose to make a violation an infraction punishable by either a fine of $25 or completion of an electric bicycle safety and training course, as specified. The bill would, if an ordinance or resolution is adopted, require the county to, by January 1, 2028, submit a report to the Legislature that includes, among other things, the total number of traffic stops initiated for violations, the results of the traffic stops, and the actions taken by peace officers during the traffic stops, as specified. The bill would require the local authority or county to administer a public information campaign for at least 30 calendar days prior to the enactment of the ordinance or resolution, as specified. The bill would require the local authority or county to only issue warning notices for the first 60 days after the passage of the ordinance or resolution.

Existing law defines an electric bicycle and classifies electric bicycles into 3 classes with different restrictions. Under existing law, a “class 2 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour. Under existing law, a “class 3 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a speedometer and a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour. Existing law prohibits a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Existing law requires a person operating, or riding upon, a class 3 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. A violation of the Vehicle Code is a crime.

This bill would additionally prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle. The bill would require a person operating, or riding upon, a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a helmet, as specified. The bill would clarify that an electric bicycle can only be placed in a certain class if it ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches a max speed regardless of the mode.

Because the bill would prohibit certain persons from riding electric bicycles, the violation of which would be a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Digest Key

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal Committee: yesno   Local Program: yesno  

Bill Text

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.

Section 21214.5 is added to the Vehicle Code, to read:

21214.5.

 (a) A local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, may, by ordinance or resolution, prohibit a person under 16 years of age from operating a class 2 electric bicycle.

(b) A local authority within the County of Marin, or the County of Marin in unincorporated areas, may, by ordinance or resolution, require a person operating a class 2 electric bicycle to wear a bicycle helmet, as described in subdivision (b) of Section 21213.

(c) An ordinance or resolution adopted pursuant to this section shall make a violation an infraction punishable by a fine of twenty-five dollars ($25) or completion of an electric bicycle safety and training course pursuant to Section 894 of the Streets and Highways Code.

(d) (1) If an ordinance or resolution is adopted pursuant to this section, the county shall, by January 1, 2028, submit a report to the Legislature that includes all of the following:

(A) The total number of traffic stops initiated for violations.

(B) The results of the traffic stops, including whether a warning or citation was issued, property was seized, or an arrest was made.

(C) The number of times a person was stopped for allegedly operating a class 2 electric bicycle while under 16 years of age but was found to be over the age limit.

(D) If a warning or citation was issued, a description of the warning or the violation cited.

(E) If an arrest was made, the offense cited by the officer for the arrest and the perceived race or ethnicity, gender, and approximate age of the person stopped, provided that the identification of these characteristics is solely based on the observation and perception of the peace officer who initiated the traffic stop.

(F) The actions taken by a peace officer during the traffic stops, including, but not limited to, all of the following:

(i) Whether the peace officer asked for consent to search the person, and, if so, whether consent was provided.

(ii) Whether the peace officer searched the person or any property, and, if so, the basis for the search and the type of contraband or evidence discovered.

(iii) Whether the peace officer seized any property and, if so, the type of property that was seized and the basis for seizing the property.

(G) The number of times a person opted to complete, and did complete, the training course in lieu of paying the fine.

(H) The number of times that a person under 16 years of age was operating an electric bicycle and was involved in an accident that resulted in a permanent, serious injury, as defined in Section 20001, or a fatality in the six months prior to adoption of the ordinance or resolution, the cause of the accident, and the class of the electric bicycle that was being operated at the time of the accident.

(I) The number of times that a person under 16 years of age was operating an electric bicycle and was involved in an accident that resulted in a permanent, serious injury, as defined in Section 20001, or a fatality in the six months after adoption of the ordinance or resolution, the cause of the accident, and the class of the electric bicycle that was being operated at the time of the accident.

(2) A report submitted pursuant to this section shall be submitted in compliance with Section 9795 of the Government Code.

(e) A local authority or the County of Marin shall administer a public information campaign for at least 30 calendar days prior to the enactment of an ordinance or resolution pursuant to this section, including public announcements in major media outlets and press releases.

(f) A local authority or the County of Marin shall only issue warning notices for the first 60 days after the passage of an ordinance or resolution pursuant to this section.

(g) This section shall become inoperative on January 1, 2029, and as of that date is repealed.

AB 3139, as amended, Weber. Data privacy: vehicle manufacturers: remote vehicle technology.

Existing law establishes various privacy requirements applicable to vehicle manufacturers, including limitations on the usage of images or video recordings from in-vehicle cameras in new motor vehicles equipped standard with one or more in-vehicle cameras. Existing law provides various protections to persons who are escaping from actual or threatened domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, and other abuse, including providing for a means to keep the names and addresses of abuse survivors confidential in public records.

This bill would, among other things, require a vehicle manufacturer that offers a vehicle for sale, rent, or lease in the state that includes remote vehicle technology to do certain things, including ensure that the remote vehicle technology can be immediately manually disabled by a driver of the vehicle while that driver is inside the vehicle by a method that, among other things, is prominently located and easy to use and does not require access to a remote, online application. The bill would require a vehicle manufacturer to offer secure remote means via the internet for a survivor to submit a vehicle separation notice that meets specified requirements. The bill would define “survivor” to mean an individual who has a covered act committed, or allegedly committed, against the individual. The bill would define “covered act” to mean, among other things, certain crimes relating to domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

This bill would require a survivor to submit a vehicle separation notice through the secure remote means described above within 7 days of the date on which the survivor used the method of manually disabling remote vehicle technology and would require the notice to include prescribed information, including a statement by the survivor signed under penalty of perjury that a perpetrator who has access to the remote vehicle technology in the vehicle has committed committed, or allegedly committed committed, a covered act against the survivor or an individual in the survivor’s care, or a copy of specified documents that support that the perpetrator has committed committed, or allegedly committed committed, a covered act against the survivor or an individual in the survivor’s care, including a signed affidavit from, among other specified individuals acting within the scope of their employment, a licensed medical care provider.

By requiring a survivor to submit a statement signed under penalty of perjury or requiring specified individuals to sign an affidavit, the bill would expand the crime of perjury and impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would make a vehicle manufacturer that violates the above-described provisions liable in a civil action brought by a survivor for, among other things, reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of the prevailing survivor, in addition to any other remedy provided by law. The bill would specify that any waiver of the requirements of the above-described provisions is against public policy, void, and unenforceable. statutory damages in an amount not to exceed $50,000 or not to exceed $100,000 for a knowing violation.

This bill would define various terms for these purposes, purposes and would make related findings and declarations.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

DIGEST KEY

Vote: majority   Appropriation: no   Fiscal Committee: yes   Local Program: yes  

BILL TEXT

THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1.

 The Legislature finds and declares all of the following:

(a) Domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking, and related crimes are life-threatening issues and have lasting and harmful effects on individuals, families, and entire communities.

(b) Survivors of violence and abuse often lack meaningful support and options when establishing independence from an abuser, including barriers of financial insecurity and limited access to reliable communication tools to maintain essential connections with family, social safety networks, employers, and support services.

(c) Perpetrators of violence and abuse increasingly use technological and communication tools to exercise control over, monitor, and abuse their victims.

(d) Remote vehicle technology, including mobile phone wireless connectivity and location data capabilities that are manufactured into vehicles, are among the technological and communication tools perpetrators of violence and abuse can, and have, used.

(e) According to The New York Times, “Modern vehicles have been called ‘smartphones with wheels’ because they are internet-connected and have myriad methods of data collection, from cameras and seat weight sensors to records of how hard you brake and corner. Most drivers don’t realize how much information their cars are collecting and who has access to it.”

(f) Under the federal Safe Connections Act of 2022, survivors of domestic abuse are empowered to protect themselves and their loved ones by requiring telecommunications providers, upon request, to separate their mobile phone accounts from the accounts of their abusers.

SEC. 2.

 Chapter 36.5 (commencing with Section 22948.60) is added to Division 8 of the Business and Professions Code, to read:

CHAPTER  36.5. Remote Vehicle Technology

22948.60.

 (a) For the purposes of this chapter:

(1) “Covered act” means conduct that is any of the following:

(A) A crime described in subsection (a) of Section 40002 of the federal Violence Against Women Act (34 U.S.C. Sec. 12291), including domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sex trafficking.

(B) An act or practice described in paragraph (11) or (12) of Section 103 of the federal Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. Sec. 7102) relating to severe forms of trafficking in persons and sex trafficking, respectively.

(C) An act under state law, tribal law, or the Uniform Code of Military Justice (Chapter 47 (commencing with Section 801) of Title 10 of the United States Code) that is similar to an offense described in subparagraph (A) or (B).

(2) “Designated person” means a person who provides care to a survivor and meets both of the following criteria:

(A) The person has been authorized by the survivor to submit a request pursuant to subdivision (c) of Section 22948.61.

(B) The person did not commit, or did not allegedly commit, a covered act against the survivor.

(2)

(3) “Perpetrator” means an individual who has committed committed, or allegedly committed committed, a covered act against a survivor or an individual under the care of a survivor.

(3)

(4) “Remote vehicle technology” means any technology that allows a person who is outside of a vehicle to access the activity, track the location, or control any operation of the vehicle or its parts, that includes, but is not limited to, any of the following:

(A) A Global Positioning System (GPS).

(B) An app-based technology.

(C) Any other remote wireless connectivity technology.

(4)

(5) “Survivor” means an individual who meets either of the following criteria: has had a covered act committed, or allegedly committed, against the individual.

(A)The individual has had a covered act committed or allegedly committed against them.

(B)The individual provides care to an individual who has had a covered act committed or allegedly committed against, and that caretaker did not commit or allegedly commit the covered act.

(5)

(6) “Vehicle manufacturer” means a vehicle manufacturer or remanufacturer, as defined in Section 672 of the Vehicle Code.

(b) Subdivision (a) does not require a criminal conviction or any other determination of a court in order for conduct to satisfy a definition.

22948.61.

 (a) A vehicle manufacturer that offers a vehicle for sale, rent, or lease in the state that includes remote vehicle technology shall do all of the following:

(1) Ensure that the remote vehicle technology can be immediately manually disabled by a driver of the vehicle while that driver is inside the vehicle by a method that meets all of the following criteria:

(A) The method of manually disabling the remote vehicle technology shall be is prominently located and easy to use and shall does not require access to a remote, online application.

(B) Upon its use, the method of manually disabling the remote vehicle technology shall inform informs the user of the requirements of subdivision (b).

(C) The method of manually disabling the remote vehicle technology shall does not require a password or any log-in information.

(D) Upon its use, the method of manually disabling the remote vehicle technology shall does not result in the remote vehicle technology, vehicle manufacturer, or a third-party service provider sending to the registered owner of the car an email, telephone call, or any other notification related to the remote vehicle technology being disabled.

(E) Upon its use, the method of manually disabling the remote vehicle technology shall cause causes the remote vehicle technology to be disabled for a minimum of seven days and capable of being reenabled only by the vehicle manufacturer pursuant to paragraph (4).

(2) Offer secure remote means via the internet for a survivor to submit a vehicle separation notice that includes a prominent link on the vehicle manufacturer’s internet website that meets both of the following requirements:

(A) The link is titled, in bold and capital letters, “CALIFORNIA SURVIVOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ASSISTANCE.”

(B) The link provides a designated internet website portal that provides a survivor the ability to submit a vehicle separation notice and includes a form that enables a survivor to submit the information required by subdivision (b).

(3) Upon the request of a survivor, reset the remote vehicle technology with a new secure account and delete all data from the original account.

(4) Reenable the remote vehicle technology only if the registered owner of the car notifies the manufacturer that the remote vehicle technology was disabled in error, and a survivor has not contacted the vehicle manufacturer to provide the information required by subdivision (b) within seven days of the remote vehicle technology being disabled.

(b) A survivor shall submit a vehicle separation notice to a vehicle manufacturer through the means provided by the vehicle manufacturer pursuant to paragraph (2) of subdivision (a) within 7 days of the date on which the survivor used the method of manually disabling remote vehicle technology required by subdivision (a), which shall include the vehicle identification number of the vehicle and either of the following:

(1) A statement by the survivor signed under penalty of perjury that a perpetrator who has access to the remote vehicle technology in the vehicle has committed committed, or allegedly committed committed, a covered act against the survivor or an individual in the survivor’s care.

(2) A copy of either of the following documents that supports that the perpetrator has committed committed, or allegedly committed committed, a covered act against the survivor or an individual in the survivor’s care:

(A) A signed affidavit from any of the following individuals acting within the scope of that person’s employment:

(i) A licensed medical or mental health care provider.

(ii) A licensed military medical or mental health care provider.

(iii) A licensed social worker.

(iv) A victim services provider.

(v) A licensed military victim services provider.

(B) A copy of any of the following documents:

(i) A police report.

(ii) A statement provided by the police, including military police, to a magistrate judge or other judge.

(iii) A charging document.

(iv) A protective or restraining order, including military protective orders.

(v) Any other relevant document that is an official record.

(c) (1) Only if, for technological reasons, a vehicle manufacturer is unable to comply with paragraph (1) of subdivision (a), the vehicle manufacturer shall create a conspicuous mechanism that is easy to use by which a survivor or a designated person can submit a request to disable a vehicle’s remote vehicle technology.

(2) A vehicle manufacturer shall disable remote vehicle technology within one business day after receiving a request from a survivor that includes the information required by subdivision (b) and is submitted pursuant to the mechanism required by paragraph (1).

(d) This section does not authorize or require a vehicle manufacturer to verify ownership of a vehicle, the identity of a survivor, or the authenticity of information that is submitted by the survivor.

22948.62.

 (a) In addition to any other remedy provided by law, a vehicle manufacturer that violates Section 22948.61 shall be liable in a civil action brought by a survivor for all of the following:

(1) Reasonable attorney’s fees and costs of the prevailing survivor.

(2) A civil penalty Statutory damages in an amount not to exceed fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) per violation, or a civil penalty statutory damages in an amount not to exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) per violation for knowing violations.

(3) Actual damages or three times the amount at which the actual damages are assessed for knowing or reckless violations.

(b) Any waiver of the requirements of this chapter shall be against public policy, void, and unenforceable.

SEC. 3.

 No reimbursement is required by this act pursuant to Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution because the only costs that may be incurred by a local agency or school district will be incurred because this act creates a new crime or infraction, eliminates a crime or infraction, or changes the penalty for a crime or infraction, within the meaning of Section 17556 of the Government Code, or changes the definition of a crime within the meaning of Section 6 of Article XIII B of the California Constitution.

Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo’s AB 1950 would mandate a historical report, compensation options, and a memorial to honor uprooted residents

Los Angeles, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo unveiled Assembly Bill (AB) 1950, the Chavez Ravine Accountability Act, which aims to address the historical injustice faced by those living in the Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles, a predominately Latino community. Authored by Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo and sponsored by Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, AB 1950 would acknowledge and rectify the displacement of these communities in the 1950s, offering a path toward historical accountability, reparative measures, and a permanent memorial honoring their legacy.

“AB 1950, the Chavez Ravine Accountability Act aims to correct an injustice that displaced families and has lingered in the shadows of Los Angeles Eastside history for far too long. Amid the 1950s, the vibrant community of Chavez Ravine, home to mostly Mexican-American families, as well as Italian-American and Chinese-American, saw an upheaval as families were uprooted and displaced in the name of progress. Families were promised a return to better housing, but instead, they were left destitute,” said Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo (D-Los Angeles).  “For generations, Chavez Ravine stood as a beacon of hope and resilience, embodying the dreams and aspirations of families who built their lives within its embrace. With this legislation, we are addressing the past, giving voice to this injustice, acknowledging the pain of those displaced, offering reparative measures, and ensuring that we honor and remember the legacy of the Chavez Ravine community."

Chavez Ravine was named after Julian Chavez, a rancher who served as assistant mayor, city councilmember, and, eventually, as one of L.A. County's first supervisors in the mid-1800s. Chavez Ravine as we currently know it, was established in the early 1900s, encompassed approximately 315 acres, and had three main neighborhoods — Palo Verde, La Loma, and Bishop. By the 1950s, this area was home to generations of predominantly Mexican Americans.

Residents, many of whom were working-class families, built a strong sense of community, with local businesses, churches, and social organizations thriving in the area. In the 1950s, the City of Los Angeles initiated plans to acquire land in Chavez Ravine under the guise of building public housing. However, it ultimately abandoned these plans and instead sold the land to a private developer who built Dodger Stadium on the site. This displacement forced more than 1,800 families from their homes and businesses, scattering a close-knit community and leaving a lasting impact on their lives and livelihoods.

"AB 1950 is about confronting a historical injustice and ensuring Angelenos understand the true story of Chavez Ravine," said Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara, one of the bill's sponsors. "Only by acknowledging the past can we work towards a more just and equitable future for all communities in Los Angeles."

“The unjust seizure of land from the longtime residents of these three communities in the Chavez Ravine neighborhood is a chapter in our city’s history that we cannot rewrite,” said Alfred Fraijo, Jr., Latino community leader. “Our homes are central to our livelihood and sense of being—and often the most important asset in the building of generational wealth. Belated as it may be, we hope this legislation will begin a larger conversation about how to restore justice to all those who bear the scars of social, racial, and economic discrimination, and create an opportunity for healing and reconciliation for all Angelenos.”

Specifically, if enacted into law, AB 1950 would result in:

• Historical Accountability: Mandates a comprehensive report detailing events surrounding the land acquisition and displacement, and makes it publicly available to foster transparency and education about this pivotal moment in Los Angeles' history.
• Reparative Measures: Proposes various forms of compensation, including offering City-owned real estate comparable to the original Chavez Ravine landowners or providing fair market value compensation adjusted for inflation. It also creates pathways for displaced non-landowning residents to receive relocation assistance, healthcare access, employment support, educational opportunities, and other forms of compensation deemed appropriate by a newly established Task Force.
• Permanent Memorial: Requires the construction of a memorial on Chavez Ravine or adjoining property to honor the displaced residents and their legacy.

It is important to note AB 1950 focuses solely on the displaced community of Chavez Ravine and does not involve the Los Angeles Dodgers or Dodger Stadium.

The measure will be heard in the Assembly’s Judiciary Committee. The text of the measure can be found at: https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml?bill_id=202320240AB1950

###

About Assemblywoman Wendy Carrillo

Assemblywoman Carrillo was elected to serve in the State Assembly in December 2017. She represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes East Los Angeles, the City of Los Angeles, and South Glendale. She serves on the Assembly Committees on Appropriations, Emergency Management, Health, Labor and Employment, and the Joint Committee on Climate Change Policies. She also serves as the Chair of the Select Committee on Latina Inequities, Vice Chair of the Legislative Progressive Caucus, Commissioner for the California Film Commission, Commissioner for the Mental Health Services Oversight and Accountability Commission, and Member of the California Cultural and Historical Endowment Board.

About Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara

Using every tool at his disposal, Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara's goal is to safeguard the integrity of the state’s insurance market composed of consumers, drivers, homeowners, and businesses. He is focused on addressing decades-long neglected issues and taking on powerful, entrenched special interests to make insurance more available, which in turn will lead to greater affordability.

Led by Commissioner Lara, the California Department of Insurance is the consumer protection agency for the nation's largest insurance marketplace, safeguarding all of the state’s consumers by fairly regulating the insurance industry. Under the Commissioner’s direction, the Department uses its authority to protect Californians from insurance rates that are excessive, inadequate, or unfairly discriminatory. The Department oversees insurance company solvency to pay claims, set standards for agents and broker licensing, perform market conduct reviews of insurance companies, resolve consumer complaints, and investigate and prosecute insurance fraud.

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson introduces Bill Assembly Bill 2229 (AB 2229), aimed at enhancing comprehensive sexual health education in California schools. This bill seeks to address a crucial gap in current education by including menstrual health as an integral part of sexual health curriculum. The idea for AB 2229 emerged from our "There Oughta Be a Law" contest, highlighting the importance of community engagement in shaping legislative initiatives.

Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson emphasized the importance of AB 2229, stating, "It's crucial that we provide our students with accurate and comprehensive sexual health education that includes menstrual health. By addressing this gap in our curriculum, we can empower young people to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Additionally, educating students about menstruation can help break down stigmas and taboos, promoting healthier attitudes and outcomes."

"My period should never have been shrouded in mystery, nor should I have suffered in silence due to misinformation and shame,” said Sriya Srinivasan, sponsor and Solano Community College student trustee. “Passing AB 2229, we have the opportunity to provide relief and empowerment to thousands of students"

The California Healthy Youth Act (AB 329) has been pivotal in ensuring middle and high school students receive comprehensive sexual health education since its enactment in 2016. However, despite its comprehensive nature, the existing curriculum fails to explicitly address menstrual health. This gap in the curriculum means that many students in California are missing critical information about menstrual health, which is essential for reducing stigma and increasing awareness within the community.

Assembly Bill 2229 seeks to rectify this by adding the definition of "Menstrual Health" to the curriculum, ensuring students receive information about the menstrual cycle, premenstrual syndrome and pain management, menstrual disorders, menstrual irregularities, menopause, menstrual stigma, and other relevant topics. This aligns with federal policy and underscores the need for comprehensive menstrual health education to be integrated into the existing sexual health curriculum.

2024 Legislative & Budget Priorities

2024 #1 Priority Legislation

AB 1955 (Ward, LGBTQ Caucus) – SAFETY Act
The Support Academic Futures & Educators for Today’s Youth Act (SAFETY Act), would strengthen existing California protections against forced outings of LGBTQ+ students in schools; provide critical resources for parents and families of LGBTQ+ students to support them in working towards family acceptance on their own terms; and provide additional protections to educators who face retaliatory actions from administrators and school boards for seeking to create an inclusive and safe school environment.

2024 Priority “Sponsored” Legislation

AB 1899 (Cervantes) – Gender-Inclusive Jury Questionnaires
This bill requires Judicial Council to create a template juror questionnaire that is inclusive of gender expression and identity.

AB 1979 (Ward) – Doxing Victims Recourse Act
This bill provides recourse for victims who have been harmed as a result of being doxed by allowing a victim to pursue civil action to receive restitution for the harms endured as a result of being doxed.

AB 2258 (Zbur) – Protecting Access to Preventive Services
The bill codifies longstanding federal guidance that health plans and insurers must cover services that are integral to providing recommended preventive care – including anesthesia and polyp removal during a colonoscopy; placement, management, and removal of long-acting reversible contraceptives; and, ancillary and support services for PrEP including HIV and other STI screening – without cost sharing.

AB 2442 (Zbur) – Expedited Medical Licensure for Gender-Affirming Care
This bill requires the expedited processing of licensure applications by the Medical Board of California, the Osteopathic Medical Board of California, the Board of Registered Nursing, the Physician Assistant Board, the Board of Behavioral Sciences, and the Board of Psychology for applicants demonstrating a commitment to providing gender-affirming health care or gender-affirming mental health care services within their licensed scope of practice.

AB 2477 (Zbur) – Foster Care Cash Savings
This bill permits youth transitioning to adulthood from foster care the chance to grow the best financial safety net possible by updating state law to clarify that young adults have the ability to accumulate cash savings while in foster care.

AB 2498 (Zbur) – California Housing Security Act
This bill aims to prevent individuals from falling into homelessness by providing rent subsidies to a range of rent-burdened populations, including former foster youth, older adults, adults with disabilities, people experiencing unemployment or homelessness, and recently incarcerated people.

AB 3031 (Lee and Low) – Statewide LGBTQ+ Commission
This bill establishes a Statewide LGBTQ+ Commission to serve as a state-level focal point for identification of key issues for the Caucus to prioritize in the future.

SB 11 (Menjivar) – California State University Mental Health [Two-Year Bill]
This bill would require the CSU to decrease the ratio of students to mental health counselors to address increased student needs and work to create a pipeline for CSU students to become mental health professionals. Also, this bill would increase data collection on CSU’s mental health services and student wellbeing.

SB 729 (Menjivar) – Health Care Coverage for Infertility and Fertility Treatment [Two-Year Bill]
This bill would expand access to fertility care for Californians, including coverage for in vitro fertilization (IVF). Also, this bill would revise the definition of infertility to ensure same-sex couples are covered by health care insurance and are treated without discrimination.

SB 954 (Menjivar) – Youth Health Equity + Safety (YHES) Act This bill seeks to address the sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemic among California youth and improve equitable public health outcomes statewide by expanding teen access to condoms in schools and communities.

SB 957 (Wiener) – SOGI Data Collection
This bill requires the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to collect sexual orientation and gender identity (SOGI) data from third-party entities, including local health jurisdictions, on any forms or electronic data systems, unless prohibited by federal or state law. The bill also requires CDPH to provide an annual report to the public and to the Legislature on its efforts to collect, analyze, and report SOGI data.

SB 959 (Menjivar) – TGI Resources Website
This bill establishes an online resource for transgender, gender diverse, and intersex (TGI) people and their families to combat misinformation and provide accurate information about access to trans-inclusive health care, existing legal protections for patients and health care providers, and other available support services.

SB 990 (Padilla) – LGBTQ+ Disaster Relief Plans
This bill requires Cal-OES to consult with LGBTQ+ organizations and advocates in the community when creating the State Disaster Plan.

SB 1278 (Laird) – World AIDS Day
This bill enshrines December 1st as World AIDS Day, a day globally recognized in solidarity with people affected by HIV.

SB 1333 (Eggman) – HIV Data Sharing
This bill requires state and local health department employees and contractors to annually sign the agreement and would repeal the annual review of the agreements. Additionally, this bill authorizes disclosure to other local, state, or federal public health agencies or to medical researchers when confidential information is necessary for the coordination of, linkage to, or reengagement in care for the person.

SB 1491 (Eggman) – LGBTQ+ Higher Education Equity
This bill, beginning with the 2026–27 school year, requires the Student Aid Commission to provide a written notice to students who receive state financial aid regarding whether their postsecondary educational institution has an exemption from either the Equity in Higher Education Act or Title IX on file with the commission.

2024 Endorsed “Supported” Legislation

AB 1810 (Bryan) – Incarcerated Peoples’ Menstrual Products
Caucus Co-Author: Assemblymember Zbur This bill ensures that any incarcerated person and/or youth who menstruates or experiences uterine or vaginal bleeding has ready access to, is allowed to use, and continues to use materials necessary for personal hygiene without having to request them.

AB 1825 (Muratsuchi) – The California Freedom to Read Act
Caucus Principal Co-Author: Assemblymember Ward This bill prohibits public libraries from banning books based on partisan or political reasons, view point discrimination, gender, sexual identity, religion, disability, or on the basis that the books contain inclusive and diverse perspectives.

AB 3161 (Bonta) – Equity in Health Care Act: Ensuring Safety and Accountability
Caucus Co-Author: Assemblymember Jackson This bill requires hospitals to analyze patient safety events by sociodemographic factors, like race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, and disability status. This will allow us to see the disparities in health that communities of color and LGBTQ communities are facing. Additionally, AB 3161 requires hospital safety plans to include a process for addressing racism and discrimination and its impacts on patient health and safety.

SB 1022 (Skinner) – Defending Housing, Employment, and Other Civil Rights Violations
Caucus Co-Author: Senator Wiener This bill empowers the Civil Rights Department (CRD) to stop systemic workplace discrimination by doing the following: (1) Clarify that deadlines that apply to individual complaints do not apply to complaints initiated by CRD or to group/class claims being prosecuted by CRD; (2) Allow CRD to rectify longrunning civil rights violations for the benefit of all victims, not only recent victims; (3) Allow CRD to pause investigations when the parties agree; and, (4) Allow housing discrimination cases to be brought in any county where CRD has an office.

May Revise Budget Priorities

Preserve all funding for the LBTQ Women’s Health Equity Initiative Fund within CDPH Office of Health Equity’s Gender Health Equity Section by authorizing existing funds to transfer from FY23/24 to FY24/25.

Reject proposed cuts to the CYBHI – Public Education and Change Campaign funding within CDPH Office of Health Equity to ensure LGBTQ+ preventive mental health programs are prioritized including local LGBTQ organizations and the statewide LGBTQ campaign, and replace proposed cuts with a more equitable level of funding reduction.

Reject proposed cuts for “The Future of Public Health” initiative at CDPH Office of Health Equity to ensure LGBTQ community services within local health departments are supported for sexual health and harm reduction programs.

Support requested expenditure authority of $725,000 with Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to support addition of intersexuality to voluntary self-identification information to be collected by state departments and entities, pursuant to the requirements of AB 1163 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Disparities Reduction Act).

Support requested expenditure authority of $710,000 with Department of Public Health (CDPH) to implement system changes to collect voluntary self identification information pertaining to intersexuality in the course of collecting demographic data, pursuant to the requirements requirements of AB 1163 (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Disparities Reduction Act).

Support requested expenditure authority of $718,000 with Health Care Access and Information (HCAI) to to support implementation of required planning by hospitals for increasing the diversity of procured vendors, pursuant to the requirements of AB 1392 (Rodriguez), Chapter 840, Statutes of 2023.

Priority Budget Requests (In Alphabetical Order)

ADAP Rebate Fund Loan Reduction & Modernizations – This budget request reduces the Governor’s proposed $500 million loan from the AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) Rebate Fund to the General Fund (GF) to $250 million, of which $5 million of the loaned ADAP-to-GF must go towards SB 954 (Menjivar, 2024), the YHES Act. Additionally, this budget request seeks the following modernizations to ADAP: (1) ADAP and PrEP-AP eligibility increase from 500% Federal Poverty Level (FPL) to 600% FPL – $3.5 million (one-time); (2) Harm Reduction Clearinghouse Increase: $10 million (one-time); (3) Health Insurance Premium Payment Cap on Premium Payments Lift: $3.5 million (one-time) & $7 million (ongoing); (4) TGI Wellness and Equity Fund: $5 million (ongoing); and, (5) Needs assessments and analyses for both gap identification of client navigation and retention services, as well as PrEP Navigation Program: $400 thousand (onetime).

California Coalition of Transgender Immigrants – This budget request seeks $250,000 in funding to be divided into three programs to help bring equity, justice, and inclusion for Transgender, Gender NonConforming, and Intersex (TGI) immigrants: (1) Trans Immigrant Asylee program – $150,000; (2) Trans Inter-Sectional Unity program – $50,000; and, (3) Trans Emerging Leadership and Artist program – $50,000.

Raise-A-Child Foster Family Recruitment & Retention Expansion – This budget request seeks $1 million in funding to accelerate the expansion of Raise-A-Child services throughout California to go towards: (1) Recruitment Promotion Campaigns; (2) Community Events and Engagement; (3) Virtual Information and Orientation Sessions; and, (4) Technical Assistance and Support.

Renewal of Preservation of LGBTQ+ History Program Historical Archives – This budget request seeks to renew previously allocated funding for the “Preservation and Accessibility of California’s LGBTQ+ History Program,” which is a competitive grant program that is administered by the California State Library. This program supports LGBTQ+ archives of all sizes for projects that work to preserve and make publicly accessible collections relevant to the LGBTQ+ movement, culture, experience, and/or history in California, as well as provides vital information services, including research opportunities, youth engagement, and academic enrichment. Specifically, this San Francisco Harvey Milk Plaza ADA Updates – This budget request seeks to invest $5 million in funding to be used towards the installation of a new ADA-compliant main stair and a new escalator to access the entrance to the Castro Muni Station for Harvey Milk Plaza. AB 1955 (Ward, LGBTQ Caucus) – SAFETY Act

New Bill Stops Landlords from Denying Housing to Tenants with Pets

The chair of the California Legislative Renters Caucus, Matt Haney (D-San Francisco) has introduced legislation that prohibits blanket pet bans in rental units in California. AB 2216 will require landlords to have reasonable reason(s) for not allowing a pet in a rental unit and only allows landlords to ask about pet ownership after a tenant’s application has been approved.

California has the second highest number of tenants in the country, with 17 million families and individuals renting — close to 12 million, or 70% of these renters are pet owners. Unfortunately only under current law only 30% of available rentals in any given city are pet friendly. In San Francisco only 21% of the available rentals currently on the market allow for pets. Similarly, despite having close to 3 million pet owning renters, only 26% of Los Angeles rentals allow for pets.

“One of our main strategies to address the housing crisis has been building more housing,” said Assemblymember Haney. “We have to keep building housing, and much faster, but we won’t be able to solve this crisis if 12 million people across the state are being denied access to that housing because they have a companion pet.  The majority of renters in our state, pet owners, are denied access to the majority of rental units. That makes no sense at all and it's dramatically exacerbating the housing crisis.” 

The lack of pet friendly housing is causing more than 829,000 tenants to have pets in their units without the knowledge of their landlord. This leaves landlords without adequate coverage for potential damages that could be mitigated if they knew their tenants had a pet such as pet insurance, or reasonable pet restrictions.

“My partner and I searched for over a month for a 2 bedroom rental unit that would allow for my small cattle dog mix,” said Andrea Amavisca, a Sacramento resident.

“Landlords that initially liked our application would suddenly stop answering our calls once they found out we had a dog. Or others would require a pet deposit close to $1,000 that would put the unit totally out of our budget. Every rental had a different pet policy with fees that varied based on discretion. It felt unfair.”

“Like it or not humans have pets, they always have and they always will,” said Haney. “Blanket no companion pet policies are causing landlords to miss out on good tenants who get rejected without even getting a chance to apply for a place to live. The current system is bad for everyone.”

“Along with millions of pet owners across California, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) firmly believes that household pets are an integral part of our families.  Housing is a fundamental right that should not be limited because tenants are forced to choose between keeping their pet or putting a roof over their head,” said Jenny Berg, California State Director of the Humane Society of the United States. “As we’ve shown through our prior legislative efforts, HSUS supports removing barriers to accessing housing, like unnecessary and unwarranted pet restrictions, and are proud to sponsor AB 2216 with Assemblymember Haney.” 

Many tenants are being forced to surrender their pets to already overrun shelters that don’t have adequate resources to take care of more animals. A survey of 240 California based shelters revealed that 67,881 pets were surrendered by their owners, with the leading cause being a lack of access to pet friendly housing.

California State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas has announced the formation of a new Select Committee on Retail Theft, and has named Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) as Committee Chair. The Select Committee is comprised of bipartisan members from across the state, including from areas most impacted by retail theft. The committee will provide a forum to engage impacted stakeholders – including large retailers, small businesses, criminal justice reform advocates, law enforcement, and representatives of workers and the public – to identify policy solutions to this ongoing crisis.

The 11 Committee members are:

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur (D-Hollywood) – Committee Chair
Assemblymember Juan Alanis (R-Merced & Stanislaus)
Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego)
Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Alameda & San Francisco)
Assemblymember Vince Fong (R-Kern & Tulare)
Assemblymember Matt Haney (D-San Francisco)
Assemblymember Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento)
Assemblymember Liz Ortega (D-Alameda)
Assemblymember Blanca Pacheco (D-Los Angeles & Orange)
Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris (D-Orange)
Assemblymember Pilar Schiavo (D-Los Angeles)

Retail theft – which encompasses shoplifting, commercial burglary, and commercial robbery– has seen an alarming rise in California, most notably, but not exclusively, in the Bay Area, the Central Valley, and Los Angeles County. Currently, Los Angeles County has the highest rate of commercial robbery, which is a violent crime defined as theft involving the threat or use of force. Commercial burglary has increased statewide, becoming the most common type of retail theft in recent years, and is at its highest rate since 2008. In 2022, Kern, San Francisco, and Fresno experienced the highest rates of commercial burglary, and rates in Fresno, Alameda, and Orange Counties were 50 percent higher than before the pandemic.

In 2023, the Governor and Legislature, recognizing the gravity of this issue, awarded the largest-ever single investment to combat organized retail crime in California history — sending over $267 million to 55 cities and counties to increase arrests and prosecutions for organized retail crime. The funding, part of the Governor's Real Public Safety Plan, was dispersed on October 1, 2023, to 34 police departments, 7 sheriffs' departments, one probation department, and 13 district attorney offices to prevent and investigate cases of organized retail theft and arrest and prosecute more suspects. The Select Committee on Retail Theft will review and explore additional policy solutions to address the crisis.

"Californians have had enough of these smash-and-grab crimes and shameless shoplifting incidents," Speaker Rivas said. "They're appalling and affect everyone. The Assembly understands we must do more to address root causes, protect businesses owners and fight criminal activity. It's my expectation that the Retail Theft select committee will act with focus and urgency."

"I applaud and thank Speaker Rivas for prioritizing this important issue," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "We are seeing increasing store closures across the state attributed to shoplifting, as well as commercial burglary and commercial robbery. Widespread retail theft is not only bad for business and a source of shopper inconvenience – it's an issue of safety, and the perception of safety, for workers, business owners, and the public. Speaker Rivas and members of the Assembly are committed to responding with smart and effective solutions to this trend of retail thefts and organized crime, and the Select Committee is ready to get to work."

The Select Committee on Retail Theft will convene this fall and continue its work through the 2024 legislative session.