Weekly wrap-up update- Where is Senator Stern’s bill package?
SACRAMENTO, CA-It's bustling with activity in the office of Senator Henry Stern as we dive into the heart of legislative season. This April, our team is in full swing, maneuvering through amendments, and shaping policies that will impact our communities. As we reflect on our progress, we're excited to share a comprehensive weekly wrap-up of the initiatives we've authored moving through various committees and the strides we've made towards a brighter future for all Californians.
Senator Stern’s Bill to Crack Down on Extreme Speeding clears
Transportation Committee
SB 1509, also known as the "Not in California'' bill, has recently achieved a significant milestone by passing with bipartisan support in the Senate Transportation Committee on its way to Senate Appropriations. This legislation, aimed at addressing negligent driving behaviors on California's roads, seeks to enhance road safety and prevent future tragedies in the community. Among its proposed amendments to existing law, SB 1509 would classify convictions for driving over 26 miles per hour over the speed limit as a two-point violation against a driver's license on roadways with speed limits 55 mph and under. This measure comes in response to concerning statistics, with 34% of the state's yearly traffic fatalities being speed-related according to data from the CalTrans.
"SB 1509 represents a vital step forward in ensuring the safety of our roadways," said Senator Stern. "By holding negligent drivers accountable for their actions, we can prevent unnecessary loss of life and make our streets safer for all Californians."
Bills to Battle Mosquitos in California move out of Senate Health and Education Committees
Mosquitos suffered another decisive blow as SB 1252 Mosquito Science Abatement passed the Senate Health Committee on a vote of 9-0. The bill now advances to the Senate Education Committee next week. SB 1252 along with SB 1251 Mosquito Utility Vaults have these invasive pests fleeing for their very lives. Stern 2 vs Mosquitos 0.
Senator Stern Advances Trio of Education Bills Promoting Safety and Inclusivity in California Schools
Senator Stern’s Three education bills moved through the education committee with the intention of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment. SB 1421 is moving to the Senate Judiciary Committee, SB 1277 is on its way to Senate Appropriations and SB 1283 will go to the floor.
“These bills represent more than legislative milestones; they embody our collective promise to shield our children from harm and equip them with the knowledge to confront the shadows of history. It's an honor to champion these initiatives, each a testament to our unwavering dedication to the safety, protection, and enlightenment of the next generation.”
SB 1421: Codifies an “Office of Civil Rights” at the California Department of Education, tasked with investigating incidents of hate, including discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or bullying related to various factors such as disability, gender, nationality, race or ethnicity, sexual orientation, or religion at local educational agencies. The Office will ensure that students feel safe and protected in their schools.
SB 1283: Building upon existing school district authority, established by AB 272 Muratsuchi in 2019, SB 1283 expands a school district's ability to create policies limiting the use of smartphones on school campuses. Additionally, it allows for the development of policies relating to social media use on school campuses, promoting responsible digital citizenship among students.
SB 1277: Establishes the Teachers Collaborative for Holocaust and Genocide Education as a statewide teacher professional development program. Led by the California Department of Education, the Collaborative will focus on educating teachers about the Holocaust and genocides of various peoples, including Armenian, Bosnian, Indigenous American, Cambodian, and Uyghur communities. It will also address contemporary issues such as hate and antisemitism.
SB 1136- Updating Climate Check-In Requirements for CARB Moves to the Floor
SB1136 moved out of the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and to the floor. As Chair of the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies (JLCCCP), Sen. Stern’s SB 1136 revisits the reporting requirements established in 2016 by AB 197 (E. Garcia) maintains ongoing oversight of California's climate initiatives, including the cap-and-trade program. The committee receives annual reports from the Chair of the Air Resources Board on greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, ensuring accountability in the state's efforts to combat climate change. SB 1136 clarifies the California Air Resources Board role before the JLCCCP by focusing the reporting requirements on implementation of the state’s Scoping Plan, the document that outlines how the state will achieve its carbon neutrality mandates.
Stay tuned for next week: Tuesday, 4/16 SB 1237, 1251, 1301, 1311: will all be up in the Senate Energy Committee. Watch hearings: Senate Events | California State Senate