Press Releases

Beall's SB 1262 to Save Millions More for Road Repairs Signed Into Law

September 17, 2018

SACRAMENTO –  Ensuring Caltrans meets SB 1’s mandate to save taxpayer dollars through efficiency,  Governor Brown today signed Senator Jim Beall’s legislation to allow the permanent use of a new design process that has resulted  in faster and less costly road repairs and upgrades.

“SB 1262 will create hundreds of millions in savings on road projects,’’ Beall said. “Caltrans can take those savings and invest it in more road maintenance and upgrades to increase the safety and efficiency of our transportation system across the state.’’

Governor OKs Leasing Unused Caltrans Land in San Jose & L.A. for the Homeless

September 17, 2018

SAN JOSE --  Sen. Jim Beall’s legislation allowing the cities of San Jose and Los Angeles to lease Caltrans properties to serve the homeless was signed into law by Governor Brown today.

Under SB 519, co-authored by both Beall and Senator Steven Bradford, D-Gardena, the cities would be able to lease up to 10 parcels of unused Caltrans land at a cost of only $1 per month. The bill calls for the properties to be used as sites for emergency shelter or programs that provide food.

SB 818 Signed by Governor, Homeowner Bill of Rights Restored

September 14, 2018

SAN JOSE – Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, chairman of the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee, issues this statement on today’s ratification of SB 818 by Governor Brown today to restore the Homeowner Bill of Rights, which had lapsed on Jan. 1, 2018:

San Jose Housing for Vets & Homeless Gets $49.4 Million in State Bond Financing

September 13, 2018

CAMPBELL -- Senator Jim Beall today praised the state authorization of  $49.4 million in bonds and tax credits to finance construction of  a 135-unit apartment development in San Jose for veterans, the homeless, and the people with developmental disabilities.

SB 906: Improving Mental Health & Addiction Support

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – People struggling with addiction and mental health disorders may soon have a new important source of support and counseling from certified peer providers who have real-life experience from forging their own paths to recovery.

Senate Bill 906, introduced by Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, approved by a 39-0 concurrence vote in the Senate, now moves to the Governor’s office for consideration.

Repurposing Surplus Land to Serve San Jose's and Los Angeles' Homeless

August 31, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Senators Jim Beall and Steven Bradford to give the cities of San Jose and Los Angeles an affordable tool to combat the growing homeless crisis is headed to the Governor. 

SB 519 allows the cities to pay $1 a month to lease unused Caltrans properties for emergency shelters and feeding kitchens. It also caps administrative fees to $500 a year.

Beall's Bill to Increase Mental Health Services at Schools Advances to Governor's Desk

August 28, 2018

SACRAMENTO – Senator Jim Beall’s SB 1019 is on its way to the Governor’s desk, legislation aimed at reversing a disturbing trend that shows California schools students’ mental health needs have risen but access to treatment remains low. The bill advanced on a Senate concurrence vote.

Repairing More Roads with Savings Achieved by Smarter Planning

August 24, 2018

SACRAMENTO – A bill that gives California a way to complete road upgrades and major rehabilitation projects faster, cheaper, and easier was green-lighted by the Legislature today and sent to the Governor’s Office.  The bill was advanced on a 39-0 concurrence vote in the Senate.

Senate Bill 1262, carried by Senator Jim Beall, enables Caltrans to meet a requirement in Senate Bill 1 that calls for Caltrans to institute efficiency measures with the goal of saving up to $100 million annually in maintenance and rehabilitation costs of the state highway system.

Beall's Mental Health Diversion Program Proposal Provides Treatment and Preserves Public Safety

August 24, 2018

SACRAMENTO – An amended version of SB 215 by Sen. Jim Beall that assists courts with the implementation of mental health diversion programs while protecting public safety will be up for consideration next week in the Assembly.

“Successful mental health diversion programs increase public safety by addressing the root cause of the offense,’’ said Beall, who serves as chairman of both the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health and the Mental Health Caucus. “Providing treatment is a priority because nearly a third of California’s jail population suffers from a mental illness.

Beall Assists in $15 Million in State Funding for New Santa Clara County Mental Health Program for Youth

August 23, 2018

SACRAMENTO – With an assist from Senator Jim Beall, Santa Clara County was granted $15 million in state funding today to help youth and young adults, gain increased access to treatment for emerging mental health needs.

The four-year grant was unanimously approved by the Mental Health Services and Oversight & Accountability Commission, which directs Proposition 63 funding. Beall, who serves on the commission, voted in support of the grant award.

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