Press Releases

Beall's Watchdog Bills to Curb Overmedication of Foster Youth Sent to Governor

September 10, 2015

SACRAMENTO – Legislation by Senator Jim Beall to stop the indiscriminate use of potent psychotropic drugs given to foster care youth was approved by the Senate today. Senate Bills 319 and 484 will be sent to the Governor.

“We must never allow the state’s most traumatized children to be shackled with chemical restraints simply because it is the most expedient way to control their behavior,’’ Beall said.

Legislature OKs More Mental Health Training for Peace Officers

September 03, 2015

SACRAMENTO – Senator Jim Beall’s twin bills to increase training for peace officers to improve their ability to safely cope with people who have mental illnesses or developmental disabilities were approved this week by the Legislature, drawing bipartisan support. Senate Bills 11 and 29 will be sent to Governor Brown for his consideration.

Senator Beall's Reaction to the 2015-16 Budget

June 15, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, chairman of both the Senate Transportation and Housing Committee and the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health, issues this statement regarding the approval of the new state budget:

“I am encouraged by this budget’s commitment to increase funding for schools, colleges, and the disadvantaged. But it turns a blind eye to the crumbling community-based infrastructure that serves over 270,000 Californians with developmental disabilities.

Senator Jim Beall's Reaction to Gov. Brown's Revised Budget

May 14, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose, issues this statement regarding the budget revisions.

‘’The Governor’s budget is disappointing because it falls woefully short in funding services for people with developmental disabilities.  His proposal does not include funding a minimum wage increase. In short, this budget actually serves as a cut.

Experts: Mental Health Training for Peace Officers Increases Safety, Saves Money

May 08, 2015

LOS ANGELES – Greater mental health training for officers not only increases the margin of safety for both them and people with mental illnesses but also improves community trust and saves taxpayer dollars, police and mental health professionals said before a California State Senate subcommittee hearing today.

“The experts made it clear: Improving mental health training for our peace officers is the right thing,’’ said Sen. Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Mental Health.

Audit Examines School Districts' Use of Mental Health Funding for Students

April 22, 2015

SACRAMENTO – An audit request by Senator Jim Beall to find out how school districts are using mental health funding and whether they are meeting their obligation to provide mental health services to students was approved today by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee.

Beall's SB 16 Paves the Way for California's Future

April 15, 2015

SACRAMENTO  –  A plan to restore California’s crumbling roads and freeways to make them durable and safe for the 21st century was unveiled Wednesday by Sen. Jim Beall, chairman of the Senate transportation committee.

“Senate Bill 16 solves a crisis that threatens our deteriorating streets and highways,’’ Beall said. “California faces a $59 billion backlog in deferred maintenance that will grow by billions every year. Our cities and counties have a backlog of $40 billion in repairs. We must take action now.

Beall Proposes Bill To Simplify Use Tax Refunds For Consumers

February 27, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- A bill streamlining sales and use tax refunds for California’s consumers was introduced Friday by Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose.

“Senate Bill 640 can speed up the refunds to customers who have paid a use tax and are owed large refunds,’’ Beall said. “The bill makes the refund process cleaner and simpler for customers by allowing them to directly apply for the refund and receive that refund directly from the Board of Equalization instead of through the retailer.’’

Beall Acts To Stop Over Medication Of Foster Youth In Group Homes

February 26, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- A proposal to track information pinpointing group homes that rely on over medicating foster care youth to control their behavior was introduced Thursday by Senator Jim Beall, D-San Jose.

“Senate Bill 484 steps up the state’s ability to identify group homes that  depend on psychotropic medications as the easiest means to control the behavior of foster youth,’’ Beall said. “Drugging and sedating children should never be considered the primary option in lieu of counseling, therapy, and appropriate treatment.’’

Beall Takes Action to Stop Nuisances on Communications Hill Stairs

February 17, 2015

SACRAMENTO -- The grand stairway that leads to the top of San Jose’s Communications Hill is a trek of more than 200 steps, a rigorous climb that rewards the determined with a scenic view of the city.

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