Senator Dave Cortese Advances Major Legislative Package Through Key Senate Appropriations Committee Suspense File

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Mario B. Lopez, Communications Director

Office of Senator Dave Cortese | District 15

Phone: 408-545-8205 | Email: Mario.lopez@sen.ca.gov

SACRAMENTO, CA – California State Senator Dave Cortese (D - San Jose) announced that a series of bills he authored during the 2026 legislative session have successfully advanced out of the Senate Appropriations Committee Suspense File, moving one step closer toward final Senate consideration before the bills move forward to the Assembly.

“This package of legislation reflects California’s need to modernize infrastructure, protect public safety, preserve our environment, and strengthen accountability,” said Senator Cortese. “I’m proud these measures are advancing because each one addresses urgent challenges facing our communities and economy.” 

The following proposals have advanced out of the Senate Appropriations Committee’s Suspense File: 

SB 1185 - Adopts Skilled and Trained Workforce Standards on Pharmaceutical Facility Projects  

  • SB 1185 requires the use of a skilled and trained workforce in building pharmaceutical facilities, helping protect public health and ensure a secure, reliable medical supply chain.

SB 1246 – Autonomous Vehicle Remote Operator and Emergency Response Standards

  • SB 1246 will make our roads safer and increase public trust in autonomous vehicles (AV) by standardizing remote AV practices, ensuring there are rapid responses to AV incidents, and facilitating more communication and collaboration between AV operators and first responders during emergencies. 

SB 1250 - Prioritizes Roadway Safety by Preventing Wildlife-Vehicle Collisions 

  • SB 1250 makes wildlife connectivity a priority in state transportation planning, improving habitat access while strengthening coordination and public input in infrastructure decisions. 

SB 1392 - "Jay Leno's Law" - Smog Exemptions for Select Classic and Collectible Vehicles  

  • SB 1392 expands smog exemptions for certain collector cars used in parades, exhibitions, and charitable events. 

SB 1425 – Supporting Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

  • SB 1425 authorizes the High-Speed Rail Authority to grant encroachment permits on rights-of-ways to promote regional development and bolster emergency management services. 

In addition, the following Senate proposals have already advanced to the Senate Floor for further consideration before they move forward to the Assembly: 

SB 1177 - Prioritizes California High-Speed Rail Project Accountability and Transparency  

  • SB 1177 strengthens oversight of the High-Speed Rail project by requiring key data and analyses to remain part of regular reports to the Legislature, ensuring continued transparency and accountability.

SB 1306 - Reduces Regulatory Barriers for Semiconductor Research and Manufacturing 

  • SB 1306 aligns California with federal standards to support semiconductor manufacturing, reduce disruptions, and strengthen the state’s leadership in high-tech innovation. 

SB 1375 - San Jose Diridon Station CEQA Exemption

  • SB 1375 provides a targeted CEQA exemption for the Diridon Station Program in San José. The measure reflects the extensive environmental review already completed in the Diridon Station area and the project’s substantial environmental, mobility, housing, and economic benefits.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 129 - Designating Highway 152 Pacheo Pass as Rusty Areias Highway  

  • SCR 129 honors former California Assemblyman Rusty Areias by naming a portion of Highway 152 in Santa Clara County after him, recognizing his decades of public service and major contributions to transportation and parks. 

Senator Dave Cortese represents Senate District 15, which encompasses San Jose and much of Santa Clara County in the heart of Silicon Valley. Visit Senator Cortese’s website: https://sd15.senate.ca.gov

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