It's a Wrap! My bills signed into law

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Dear Friends and Neighbors‚

Great news! California Governor Gavin Newsom signed ten of my 2024 legislative session bills into law. My bills covered a range of issues from education‚ healthcare‚ public safety to workforce standards‚ and more. I want to take time to thank Senate District 15 residents who provided input and inspired much of my authored legislation this past year. It was through your thought-partnership and continued advocacy that we were able to craft legislation from an idea and turn it into a law.

Some of my bills underscore that California’s children are all of our children. They must be protected from harm including everything from life-threatening restraints at school to being exposed to deadly fentanyl. They are our priorities and my legislation will reflect that when it becomes law on January 1‚ 2025.

Please read below for a brief overview of each of my bills.

Sincerely‚

sd15-signature

Dave Cortese‚ Senator
California Senate District 15

 

 

Senate Bills signed by the Governor:

 

  1. SB 483 – Max Benson’s Law on Banning “Prone Restraint” in California Schools
    SB 483 will prohibit “prone restraint‚” a technique that physically or mechanically restrains a student in a facedown position‚ in all California schools. This bill was named after Max Benson‚ a 13-year-old youth with autism who died at an El Dorado Hills school after being held in a prone restraint for over an hour. SB 483 was proposed by disability activist and constituent David Forderer of San José.
     
  2. SB 554 – The Survivor’s Protection Act
    SB 554 will empower survivors of domestic violence and harassment by allowing them to request protective orders in a California court regardless of their in-state or county residency status.
     
  3. SB 908 – Stopping Fentanyl Exposure to Young Children
    SB 908 gives California counties better tools to protect fentanyl’s youngest victims. The bill mandates the State Department of Public Health track and analyze trends in fentanyl-related deaths of babies and children five and younger. In 2023‚ 11 children in this age group died in California including 3-month-old Baby Phoenix Castro in San José. Babies and children stop breathing when recklessly exposed to the smallest amount of fentanyl (2mg) in their homes and surroundings. There is a critical need for preventative guidelines and to give adults and caregivers this information in doctors’ offices‚ hospital maternity units‚ addiction clinics‚ daycare operations‚ schools and more.
     
  4. SB 956 – Modernizing K-12 School Facilities
    SB 956 will save millions of taxpayers’ dollars when renovating or constructing new on-campus facilities. By making the contracting process permanent‚ it allows school districts to move quickly on building projects with better collaboration between architects‚ engineers‚ and contractors.
     
  5. SB 1015 – Addressing California’s Nurse Workforce Shortage
    SB 1015 will help California build an adequate nursing workforce that reflects the diversity of our state by getting clinical education placements for nursing students. The bill takes a big step forward in addressing our nursing shortage.
     
  6. SB 1162 – Employers’ Compliance with Skilled and Trained Workforce Standards
    SB 1162 will require employers to verify a worker’s identification‚ and their corresponding completion of a state-certified apprenticeship program. This ensures employers are not engaging in wage theft.
     
  7. SB 1209 – Indemnification of Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCO’s)
    Local Agency Formation Commissions (LAFCOs) are independent‚ state-mandated commissions that regulate the boundaries of cities and special districts in California. SB 1209 gives LAFCOs protection against liability for the actions of others. This bill also prevents taxpayers & ratepayers from being charged extra fees.
     
  8. SB 1226 – Right to Hunt in Navigable Waters
    This bill reinforces the right of Californians to access navigable waterways for outdoor recreation like hunting and fishing.
     
  9. SB 1300 – Accountability and Transparency Regarding Inpatient Psychiatric and Maternity Ward Closures
    SB 1300 was National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) sponsored bill inspired by the closure of psyche beds by local hospitals and the closure of maternity wards up and down the state including my district. It will require a health facility to provide a 120-day public notice of the elimination of its inpatient psychiatric and perinatal services. The bill increases transparency and accountability by requiring a health facility to provide a justification for its decision to eliminate such services and to hold a public hearing on the proposed service closures.
     
  10. SB 1445 – Restorative Justice in Student Expulsion Hearings
    This bill would empower school district student board members to make restorative justice recommendations to the larger school board during its deliberations about disciplinary actions of students in expulsion hearings. Restorative justice is a way to address harm and conflict through a process that emphasizes healing & repairing relationships rather than punishment.

 

Senator Cortese’s Senate Fellow‚ Lauren Winn (her/hers)‚ and Legislative Aide‚ Evan Fern (he/him)‚ with End Overdose staff at California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals’ “Recovery Happens” event

My Capitol staff‚ Lauren (center right) and Evan (far right)‚ stopped by End Overdose’s table to learn more about how to identify and respond to an opioid overdose. They also walked away with some life-saving Narcan medicine to use and help someone who may be in critical need. According to California’s Public Health Department‚ there were 6‚000 opioid-related overdose deaths in 2021. I’ve had two bills signed into law to prevent fentanyl deaths including SB 908 to stop fentanyl exposure to young children & SB 10‚ Melanie’s Law to stop youth fentanyl overdoses.

 

Senator Cortese presented Certificates of Recognition to Branham and Pioneer High School students who received a Congressional Award

I met and recognized the extraordinary leadership and initiative of Branham and Pioneer High School students who were granted the Congressional Award. The Congressional Award is bestowed upon students who exemplify volunteerism‚ character development‚ and fitness. Their dedication to setting and achieving ambitious goals highlights their leadership qualities and sets a commendable example for their fellow peers. I look forward to learning more about their contributions to public service in the future. Congratulations!

 

Sarita Kohli (her/hers)‚ President and CEO of Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI)‚ at her organization’s 50th Anniversary

AACI celebrated its 50th anniversary this past September. For 50 years‚ AACI has been a leader in public health providing a wealth of resources and services to immigrants and refugees of all backgrounds. My Senior Field Representative‚ Mario B. Lopez‚ presented AACI with a resolution on behalf of the California State Senate commending the organization for their hard work and dedication to serving the community.

 

Santa Clara County Superior Court Judge Julia Alloggiamento (her/hers) accepted the California Judges Association’s prestigious Judicial Outreach Award

The Honorable Judge Julia Alloggiamento was presented with the prestigious California Judges Association’s Judicial Outreach Award. The Judicial Outreach Award is presented only once every three years and recognizes exceptional outreach efforts by a judicial officer. Judge Alloggiamento has dedicated her career to bridging the gap between the judiciary and the community making a significant impact. Her commitment to public service is a testament to her leadership and integrity. Her efforts have not only enhanced public understanding of the County of Santa Clara County’s judicial system but have also fostered stronger relationships within the community.

 

Senator Cortese’s Field Representative‚ Phuong Nguyen (he/him)‚ presented a Certificate of Recognition to Samina Sundas (her/hers)‚ Founder and Executive Director of American Muslim Voice Foundation

The American Muslim Voice Foundation held its annual 9/11 Multi-faith Peace Picnic and Prayer Service. I am honored to have co-founded this event. The service commemorates the anniversary of that tragic day over 23 years ago as a way to honor 9/11 victims‚ their surviving families‚ and first responders. It seeks to transform the tragedy of that day to one of peace‚ unity‚ and healing. My Field Representative‚ Phuong‚ Nguyen‚ presented Samina Sundas from the Foundation with a Certificate of Recognition commending her for her dedication to coordinating this annual event.

 

Senator Cortese’s Field Representative‚ Phuong Nguyen (he/him)‚ with iCatalyst Foundation students at their 5K walk/run fundraiser at Hellyer County Park

The iCatalyst Foundation held a 5K walk/run at Hellyer County Park as a way to raise funds to purchase sensory toys and educational materials for special needs children. Founded and led by high school student‚ Ishaan Mandala‚ and other youth‚ the Foundation provides an average of 125 meals a week to San José shelters. My Field Representative‚ Phuong Nguyen‚ attended on my behalf and presented the group with a Certificate of Recognition for their efforts.

 

Senator Cortese‚ Mrs. Pattie Cortese (her/hers)‚ Senator Tom Umberg‚ California State Assemblyman Marc Berman (he/him) and fellow Smart Justice California delegates met with Norway’s Minister of Justice‚ Emilie Mehl (her/hers)

In September‚ I went on a weeklong trip to Norway – at my own expense - to tour and learn more about the country’s correctional justice system that can possibly be a benefit to California’s system.

The trip was coordinated by Smart Justice California‚ a nonprofit advocating for transformative criminal justice policy changes and organized by Amend. The key takeaway for me was learning how centering human connection within a correctional justice system fosters both positive rehabilitative outcomes for those justice-involved and at the same time improved public safety for the community. Several California prison wardens joined us on the trip.

 

Senator Cortese at his SB Senator Cortese with his District Director‚ Suzanne Wheaton (her/hers)‚ with Glydways staff in Contra Costa County facility

As Chair of the California Senate Transportation Committee‚ I look for innovative ways to improve our public roads and transit systems as a way to reduce traffic congestion‚ reduce greenhouse gas emissions‚ and improve pedestrian safety.

That is why I enjoyed touring Glydways’ glydcar transit system in Contra Costa County this past month. Glydcars are automated and low-capacity “podcars” that are eco-friendly and sustainable.

City of San José is exploring adopting and implementing glydcars in the near future connecting riders from Diridon Station to San José International Airport and back within minutes.

 

Senator Cortese speaks at Silicon Valley Education Foundation’s 2nd Annual Education Summit

The Silicon Valley Education Foundation held its 2nd Annual Education Summit this past September bringing community leaders‚ education advocates‚ industry experts and fellow elected officials to address issues in education. Together‚ we can build positive learning environments conducive to student success‚ lifelong learning‚ and equalize funding for education.

 

Senator Cortese presented a California State Senate resolution commemorating Silicon Valley Urban Debate League’s 10th Anniversary

In September‚ I also had the honor and privilege of commemorating the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League for its 10 years investing time‚ energy and resources in building up many first-generation‚ low-income students through the competitive academic sport of speech and debate over the past ten years.

Speech and debate has proven itself as a way to improve student academic achievement‚ social and emotional learning‚ and best of all equip youth with the critical thinking‚ analysis‚ and research skills to address today’s societal issues.

 

Senator Cortese with Silicon Valley Career Technical Education Fire Science Academy student volunteers at his 2nd Annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair at Hellyer County Park

My office concluded September by hosting our 2nd annual Picnic by the Lake Multicultural Festival and Resource Fair at Hellyer County Park. We had an estimated 4‚500-5‚000 local residents attend throughout the day and enjoy mesmerizing multicultural performances‚ free burgers‚ a kid’s zone‚ nearly 100 resource booths‚ and much more.

I am very grateful to the County of Santa Clara Parks and Recreation Department as well as San José Japantown Lions Club for being our event partners.

I want to extend a special thank you to all of our Gold and Silver sponsors who made the event possible and free to attend for all of our guests.

Thank you as well to all of our resource booth participants‚ performers‚ volunteers‚ and staff who dedicated their time‚ energy‚ and resources for making it a successful event.

 

 

Community Updates

 

San José

 

Electric Home Tour 2024

Acterra is thrilled to announce the Electric Home Tour 2024! Mark your calendar for Saturday‚ October 19‚ 2024‚ from 11 AM to 3 PM! Santa Clara and San Mateo County neighbors will open their doors to showcase the latest in home electrification. Discover innovative heat pump water heaters‚ heat pumps for both heating and cooling‚ induction cooktops‚ electric dryers‚ electric fireplaces‚ electric vehicles (EVs)‚ EV chargers‚ electric gardening tools‚ and more. You’ll also gain valuable insights directly from homeowners on selecting the right appliances‚ working with contractors‚ navigating installation‚ and enjoying cost-saving benefits. Don’t miss out—register today to secure your spot! Visit https://acterra.org/electric-home-tour to sign up and get all the details.

 

 

 

In The News

 

 

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As always, please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, comments or concerns. I can be reached at senator.cortese@sen.ca.gov. State resources and services available are below and posted on my website: sd15.sen.ca.gov.