California Legislation
Know The Bills and Take Action
Moving into our 5th year, we will continue to lobby for legislation that positively impacts our children’s health and their right to an education. Our main goal is to promote and support legislators/legislation that will promote a healthy and educated California for all.
2024 Legislation
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SB 1414 (Grove)- Crimes: Solicitation of a minor.
This bill increases jail times and fines for solicitation of a minor and creates a requirement to register as a sex offender for a term of 10 years.
STATUS: 05/20/24Committee Location: Asm Public Safety
SB 1435 (Ochoa Bogh) – Books and other school materials: Obscene matter
This bill protects children from materials that are not developmentally appropriate.
Guidance regarding appropriateness for various ages is a necessary consideration for books and other materials used in school.
STATUS: FAILED 04/24/24
Judiciary Committee Vote Result:
(FAIL) »» Ayes: 2; Noes: 3; Abstain: 2;SB 1203 (Grove) Education Flex Account Act of 2024
School funds should allow each child to learn in a setting that best suits their educational needs and interests. Establishing an ESA trust that allows parents to work with the state to ensure that the child is the center of focus is important for the child’s growth and development.
STATUS: 04/24/24 Failed
AB 2652 (Muratsuchi) Dept. of Education: A.I. working group.
This bill would require the Superintendent of Public Instruction to convene a working group for the purpose of exploring how A.I. and other forms of advanced technology are currently being used in education and developing best practices to ensure that those technologies advance, rather than harm, educational quality.
STATUS: Assembly Appropriations with recommendation: To Consent Calendar. In committee: Held under submission.
AB 1824 (Valencia) California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out right
This bill would require a business to which another business transfers the personal information of a consumer as an asset that is part of a merger, acquisition, bankruptcy, or other transaction, to comply with a consumer’s opt-out direction to the transferer. This requirement will help safeguard consumer privacy and protect against improper use of personal information that is collected and sold by businesses.
STATUS: Sen JudiciaryCommittee Action Date:
06/04/24SB-976 (Skinner) Social Media Youth Addiction Law.
This bill prohibits “social media platforms” from providing “addictive feeds,” as those terms are defined, to minors without parental consent and from sending notifications to minors at night and during school hours without parental consent. The bill requires platforms to make available to parents a series of protective measures for controlling access to and features of the platform for their children. The bill also requires reporting on data regarding children on their platforms, as specified.
Status: :
Asm Privacy and Consumer ProtectionAB-1871 Adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12: social sciences: personal financial literacy.
This bill with respect to the adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12, inclusive, would require the social sciences area of study to also include instruction on personal financial literacy, as provided.
Status: Sen AppropriationsCommittee Hearing Date:
06/10/24 -
We oppose AB 2442 for 3 specific reasons.
There is a moral obligation to treat each person with equal care and prioritizing gender affirming care is no more important than other care. Comparing this to the abortion laws does not make sense as there is no time expiration for the rush on treating a patient.
In fact, the licensure process for anyone treating gender issues should be more stringent and should receive additional specialized training. With higher rates of depression and suicide for this demographic, there is a real concern that rushed licensure to treat this demographic can lead to higher rates of financial and legal challenges that will burden the system, as well as greater rates of detransitioning if said candidates are not well trained in how to observe, diagnose, and properly treat this demographic of patients.
Moreover, the percentage of the population with gender issues does not justify the push for expediting licensure.
We want to ensure that all California residents receive safe and proper care.
STATUS: Sen Appropriations
AB 1825 (Muratsuchi) California Freedom to Read Act.
This bill would require the governing board or body of each public library, including any library, operated on a contractual basis for a public entity, to establish a written policy for the selection of library materials and the use of library materials and facilities, as specified. The bill would require the policy to, among other things, establish that library materials shall not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to the creation of the materials, or because of the topic addressed by the materials or the views or opinions expressed in the materials. The bill would prohibit the governing board or body of a public library from proscribing the circulation or procurement of books or other resources in a public library because of the topic addressed by the materials or because of the views, ideas, or opinions contained in those materials. The bill would also prohibit a public library from exercising the discretion to determine the content of library materials in a manner that discriminates against or excludes materials based on specified protected characteristics,on the basis that the materials contain inclusive and diverse perspectives, or on the basis that the materials may include sexual content, as provided. The bill would provide that a person’s right to use a public library and its resources shall not be denied or abridged solely because of personal characteristics, age, background, or views. The bill would authorize a user of a public library to commence a civil action to obtain appropriate injunctive and declaratory relief for violations of these provisions. To the extent these provisions impose additional duties on public libraries, the bill would create a state-mandated local program.
April 29th - BILL AMENDED!!!
The bill would provide that these provisions apply to a public library, as defined, including any public library operated by a city, county, special district, or joint powers authority, except that these provisions do not apply to any public library operated by the governing board of a school district, a county board of education, or the governing body of a charter school.STATUS: In Senate. Read first time. To Com. on RLS. for assignment.
AB 1955 (Ward) Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act.
This bill aims to exclude parents from essential aspects of their child's development and well-being. This bill will prohibit school staff/teachers from notifying parents that a student has requested a change in their name/identity to grant them access to opposite sex spaces and gender transitioning plans.
STATUS: Sen Appropriations Committee Hearing Date: 06/10/24
Take Action on Legislation.
Submit letters for a bill.
Legislative Calendar
FAQ:
FAQ:
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What is “Consent Calendar” and “Suspense File”?
The Appropriations Committees review bills that have a fiscal impact. Because there are so many bills to review, the committee can group together bills that are not controversial, receive no dissenting votes in the preceding policy committee, and that have little fiscal impact for fast approval. These bills are put on the “Consent Calendar” and is the means by which many bills can be approved without further discussion. Any bill that has an estimated cost of $150,000 or more is sent to the “Suspense File” to later be evaluated based on available revenue in the state budget. No testimony is presented – author or witness – at the Suspense File hearing.
What is civic engagement?
Action taken to protect the public, stand for values, and address concerns is Civic Engagement. It is important to ensure protection of children, our livelihood, ethics, moral code, civil liberties, and human rights. PERK Advocacy encourages a respectful, problem solving approach of civic engagement. We are here to provide guidance on effective ways to advocate for yourself, your family, and your community.
What is a town hall?
A town hall is an informational event you can attend to learn about current issues, network, and get guidance on how to take action. Attending town halls will empower you with information and provide you with tools to make an impact on things that you care about.
What is a bill?
A document that goes through a legislative process with the Assembly and Senate. It can pass and be enacted with or without a signature from the governor, unless the governor vetoes the bill. Bills can either change California code of law, amend the California Constitution, appeal to the federal government, or to express the opinion of the legislative body.
Where can I find information about a California bill?
Go to https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml. Click on the magnifier to search for the bill and enter in the requested information.
How do I find out who my legislator is?
Go to http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov and enter your information. You will be given information about your State Assemblymember and State Senator. Biography, contact, and other information will be listed on their website.
What is a committee hearing?
A committee hearing is when a group of legislators who are selected to hear bills on a specific topic have a formal meeting to discuss and take action on a bill. A committee has a chair who is a member of the majority party, a vice chair who is a member of the majority party, and other members of the legislature who are knowledgeable on the topic. Members of the public can attend committee hearings and make a public comment in support or opposition to bills. Testimony process for bills vary by committee, typically allowing both positions of support and oppose the opportunity to share information and be a source of expert analysis.
Can I attend a committee hearing?
Yes, the public is able to attend a hearing and give a “Me, too” public comment in support or opposition to bills. In general, you are able to state your name, your affiliation (if any), and your position of “Support” “Oppose,” or “Oppose, unless amended.”
Can I watch the committee hearing from home?
Yes, you are able to find and watch live and archived hearings on the California Senate side here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/streaming-media-television
The California Assembly hearings can be found here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/televising-assembly
Can I call in my “Me, too?”
During the pandemic, the legislature allowed call ins for the public to give testimony and to state their position on bills. However, that allowance has now ended in both the Assembly and Senate.
What else can I do to advocate for or against a bill?
You can write a letter of support or opposition to a bill. You can call your representatives and ask for a meeting to discuss the bill.
What do I include in a letter of support or opposition to a bill? Who do I give it to?
In a letter, you would identify yourself, state your position on the bill, and share 1 to 3 reasons why you hold your position. PERK always advises citing references when possible. Strive to communicate in a way that is respectful and educational and try to keep the letter to 1 page. Send the letter to your representatives and to committee members who will be voting on the bill. It is also important to have your position recorded in the legislative portal. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here:
What is the Legislative Portal?
The Legislative Portal is where the government keeps record of individual and organization letters of support and opposition to California bills. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here:
How do I submit a letter into the Legislative Portal?
Create an account and submit your letter in PDF at https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here: For additional information, look here: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/faces/faq.xhtml
What do I say if I call my representative?
Be prepared to share your address if they ask you to verify that you are a constituent. Kindly ask to have your position on the bill registered in their database. This is important because legislators will be able to see how their constituents stand on bills before they cast their vote. You can also ask to speak to the person staffing the bill you want to discuss. They may ask what the bill is about to help them determine which committee the bill will be heard in and to determine which staffer is reviewing the bill. Be prepared to share your concerns in a respectful manner, understanding that the person you are speaking to may not be aware or agree with what you have to say. PERK believes effective communication includes respectful dialogue. Share your views in a way that will help them understand your experiences and see your perspective.
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What is “Consent Calendar” and “Suspense File”?
The Appropriations Committees review bills that have a fiscal impact. Because there are so many bills to review, the committee can group together bills that are not controversial, receive no dissenting votes in the preceding policy committee, and that have little fiscal impact for fast approval. These bills are put on the “Consent Calendar” and is the means by which many bills can be approved without further discussion. Any bill that has an estimated cost of $150,000 or more is sent to the “Suspense File” to later be evaluated based on available revenue in the state budget. No testimony is presented – author or witness – at the Suspense File hearing.
What is civic engagement?
Action taken to protect the public, stand for values, and address concerns is Civic Engagement. It is important to ensure protection of children, our livelihood, ethics, moral code, civil liberties, and human rights. PERK Advocacy encourages a respectful, problem solving approach of civic engagement. We are here to provide guidance on effective ways to advocate for yourself, your family, and your community.
What is a town hall?
A town hall is an informational event you can attend to learn about current issues, network, and get guidance on how to take action. Attending town halls will empower you with information and provide you with tools to make an impact on things that you care about.
What is a bill?
A document that goes through a legislative process with the Assembly and Senate. It can pass and be enacted with or without a signature from the governor, unless the governor vetoes the bill. Bills can either change California code of law, amend the California Constitution, appeal to the federal government, or to express the opinion of the legislative body.
Where can I find information about a California bill?
Go to https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billNavClient.xhtml. Click on the magnifier to search for the bill and enter in the requested information.
How do I find out who my legislator is?
Go to http://findyourrep.legislature.ca.gov and enter your information. You will be given information about your State Assemblymember and State Senator. Biography, contact, and other information will be listed on their website.
What is a committee hearing?
A committee hearing is when a group of legislators who are selected to hear bills on a specific topic have a formal meeting to discuss and take action on a bill. A committee has a chair who is a member of the majority party, a vice chair who is a member of the majority party, and other members of the legislature who are knowledgeable on the topic. Members of the public can attend committee hearings and make a public comment in support or opposition to bills. Testimony process for bills vary by committee, typically allowing both positions of support and oppose the opportunity to share information and be a source of expert analysis.
Can I attend a committee hearing?
Yes, the public is able to attend a hearing and give a “Me, too” public comment in support or opposition to bills. In general, you are able to state your name, your affiliation (if any), and your position of “Support” “Oppose,” or “Oppose, unless amended.”
Can I watch the committee hearing from home?
Yes, you are able to find and watch live and archived hearings on the California Senate side here: https://www.senate.ca.gov/streaming-media-television
The California Assembly hearings can be found here: https://www.assembly.ca.gov/televising-assembly
Can I call in my “Me, too?”
During the pandemic, the legislature allowed call ins for the public to give testimony and to state their position on bills. However, that allowance has now ended in both the Assembly and Senate.
What else can I do to advocate for or against a bill?
You can write a letter of support or opposition to a bill. You can call your representatives and ask for a meeting to discuss the bill.
What do I include in a letter of support or opposition to a bill? Who do I give it to?
In a letter, you would identify yourself, state your position on the bill, and share 1 to 3 reasons why you hold your position. PERK always advises citing references when possible. Strive to communicate in a way that is respectful and educational and try to keep the letter to 1 page. Send the letter to your representatives and to committee members who will be voting on the bill. It is also important to have your position recorded in the legislative portal. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here:
What is the Legislative Portal?
The Legislative Portal is where the government keeps record of individual and organization letters of support and opposition to California bills. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here:
How do I submit a letter into the Legislative Portal?
Create an account and submit your letter in PDF at https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/. Find details on how to submit a letter into the Legislative Portal here: For additional information, look here: https://calegislation.lc.ca.gov/Advocates/faces/faq.xhtml
What do I say if I call my representative?
Be prepared to share your address if they ask you to verify that you are a constituent. Kindly ask to have your position on the bill registered in their database. This is important because legislators will be able to see how their constituents stand on bills before they cast their vote. You can also ask to speak to the person staffing the bill you want to discuss. They may ask what the bill is about to help them determine which committee the bill will be heard in and to determine which staffer is reviewing the bill. Be prepared to share your concerns in a respectful manner, understanding that the person you are speaking to may not be aware or agree with what you have to say. PERK believes effective communication includes respectful dialogue. Share your views in a way that will help them understand your experiences and see your perspective.