August 2018 District Report

A Message from Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

During this last month of summer, we are wrapping up the busy legislative session with an intense focus on passing bills to be sent to Gov. Jerry Brown. Among my priorities is the adoption of a comprehensive wildfire safety plan. As co-chairman of a specially convened conference committee on the topic, my goal is to protect Californians from future infernos like those we’re seeing across the state while insuring utility ratepayers do not shoulder unfair costs for improving the electric utility grid – so often the cause of devastating blazes. We expect to pass such a safety measure by August 31 and send it to the governor for his signature.

Meanwhile, I’ve won overwhelming support for my own piece of wildfire legislation that will prevent people from being trapped in their garages when disaster strikes and the power goes out. Senate Bill 969, which requires all new or newly installed electric garage door openers to be equipped with backup batteries, passed both houses and is on its way to the governor.

I’m working to address other concerns as well. I was a co-author of the landmark Consumer Privacy Act of 2018, which has been signed into law. And my bills on fostering media literacy in schools and preventing low-income residents from getting their water shut off if they fall behind on their payments have both passed.

Still, there is much work to be done. Please feel free to reach out to me with your suggestions or concerns. As always, my office is available to help you with a state agency or answer any questions you might have. You can contact me by visiting my website.

In this Issue:

Sincerely,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Legislative Update

Along with my Assembly counterpart, I am chairman of the 10-member legislative conference committee on wildfire preparedness and response. After a series of public hearings, we are now finalizing our proposal to prevent future fires and protect Californians. I hope to incorporate ideas for better forest management practices, fuel reduction, policies for de-energizing power lines in extreme weather and steps to increase accountability and oversight of utilities charged with tree clearing and investing in infrastructure improvements.  

Separately, I’ve written a number of wildfire-related bills that I expect will become law. They are:

  1. SB 894. This property casualty insurance bill allows policyholders to combine major coverage to pay for damage and extends previous recovery time limits.
  2. SB 969. It requires all new or newly installed electric garage door openers to be equipped with backup batteries.
  3. SB 1040. Ensures disabled people receiving In-Home Supportive Services are cared for in times of disasters.
  4. SB 1088. Requires utilities to create plans to harden the electric grid against fires and other disasters driven by extreme weather and climate change.
  5. SB 1144. Improves disability time for firefighters on leave with illness or injury.

Other pending bills include:

  1. SB 830. Requires the Department of Education to make available to school districts a list of resources and instructional materials on media literacy.
  2. SB 998. Establishes policies and procedures to protect low-income people from getting their water service turned off.
  3. SB 1121. Updates and enhances consumer data and internet protection.

 

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Protect Your ID: Get Your Free Credit Report

Did you know that you have a right to receive a free copy of your credit report once a year from the three nationwide companies? Millions of Americans are victims of identity theft every year, and with new technologies developing so quickly, it only becomes easier to fall prey to scams or theft.

As a victim of identity theft myself, I know the value of checking my credit report regularly, and I urge you to do the same. In 2016, I authored the Identity Theft Resolution Act to help identity theft victims, fix their credit reports, and get their accounts back on track as quickly possible. Last year, I authored a new law to help prevent bank fraud and help victims recover damages.

Checking your reports can also help you combat identity fraud.
You will be able to spot if someone has opened unauthorized accounts in your name, or if you have been reported as delinquent for purchases you didn't authorize.

Don't wait until it's too late - monitor your credit report.
Once every 12 months, you may order your reports from any of the nationwide consumer reporting companies, either separately or at the same time. To obtain your free credit report, contact: Annual Credit Report Request Service P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348. Visit my website to learn how to get your report online and find tips to avoid identity theft.

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Be Prepared for Wildfires

With wildfire season in full swing, it is essential to create a defensible space around your home to keep your family and property safe. A buffer that is free of grass, trees and shrubs will prevent fires from spreading. It also will help protect firefighters as they defend your home.

To keep you safe, Cal Fire requires you to set up two zones extending 100 feet around the perimeter of your dwelling:

Zone 1 extends 30 feet out from buildings, structures and decks. In this zone you must remove all dead vegetation, including pine needles and dry material on your roof and in rain gutters. Tree branches should be trimmed so they remain a minimum of 10 feet from each other. Remove branches that hang over your roof. Relocate wood piles to the second zone.

Zone 2, which extends 100 feet out from buildings and decks, should have annual grasses mowed to a maximum of 4 inches. Other preparations include maintaining a distance between shrubs and trees and removing fallen needles, twigs and leaves.

For more tips on fire prevention and building a defensible space, go to http://www.readyforwildfire.org/

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In the News

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