District Report - September 2021
Dear Neighbor,
We’re in a serious drought as we head into September, which is also peak wildfire season. Please do your part to save water and keep your family safe.
In the Legislature, we are completing a productive session. Gov. Gavin Newsom is expected to sign my package of bills, which includes measures to expand internet access, help the struggling restaurant industry and prevent more wildfires. On the latter, we have made historic investments this year to prevent future devastation.
I will be in the district this fall and look forward to meeting you. My next virtual town hall is Oct. 18 and features Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis. Please join us.
As always, I'm eager to hear your ideas and am available to help you with state agencies. You can contact me by visiting my website or by calling my offices.
In this Issue:
- Legislative Update: Wildfire Safety, Pandemic Recovery
- September is Emergency Preparedness Month
- Child Passenger Safety Week
- Submit your idea for a new law
- In the News
Sincerely,
Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District
Legislative Update: Wildfire Safety, Pandemic Recovery
Despite a legislative season shortened by the pandemic, it has been a productive session. Eight of my bills were approved by the Senate and Assembly and are expected to be signed. Highlights include:
SB 109 Wildfire R&D Office: The escalating frequency and devastation caused by wildfires demands that we seek out emerging technology to address this urgent threat. That’s why I’ve written SB 109, which creates the Office of Wildfire Technology Research and Development.
SB 332 Controlled Burns: We know controlled burning is one of the best ways to reduce combustible fuels in our tinder-dry forests. My bill, SB 332, will expand our use of this proven tool and make our state safer as we face ever-worsening conditions caused by drought and climate change. To do that, we must raise the legal standard for seeking state suppression costs, requiring a showing of gross negligence rather than simple negligence.
SB 389 To-Go Cocktails: The restaurant industry was hit hard by the pandemic. Allowing them to sell carry-out cocktails has been a lifeline. We must continue to allow them to do that to ensure a full economic recovery. SB 389 will help preserve jobs and get our economy back on track. It allows restaurants to sell to-go alcoholic beverages with food orders. The provision would sunset after five years.
SB 494 Police Reform: People deserve to be treated fairly and humanely by police officers and should not fear having their rights trampled. My bill, SB 494, would ensure officers are properly trained and the public isn’t subjected to demeaning or coercive tactics that can result in false confessions. The bill will require the California Commission on Police Officer Standards to integrate science-based methods to ensure equal justice under the law.
SB 556 Broadband: The pandemic showed us the value of the internet for remote work and school. It also demonstrated that not everyone has equal access to the internet. My bill, SB 556, will help solve that problem by accelerating the expansion of broadband networks. Simply put, it will be instrumental in helping us bridge the digital divide.
September is Emergency Preparedness Month
With dual emergencies in the coronavirus pandemic and unprecedented wildfires, it is a good time to remember our shared responsibility to protect ourselves. It’s also helpful to note important services offered by California Office of Emergency Services, Cal Fire and Department of Public Health.
COVID-19: Wear a mask. Practice social distancing. Avoid gatherings. Stay home if you feel sick. Details are here https://covid19.ca.gov/
Wildfires: Register for disaster alerts. Create a defensible space around your home. Pack a go-bag in case of an evacuation. More useful tips: https://www.readyforwildfire.org/
Cal-OES: https://www.caloes.ca.gov/ICESite/Pages/Preparedness-Month.aspx
Child Passenger Safety Week
Recognizing the value of properly installed car and booster seats in safeguarding children, we passed a resolution designating the third week of September as Child Passenger Safety Week.
We know that putting in car seats correctly can save lives. All too often they are improperly installed and children are injured or even killed. My hope is to bring awareness to this situation and prevent the future tragic loss of life.
During Child Passenger Safety Week, AAA and the California Highway Patrol will encourage people to sign up for their free car seat inspections.
The resolution as sponsored by AAA Northern California with the support of public safety advocates and the Automobile Club of Southern California.
Submit your idea for a new law
Do you have an idea for a new law or a change to existing law that will help our state better serve the public? All constituents are invited to submit ideas and proposals of their own for a new state law.
Click here to submit your ideas for consideration.
In the News
Here is some of the latest news coverage in the district that may be of interest to you. As always, please contact my office if you have any questions about state policy or want to express your position or ideas for legislation.
- Broadband bill is crucial to closing the digital divide
- Two California bills aim to use controlled burns to enhance wildfire safety
- $5 million to fight climate change on Highway 37
- California is close to permanently legalizing takeout cocktails
- Sale of to-go cocktails could be allowed through 2026
- 9/11: 20 years down the road a solemn reminder to honor courageous first responders