Sen. Dodd: New Laws Take Effect Jan. 1
SACRAMENTO – Nineteen new laws written by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will take effect by Jan. 1, 2023 including measures to build more affordable housing on surplus state land, encourage local projects to address climate change and protect communities from wildfire through expanded use of prescribed burning.
“Californians demanded action to address some of the biggest challenges of our time, and these new laws are a direct response to that,” said Sen. Dodd. “Now we can enhance efforts to achieve our most important goals including providing more affordable homes, preventing wildfires and combating the effects of climate change. These commonsense solutions will be critical as we continue to build a safer and more prosperous state for everyone.”
Continuing his streak of passing meaningful laws addressing California’s most pressing issues, Sen. Dodd concluded the 2022 legislative session with 19 bills signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom – the most by any single state lawmaker this year.
“Sen. Dodd has proven once again that he can deliver smart legislation for Napa County and the people of California,” said Alfredo Pedroza, Napa County supervisor. “He gets things done in Sacramento as demonstrated by these much-needed new laws, which respond to our most urgent issues.”
In the eight years since Sen. Dodd joined the Legislature, first as an Assembly member and for the past six years as a senator, he has built a legacy of achievement, writing 99 bills that have been signed into law – making him the most prolific legislator during his tenure. His measures reflect California values while advancing opportunity and prosperity in the Golden State.
This year, Sen. Dodd tackled hot-button issues with successful proposals to build more affordable housing on surplus state land and extend operations at the state’s only nuclear power plant, preventing energy disruptions and ensuring affordability for ratepayers. He also authored bills to encourage the use of prescribed fires, protect election integrity and expand internet connectivity.
Highlights of this year’s bills going into effect on or before Jan. 1:
Senate Bill 103 Faithless Electors: Ensures the state’s presidential electors cast ballots for candidates who win the popular vote and do not instead switch candidates or abstain from voting.
SB 561 Surplus Property: Requires an audit of all surplus state property to determine what land might be suitable for housing construction.
SB 717 Broadband: Creates a blueprint for accelerating broadband deployment, including expanded wireless access, in an effort to improve connectivity for all Californians, especially low-income people and the underserved.
SB 852 Climate Resilience Districts: Addresses the effects of climate change, including sea-level rise and wildfire, through creation of local resilience districts to undertake and promote conservation efforts.
SB 846 Diablo Canyon: Gives California the flexibility to procure necessary carbon-free power.
SB 856 Wild Pigs: Lifts barriers to hunting the destructive and invasive species whose population is exploding in 56 of 58 counties.
SB 926 Prescribed Fire: Operationalizes $20 million fund to enhance use of this time-tested wildfire prevention tool.
SB 1107 Auto Liability Insurance: Improves liability coverage for California motorists, protecting people injured in crashes as well those exposed to paying higher medical and vehicle repair bills.
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Senator Bill Dodd represents the 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Yolo, Sonoma, Contra Costa, and Sacramento counties. You can learn more about the district and Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.