Sen. Dodd Reappointed Chair of Key Senate Committee
SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, announced today he has been reappointed by Senate President pro Tem Toni Atkins to the chair of the powerful Senate Governmental Organization committee, which oversees a wide array of important policy, from emergency response to alcoholic beverage laws.
“It’s been my great privilege to lead policy in so many vital areas, and I look forward to continuing that work for Californians,” Sen. Dodd said. “With an increase in climate-driven disasters including wildfires, ensuring robust emergency response is critical. Also, California’s dominance in the wine and craft beer industries makes legislation in those areas highly relevant. I thank Sen. Atkins for this chance to do the most for my district and our entire state.”
Sen. Dodd made a substantial impact in the role last year, authoring legislation to operationalize a $20 million prescribed fire fund, identify surplus state property for housing construction and establish climate resilience districts for communities. Also, he brought millions of dollars to the district for local projects of all kinds. Nineteen of his bills were signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom – the most by any single lawmaker.
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.
In addition to emergency services and alcohol regulation, the Governmental Organization committee oversees more than two-dozen diverse policy areas including state contracts, tribal compacts, state property, interstate agreements, seismic safety, the lottery, horse racing and gaming. Sen. Dodd was also reappointed to four other standing committees: Business, Professions and Economic Development; Insurance; Transportation and Housing and Energy; Utilities and Communications.
“Sen. Dodd’s reappointment as chair of such a key committee as Governmental Organization is a sign of the respect he’s earned for tackling important, consequential legislation,” said David McCuan, professor of political science at Sonoma State University. “His experience, record, and reputation for getting things done is reflected in this reappointment. We could use more leaders like Bill Dodd in Sacramento.”
“With these committee assignments, Sen. Dodd can continue to lead on the most pressing local issues,” said Lucas Frerichs, Yolo County Supervisor and former Davis mayor. “Whether he’s crafting commonsense laws or bringing resources to bear on the things that our communities need most, Sen. Dodd has delivered for his district. We are fortunate to have such an advocate working for us in the state Capitol, and these committee re-assignments are great news for the entire 3rd Senate District.”
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Senator Bill Dodd represents California’s 3rd Senate District, which includes all or portions of Napa, Solano, Sonoma, Yolo, Sacramento, and Contra Costa counties. You can learn more about Senator Dodd at www.sen.ca.gov/dodd.