District Report -- September 2023

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District Report -- September 2023

Thursday, September 21, 2023

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

This month marks the start of fall and the end of a busy legislative session. We’ve had good success advancing a number of bills addressing important issues such as wildfire safety and consumer privacy and protection. Some measures have already been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom while others are on his desk and await his pen by Sept. 30.

My next virtual town hall is Oct. 3. We will discuss wildfire preparedness and prevention.

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:

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. Also, follow me on Facebook and Twitter.

Sincerely,

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Senator Bill Dodd, District 3

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Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week

In recognition of the critical role the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta plays in California’s economy and environment, I designated the last week of September as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week.

The Delta is a cherished watershed and the very lifeblood of California’s water system. It is vital to our state as both a natural resource teeming with abundant wildlife and fish and a vital economic driver for tourism, recreation and Delta farmers. We must continue to protect it for future generations by preventing pollution and further marshland degradation and promoting its environmental health.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 119 establishes Delta Week, which kicks off Sept. 24.


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Legislative Update

Ending hidden fees, transparency around campus harassment complaints, harnessing artificial intelligence

It has been a productive legislative session. As of this writing, the governor has signed three of my bills and about a dozen more await his consideration.

Highlights of my bills include:

SB 3 Water Shutoff Protection: Extends 2018 Water Shutoff Protection to small water systems

SB 271 Right to Repair: Wheelchair owners can repair own equipment

SB 353 Recycling: Adds large juice containers to state recycling program; Improves processing payment calc.

SB 478 Hidden Fees: Outlaws advertising that hides fees, does not disclose full price

SB 650 50/50 Raffle: Allows continuation of this important fundraising tool for nonprofits

SB 667 Nurse Midwives: Clarifies scope of practice for Nurse Midwives, ensuring patient access/care

SB 668 State Parks: Allows nonprofit operating and co-management agreements at state parks to continue

SB 808 CSU Harassment: Increases transparency/reporting of cases and settlement to Legislature

SCR 17 Artificial Intelligence: Underscores power of AI and risks; First AI-drafted state resolution
 

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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

 

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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.
 

 

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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.

 

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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.

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