Press Releases

Sen. Dodd Comments on Governor’s Housing Initiative

Monday, January 8, 2024

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today on plans from Gov. Gavin Newsom to fast-track the development of 5,500 affordable homes across California, in part through use of excess state-owned land:

“It is critical that the state looks at all options at our disposal to solve our housing crisis,” Sen. Dodd said. “Developing excess state property for housing is a meaningful piece of that. It builds on my own legislation encouraging housing projects on suitable state land. I appreciate the governor for continuing to lead on these efforts.”

Sen. Dodd Introduces California AI Accountability Act

Wednesday, January 3, 2024

SACRAMENTO – In response to the unprecedented growth of artificial intelligence technology, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, introduced the California AI Accountability Act today to ensure state agencies advance safeguards and consumer protections. The bill incorporates and builds upon recent AI directives from President Joe Biden and Gov. Gavin Newsom and seeks to encourage continued innovation while ensuring the rights and opportunities of all Californians are protected.

Sen. Dodd: New Laws Taking Effect in 2024

Wednesday, December 20, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Fourteen new laws written by Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will take effect in 2024 including those to increase accountability and oversight of sexual harassment cases on California State University campuses and another banning “junk fees” in an array of transactions including concert ticket purchases.

Sen. Dodd Comments on State Revenue Forecast

Friday, December 1, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today on a new revenue forecast from the Legislative Analyst’s Office that anticipates a larger-than-expected shortfall in the current year and a $58 billion budget gap going forward:

Sen. Dodd Urges Support for AI Privacy Regulation

Tuesday, November 28, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today on a proposal from the California Privacy Protection Agency that would protect consumers interacting with automated decision-making technology, including providing an opt-out provision to prevent the collection of their personal data.

Sen. Dodd Issues Statement on Governor’s Water Storage Initiative

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, issued the following statement today on the announcement from Gov. Gavin Newsom that he would accelerate the Sites Reservoir project, significantly increasing the state’s storage capacity and avoiding months of delays:

Hearing to focus on two industry challenges: achieving a stable and predictable commercial insurance market and bottle recycling bill implementation

Thursday, November 2, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, and Senate President Designee Mike McGuire, D-North Coast, announced today the next hearing of the Senate Select Committee on California’s Wine Industry will be this coming Monday, Nov. 6 in the state capital.

Senators Dodd and McGuire are co-chairs of the Senate select committee.

Sen. Dodd, California Leaders to Exchange Lessons on Climate Response, Nuclear Power, High Speed Rail, other Measures

Wednesday, October 18, 2023

SACRAMENTO – This week, Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, will lead a bipartisan delegation to France to exchange best practices on climate-smart technologies and policies, including nuclear energy, low carbon farming, high speed rail, and more. The delegation comprises California legislators, environmental and labor leaders, business executives, and public policy experts.

Sen. Dodd’s 2023 Legislative Year: Targeting Campus Harassment, Junk Fees

Tuesday, October 17, 2023

SACRAMENTO – With the conclusion of the 2023 legislative session, Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, had a total of 14 bills signed into law this year by Gov. Gavin Newsom, continuing his streak as California’s most prolific lawmaker during the past nine years. These new laws created meaningful policy including addressing sexual harassment and violence reporting on California State University campuses, the proliferation of junk fees, recycling and broadband connectivity.

Governor Signs Sen. Dodd’s In-Vehicle Camera Privacy Law

Monday, October 16, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will notify drivers when images are gathered by in-vehicle cameras and prohibit their sale to third parties or for advertising purposes, protecting consumers against the increased collection and sale of personal data.