September 2019 District Report

A Message from Senator Bill Dodd

Dear Neighbor,

Fall is here, marking the end of another busy legislative session. And early next month we’ll reflect on the resiliency and continuing needs of our community as we mark the two-year anniversary of the devastating 2017 wildfires.

As of this writing, Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed five of my bills with another dozen on his desk. Wildfire safety remains my focus but I’m also anticipating the governor’s approval of bills to improve our roads and protect our precious water supply, among others.

I’m working in the district this time of year and I hope to see you. My next public event is a senior issues forum in Vacaville on Oct. 14 followed the next day by a senior forum in Fairfield-Suisun.

As always, I'm eager to hear your ideas and available to help you with state agencies. You can contact me by visiting my website or by calling my offices.

In this Issue:


Sincerely,

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Bill Dodd
Senator, 3rd District

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Legislative Update

This has been a productive legislative session, especially for my wildfire-related bills. The governor earlier this year signed my Senate Bill 314, which increases penalties for caretakers who abandon seniors in a disaster. Among the other bills awaiting his pen:

SB 167: Requires utilities to develop protocols to assist low-income people on life-support equipment in a utility power shutoff.

SB 190: Directs the state Fire Marshal to increase awareness and compliance with defensible space requirements.

SB 209: Establishes a statewide network of wildfire weather monitoring devices to prevent and predict blazes.

SB 247: Transfers vegetation management along power lines from the utilities to an independent third-party agency.

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 Delta Watershed Protection Week with Video

In recognition of the critical role the Sacramento-San Joaquin River Delta plays in California’s economy and environment, the Legislature passed my resolution designating the week of Sept. 21 as Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Week.

The Delta is quite simply the lifeblood of our water system throughout the state of California. It is so important that we protect it.

I commend the stewardship and restoration efforts of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy and Delta Protection Commission.  Both have been instrumental in protecting the 1,100-square-mile expanse, including many crucial waterways like the Sacramento and San Joaquin rivers, that support 55 fish and 750 plant species and hosts more than 12 million visitors a year.

To learn more about the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Conservancy’s mission to preserve, protect and restore the natural resources, economy and agriculture of the Delta, visit: http://deltaconservancy.ca.gov/

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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.

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of injury and death in children. The American Automobile Association estimates 90 percent of child restraints are incorrectly installed or improperly used. Further, 71 percent of small children in fatal crashes would have survived had they been properly restrained in child safety seats. Studies show nine out of 10 parents move their child from a booster seat to a seat belt before their child is big enough.

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.

The law can cover any issue, from something particular in our neighborhoods to something that can improve the quality of life throughout California. Previous ideas submitted to legislators have included laws that have cracked down on misleading advertising, a bill that enables individuals who vote by mail to confirm their ballots were counted, and a measure that created a pilot program to link the state’s community colleges with local chambers of commerce to promote business development and job creation.

What is your idea? If it is the one selected, you may have the opportunity to travel to Sacramento and testify before a Senate Committee on the merits of the bill.

Click here to submit your ideas for consideration.

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In the News

While California has made meaningful progress in a number of areas over the last year, there is still much work to be done. Here is some of the latest news coverage 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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