Press Release

SACRAMENTO – The Legislature has approved a bill from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will add “cyberterrorism” to the list of conditions that constitute a state of emergency under the California Emergency Services Act.

“As cyberterrorism becomes more of a threat, it is crucial that we give the governor the tools necessary to defend our state and assist in recovery,” Senator Dodd said. “Clearly, this new scourge has the potential to disrupt our lives and could result in the loss of water, power or essential public safety services.”

SACRAMENTO -- Lawmakers approved a comprehensive wildfire safety plan tonight that will prevent future infernos like those that have been ravaging the state while protecting utility ratepayers from bearing unfair costs.

Senate Bill 901 was approved on votes of 29 to 4 in the Senate and 45 to 10 in the Assembly. It heads next to Gov. Jerry Brown for his signature.

SACRAMENTO – Despite intense insurance industry lobbying, lawmakers on Friday approved a bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will help victims of disasters such as wildfires recover losses from their insurance companies. 

SACRAMENTO – The California Senate will vote today on Senate Bill 901, the comprehensive legislative report detailing plans for preventing future catastrophic wildfires across the state while protecting utility ratepayers from unfairly bearing the costs of wildfire impacts.

Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, D-San Diego, calls SB 901 a “commonsense solution that puts ratepayers and victims first, embraces wildfire-prevention best practices and reduces fire fuel in our forests.”

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Sen. Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to strengthen California’s efforts to prevent drunken driving was approved by the Legislature today with overwhelming, bipartisan support.

“Sadly, drunken-driving crashes, injuries and deaths are too common in California,” Senator Dodd said. “This bill will prevent impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel and make our roads safer.”

SACRAMENTO – Lawmakers on Wednesday approved legislation from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would protect low-income families from getting their water service terminated.

“Access to water is a fundamental right of all Californians and we must protect it now and for generations to come,” Senator Dodd said. “We simply cannot cut off water service to poor families just because they have fallen on hard times. This creates a sustainable and equitable delivery system that will protect this vulnerable population including seniors, children and those with illness or disability.”

SACRAMENTO – Lawmakers on Monday overwhelmingly approved a bill from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, to encourage media literacy in public schools, ensuring students have the tools to succeed in the digital age.

“This bill is about empowering students to make informed decisions,” Senator Dodd said. “And frankly, it’s about safeguarding the future of our democracy.”

SACRAMENTO – The legislative Conference Committee on Wildfire Preparedness and Response on Friday discussed key elements of a proposed committee report that includes provisions for protecting Californians from future wildfires and preventing electric utility ratepayers from bearing unfair costs.

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that would authorize the state to fund construction of the uncompleted phases of the Napa River flood protection project when there are no available federal funds passed the Assembly Thursday with a unanimous vote.

“I am extremely pleased to advance this bill, which will allow Napa to fund construction of uncompleted phases of the Napa River flood protection project without federal funding,” Senator Dodd said.

SACRAMENTO – A bill from Senator Bill Dodd, D-Napa, that will improve In-Home Supportive Services for those hit by natural disasters including wildfires won final legislative approval Monday and heads to Gov. Jerry Brown for a signature.

“We must continue to care for our disabled and elderly, even when disaster strikes,” Senator Dodd said. “This bill will ensure protection for our most vulnerable population.”