Empowering Leaders.
Inspiring Change.
Empowering current and future leaders to build a more compassionate and just society
The Jewish Center for Justice is a distinguished social justice, education, and leadership development platform that meets each individual where they are in their journey to inspire change.
The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows
On August 27, 2022, the Jewish Center for Justice community suffered a devastating loss with the sudden and untimely death of Board Member Micah Bycel (z”l).
The JCJ community has created a special fund to honor Micah’s memory and secure his legacy. Micah was a kind and compassionate soul. He saw a broken world and was determined to make it better for his kids and the next generation. In his honor, The Micah D. Bycel Fund for Legislative Fellows will help shape the next generation of Jewish justice activists.
In addition to the Fund, we have renamed the program, The Micah D. Bycel Legislative Fellowship. All future fellows will learn of Micah’s memory and advocate for justice in his honor.
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8 Bills Awaiting the Governor’s Signature
Last week, the JCJ community made our voices heard. We picked up the phone and called our Assemblymembers and Senators, urging them to pass a slate of vital bills that protect LGBTQ rights, safeguard our environment, defend our immigrant neighbors, and lift up those pushed into poverty.
Because of your advocacy, many of these bills have now passed both houses of the Legislature. The work isn’t finished, though — the Governor must still sign them into law. And for some, the fight continues.
Now we ask you to take the next step. Call the Governor at (916) 445-2841 and urge him to sign these crucial bills in BOLD — and let him know you’re calling on behalf of the Jewish Center for Justice.
Bill Outcomes
| Bill | Topic | Status | Governor |
| SB 497 (Wiener) | Health care privacy / Transgender State of Refuge | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk (awaiting signature) |
| SB 590 (Durazo) | Inclusive Paid Family Leave | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk |
| SB 841 | Immigration enforcement – Keep Safe Spaces Safe Act | Stalled / inactive file | Failed |
| SB 418 (Menjivar) | Health coverage: hormone therapy & nondiscrimination | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk |
| SB 81 | Health & care facilities: info sharing incl. immigration status | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk (pending signature) |
| AB 1032 | Behavioral health visits coverage | Passed both houses | Signed into law |
| AB 785 | Community Violence Interdiction Grant Program | Passed both houses | Signed into law |
| AB 727 | Student ID cards: crisis hotlines | Passed both houses | Signed into law |
| AB 82 (Ward) | Health Data Privacy & Safety | Failed to advance | No |
| AB 678 (Lee) | LGBTQ+ Safe & Inclusive Housing | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk |
| AB 1084 (Zbur) | Transgender Records Act | Passed Senate; progress reports positive | Likely on Governor’s desk |
| SB 59 (Wiener) | Transgender Privacy Act | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk (enrolled) |
| SB 450 (Menjivar) | LGBTQ+ Adoption Protections | Passed both houses | On Governor’s desk |
Why This Matters
Our Jewish values compel us to act. Justice is not won in a single moment, but through persistent, collective action. These bills matter because they defend human dignity, expand equality, and strengthen the moral fabric of our state.
Three have already been signed into law. Others await the Governor’s pen. Your calls, emails, and advocacy make the difference.
Take Action Today
Call the Governor’s office at (916) 445-2841 and urge him to sign SB 497, SB 590, SB 418, SB 81, AB 678, AB 1084, SB 59, and SB 450. Together, we can turn hard-fought victories into lasting change.
Take Action : Protect Immigrant Rights in California
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact SB 841, a bill to protect immigrant rights in California. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from the Jewish...
Take Action : Expand California’s Paid Family Leave Program
Take ACTION by contacting your State Legislators and encouraging them to enact SB 590, a bill to expand California’s Paid Family Leave program. Find your California Assembly Member and Senator! Sample script: Hello, my name is [Your Name], and I’m calling from the...
