As California’s legislative session comes a close, here’s where we are

by | Sep 10, 2019 | California, Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Justice, Environment, JCJ Blog, Judaism

jcj sacramento 2019

California’s legislative session, which began back in January when Governor Gavin Newsom took office, comes to a close this Friday, September 13. As we look back on our legislative agenda for 2019, several bills JCJ worked on have actually been signed into law. Others are currently awaiting the Governor’s signature (or veto), some have been postponed in committee and will be brought up for consideration next year, and others we hope to ensure their passage over the next four days.

After Friday, all bills that have been sent to the Governor’s desk will have a mid-October deadline for signature.

So where does JCJ go from here? Of the many bills we are advocating for, our focus is on the following bills which will be voted upon in the Senate and sent to the Governor’s desk:

  • SB-54 / AB-1080 – Sets a statewide goal of ensuring manufacturers reduce waste from single-use plastic by 75% by 2030.
  • AB-1482 – Expands rent control in California for the first time in nearly 25 years.
  • SB-329 – Bans landlords from denying tenants solely because of Section 8 status.
  • AB-32 – Prohibits the department of corrections from entering into or renewing a contract with a private, for-profit prison to incarcerate state inmates.

On Monday, September 16, JCJ will send around a list of bills currently on the Governor’s desk that need to be signed into law. We encourage the JCJ community to do what we do best: make calls and take action. Additionally, we will begin working with key staff and elected officials in Sacramento to draft new legislation that reflects our Jewish values for justice, fairness and compassion in our state. This is the crucial time when we want to hear from you so we can work together to bring our message to Sacramento as we work around the table with our allies and partners.

Social media/email action 

In the final week of California’s legislative session, the Jewish Center for Justice is  advocating for several bills to be voted upon in the Senate and sent to the Governor’s desk for approval. An Action Schedule is outlined below for convenience.

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10

Our focus is on legislation which aims to protect our environment. We ask you take the following action:

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

Our focus is on the affordability crisis in California. We ask you take the following two (2) actions:

  • Call your Senator and ask them to pass AB-1482, which caps annual rent increases at 5% plus inflation and adds anti-eviction measures.
  • Call your State Assemblymember and ask them to pass SB-329, which bans landlords from denying tenants solely because of Section 8 status.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12

  • Call your State Assemblymember and ask them to pass AB-32, which prohibits the department of corrections from entering into or renewing a contract with a private, for-profit prison to incarcerate state inmates.