In 2019, the Jewish Center for Justice advocated for dozens of bills on the state and national level. As we shape our legislative agenda for 2020, let’s take a look back at some of the legislative highlights over the past year.
While nearly every bill JCJ backed on the national level – from gun violence prevention to immigration – has passed the House of Representatives, all still await a vote in the Senate. We are disappointed that the Senate has yet to bring these bills to a vote, but we are determined to work tirelessly to see them through and ensure that our values are represented in Washington, DC.
To take action on the number of bills currently stuck in the Senate, dial 202-224-3121 and urge your Senator to encourage their colleagues to schedule a vote. Among these many pieces of legislation are the Background Check Expansion Act (S. 42), Paycheck Fairness Act (S. 270), and The Equality Act (S. 788).
In California, JCJ’s work resulted in significant legislative gains in 2019. Here are six bills we advocated for last year and which were signed into law:
- SB-61: This bill limits the ability to purchase firearms to one every 30 days. (Sen. Anthony Portantino)
- AB-1309: This bill allows more Californians access to affordable health care. (Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan)
- SB-26: Expands protections to ensure that a child in a public school is not shamed or denied a meal when they do not have lunch money. Also known as the Child Hunger Prevention and Fair Treatment Act. (Sen. Bob Hertzberg)
- AB-493: Provides California schools with resources to support LGBTQ students and create safer school environments. (Assemblymember Todd Gloria and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond)
- SB-41: Would allow transgender Californians to update their marriage certificates and birth certificates to accurately reflect their legal name and gender, while still protecting their privacy. (Sen. Cathleen Galgiani)
- AB-711: Would ensure that educational agencies update the records of former students who identify as transgender. (Assemblymember David Chiu)
Stay tuned for the release of our upcoming 2020 legislative agenda outlining our justice and policy goals in the coming year. Sign up for JCJ alerts, and follow us on social media.