Legislative Update: 2016 Legislative Package

The 2016 Legislative Session is in full swing! I have introduced legislation on a variety of topics from keeping our children safe to making California more business friendly. While the following list only represents a portion of my Legislative package, I thought you would like information on a handful of bills I will be presenting in committee in the coming weeks:

* Small Business Regulatory Relief – California is routinely ranked last among states in providing a business friendly environment. Exasperated small business owners are often bogged down by the delays and expenses of trying to comply with California’s confusing regulations. That’s why I’ve introduced Senate Bill 1228, which would require California state agencies to assist small businesses in crafting and complying with state regulations. Each agency would adopt rules allowing for reductions of penalties against small businesses that meet certain criteria. California courts would also be given broader authority to reduce regulatory penalties. SB 1228 will be heard on April 4th in the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee.

* Crime in California Report – Senate Bill 1075 would require the Department of Justice to include child molest statistics in their annual Crime in California Report. The California Department of Justice has prepared annual statistical reports on crime for more than fifty years. The report currently includes homicide, rape, robbery and aggravated assault, burglary, grand theft and vehicle theft, and arson. The omission of offenses like child molest and human trafficking from annual crime reports dates back to the 1950’s when many crimes against women and children were largely underreported or ignored. It’s time that crimes of child molest receive the same level of scrutiny as rape, robbery and vehicle theft. SB 1075 will be heard on April 5th in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

* Bullying in Public Schools – While bullying has historically been dismissed as a rite of passage, today it is rightfully recognized as a systemic problem that is difficult to resolve. Despite teacher training and anti-bullying advertising campaigns, the problem persists. In fact, many students and parents are unaware of the anti-bullying provisions that exist within the Education Code. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 1411 which would require that a standardized, user friendly “Respect for All” sign be posted in an obvious location in every public grade school in California. The sign would serve as notice that bullying, discrimination, intimidation and harassment of students will not be tolerated and could result in suspension, expulsion or criminal prosecution. SB 1411 will be heard on March 30th in the Senate Education Committee.

* DNA Evidence for Convicted Felons – Following the passage of Proposition 47 by voters in 2014, tens of thousands of previously convicted felons petitioned to have their criminal histories amended so that prior felonies could be reduced to misdemeanors. While California law authorizes the collection of a DNA sample from every person charged with a felony crime, Proposition 47 was absolutely silent regarding the DNA profiles of the convicted felons who are eligible to have their convictions reduced to misdemeanors. The state of California has invested over $72 million dollars to maintain a comprehensive DNA database; it is an invaluable tool. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 1109 which would amend Proposition 47 to provide that the proposition does not authorize the expungement of DNA profiles because a felony conviction has been reduced to a misdemeanor. SB 1109 will be heard on April 5th in the Senate Public Safety Committee.

I will keep you updated on these, and my other pieces of Legislation as they move forward.

Upcoming Event: Got Water?

Between our historic drought and wet El Niño winter, California’s water supply is often talked about, but not always understood. That’s why I hope you’ll join me for my free educational event on the status of water in California. To RSVP or find out more information, please call my Antelope Valley Office at (661) 729-6232.

I will keep you updated on these, and my other pieces of Legislation as they move forward.

Business of the Month: Child and Family Center

Each month I recognize exceptional business owners around my District by highlighting a “Business of the Month.” If you would like to nominate a business for future newsletters, please call my Antelope Valley office at (661) 729-6232.

This month, instead of recognizing a traditional business, I would like to highlight the work of one of the 21st Senate District’s amazing organizations. The Child and Family Center provides mental health, behavioral and education services to children, adults and families in the Santa Clarita Valley.

Dating back to 1976, the Child and Family Center has grown with Santa Clarita to meet the needs of a changing community. Today, it helps more than 3,300 children and 2,500 adults annually with a number of services, including recovery programs, crisis intervention and counseling. To learn more about their programs, please visit www.childfamilycenter.org/.

Organizations like the Child and Family Center provide invaluable assistance to our community. It is my privilege to recognize them as my March 2016 Business of the Month!

Senator Sharon Runner visits the Child and Family Center in Santa Clarita. Pictured, from left to right, are Director of Clinical Services Kelly Morehouse-Smith, Former Executive Vice President Victor Chavira, CFRE President and Executive Director of the Child & Family Center Foundation Lois Bauccio, Senator Sharon Runner, Vice President of Operations Bert Paras, and Field Representative Vanessa Wilk.

Around the Capitol

Senator Sharon Runner meets with members of the California Psychological Association from Santa Clarita.

Senator Sharon Runner celebrates the Antelope Valley’s contribution to California’s aerospace industry at California Aerospace Days at the State Capitol.

A delegation from the Hesperia Unified and Victor Valley Union High School District meet with Senator Runner in her Capitol Office.