During this past legislative session, my team and I worked to put together a legislative package covering a variety of important topics, including public safety, government transparency, tax relief, victim resources, education, Veteran benefits, and local district concerns.
Now that the 2023 session has ended, I am proud to share this final legislative update from my office.
8 Seyarto Bills Signed Into Law:
- SB 19: Establishes the California Fentanyl Task Force to bring together stakeholders to mobilize state and local resources in the fight against the fentanyl epidemic.
- SB 67: Enrolls California’s departments and agencies into a free universal information sharing program known as ODMAP to track and effectively address live patterns of overdoses.
- SB 82: Establishes universal document standards for counties when determining eligibility for the Disabled Veterans Property Tax Exemption.
- SB 86: Requires a comprehensive website that provides crime victims with easy access to essential information and services. This is an expansion of Marsy’s Law (2008).
- SB 259: Requires state agencies to post all reports submitted to the legislature on their website for easy public access.
- SB 520: Provides a property tax exemption clarification for homeowners in hospitals or live-in care facilities.
- SB 602 (Jointly authored with Sen. Archuleta): Increases the amount of time that a 602 Trespass Letter request (a formal request by a business or property owner to prosecute anyone who is loitering, or engaging in unlawful activity on their property) remains on file with Law Enforcement from 12 months to 3 years and allows for requests to be made electronically.
- SB 613: Clarifies an oversight in existing law that small local jurisdictions, like special districts, are exempt from organic waste recycling requirements.
Co-Authored Bills Signed Into Law:
- SB 14 (Grove): Makes child sex trafficking a serious felony and a three-strike offense.
- SB 75 (Roth): Authorizes 26 additional superior court judgeships to address trial delays.
- AB 641 (Fong): Clarifies definition in the law so thieves can be prosecuted if found in possession of multiple stolen catalytic converters.
- AB 701 (Villapudua): Adds fentanyl to the list of controlled substances - which currently includes heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, and other dangerous drugs - for which enhanced penalties may be levied upon those in possession of a kilogram or more of the substance.
- AB 883 (Mathis): Requires California’s licensing boards to expedite and assist licensing for active duty military applying for professional licenses.
It is my privilege to be your State Senator. As a life-long public servant, I understand the significance of the trust you have placed in me. Each legislative year brings its own challenges, and many uphill battles remain, but I am proud of the work my office put in to serve our district and our state. It was my honor to work with my colleagues in Sacramento to accomplish some of our goals and deliver results.
I thank you for this opportunity to be of service.