I am proud to announce my 2025 transportation bill package, introducing three legislative measures designed to address some of California's most pressing transportation challenges. These measures aim to tackle infrastructure delays, improve road safety, and alleviate financial burdens on Californians.
SB 74 creates the Infrastructure Gap Fund to provide grants covering up to 20% of the remaining costs for shovel-ready infrastructure projects, including roads, schools, and broadband.
Many critical infrastructure projects in California have been delayed for years due to escalating costs, chronic underfunding, and rising inflation.
Projects like the I-215 Keller Road interchange in Murrieta, where costs skyrocketed from $12 million in 2013 to $40 million in 2024, demonstrate the urgent need for financial support to complete these initiatives. Supporting our local agencies by funding the remaining 20% of project costs will prevent that from happening and keep our communities safer.
SB 76 ensures that any unpaid registration fees or penalties left by a vehicle's previous owner are tied to the seller’s driver’s license rather than the vehicle itself.
Unexpected costs from back fees can impose significant financial burdens on buyers, particularly in low-income households, where transportation is already the second-largest expense after housing.
This measure will shield consumers from predatory practices and unexpected financial distress, ensuring fair treatment and greater financial stability for families.
SB 78 requires the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) to identify the 15 most dangerous locations on the state’s highway system based on vehicle collision rates and propose safety improvement projects to address these areas.
Thousands of Californians are killed or seriously injured in traffic accidents every year, with pedestrian deaths alone reaching a 41-year high in 2023.
By prioritizing safety enhancements in high-risk areas, SB 78 will reduce the rising number of traffic fatalities. We need to pay attention to the parts of our highway system that chronically cause serious accidents and ensure they are addressed for the safety of our constituents.
California’s future depends on its ability to build and maintain a safe and reliable transportation network. By investing in delayed infrastructure projects, protecting consumers, and prioritizing road safety, we can ensure a better quality of life for all Californians while addressing long-standing challenges.
Thank you for this opportunity to be of service.