Which bills did WeHo push in Sacramento?

WeHo’s Community Services Department has released a new overview of the city’s lobbying efforts in the California State Legislature.

Of the 3,030 bills introduced in the California State Legislature, 1,171 became law, 156 were vetoed, and 1,703 had various other outcomes.

As of the winter recess on September 14, 2023, the city had taken positions on 45 bills.

It supported 43 — with 18 becoming law, 7 vetoed, 16 turned into 2-year bills, and 2 dying — and opposed 2 others, one which was signed into law and the other which became a 2-year bill.

New laws that the city supported

AB 1620: Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act

AB 1620 addresses the challenges faced by permanently disabled residents living in upper-story units of rent-controlled buildings without elevators. This bill makes it easier for such residents to relocate to lower ground units, provided a comparable size or smaller unit is available. This relocation is permitted while retaining the same terms of tenancy. Introduced by Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur, AB 1620 was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom on October 11, 2023. It is set to become effective on January 1, 2024. This law reflects a progressive step towards accommodating the needs of disabled individuals, ensuring they have better access to suitable living conditions.

AB 761: Local Finance – Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts

AB 761 represents a strategic legislative initiative to modify the maximum “life term” of Enhanced Infrastructure Financing Districts (EIFDs) from 45 years to 75 years. This change aligns the EIFD’s life term with the federal Transportation Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (TIFIA) loans’ terms. The extension is crucial for projects like the extension of Metro’s K line, as advised by financial and bond consultants. The bill, crafted with input from various stakeholders including City staff and Sacramento lobbying firm, is currently a 2-year bill in the Senate. It has undergone substantial amendments and is pending assignment to a policy committee for further consideration.

SB 567: Termination of Tenancy

SB 567 aims to amend the Ellis Act and current codes regulating annual rental increases. Introduced by Senator Durazo, this bill is part of efforts to reform tenant rights and rent stabilization measures. The Ellis Act, a controversial law in California, allows landlords to evict tenants to “go out of business,” often leading to disputes around affordable housing and gentrification. SB 567’s approval and subsequent signing into law by Governor Newsom on September 30, 2023, indicate a significant shift in the legislative approach to housing and tenant protection in the state.

SB 466: Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act – Rental Rates

SB 466 focuses on the definition of “new construction” under the Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act. The bill proposes a term of years after which a building will no longer be considered new construction and thus becomes subject to rent control laws. This legislation, introduced by Senator Wahab, specifically targets the date of a building’s Certificate of Occupancy (COO) to determine its status. The bill was amended to propose a 28-year term, meaning buildings with a COO issued before 1995 would be considered old construction starting in 2023. However, SB 466 has been placed in the Inactive File and is now a 2-year bill.

AB 531: The Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2023

AB 531, introduced by Assemblymember Irwin, creates the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond Act of 2024. This act, pending voter approval, would authorize $6.380 billion in general obligation bonds. The funds are designated for financing permanent supportive housing for veterans and others, as well as various behavioral health treatment settings for individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness. The bill promotes a streamlined review process for capital projects funded by the bond, emphasizing the state’s commitment to addressing the intertwined issues of homelessness, mental health, and veteran support.

SB 43: Behavioral Health

SB 43, introduced by Senator Susan Talamantes Eggman, seeks to redefine the term “gravely disabled” used in the context of mental health. This change is crucial for mental health and homeless advocates who petition courts for conservatorships under the Lanterman-Petris-Short Act. The City of West Hollywood has actively supported this amendment, recognizing its potential to improve the care and treatment of individuals with severe mental health challenges. Governor Newsom signed SB 43 into law on October 10, 2023, marking a significant development in California’s mental health legislation.

SB 326: The Behavioral Health Services Act

SB 326 is a part of Governor Newsom’s legislative package focused on assisting the unhoused and those experiencing severe mental health issues. Introduced by Senator Eggman, it proposes to recast the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA) as the Behavioral Health Services Act (BHSA), expanding its scope to include treatment for substance use disorders. The bill also revises the distribution of MHSA funds and authorizes the department to enforce the implementation of evidence-based practices in counties. This comprehensive legislation, which was supported by the City and signed into law by Governor Newsom, represents a holistic approach to addressing mental health and substance abuse issues statewide.

SB 363: Facilities for Inpatient and Residential Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder

SB 363, introduced by Senator Eggman, is a legislative effort to improve the accessibility and availability of mental health and substance use disorder treatment facilities. The bill mandates the development of a real-time, internet-based database by the State Department of Health Care Services (DHCS). This database would identify the availability of inpatient beds and vacancies in residential mental health or substance use disorder treatment facilities. The intent is to streamline the placement process for individuals needing urgent care in these facilities. Although SB 363 was held in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, its focus on enhancing mental health care infrastructure underscores the growing recognition of mental health as a critical public health issue.

SB 58: Controlled Substances – Decriminalization of Certain Hallucinogenic Substances

SB 58, championed by Senator Scott Wiener, proposes the decriminalization of several hallucinogenic drugs. This bill is a modified version of SB 519 and represents an innovative approach to drug policy, focusing on decriminalization as a means to reduce the harms associated with the criminalization of drug use. Despite its approval by the Legislature, Governor Newsom vetoed the bill on October 7, 2023. The veto indicates the complexities and controversies surrounding drug policy reform, particularly concerning hallucinogenic substances.

SB 339: HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis and Postexposure Prophylaxis

SB 339, also introduced by Senator Wiener, addresses the reimbursement process for pharmacists counseling individuals seeking to access HIV preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and postexposure prophylaxis (PEP). The bill aims to ensure that pharmacists are adequately compensated for the critical role they play in HIV prevention. However, following amendments in the Assembly Appropriations Committee, Senator Wiener did not agree to the changes, rendering the bill likely inactive. Despite this, the bill’s introduction and the City’s support for it highlight the ongoing efforts to improve access to HIV prevention methods.

AB 315: False Advertising – Abortion

AB 315, introduced by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, focuses on the issue of misleading information related to abortion services. This bill authorizes agencies enforcing unfair competition laws to seek injunctive relief or civil penalties against entities providing false or misleading information about abortion services. Additionally, it creates a private right of action for individuals who believe they have been harmed by such misinformation. While AB 315 is now a 2-year bill, its introduction underscores the heightened focus on reproductive rights and access to accurate information about abortion services, especially following major shifts in the legal landscape surrounding reproductive health.

AB 419: Judicial Officers – Training on Sexual Abuse and Assault

AB 419, also by Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, mandates the establishment of specialized training for judges on the best practices related to the treatment of sexual abuse and assault victims in courtroom cases. Set to be implemented by the Judicial Council of California, this training is aimed at enhancing the judicial system’s sensitivity and effectiveness in handling such sensitive cases. The bill underscores the importance of specialized training for judicial officers in dealing with complex and often traumatic cases of sexual abuse and assault. AB 419 is now a 2-year bill, reflecting ongoing efforts to improve the judicial response to sexual crimes.

AB 576: Medi-Cal – Reimbursement for Abortion

AB 576, introduced by Assemblymember Weber, aims to align Medi-Cal’s coverage policies for medication abortion with evidence-based clinical guidelines. This bill seeks to ensure that Medi-Cal’s policies are up-to-date and reflective of the best medical practices, emphasizing the importance of accessible and clinically sound abortion services. Despite its approval by the Legislature, AB 576 was vetoed by Governor Newsom, which highlights the complexities involved in policy-making around reproductive health services.

SB 36: Out-of-State Criminal Charges – Prosecution Related to Abortion, Contraception, Reproductive Care, and Gender-Affirming Care

SB 36, introduced by Senator Skinner, is a proactive measure against the imposition of out-of-state criminal penalties on individuals performing abortion, contraception, reproductive care, or gender-affirming care that is lawful under California laws. This bill seeks to protect healthcare providers and individuals in California from legal repercussions stemming from more restrictive laws in other states. SB 36, now a 2-year bill, represents California’s stance on protecting reproductive and gender-affirming healthcare rights within its jurisdiction.

SB 385: Physician Assistant Practice Act – Abortion by Aspiration

SB 385, introduced by Senate Pro Tempore Atkins, expands the range of healthcare professionals permitted to perform abortions by aspiration, provided they receive specific competency training. This bill builds on previous legislation (SB 1375) and reflects a broader effort to increase access to abortion services in California. SB 385 was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Newsom, highlighting the state’s commitment to expanding reproductive healthcare services.