Celebrating our State Legislative Wins for 2023

Our Collective Strength: The Alliance acts as a catalyst for systemic change by harnessing the collective power of California’s academic public health institutions in partnership with governmental organizations and communities adversely impacted by health inequities.

With our first legislative season behind us, it’s time to reflect on accomplishments and areas of opportunity working to advance our shared vision and values. By October 14, Governor Newsom took final action on bills that were sent to his desk by the Legislature, closing the end of session. Out of the eleven bills tracked and supported by the Alliance in 2023, seven became state law, two were vetoed by Governor Newsom and the remaining two were held in committee. An amazing success rate demonstrating the power of collective impact!

The Alliance, along with over 50 of its action group members, sent letters of support to the Governor’s desk advocating for action on key public health and equity issues. The Alliance actively engaged in the Annual ENACT Advocacy Day event held in Sacramento during April 2023. We look forward to participating in 2024 with our advocacy partners!

The Alliance, along with partners, had great success and thank our members and partners for their valuable contributions!

List of items tracked and supported by the Alliance in 2023 include the following:

Alliance Staff participating in ENACT day with partners and allies across the state in April 2023

 

Tracked bills that became CA Law:

  • AB-28 (Gabriel) The Gun Violence Prevention and School Safety Act, imposes an 11% tax on the retail sale of guns and ammunition to fund programs that address the causes and harms of gun violence.  

  • AB-631 (Hart) increases civil and other penalties for violations of the state's governing oil and gas statutes.

  • AB-665 (Carrillo) gives all youth 12 and older the same opportunity to access mental health care, regardless of insurance type. Signing message found here.

  • AB-1071 (Hoover) Teen dating violence prevention education online information and resources.

  • AB-1283 (Chen) authorizes a local educational agency to make emergency stock albuterol inhalers available on campus (K-12).

  • SB-2 (Portantino) Concealed Carry Weapon Licensing Laws & Penal Code updates (press release).

  • SB-770 (Wiener) the universal care bill to put California on the path toward single-payer health care. Learn more here.

 Tracked items held in committee or vetoed by Governor Newsom:

  • AB-576 (Weber) would have required the Department of Health Care Services to review and update Medi-Cal coverage policies for medication abortion to align with current evidence-based clinical guidelines. Veto message here.

  • AB- 1028 (McKinnor) would eliminate a law mandating that health care professionals report all suspicions of domestic violence and abuse to law enforcement, regardless of the survivor’s preference or safety. Status: held in Senate Appropriations

  • SB-541 (Menjivar) Reproductive/sexual health bill would have required all CA public high schools to make free condoms available to students and prohibit retailers from refusing to sell condoms to youth. Veto message here.   

  • SB-655 (Durazo) would make it easier for victims and family members to get financial, medical, and legal support through the state’s Victim Compensation, removing barriers that disproportionally impact Black, Brown, and marginalized individuals. Status: held in Senate Appropriations

The Legislature is set to reconvene on January 3, 2024. During the recess, advocates are encouraged to schedule meetings with their district representatives and share their advocacy priorities. Use this meeting resource to enhance and support your future advocacy engagements.

We look forward to continuing working on important public health items that stalled this year and new items introduced that reflect our shared values and priorities. We are eager to continue momentum and create new partnerships to collaborate on domestic violence, health workforce infrastructure and the environment. Reach out to the Alliance if you are interested in learning about ways to share your voice!