Nine bills authored by 37th District Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara) — on issues including offshore drilling, mental health, domestic violence and nonprofits — are heading to the Governor’s desk.
“The legislative package we advanced on behalf of the 37th District addresses challenges facing people here on the Central Coast and across California,” Hart said in a press release.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has until Sept. 30 to sign or veto bills.
One of Hart’s bills, AB 1448, could become the strongest piece of legislation on offshore drilling in California in nearly 40 years. It would prohibit newly leased offshore drilling from using existing state pipelines.
Other environmental-related bills to be considered by Governor Gavin Newsom include one that would provide more revenue from specialty license plates to coastal education programs (AB 1804), and one that would allow libraries to provide free day-passes to state parks (AB 2734).
AB 1039 would require state agencies to provide advance payment for state grants awarded to nonprofits.
Two public safety bills — AB 1875 and AB 2257 — would allow judges to waive or shorten the six-month waiting period for divorce in cases involving domestic violence survivors, and give counties’ board of supervisors authority in appointing a sheriff’s top jail authority, respectively.
Three health care bills will also be decided on. AB 1682 would require health insurers to cover scalp cooling for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. AB 2011 would codify a federal regulation under threat allowing states to enforce protections against health insurance practices that make it difficult for patients seeking mental health or substance abuse disorder care. AB 1703 would prohibit individuals without proper licensing from advertising osteopathic medicine services.
“These bills are for cancer and mental health patients who have hit dead ends with their insurance companies; for victims and survivors of domestic violence; for the nonprofit organizations that lend a helping hand to our neighbors; for our coastline and the animals and plants that depend on it; and for everyone who calls the Central Coast home,” Hart said.
