By Assemblymember Marie Waldron
The State Legislature returns January 6 to complete the 2019-2020 session. 80 Assembly members and 40 Senators will gather in the State Capitol to begin work on some of the most consequential issues that have ever faced California.
It’s likely that around 3,000 bills will be introduced over the next few weeks. All legislation must be submitted to the Office of Legislative Counsel by January 24 so that bill language can be drafted by the final introduction deadline on February 21. Bills must be passed to the alternate House by May 29, and all work must wrap up August 31st, when we finally adjourn.
Major issues include wildfires – prevention, aftermath, homeowners insurance, home hardening/safety, the related issues of energy and utilities, and the state’s role in helping to solve these monumental problems. More policy issues include the environment, health care, Medi-Cal expansion, fallout from passage of AB 5 and the Dynamex decision, their impact on employment and the gig economy. Other issues include privacy rights under California’s Consumer Protection Act, cannabis, vaping, housing and homelessness, local government and taxes, Prop. 13 and split-roll proposals, public safety, prison closures, highway funding, water …. it’s a very long list.
Unlike Washington D.C. there is little rancor in Sacramento. We often disagree, but we get along at the personal level. Since most of these problems impact everyone regardless of party, non-partisan solutions can be achieved. Many bills in Sacramento pass with wide, bi-partisan support.
It is important for legislative representatives to hear from constituents regarding these proposals and other issues. Please contact me at: https://ad75.asmrc.org/
As Minority Leader, I am looking forward to working with my legislative colleagues as we addresses major policy issues and problems that will impact California for decades to come. Next session will be productive and very consequential.
Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron, R-Escondido, represents the 75th Assembly District in the California Legislature, which includes the communities of Bonsall, Escondido, Fallbrook, Hidden Meadows, Pala, Palomar Mountain, Pauma Valley, Rainbow, San Marcos, Temecula, Valley Center and Vista.
