I wanted to reach out with some important updates from the state and local level.
After a challenging two years, the 2021-2022 Legislative Session finally adjourned in the early hours of September 1st.
We started off this session operating under Covid-19 protocols, moved into an entirely new office building, and watched as the current districts were redrawn into entirely new and different districts. We also observed an operating budget surplus of up to $97 billion, witnessed some of the largest wildfires in the California’s history, and experienced an electrical grid stressed almost to the point of failure. This year’s End of Session was eventful to say the least.
Finally, as many of you know, this will be my last year as your state senator. Due to term limits, I am unable to run for re-election to the State Legislature. It has truly been the honor of a lifetime to represent you in Sacramento. I have dedicated my adult life to public service in the hopes of making a difference. I hope my time as the senator for the 36th District has had a positive impact on your life.
Thank you for entrusting me to represent you. It has been a privilege to represent the 36th Senate District (South Orange and North San Diego Counties).
As always, if you have any questions or require assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to any of my offices – we are here to help.
Thank you.
Sincerely
Pat
Summary: End of Session
There were 4,476 bills introduced during the 2021-22 Legislative Session – 1,500 were Senate Bills and 2,976 were Assembly Bills.
In 2021, 828 Senate Bills were introduced, 292 (35%) were signed into law, and 21 (2.5%) were vetoed. One thousand five hundred ninety-three Assembly Bills were introduced, 793 (30%) were signed, and 45 (2.8%) were vetoed.
In 2022, 672 Senate Bills were introduced, 349 (57%) were signed, and 60 (9%) were vetoed. One thousand three hundred eighty-three Assembly Bills were introduced, 615 (44.5%) were signed and 108 (8%) were vetoed.
Some of the good bills that made their way through the legislative process this year include:
AB 1637 by (Cooper) which added unemployment insurance fraud to the list of crimes considered criminal profiteering.
AB 1740 (Muratsuchi) which prohibits the sale of a catalytic converter at a junk yard for recycling unless it is sold by the owner of the vehicle from which the part originates.
Some of the more controversial bills that made it through include:
AB 2183 (Stone) which removes the requirement for agricultural workers to vote in union elections at a physical polling place. Instead, agricultural workers will now be allowed to vote for a union via a “card check system” which is not confidential.
AB 257 (Holden), also known as the FAST Recovery Act, which deals with the relationship with employees and franchises. It establishes a council of unelected appointees that will set minimum industry standards on contracts affecting wages and working hours.
SB 1044 allows employees to leave work or refuse to show up to work if employee feels unsafe regardless of whether employer has provided health and safety protections.
SB 6, the Planning and Zoning Law, requires each county and city to establish a housing development project as an allowable use within a zone where office, retail, or parking are a principally permitted, so long as the parcel is not adjacent to a parcel dedicated to industrial use.
SB 54, the Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act, attempts to accomplish a number of goals that are state specific but can impact the importation of products and goods from other states that do not meet these standards:
By 2032 all single-use packaging and plastic single-use food ware must be recyclable or compostable.
By 2028, 30% of the materials must be recyclable; by 2030 that figures jumps to 40%; and by 2032 the state will need to have reached 65%.
It also bans the sale of expanded polystyrene food ware products, such as those used for takeout orders.
AB 2582 provides that the ballot in a local recall election shall not include an election for a successor in the event that the incumbent official is recalled – requiring a separate special election.
SB 357 repeals existing criminal statutes which prevents law enforcement from approaching persons engaging in loitering with intent to engage in prostitution.
SB 1338 (Umberg) establishes the Governor Newsom’s Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Program. CARE Court establishes new judicial branches in all of California’s 58 counties that will provide court-ordered care to those who are unhoused and severely mentally ill.
SB 846 (Dodd) which delays the closure of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear power plant for five years and provides PG&E with a tax payer funded loan to keep the plant operational. Diablo Canyon provides roughly 10% of California’s energy.
Bates’ 2022 Legislative Wrap-Up
I would like to give you a brief update on some of my bills from my 2021-2022 legislative packet that were successful and signed by the governor.
SB 1165, which is a follow-up to 2021’s Brandon’s Law (SB 434), updates Brandon’s Law to include disclosure on medical treatment. The bill specifically forbids rehabilitation facility operators from making false or misleading statements about the medical treatments or services they offer.
SB 1342 – Older Adult Care Coordination – which was sponsored by Orange County, will allow each county to create a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) for aging service provider agencies to share information regarding older adults so they can holistically address the needs of California’s older adult population. These teams will be able to develop coordinated case plans to wrap services around them, provide support to caregivers, and improve service delivery.
SB 925 which requires law enforcement to test for drug use after fatal collisions. Until now, testing in fatal crashes was limited to testing for alcohol. The bill also expands the time period from 24 to 48 hours when testing is required. This new requirement will help law enforcement understand and quantify the causes behind fatal car collisions. Accurate data on the causes of fatal collisions will give future legislatures additional data to make sound, evidence-based policies to address the primary causes of DUID (driving under the influence of drugs) collisions.
In addition to these three, I had six bills signed by the governor last year for a total of nine bills from the 2021-2022 legislative session that were signed into law.
I was disappointed that my bills SB 473, SB 1077, and SB 1224 were not successful.
SB 473 would have capped the co-payment that health plans and health insurance plans can charge a diabetic patient for their insulin at $35.00. Governor Newsom vetoed the bill citing budgetary concerns.
SB 1077, the California Coastal Native Plants Act, would have created a grant program to encourage the removal of nonnative plants that destabilize coastal bluffs, and provides the replacement and restoration with native plants to retain and strengthen existing bluffs.
SB 1224 would have created a grant program to provide vital funding for restoration and conservation efforts to protect, restore, and enhance habitat for sensitive wildlife populations in watersheds in Southern Orange County and Northern San Diego County.
Other accomplishments from this session include the $10 million I was able to secure in the budget for Orange County’s partnership with Be Well Orange to expedite the completion of an urgently-needed Behavioral Health Families and Children’s Campus. The new campus will deliver coordinated mental health services, support, and resources to children and their family members.
Fentanyl
As some of you know, I have made fentanyl a top priority during my tenure. After listening to parents on how fentanyl took the life of their child, this issue has become near and dear to my heart. To highlight my work on this issue over the years, my staff was able to compile data points that highlight the work I have done on the fentanyl crisis.
On February 19, 2016, I introduced the first bill addressing the fentanyl crisis, with then Senator Bob Huff. Senate Bill 1323 was a sentence enhancement bill that ultimately died on the Assembly Committee on Appropriation’s infamous Suspense File. It is the only fentanyl-related sentence enhancement bill to advance to the second house.
During my time in the Senate, I authored 13 of the 39 fentanyl-related bills.
I proposed seven bills to enhance sentences for those who possess fentanyl for sale or distribution, and six times my bills were voted down in a public safety committee. I also had a testing bill that failed for a total of seven bills that legislative majority party rejected in committee.
Although my bills have not always been successful, they have always represented the district’s priorities.
Although I will be leaving the State Senate, I promise to continue advocating for stronger policies against the trafficking of fentanyl and other fatal drugs.
36th District Highlights
We all know that California is prone to earthquakes, especially for southern California; however, that doesn’t mean we can’t work toward mitigating some of the damage that will inevitably take place during an earthquake. As a way to help homeowners cover some of the cost of retrofitting their home, the California Earthquake Authority is offering up to $3,000 toward a code-compliant seismic retrofit for houses that qualify. The Earthquake Brace + Bolt (EBB) program offers a supplemental grant to help income eligible households, households with an annual income at or below $72,080, pay up to 100% of the cost to seismically retrofit their homes. For more information, please visit the California Earthquake Authority’s website.
EBB grant image
The Orange County Housing Finance Trust was awarded funds from the California Department of Housing and Community Development’s Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) program. In total, the OC Housing Finance Trust was awarded $3,756,424 to help fund permanent supportive housing for Orange County residents.
I was a proud co-author of Assembly Bill 448 (Daly, 2018) which created the Orange County Housing Finance Trust (OCHFT). AB 448 allows Orange County cities, the county, local businesses, and philanthropists to pool their resources into the trust and leverage local dollars for increased state funding. The combined resources fund housing for persons experiencing homelessness and persons with very limited means.
The LHTF Program funds can be used to make construction loans and/or deferred payment permanent financing loans to pay for predevelopment costs, acquisition costs, and other costs associated with development or rehabilitation of affordable rental housing projects, emergency shelters, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, or affordable homebuyer/homeowner projects, including assistance to income-eligible households to purchase for-sale units.
Edison International is now accepting applications for the 2023 Edison Scholars Program! This year, 30 high school seniors who want to study science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) in college will receive a $50,000 scholarship. The deadline to submit your application is December 9, 2022. To apply you must meet the following requirements:
Must live in @SCE’s service territory
Must be a HS senior w/ at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA
Plan to pursue studies in eligible STEM fields at a four year accredited college or university
Show financial need
Learn more at edisonscholars.com.
Edison Scholarship graphic
The Santa Margarita Water District (SMWD) was named WaterReuse California’s “Recycled Water Agency of the Year,” for building Orange County’s largest recycled water reservoir, Trampas. The award recognizes large agencies that have developed recycled water, on a significant level, as an alternative water source. Trampas Reservoir is the largest in Orange County and the jewel of the District’s recycling and reuse assets. At full capacity, the reservoir will hold 1.6 billion gallons of recycled water and move SMWD a step closer to its goal of storing and recycling 100% of its treated wastewater.
I was fortunate enough to attend the dedication ceremony for the Trampas Canyon Reservoir and Dam in October 2020. I am elated to see SMWD’s investment and hard work being recognized by others across the state. I continue to support the Trampas Reservoir, and have made an effort to support other similar projects in the district. Recently, I submitted a letter to the California Coastal Commission expressing my support of South Coast Water District’s Doheny Ocean Desalination Project. Thankfully, the Coastal Commission approved the permit for the project.
California needs water. To achieve this, I support an all of the above approach that will help us shore up and ultimately grow our water supply. In December of last year I signed onto a letter calling on the governor to include in the 2022-2023 State Budget an investment of $3.285 billion dollars in water infrastructure to be allocated as follows:
$2.6 billion to fully fund the already voter-approved Sites Reservoir; and
$685 million for the repair of the Friant-Kern/Delta-Mendota Canals and the San Luis Field/San Joaquin Divisions of the California Aqueduct
While I am pleased to see projects like Trampas and Doheny receive the support they deserve, there is much more we can be doing as state lawmakers to address California’s water shortage.
My District Representative, Rhonda Reardon, attended the Rancho Santa Margarita State of the City Address and presented certificates of recognition to some of Rancho Santa Margarita’s community leaders. She presented a certificate to RSM’s Business of the Year, Takata Photo and Design, and RSM’s Large Business of the Year, Santa Margarita Ford and Toyota dealerships.
District Representative Rhonda Reardon presents Certificates of Resolution to Rancho Santa Margarita’s Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year
District Representative Rhonda Reardon presents Certificates of Resolution to Rancho Santa Margarita’s Business of the Year and Large Business of the Year
My District Representative, Rhonda Reardon, was able to present certificates of recognition to LCpl. Darren G. Villanueva and Corporal Lorenzo Garcia (NCO) who were both selected as Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s Marine and Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter.
District Representative Rhonda Reardon poses for a photo with Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton’s Marine and Noncommissioned Officer of the Quarter
The Rising Stars of the Month program hosted by the Vista Chamber of Commerce is BACK after its summer break. My District Representative, Max Wernher, attended the Rising Stars event for the month of September. Each month, the Vista Chamber of Commerce honors and recognizes outstanding students from its local high schools.
Nicole Singer – Rancho Buena Vista High School; Evan Fogel -Vista High School; Ben Kisner – Alta Vista High School; Judith Arguello – Mission Vista High School; Jackie Jacobo – Guajome Park Academy; Douglas Huerta – Vista Visions Academy
I was honored to attend the 50th Anniversary of the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA). I proudly served on the Board of Director of OCTA and am thankful to have been a part of this amazing organization. OCTA provides essential transportation services that keeps Orange County residents moving. Happy 50th OCTA!
Sen. Bates presents OCTA with a Senate Resolution commemorating 50 years of Bus Service
Sen. Bates presents OCTA with a Senate Resolution commemorating 50 years of Bus Service
I was glad to attend the 1st Annual Laguna Hills Heritage Day. Heritage Day celebrated the past, present, and future of Laguna Hills. I enjoyed delicious food and good music and got to meet some of you throughout the day. I was especially delighted to meet Ari Levine who was very eager to visit the State Capitol in Sacramento.
Image of Senator Bates at the 1st Annual Laguna Hills Heritage Day
Last week I invited the representatives from chambers of commerce from across southern Orange County to join me and my Chief of Staff, Kevin Bassett, for a legislative update. We had productive conversation on labor and business issues affecting Orange County employers. I also provided an update on bills from my own legislative package and other accomplishments I was able to achieve during the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend.
Sen. Bates and Chief of Staff, Kevin Bassett, speak to south Orange County business leaders
My District Director Erik Wiegand spoke to the Niguel Shores’ Men’s Club on Thursday, October 18th and provided a legislative update. Erik was able to cover a number of this year’s consequential bills as well as provide an update on my legislative package.
Niguel Shores Mens club logo
On Thursday, October 18th I hosted another “Age Well, Drive Smart” senior driving course. Over 100 drivers participated in a free 2-hour course and received instruction on driving safety, basic road courtesy, and information on the impact visual or hearing impairments have on driving ability, tips on avoiding or offsetting hazardous road conditions, and improving driving performance. Thank you to everyone who attended!
Melissa Caldwell, a constituent volunteer for my Orange County office, presented certificates of recognition to five small businesses who were inducted into the Laguna Niguel Chamber of Commerce. Congratulations to the new members of the Laguna Niguel Chamber community!
MNJ Insurance Solutions; N2 Publishing – Stroll Niguel Shores; Nice Chaperones; US Alliance Group; Venture Outbound Productions
I was invited to speak at the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce’s Legislative Committee on Tuesday, October 19th, to provide a summary of the 2021-2022 Legislative Session. We had an engaging discussion and I was pleased to connect with the San Juan Capistrano business community.
Sen. Bates speaks to the San Juan Capistrano Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Committee
I was honored to present a Senate Resolution to the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce commemorating their 75th Anniversary. The Dana Point community has thrived with the help of the chamber and its members. I look forward to their continued success.
Although delayed by COVID, I was honored to be recognized by Responsibility.org for my efforts to reduce impaired driving. It’s good to see that Republicans and Democrats in legislatures and governor’s offices across the country are working together to save lives.
Responsibility.org award
CAPITOL OFFICE
1021 O Street
Suite 7130
Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 651-4036
ORANGE COUNTY OFFICE
24031 El Toro Road,
Suite 201A
Laguna Hills, CA 92653
(949) 598-5850
SAN DIEGO COUNTY OFFICE
169 Saxony Road,
Suite 103
Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 642-0809
