Bills Catherine authored

Legislation

 

2026

  • SB 16 – Behavioral Health Crisis Designation Procedures
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 16 improves access to clinician-led behavioral health crisis care by ensuring that training and designation pathways for mental health clinicians to initiate 5150 involuntary holds are available across the state. Specifically, SB 16 requires counties to establish transparent procedures for designating professionals to initiate 5150 holds.
  • SB 99 – Coordinate Response to Domestic Violence
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 99 improves coordination among military and civil authorities to protect against domestic violence. The legislation ensures that military orders safeguarding U.S. servicemembers and their families are not disregarded, or unknown to authorities, simply because they are not on a military base.
    • Press Release
  • SB 329 – Investigating Sober Living Homes
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 329 requires the state Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), the department responsible, to assign complaints about drug and alcohol treatment facilities, known as sober living homes, to staff within 10 days of receiving them and complete an investigation within 120 days.
    • Press Release
  • SB 561 - Probate Conservatorship Referral Accountability
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 561 improves accountability and communication in the public guardian referral process for probate conservatorships so vulnerable adults who lack decision-making capacity are not left waiting without a clear path to care.
  • SB 633 - Plastic Recycling Transparency
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 633 requires beverage container manufacturers to verify and report the amount of the recycled plastic they use, via third-party certification, from the plastic reclaimers they purchase from.
  • SB 741 - Low Carbon Transit Operations Program
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 741 streamlines the state’s Low Carbon Transit Operations Program (LCTOP) by simplifying administrative procedures while maintaining review to ensure the appropriate use of funds.
  • SB 936 – Banning Nitrous Oxide Containers
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 936 prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide canisters larger than 8 grams and flavored nitrous oxide with exceptions for legitimate uses in the medical, dental, culinary and automotive industries. The law is intended to curb recreational misuse of nitrous oxide and the serious health risks associated with its abuse.
    • Press Release
  • SB 954 – CEQA Exemptions
    • Status: Vetoed by the Governor
    • SB 954 proposed revisions to environmental review exemptions enacted in 2025, including changes to protections for sensitive habitat, restrictions on eligible daycare projects near oil and gas operations, and requirements for qualifying advanced manufacturing projects. The Governor vetoed the bill, so these proposed changes did not become law.
    • Press Release
  • SB 955 – Recycling Beverage Containers
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect January 1, 2027
    • SB 955 updates California’s beverage recycling program and requirements of stores to participate to eliminate areas known as recycling “dead zones” where consumers have few or no options for returning cans and bottles and collecting the California Redemption Value (CRV) for them. The legislation creates more locations for recyclable beverage containers.
    • Press Release
  • SB 965 – Library Cards for Youth
    • Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2028
    • SB 965 makes it easier for 16- and 17-year-olds to access public libraries by allowing them to obtain a library card without requiring a parent or guardian to be physically present. Libraries may still require parental consent or a signature. The law reduces barriers for older teens seeking access to books, study materials and other library resources.
  • SB 989 – Expanding Access to CARE Court
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 989 allows first responders to request that a county behavioral health agency file a CARE Court petition for a person who appears eligible for services. The agency must review the request, make a determination within 30 business days, and notify the first responder of the outcome. The law also requires state guidance, a referral form and annual reporting on requests.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1046 – Tijuana River Valley Worker Protections
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1046 helps protect workers exposed to transboundary pollution from the Tijuana River Valley and other affected border areas by requiring Cal/OSHA to develop proposed workplace safety standards for workers at risk of high or prolonged exposure. The law focuses on protecting workers such as lifeguards and park rangers through measures that may include protective equipment, training, health monitoring and exposure reporting.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1088 – End-of-Life Care Protections
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1088 improves clarity and consistency among the three types of documents used to communicate a person’s wishes for medical care when they are seriously ill or unable to communicate those wishes: advance health care directives, POLST forms and prehospital DNRs. The law helps ensure patients’ medical wishes are clearly documented and recognized across health care settings.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1135 – Human and Wildlife Coexistence
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1135 establishes a statewide Wildlife Coexistence Program focused on preventing conflicts between people and wildlife through science-based, nonlethal strategies, technical assistance and public education. It also codifies the Wolf-Livestock Coexistence Compensation Program.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1167 – E-bike Market
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1167 prevents manufacturers and sellers from labeling an electric motor vehicle as an e-bike if it doesn’t meet the requirements of an e-bike. California law defines an e-bike as having no more than 750 watts of power and going no faster than 20 mph on a throttle or 28 mph when pedal assisted.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1237 – Pay Equity
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1237 strengthens enforcement of California’s employer pay data reporting requirements by increasing the maximum penalty for repeat failures to file from $200 to $1,000 per employee. It also requires the Civil Rights Department to publish the total number of pay data reports submitted each year.
  • SB 1324 – LOSSAN Rail Corridor Governance Reform
    • Status: Signed by the Governor, takes effect on January 1, 2027
    • SB 1324 extends the deadline for the LOSSAN Rail Corridor working group to provide recommendations for improving passenger and freight rail service between San Diego, Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. The report will examine ways to improve rail coordination, operations and management and identify potential changes needed to strengthen service along the corridor.
 

2025

Legislation Signed by the Governor
  • SB 92 – Density Bonus Realignment
    • Signed into law: October 10, 2025
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 92 prevents the density bonus law from being used to build large commercial projects that far exceed local zoning law and city ordinances. Specifically, the legislation would limit developers to increasing the commercial floor space included in their projects to no more than 2.5 times what is allowed by local zoning.
    • Press Release
  • SB 403 – Medical Aid in Dying
    • Signed into law: October 3, 2025
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 403 removes the January 1, 2031, sunset date for the End of Life Option Act (EOLOA), California’s medical-aid-in-dying (MAiD) law.
    • Press Release
  • SB 427 Habitat Conservation fund
    • Signed into law: October 3, 2025
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 427 extends the sunset date for the program, moving it from July 1, 2030, to July 1, 2035. The Habitat Conservation Fund (HCF) was established under Proposition 117, the California Wildlife Protection Act passed by voters in June 1990. The fund pays to acquire, restore and enhance wildlife habitats across the state.
    • Press Release
  • SB 477 – Civil Rights Protections
    • Signed into law: October 3, 2025
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 427 clarifies language in the California Fair Employment and Housing Act so that the Civil Rights Department can more effectively investigate and prosecute discrimination, harassment, hate incidents, and other civil rights violations.
    • Press Release
  • SB 710 Solar Tax Exclusion
    • Signed into law: October 3, 2025
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 710 ensures active solar energy systems built before Jan. 1, 2027, remain exempt from property tax until ownership changes, supporting California’s clean energy goals.
    • Press Release

 

Senate Resolutions
 

 

2024

Legislation Signed by the Governor

Environmental Protection

  • SB 1053 – Plastic Bag Ban
    • Signed into law: September 22, 2024
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2026
    • SB 1053 halts the distribution of plastic bags at grocery store checkouts beginning in 2026. Instead of being asked “Do you want paper or plastic?”, consumers will simply be asked if they want a paper bag. This easy change eliminates plastic bags from the point of sale and helps California significantly reduce plastic waste that is contaminating our environment and waters.
    • Press Release


Gun Violence Prevention

  • SB 1002 – Firearm Relinquishments & Mental Health
    • Signed into law: September 24, 2024
    • Takes effect: September 1, 2025
    • SB 1002 improves the implementation of a law aimed at keeping guns out of the hands of people experiencing mental health crises. Current law mandates that anyone placed on a 72-hour mental health hold must refrain from possessing a firearm, but many with guns never turn them in.
    • Press Release
  • SB 1019 – Destruction of Unwanted Firearms
    • Signed into law: September 24, 2024
    • Took effect: January 1, 2025
    • SB 1019 requires that firearms turned in as part of gun-buyback programs or confiscated by law enforcement during investigations are completely destroyed. In some cases, parts of guns collected in such programs end up being resold online as part of gun kits that can easily be turned into “ghost” guns.
    • Press Release


Transportation and Mobility


Housing and Homelessness


Women and Children


Elections

  • SB 1476 – State Bar Accountability
    • Signed into law: September 22, 2024
    • Took effect: January 1, 2025
    • SB 1476 makes the board of trustees and designated employees of the State Bar of California subject to conflict-of-interest provisions of the Political Reform Act.
  • SB 1493 – State Voter Guides
    • Signed into law: September 27, 2024
    • Took effect: January 1, 2025
    • SB 1493 reduces the number of copies of the state voter information guide that the Secretary of State is required to mail to specified individuals and educational institutions. In the age of digital information, multiple copies are not needed.


Health Care

  • SB 1257 – Medi-Cal Improvements
    • Signed into law: July 15, 2024
    • Took effect: January 1, 2025
    • SB 1257 modernizes San Diego County’s Medi-Cal advisory board program to help it improve health outcomes for vulnerable people, reduce Medi-Cal system costs and reduce homelessness.


Senate Resolutions

  • SR 82 – World Press Freedom Day
    • Adopted by the Senate on May 2, 2024
    • The Senate commends and honors journalists across the state for their invaluable contributions to society and recognizes May 3, 2024, as World Press Freedom Day in California.
    • Video
  • SR 87 – Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week
    • Adopted by the Senate on May 30, 2024
    • The Senate proclaims the week of May 6, 2024, as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week in California, and commends the observance of the week to all residents of the state.
  • SR 99 – Independence Day
    • Adopted by the Senate on July 3, 2024
    • The Legislature recognizes the significance of July 4 as Independence Day, and Californians are encouraged to celebrate Independence Day on July 4, 2024, with reverence, reflection, and gratitude for the blessings of freedom and democracy bestowed upon us.
    • Video
  • SR 111 – California Life Sciences Month
    • Adopted by the Senate on August 15, 2024
    • The Senate proclaims the month of August 2024 as California Life Sciences Month in appreciation for the vast contributions the life sciences have made to public health, the economy, and innovation in environmental sustainability in California, the nation, and the world.
    • Video
 

2023

Legislation Signed by the Governor
  • SB 360 – California Coastal Commission
    • Signed into law: July 21, 2023
    • Took effect: January 1, 2024
    • SB 360 expands the range of local agencies that a Coastal Commission member can jointly serve on, now including a Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) or Joint Powers Authority (JPA).
    • Press Release
  • SB 417 – Gun Store Notices
    • Signed into law: September 26, 2023
    • Took effect: January 1, 2024
    • SB 417 requires gun sellers to post the following notice: “WARNING: If you or a loved one is experiencing distress or depression or is contemplating suicide, please call 988 (The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). Access to a firearm in the home significantly increases the risk of suicide, death, and injury during domestic violence disputes, and the unintentional death and traumatic injury to children, household members, and guests.”
    • Press Release
  • SB 428 – Employee Harassment
    • Signed into law: September 30, 2023
    • Took effect: January 1, 2025
    • SB 428 provides public employers with the ability to seek a temporary civil restraining order on behalf of an employee who is being harassed at work by a member of the public, beginning in 2025. Under current law, it’s up to the individual workers themselves to seek such restraining orders, often at their own time and expense, even though the harassment occurs while they are on the job.
    • Press Release
  • SB 452 – Microstamping
    • Signed into law: September 26, 2023
    • Takes effect: January 1, 2028
    • SB 452 prohibits the sale or transfer of a semiautomatic pistol made after Jan. 1, 2028, unless it has been verified as a microstamping-enabled pistol. By using microstamping, the handguns would etch unique identifiers on expended cartridges, providing law enforcement with valuable information to help identify shooters.
    • Press Release
  • SB 482 – Multifamily Housing Program
    • Signed into law: October 11, 2023
    • Took effect: January 1, 2024
    • SB 482 encourages the development of housing units that serve unhoused individuals with little or no income and the greatest needs. It does this by requiring the state Department of Housing and Community Development to offer capitalized operating subsidy reserves (COSRs) to special needs units funded through the Multifamily Housing Program. COSRs are important because if granted, they set aside upfront money to cover 15-20 years’ worth of deficits in annual operating revenues for housing developments, making it easier for the developments to get financed and built.
    • Press Release
  • SB 677 – Rail Planning for Climate Change
    • Signed into law: October 7, 2023
    • Took effect: April 1, 2024
    • SB 677 directs the LOSSAN Rail Corridor Agency, which oversees the corridor in coordination with rail owners, operators and planning agencies, to include an assessment of the impacts of climate change in its annual business plan that outlines the agency’s major goals and objectives. The assessment must also identify projects to increase climate resiliency and funding options for those projects. This bill complements work that has been moving through my Senate Transportation Subcommittee on LOSSAN Rail Corridor Resilience.
    • Press Release