Dear Neighbor,
I am excited to share with you this news update about recent legislative developments and some of the work I am doing to represent our community in the California State Assembly.
Legislation Sent to the Governor
I am pleased to let you know that six bills I authored have passed out of the Legislature and have been sent to Governor Newsom for his signature. The Governor has until September 30 to sign or veto these measures.
From protecting the environment and improving safety on college campuses, to supporting our Tribal governments and expanding mental health treatment, this legislative package will improve the quality of life for the residents of the Central Coast and all Californians. I'm excited to have authored this impactful legislation, and I look forward to earning the Governor's signature.
My legislation includes:
AB 1866- California's Idle Well Crisis: Requires oil operators to develop a comprehensive plan to plug the estimated 40,000 idle oil wells in California. The bill also requires operators to prioritize plugging wells within 3,200 feet of where communities live, work and play. This legislation will protect taxpayers, create thousands of jobs, and safeguard communities.
AB 2407- Improving College Campus Safety: Fosters transparency, accountability, and safe learning environments by requiring the California State Auditor to audit sexual harassment policies at California's public higher education institutions.
AB 3017- Supporting Tribal Governments: Allows State agencies to provide up to 25% of contract and grant funding in advance to Tribal governments. This builds off my previous legislation to provide nonprofits with access to advanced payments.
AB 3077- Mental Health Access: Provides individuals with borderline personality disorder the necessary mental health treatment during court proceedings if doing so serves the interests of justice and public safety.
AB 2310- Equal Access to Justice: Ensures individuals with limited English proficiency can fully comprehend parole hearings by providing them access to translated documents.
AB 2628- Government Transparency: Requires the State Auditor to maintain a regularly updated website that identifies recommendations made in audits.
The Governor has already signed my AB 2985, which provides California jurors with mental health awareness and support after they fulfill their civic duty of serving on a jury.
Learn more about legislation I have authored.
Eco-Smart, Wallet-Wise:
Get Money Back for Going Green
In recent years, our local communities have united to deliver clean energy across the Central Coast, reducing the region's carbon footprint while providing direct benefits to residents. Central Coast Community Energy (3CE) and Santa Barbara Clean Energy (SBCE) offer incentive programs and rebates that promote home energy efficiency and support the adoption of electric vehicles, including rebates for purchasing or leasing EVs. 3CE serves all communities in the 37th District (Santa Barbara County and south San Luis Obispo County), except for the City of Santa Barbara. City of Santa Barbara residents are served by SBCE. Please share these resources with anyone you know who may benefit.
Digital Driver's License
Did you know that you might be able to add your driver's license to your smartphone wallet? The Department of Motor Vehicles is currently piloting digital driver's licenses. Participants still need to carry their physical driver's licenses, especially while operating motor vehicles or verifying one's identity for official purposes. The pilot program is limited to 1.5 million Californians at this time. If you need assistance with other DMV needs, please contact my office and we will be happy to help. Learn more about this program.
Recent Highlights
Speaking in support of SB 1395, a bill that I have co-authored with Senator Becker to increase the availability of safe and supportive temporary housing for people experiencing homelessness throughout California.
Chairing the Joint Legislative Audit Committee's hearing on the California State University system's response to sexual harassment issues.
Chairing the Joint Hearing of the Senate and Assembly Select Committees on the Nonprofit Sector with Senator Limón. The hearing explored the barriers and solutions to nonprofit participation in state government.
Learning about the issues impacting strawberry growers in the Santa Maria Valley.
Attending the legislative softball game, a bipartisan tradition to celebrate the end of the legislative session and benefit charity.
Participating in a panel discussion following a performance of the Ensemble Theater Company's "What the Constitution Means to Me" at the New Vic Theater.
Attending the Goleta Dam Dinner (Photo by Rob Hoffman).
Recognizing the Freedom to Choose Project for 20 years of work to reduce recidivism, advance rehabilitation and promote public safety.
Discussing community needs at my Sidewalk Office Hours event in Vandenberg Village.
Speaking with community members at my Sidewalk Office Hours event in Lompoc.
Speaking to the 2024-2025 class of the Jesse M. Unruh Assembly Fellowship Program.
I hope that these legislative and community updates provide insight into our work together. As always, I value your feedback and encourage you to reach out with any questions, suggestions or concerns. You can contact my Santa Barbara office at (805) 564-1649, my Santa Maria office at (805) 346-1237 or email me at Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov.
Warm regards,
Gregg Hart
Assemblymember, 37th District
