Dear Neighbor,
I am excited to share with you this update about recent legislative developments and some of the work I am doing to represent our community in the California State Assembly.
Hart Bills Signed by Governor Newsom
I am proud to share that Governor Newsom has signed six bills into law from my 2024 legislative package. These new laws will enhance the quality of life for Central Coast residents and all Californians by protecting the environment, increasing safety on college campuses, supporting Tribal Governments and expanding mental health services.
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 2985 - Juror Mental Health Advisement: Provides California jurors with mental health awareness and support after they fulfill their civic duty of serving on a jury.
AB 3017 - Supporting Tribal Governments: Expands the opportunity to receive up to 25% of State contracts and grants in advance to California Tribal Governments.
AB 2310 - Equal Access to Justice: Ensures individuals with limited English proficiency can fully comprehend the parole process 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 and adjusts audit timelines for practical resource management.
You're Invited: Sidewalk Office Hours
I will be continuing my Sidewalk Office Hours event series in the coming weeks. These informal meet-ups are great opportunities for us to discuss pressing issues of importance for our community. Please come by and say hello. Learn more and RSVP.
- October 9 - Lompoc and Solvang
- October 15 - Goleta and Santa Barbara
- October 16 - Carpinteria, Summerland and Montecito
Recent Highlights
Speaking about my idle oil well legislation at Governor Newsom's bill signing event.
Honoring US Air Force veteran Alvin Salge for his many years of service to veterans in the Santa Ynez Valley.
Judging the Goleta Lemon Festival pie eating contest.
Attending the Solvang State of the City.
Team Hart participating in the Goleta Train Depot project groundbreaking.
Team Hart attending the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for the Highway 166/Black Road Traffic Signal and Safety Improvement Project between Santa Maria and Guadalupe.
Team Hart celebrating the opening of the Buellton Community Garden.
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. My Santa Barbara office can be reached at (805) 564-1649 and my Santa Maria office can be reached at (805) 346-1237. You can also email me at Assemblymember.Hart@assembly.ca.gov.
Warm regards,
Gregg Hart
Assemblymember, 37th District
