Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez released the following statement and legislative update after the conclusion of the 2013-2014 Legislative Session:
“I am pleased with the work we were able to accomplish during my first legislative session,” said Rodriguez. “The legislation that I introduced this year reflects my top priorities which are to encourage job creation in the Inland Empire and to protect public safety. I know there is still a lot of work to do, but I think we are off to a great start.”
BILLS SIGNED BY GOVERNOR
AB 1561 California Firefighters’ and Peace Officers’ Memorial Fund -- Honors California’s fallen peace officers and firefighters by allowing the California Firefighters’ and California Peace Officers’ Memorial Funds to continue receiving funding from voluntary personal income tax returns. (Chapter 127, Statutes of 2014)
AB 1727 Prescription Drug Repository and Distribution Program -- Protects the public by prohibiting the donation of medications that are strictly regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration due to severe side effects to surplus drug collection programs. (Chapter 155, Statutes of 2014)
AB 1797 Health Care Professions Pathways – Creates pathways to the healthcare field by requiring the California Workforce Investment Board to identify opportunities to expand healthcare “earn and learn” job training programs. (Chapter 157, Statutes of 2014)
AB 2298 Local Agency Deposit Reports -- Provides an environmentally sound reporting alternative to financial institutions by allowing them the option to submit required weekly reports by fax or email instead of being required to use standard mail. (Chapter 214, Statutes of 2014).
BILLS APPROVED BY LEGISLATURE AND PENDING GOVERNOR’S SIGNATURE
AB 1598 Active Shooter: Local Emergency Response Teams -- Encourages local fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services agencies to coordinate and establish standard operating procedures to provide prompt medical care to victims.
AB 1620 California Emergency Management and Disaster Preparedness Commission—Establishes a commission to research and review existing emergency plans and propose new plans to ensure the coordination between all levels of government on emergency planning, communication protocols, disaster response, and crisis management in California.
AB 2044 Assisted Living Facilities: Accountability and Training -- Protects elderly residents of assisted living facilities and improves their quality of life by requiring that facilities are inspected by the Department of Social Services annually, instead of every five years, and improving staffing responsibilities and training requirements to meet the residents’ needs.
AB 2530 Vote-by-Mail: Electronic Signature Verification -- Strengthens voter protections by requiring county elections officials to visually review signatures on vote–by-mail and provisional ballots in cases where computer software determines the signature does not match the voter’s registration signature.
CHAPTERED RESOLUTIONS
ACR 84 Emergency Medical Services Week -- Proclaims May 18th through May 24th as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week in California and honors Emergency Medical Services personnel throughout the state. (Res. Chapter 53, Statutes of 2014)
ACR 94 Active Shooter: Local Emergency Response Teams -- Recognizes that active shooter incidents are increasing and encourages local fire, law enforcement, and emergency medical services agencies to collaborate and develop standard operating procedures to better respond to active shooter incidents in California. (Res. Chapter 30, Statutes of 2014)
ACR 104 Cinco de Mayo Week -- Proclaims May 1 through May 7, 2014, as Cinco de Mayo Week, and urges all Californians to join in celebrating Cinco de Mayo. (Res. Chapter 41, Statutes of 2014)
AJR 48 Honors the commitment and ultimate sacrifice of emergency medical service providers and encourages the President and Congress to establish the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The Governor has until September 30 to sign or veto legislation.