Seven Bills Signed Into Law

This year, I was proud to have seven of my bills signed into law by California Gov. Gavin Newsom. These new laws span public safety, government accountability, health care and renewable energy. Each one reflects a simple principle: People deserve a government that works as hard for them as they do for their families.

Protecting Families and Closing Dangerous Loopholes

In April 2022, 10-year-old Wyland Thomas Gomes was shot and killed by his father. It was an unimaginable tragedy that could have been prevented. A court had ordered the father to surrender his firearms, but that order was never sent to the Department of Justice. AB-1363, Wyland’s Law, closes this deadly gap by creating a system that allows victims to confirm that their protective orders have been received and entered into state databases. This bill will save lives by ensuring our justice system enforces the protections it promises.

Families also need safeguards during times of crisis and change. AB-1297 ensures that when couples go through divorce, one spouse cannot cancel or allow health insurance to lapse, protecting children and dependents from suddenly losing coverage when they need it most.

Public Safety and Accountability

Public safety relies on fairness and accountability, and that includes keeping our roads safe and holding bad actors responsible. AB-1085 makes it explicitly illegal to sell or use license plate obstructors, devices that hide plates from toll cameras and law enforcement. These products cost our state millions in lost revenue and hinder criminal investigations. By banning their use and manufacture, California is standing up for transparency and public trust.

AB-1213, the Restitution First Act, restores justice for crime victims by ensuring they receive court-ordered restitution payments before the government collects any fines or fees. Victims should always come first, not last, when justice is served.

Investing in Our Healthcare Systems

California’s healthcare system must be both equitable and resilient. AB-836, the Midwifery Workforce Training Act, directs the state to study ways to expand and diversify midwifery education programs, addressing our urgent shortage of maternal healthcare providers and improving access for families across the state.

At the same time, AB-627 gives nonprofit hospitals more flexibility to repay state loans, helping them remain financially stable and continue providing care during times of crisis. Hospitals should be able to focus on patients, not paperwork, especially when communities need them most.

Building a Cleaner Energy Future

As California continues its transition to renewable energy, we must ensure that progress benefits everyone. AB-1417 creates the Offshore Wind and Coastal Resources Protection Program, requiring public reporting of developer contributions and providing grants to support local and Tribal communities affected by offshore wind projects. This ensures that clean energy development is transparent and equitable for all.

From protecting children and families to promoting accountability, health care and clean energy, these seven new laws reflect the values that guide my work every day. I’m deeply grateful to the advocates, community leaders and survivors who helped shape these policies, and to every Californian who continues to believe in our fight for a safer, healthier and more affordable future for us all.

Assemblymember Catherine Stefani represents California’s 19th Assembly District, which includes the west side of San Francisco and northern San Mateo County. She can be reached at 415-557-2312 or Assemblymember.Stefani@assembly.ca.gov.