SACRAMENTO – Improved gun safety, reduced energy costs, better mental and physical health for unhoused individuals and expanded ways to fight climate change are among the proposals Sen. Bob Hertzberg authored that Gov. Newsom has signed in 2022.

Other successful key measures this year by the San Fernando Valley Democrat include toughening indoor water-quality standards and promoting ways low-income residents can obtain health coverage. 

 “Californians demand safer streets, a healthier environment, better schools and easier access to health insurance for working families,” former Senate Majority Leader Hertzberg said, as he summarized the capstone of his legislative work during his final term in the Senate, after serving six years in the Assembly, including two as Speaker. “I’m gratified to end my legislative career as I began: Working tirelessly on behalf Californians seeking an improved quality of life.”

Here, in bill-number order, are summaries of Hertzberg’s top 2022 legislative accomplishments Newsom signed into law by last Friday’s midnight deadline.

SB 529 – Permit to Construct Transmission Facilities

This measure speeds up construction of key electrical transmission lines and promotes clean energy to fight climate change.

This exempts homeless persons from an existing requirement that they have a 30-day relationship with a doctor before having an emotional support animal certification. This will allow them to be admitted to state-funded shelter program.

Counties may now provide vital records via blockchain technology, a secure and highly convenient process allowing the average person to access their vital records.

This pro-environment bill improves the state’s management of water runoffs by closing loopholes in existing law to bring businesses into compliance and improve water quality.

SB 903 – CDCR Reporting on Homelessness

This legislation addresses efforts by the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation’s tackle the housing needs of persons recently released from its custody, including individuals with serious mental health needs.

SB 967 – Access to Health Care

This pro-patient measure allows taxpayers to indicate on their annual tax returns if they want information on their low-cost health care options.  

Residents of modest means will receive greater financial support under this plan to streamline payments and cut bureaucracy in California’s State Supplemental Program.  

This new law will prevent unintended tax increases when homeowners move, whether they are seniors, disabled or forced to relocate because of a natural disaster.

SB 1157 – Indoor Water Use Standards

Supported by state and national environmental groups, SB 1157 builds on California’s success in increasing water efficiency by updating indoor residential water use standards.

Supported by the Environmental Defense Fund as well as the Silicon Valley Leadership Group, and many others, this environmentally friendly bill will speed up needed transmission upgrades to connect offshore wind farms and other clean-energy sources to the state power grid.

SB 1254 Drinking Water – This removes barriers to providing safe drinking water to all Californians, including about 1 million Californians who currently lack access.

This first-in-the-nation law will help end gun violence by allowing private citizens to sue those who provide certain dangerous firearms.

SB 1340 – Solar Property Tax Reform

This environmentally friendly bill will reform taxes related to construction of new active solar energy systems to ensure green energy projects are built in our state.

Hertzberg’s other successes this year include obtaining $150 million toward making greener schools statewide and $24 million to help fund local programs and community groups.

Ray Sotero | 916-834-1128| Ray.Sotero@sen.ca.gov###

For more information, visit Senator Hertzberg’s website and follow @SenBobHertzberg on Twitter.

Majority Leader Emeritus Bob Hertzberg represents nearly one million San Fernando Valley residents of Senate District 18, which includes part of Burbank and the following communities in Los Angeles: Arleta, Granada Hills, Hansen Dam, Lake View Terrace, Mission Hills, North Hills, North Hollywood, part of Northridge, Pacoima, Panorama City, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, part of Sun Valley, Sylmar, Toluca Lake, Valley Glen, Valley Village, Van Nuys, the City of San Fernando and Universal City. Learn more at senate.ca.gov/hertzberg.

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