6 Bills By Assemblymember Alex Lee Headed To The Governor’s Desk

The State Legislature passed a series of key legislation authored by Assemblymember Alex Lee, bills that tackle the most pressing issues including workers’ rights, housing justice, animal welfare and civil rights. 6 of Assemblymember Lee’s bills are headed to the Governor’s desk and 2 have already been signed into law. 

Bills Headed To The Governor’s Desk 

AB 678 - LGBTQ+ Safe and Inclusive Housing 

The bill aims to ensure that California’s homelessness programs are responsive to the needs of unhoused LBGTQ+ individuals. It requires the California Interagency Council on Homelessness to develop and recommend best practices for ensuring inclusive and culturally competent services for LGBTQ+ people experiencing homelessness. 

AB 792 - Multiregional Bargaining for Court Interpreters

The bill empowers court interpreters to collectively bargain more efficiently, which will improve the courts’ ability to recruit and retain interpreters. AB 792 authorizes court interpreters across multiple regions to consolidate contract negotiations upon mutual consent between the union and employer. 

AB 858 - State of Emergency Rehiring Protections

The bill extends COVID-19 rehiring protections for hospitality and service workers who were laid off during the pandemic. It ensures that workers whose rights were violated are fairly compensated and businesses that fail to comply with state laws are held accountable. 

AB 867 - Cat Declaw Ban

The bill protects the welfare of our cats by prohibiting cat declawing, which is a barbaric surgical procedure that causes lifelong pain and disfigurement. 

AB 890 - Access to Services for Foster Youth 

The bill improves the ability of judges in ensuring that youth in extended foster care have access to the services and support they need in their new county of residence. 

AJR 5 - Protecting Birthright Citizenship 

The bill affirms the California Legislature’s commitment to birthright citizenship and honors the legacy of Wong Kim Ark, whose Supreme Court case cemented this core principle for all children born in the U.S. 

Bills Signed 

AB 703 - Pediatric Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund

The bill empowers everyone to contribute to the fight against childhood cancer. Inspired by the advocacy of a constituent, whose brother passed away of cancer, AB 703 allows taxpayers to donate a portion of their California state tax return to support pediatric cancer research. 

AB 1141 - AC Transit District 

The bill updates existing laws to reflect the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District’s decision to be comprised of 7 directors from 7 wards, which will reduce costs and improve resident representation.