Dear Neighbor‚
Since the new legislative session has started‚ I have dedicated myself tirelessly to work on meaningful progress at the State Capitol. The Capitol buzzed with a series of pivotal committee hearings this week. I am pleased to share that several of my legislative proposals are advancing.
SB 84 – Disability Access and Right to Cure
Many small businesses have been targeted by opportunistic attorneys who file drive-by lawsuits. My intent with Senate Bill 84 is to protect the rights of the people with disabilities to have physical access while also protecting the rights of business owners to have access to justice‚ equal representation‚ and protection from meritless litigation. This bill gives businesses a “right to cure“ or an opportunity to fix construction-related deficiencies that fail to meet disability access provisions before penalties are issued.
Thank you to the local businesses and chambers of commerce in Senate District 6 for your support. Because of your fierce advocacy‚ this bill passed the Senate Judiciary Committee and will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Listen to Brittney Valles share her story in the committee hearing: https://youtu.be/BhBZVUGkbR0.
SB 458 – Title and Summary
I am working with my colleague who represents Orange County to give the non-partisan Legislative Analyst the authority to write the title and summary of ballot measures. Currently the Attorney General‚ a partisan elected official‚ writes the title and summary‚ which can result in biased and politically motivated statements of the ballot measure.
After passing the Senate Elections and Constitutional Amendments Committee earlier this month‚ Senate Bill 458 was heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee this week and placed on the suspense file. The fate of SB 458 will be determined later in the summer when the committee chooses which bills will move forward.
Fair and transparent elections are key to a healthy democracy‚ and this bill will give voters non-biased and clear ballot measure titles and summaries to help inform their decisions on ballot measures.
CalMatters recently featured both SB 84 and SB 458 in a story titled‚ “Bipartisanship is rare in the California Legislature. Here are the bills breaking the divide‚“ and I will continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to get work done for Californians.
SB 517 – Home Improvement Protection
I have heard some horrific stories of home improvement contracts gone wrong. Senate Bill 517 would allow consumers to make an informed decision regarding their home improvement project because it will require a home improvement contractor to use better disclosure if using subcontractors. Senate Bill 517 passed the Senate Business‚ Professions and Economic Development Committee this week and will next be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee.
SB 678 – CEQA Challenges to Fire Prevention Activities
Lastly‚ my bill to shift the burden of proving financial hardship from the defendant to the plaintiff during California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) challenges passed the Senate Judiciary Committee. When it becomes law‚ it will help fire prevention projects challenged with frivolous lawsuits.
You can see the list of my legislative proposals here. I have three offices to serve you located in Roseville‚ Rancho Cordova‚ and near the State Capitol. Please do not hesitate to contact any of my offices if I can be of assistance with a state related matter.
Sincerely‚
ROGER NIELLO
Senator‚ Sixth District