SACRAMENTO, CA – Sen. Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park) issued a statement today regarding the Committee assignments released this week by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego): 

“I want to thank Senate pro Tem Toni Atkins for her leadership and support as California continues to grapple with an unprecedented pandemic,” Sen. Rubio said. “I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue our work in providing affordable home insurance, expanding access to healthcare regardless of immigration status, and fighting for additional resources for small businesses and all constituents during these challenging times.”

● Insurance (Chair) 

● Energy, Utilities & Communications

● Governmental Organization 

● Health 

● Transportation 

● Joint Committee on Rules

Committee Highlights from 2019-2020 session: 

Senate Insurance Committee 

● Increased consumer safety by requiring homeowner policies that provide replacement coverage, must include at least 10% of coverage for building code upgrades. 

● Ended discrimination against HIV positive individuals in the Life Insurance market and extended the Low Cost Auto Insurance Program until 2025, to ensure low income individuals have access to affordable auto insurance. 

● Helped consumers by extending additional living expense (ALE) coverage for those whose homes may not have been damaged, but are rendered uninhabitable by fire; created a 2-week period of ALE coverage when a state of emergency and local order restrict access to the home; and ended land value deduction for calculating the amount available to rebuild. 

Senate Health:

● Passed a groundbreaking flavor tobacco ban to help protect our youth from becoming addicted to tobacco products while also improving overall public health. 

● Addressed the expensive cost of prescription drugs by authorizing the State of California to enter into partnerships to manufacture generic drugs.

● Tackled the drastic increase in suicides, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, by creating a framework for a statewide Office of Suicide Prevention.

● Protected children at risk of lead poisoning by holding state agencies accountable for ensuring compliance with child blood lead test requirements.

Senate Transportation:

● Successfully ensured all San Gabriel Valley communities impacted by the Caltrans decision to not extend the 710 freeway have the opportunity to provide input. 

● Protected financially vulnerable population from traffic fees by expanding access to flexible payment plans.

● Streamlined the DMV application process for disabled veterans. 

Senate Government Organization Committee:

● Ratified 6 tribal-gaming compacts that will preserve Tribal Gaming operations in the State and ensure their continued economic success.

● Passed landmark legislation to increase transparency with horse racing safety protocols.

● Strengthened regional emergency planning and transportation services. 

Senate Energy, Utilities & Communications Committee:

● Passed the Golden State Energy Act which created a non-profit public benefit corporation, to enhance its oversight and enforcement, in the event that PG&E does not comply with the terms of its bankruptcy restructuring. 

● Passed legislation which directs state energy efficiency funding to be used to upgrade heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, further protecting the health of our students, teachers, custodial staff and administrators in public schools, prioritizing schools in underserved communities and those near freeways or industrial facilities. 

Senator Susan Rubio represents Senate District 22 in Los Angeles County. It includes the cities of Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Covina, El Monte, Industry, Irwindale, La Puente, Monterey Park, San Gabriel, Rosemead, South El Monte, Temple City and West Covina as well as the unincorporated communities of Avocado Heights, Charter Oak, Citrus, East Pasadena, East San Gabriel, Mayflower Village, North El Monte, South Monrovia Island, South San Gabriel, South San Jose Hills, Valinda, Vincent and West Puente Valley.

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For more information, visit https://sd22.senate.ca.gov/