Next Tuesday, April 21, several Senate Republican members have key crime measures set to be heard in committee that would tackle elderly parole concerns, combat human trafficking, fund Proposition 36, and support victims, among other topics.
Members of the media can watch the Senate Public Safety committee on Tuesday at this livestream link which is set to begin at 8:30 AM.
TO ADD TO YOUR WATCHLIST FOR TUESDAY’S HEARING:
Senator Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield):
- SB 1018: Human Trafficking License Plate. SB 1018 establishes a specialized license plate program to support survivors of human trafficking. Revenue from the plate, along with voluntary donations, will fund grants to community-based organizations that are led by survivors or guided by substantial survivor input. Likely to be considered on consent calendar, meaning no member presentation and discussion.
- SB 1190: Safe Passage for Youth Act. SB 1190, the Safe Passage for Youth Act, establishes statewide licensing and regulatory standards for private companies that transport minors to facilities such as residential treatment and behavioral programs. Likely to be considered on consent calendar, meaning no member presentation and discussion.
- SB 1217: Help Human Trafficking Survivors Take Down Online Images. Senate Bill 1217 would create a practical state-level clearinghouse to help remove adult victims' nonconsensual intimate images distributed online as part of their exploitation.
- SB 1373: Mental Health Diversion. This bill amends California’s pretrial Mental Health Diversion (MHD) program by expanding judicial discretion, ensuring courts rely on competent, admissible evidence when evaluating mental health diagnoses, and ensures defendants charged with high-risk violent offenses are ineligible. The goal is to protect public safety while preserving diversion for defendants with legitimate, medically supported mental health needs.
Senator Grove will be hosting a pre-hearing press conference with supporters of SB 1373 (Mental Health Diversion) at 8:30 AM.
Senate Minority Leader Brian W. Jones (R-San Diego):
- SB 906: Addresses concerns with California’s Parole Process. Senate Bill 906 would close a loophole in state law that allows parole board meetings and vote records to be hidden from the public and exempts them from state open meetings rules.
Senator Jones will be available for interviews outside the hearing room immediately after presentation of his bill.
Senate Minority Caucus Whip Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita):
- SB 1022: Combating Human Trafficking. Senate Bill 1022, the California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking (MAST) Act, establishes a statewide task force to evaluate and improve collaboration between government agencies and non-profit organizations serving human trafficking victims.
- SB 1395: Strengthening Long-Term Protections for Crime Victims. Senate Bill 1395, known as Kayleigh’s Law, allows judges to issue lifetime protective orders at sentencing for individuals convicted of serious or violent felonies, or felony sex offenses against a minor.
Senator Valladares will be available immediately following her presentations for comment on her bills.
Senator Roger Niello (R-Fair Oaks):
- SB 1278: Elderly Parole Reform. Excludes criminals convicted of rape, sodomy, lewd and lascivious acts, and sex offenses from being eligible for elderly parole.
Senator Niello will be available for interviews.
Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach):
- SB 926: Proposition 36 Funding. Senate Bill 926 would fund the implementation of the important treatment and anti-crime measures approved by voters in Proposition 36 by directing resources to the newly created California Public Safety Services Support Fund. Proposition 36 was approved by nearly 70% of voters across all 58 counties, and this bill would fulfill the voters’ mandate.
Senator Strickland will be available following the hearing for comment on his bill.
ADDITIONAL LEGISLATION BEING HEARD ON MONDAY, APRIL 20:
On Monday, in the Senate Human Services Committee, Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) will present SB 1234 to save children from fentanyl exposure. LIVESTREAM link will be available on April 20 HERE.