Dear Neighbor,
This week, the California Legislature reconvened for the 2025-2026 session. While I’m in the process of finalizing my upcoming legislative package, I’ve already introduced two bills—AB 45, which protects private healthcare information, and AB 56, which requires social media platforms to make critical disclosures.
Before we dive into the work ahead, I want to take a moment to reflect on the successes of the past legislative session.
With the 2024 legislative session behind us and the holiday season underway, this is a good time for reflection and gratitude. This year, I achieved some major legislative milestones, passing fifteen bills addressing California's most pressing needs. From environmental protections to advancements in healthcare access, public safety, and artificial intelligence regulation, my work focused on creating impactful change across a broad range of issues. Notable accomplishments include banning single-use plastic bags to reduce pollution, establishing critical protections for reproductive healthcare clinics, setting guidelines for AI to safeguard consumer privacy, and enhancing wildfire preparedness in high-risk areas. These victories reflect our commitment to a healthier, safer, and more equitable California, and we are excited to build on this momentum in the year ahead.
I know that the homeowners' insurance crisis has impacted many in the community. I am continuing to work with the Insurance Commissioner to bring stability and affordability back into the market. You can read more about the sweeping reforms taking place by staying up to date on the Insurance Commissioner's Sustainable Insurance Strategy here. Progress has been slow, but I am confident that California will see significant improvements in this area by early 2025. I’ve also been working hard to address the skyrocketing costs of our electricity, holding PG&E accountable, and fighting to increase transparency in utilities all while expanding opportunities for solar across our state.
Representing you in the Assembly is the honor of a lifetime, and championing causes that address the community’s top priorities is a privilege that comes with serious responsibility. Every decision I make is driven by one goal: to take your input and create a better California. I’m so thankful for the ongoing feedback and support we receive from the community. Please continue to stay engaged and share your views with me.
As we enter the season of giving and togetherness, with Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s fast approaching, I invite you to read below to learn more about the work we accomplished this year. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and restful holiday season. Thank you for your trust and for the opportunity to serve you in the California Assembly.
Warmly,
Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Assemblymember, 16th District
Some Key Legislation you may have missed
- ♻️ Reducing Plastic Pollution
SB 1053, coauthored with Senator Catherine Blakespear, was signed into law to close a critical loophole in California’s plastic bag ban. Originally passed in 2014, the law allowed thicker plastic bags at grocery checkouts. This new law prohibits all plastic bags at checkout, ensuring only recycled paper or reusable customer-provided bags are used. This marks a significant step toward reducing plastic pollution and protecting California’s waterways and ecosystems. - 🤖 Regulating Artificial Intelligence
AB 2885 introduces a clear legal definition of “artificial intelligence” within California’s framework, a crucial move as AI technology rapidly evolves. This bill sets a standard definition that will help lawmakers, industries, and consumers better navigate the complexities and impacts of AI. AB 2885 is leading California’s proactive approach to the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by AI, ensuring responsible innovation. - 🔥 Safeguarding Communities from Wildfires
AB 3062 enhances public safety by requiring utility companies to notify local fire departments at least 24 hours before conducting planned burns in high-risk fire areas. This law is a crucial step in ensuring better coordination between utility companies and local fire responders, reducing wildfire risks, and safeguarding California communities in an era of increasingly severe wildfire seasons.
- 🎭 Protecting Artists’ Digital Likeness
AB 1836 addresses the unauthorized use of artists' images after their death, specifically in the realm of digital likenesses created using artificial intelligence. This law ensures that artists’ legacies and dignity are preserved in an age where digital manipulation has become prevalent. AB 1836 reflects my commitment to protecting the personal privacy and rights of individuals, even after they have passed. - 🏥 Strengthening Reproductive Healthcare Protections
AB 2099 takes a firm stance on enhancing the security and accessibility of reproductive health services, raising penalties for harassment at reproductive health clinics. This law solidifies California's role as a sanctuary for reproductive rights, ensuring safe and accessible care for patients and providers alike, and reinforcing protections for those seeking or offering services at reproductive health facilities.
In the District
1) Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan celebrates 90 years of East Bay Parks. 2) With Visit Tri Valley at the Swearing in of the New Board of Directors. 3) Local Girl and Cub Scouts earning their Civics Badges.
Here’s What We’re Reading
💻 Eyes in the sky: How AI-powered satellites could help fight California wildfires
https://www.sfchronicle.com/tech/article/satellites-ai-imaging-wildfires-19852612.php
♀️ Perimenopausal women are ‘enraged’ — and no longer keeping quiet
https://www.washingtonpost.com/style/of-interest/2024/11/12/perimenopause-moment/
🔬The Quest to Build a Star on Earth (LLNL Mention!)
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2024/11/15/climate/fusion-energy.html
By the Numbers
- 15 — The total number of my bills signed into law in 2024.
- 135 – Bills from both the Senate and the Assembly that went through the Committee on Privacy and Consumer Protection this year. Learn more about the committee below.
- (925) 244-1600 – My district office phone number. While you may always share your comments through my website, we’re always happy to take your call.
- 564 and Counting – The number of individual constituents who gained access this year to vital resources such as paid family leave, unemployment insurance, state tax refunds, REAL IDs and more with the help of our office.
- 5 – The number of Olympians from AD-16. We loved cheering for you all last summer!