Governor Newsom Signs Three Bills Authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan

SACRAMENTO – Governor Gavin Newsom has signed into law three bills authored by Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda), which address key public health, environmental, and resource management concerns for Californians. The new laws target water rights violations, pesticide disclosure, and tobacco sales to minors, reflecting the state’s ongoing commitment to environmental protection, transparency, and public health.

“Protecting the health and safety of our communities has always been my priority,” said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. “I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for signing this commonsense legislation that strengthens our efforts to safeguard California’s resources and promote public health.”

AB 460: Strengthening Water Rights Enforcement

In light of California's ongoing droughts and the pressing need for sustainable water management, enforcement of water rights has become more crucial than ever. AB 460 enhances the enforcement powers of the State Water Resources Control Board, ensuring greater accountability for illegal water diversions and violations of cease-and-desist orders. Under the new law, penalties for water rights violations will increase from $1,000 to $2,500 per day, with an additional $10,000 per day for the most egregious offenses. This includes a specific penalty of $2,500 for every acre-foot of water diverted unlawfully.

"Water is one of California’s most precious resources," said Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan. "AB 460 is essential to ensuring that the rules we put in place to protect our water are actually followed, with the power to enforce them effectively."

AB 1042: Improving Pesticide Transparency

In the wake of growing concerns over pesticide exposure, particularly in agricultural communities, AB 1042 aims to provide clearer information about pesticide-treated seeds. These seeds, commonly used in California's expansive agricultural industry, have raised alarms over their impact on wildlife and ecosystems, yet they are not regulated like other pesticides. Starting in 2027, all pesticide-treated seeds sold in California must carry labels detailing critical information such as the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registration number, toxicity levels, and the precise amount of pesticide used per seed. On the issue, Bauer-Kahan reports that “consumers of seeds deserve to make informed decisions about the products they grow and sell. AB 1042 corrects a loophole that left the public in the dark. It also enables us to better understand the environmental impact of the seeds, so we can ensure safe communities.”

AB 1042 fills a gap in current regulations by ensuring that farmworkers, farmers, and the general public have access to clear, concise information about the substances used in the growing process. The bill promotes transparency and will help mitigate the environmental and health risks associated with pesticide exposure.

AB 2021: Tightening Tobacco Sales to Minors

AB 2021 strengthens efforts to curb youth tobacco use, an ongoing public health concern that has far-reaching consequences. Tobacco use during childhood and adolescence can lead to significant health problems, including respiratory diseases, cancer, and heart disease.

If current tobacco use patterns continue, an estimated 5.6 million of today's youth under the age of 18 will eventually die prematurely from a smoking-related disease, according to the American Lung Association. AB 2021 addresses these alarming statistics by tightening restrictions on tobacco product sales to minors and increasing penalties for retailers who violate these laws.

“Sellers of tobacco products need to take seriously their responsibility to protect our kids from the harms of tobacco,” said Bauer-Kahan. “It is paramount that we take this next step in continuing the fight for a tobacco free generation."

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