SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, immediately after being sworn-in for his second full term in the California Legislature, Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills) introduced his first bills of the new term. Reflecting the many challenges facing the state, these measures address the devastating impacts of COVID-19, California’s housing affordability crisis, and the recent surge in hate crimes.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 61 aims to assist small restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic by empowering local jurisdictions, in strict compliance with public health guidelines, to modify certain regulations to enable more outdoor dining.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 59 would reform the assessment of impact fees imposed by local governments, which often can significantly increase costs and needlessly delay the construction of urgently-needed housing.
- Assembly Bill (AB) 57 would strengthen hate-crimes protections in California. The newly-elected Chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus, Gabriel has worked with a diverse coalition of advocacy organizations to protect vulnerable communities across the state from hate-motivated violence.
“We have extraordinary challenges ahead of us as we confront the devastating impacts of COVID-19,” said Assemblymember Gabriel. “Meeting these challenges will require unity, focus, and innovative public policies. I look forward to working with my colleagues to craft solutions that can help people in my community and across the State of California.”
Consistent with the requirements of the California Constitution, the new Legislature was sworn-in today and the first bills were introduced. In light of the ongoing public health emergency, the State Assembly convened at the Golden 1 Arena, rather than the State Capitol, so that members could better physically distance.