Press Releases

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.

Caucus Membership Expands Following Election Victories Across the State

SACRAMENTO, CA — The California Legislative Jewish Caucus announced today that Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino) has been elected by members of the caucus to serve as Chair for the 2021-2022 legislative session. Senator Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco) has been elected Vice Chair. In recent years, the Jewish Caucus has grown into an influential voice in the State Legislature, and will expand to at least 17 legislators following the election of Senators-Elect Josh Newman (D-Diamond Bar) and Josh Becker (D-San Mateo).

Legislation Will Require Universities to Consider Homelessness as an Extenuating Circumstance When Evaluating Financial Aid Appeals

SACRAMENTO, CA — Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law Assembly Bill (AB) 2416, by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), which will require colleges and universities in California to consider whether a student is experiencing homelessness when making a determination about whether the student should continue to receive financial aid.

Legislation Would Have Established Stronger Accountability and Reporting Requirements for State-funded Homelessness Programs

SACRAMENTO, CA — Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed Assembly Bill (AB) 2746, by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), which would have significantly strengthened oversight over state-funded homelessness programs, including by creating a framework for data collection to better track and evaluate programs receiving state funding. In recent years, California has invested billions of dollars to address the state’s severe housing and homelessness crisis, yet homelessness has continued to increase significantly in many communities across the state.

Legislation Addresses Lack of Federal Strategy by Honoring and Enforcing Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) Issued in Other States

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law AB 2617, a measure that will fill the vacuum created by federal inaction on gun violence by ensuring that California honors and enforces gun violence restraining orders (GVROs) issued in other states. AB 2617 is authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Woodland Hills), who co-founded the Legislature’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, and who has called for broader state-level cooperation on issues related to gun violence.

Bills Would Mandate Enhanced Accountability for State Homeless Funding and Facilitate Construction of Affordable Housing for Teachers and School Employees

SACRAMENTO, CA — Earlier this week, the California Legislature passed legislation, authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D - Woodland Hills), that would mandate enhanced accountability for state homeless funding and help local school districts construct affordable housing for teachers and school district employees. 

Legislation Strengthens “Red Flag Laws” By Requiring California to Honor and Enforce Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs) Issued in Other States

SACRAMENTO, CA — Earlier this week, the California State Senate passed Assembly Bill (AB) 2617, a measure that aims to fill the vacuum created by federal inaction on gun violence by ensuring that California honors and enforces gun violence restraining orders (GVROs) issued in other states. AB 2617 is authored by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), who founded the Legislature’s Gun Violence Prevention Working Group, and who has called for broader state-level cooperation on issues related to gun violence. The bill passed with bipartisan support and is now on its way to Governor Gavin Newsom, who must sign or veto the bill by September 30, 2020.

Legislation Supported by Leading Jewish Organizations Will Enable Law Enforcement to Better Respond to Violent Bigotry and Protect Vulnerable Communities

SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, the Assembly Public Safety Committee unanimously passed Assembly Bill (AB) 2236, by Assemblymember Jesse Gabriel (D-Encino), which would strengthen California’s response to the recent rise in hate crimes and antisemitic incidents. Most significantly, AB 2236 would better equip law enforcement to respond to hate crimes, including by providing comprehensive training on hate crimes trends and best enforcement practices.