Assemblymember Marie Waldron Highlights Progressive Strides as the Legislature Adjourns

When the California Legislature concluded its session on September 14th, Assemblymember Marie Waldron from the 75th District stood out with her unwavering commitment to her constituents and the larger Californian community. As the legislature prepares to reconvene in January, Waldron casts light on the key accomplishments of the term, reflecting the hopes and needs of the modern Californian.

Waldron’s leadership produced numerous bills that address pressing concerns of the state. Her initiation of AB 1233 offers a robust response to the opioid crisis. By aiding tribal governments in procuring essential medications like naloxone, this legislation aims to bring down opioid-related deaths in tribal communities, a critical issue that has long needed attention.

Waldron’s dedication isn’t limited to the health sphere alone. Through AB 829, she has taken a firm stance against animal cruelty. This legislation empowers courts to mandate mental health evaluations for individuals convicted of animal abuse. It’s a significant step, given the implications such behaviors have on broader societal well-being, and is expected to deter future instances of animal abuse and associated crimes.

The healthcare infrastructure also benefits from her foresight. Recognizing the escalating demands on lab services, Waldron introduced AB 1741. This pivotal legislation ensures that qualified, yet unlicensed, professionals can assist in certain tasks under licensed oversight, ensuring that the balance between efficiency and quality isn’t compromised.

The culinary entrepreneurial spirit of California also finds a supporter in Waldron. The earlier signed AB 1325 paves the way for the expansion of Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) across the state, ensuring that local culinary talents find avenues to flourish.

In collaboration with fellow legislators, Waldron has furthered the cause of community wellness, public health, and crime reduction. Bills like AB 912 underscore her commitment to community wellness and crime deterrence, while SB 14 showcases her resolve against the grave crime of minor human trafficking. Additionally, her support for AB 246 and SB 90 mark significant milestones in the health sector, targeting the safety of menstrual products and making insulin more affordable.

For the people of the 75th District, these legislations symbolize hope, betterment, and justice.

The Legislature Adjourns

The Legislature adjourned September 14th. We will reconvene for the second half of the 2023 – 2024 session January 3rd.

Several of my bills received final legislative approval last week. These include AB 1233, to help reduce opioid-related deaths in tribal communities by mandating assistance to tribal governments applying for naloxone and other opioid antagonist medications. AB 829 will allow courts to order persons on probation for animal abuse to undergo mental health evaluations and counseling in an effort to reduce future crimes against animals and, in some cases, against people. AB 1741, which allows qualified, unlicensed personnel to conduct certain tasks under supervision of licensed professionals will help laboratories meet high testing demand while maintaining access to accurate care. And earlier this year, AB 1325, which expands Microenterprise Home Kitchen Operations (MEHKOs) throughout California, was signed into law by Governor Newsom.

My co-authored bills include AB 912, which establishes grant programs for local governments, schools and community-based organizations to create parks, mental health clinics in schools, and encourage outreach to targeted gangs to reduce gang involvement and future crimes; SB 14 makes human trafficking of minors a serious felony, adding it to crimes subject to the Three Strikes Law; AB 474 directs the State Threat Assessment Center to prioritize cooperation with state and local efforts to dismantle and disrupt criminal drug trafficking networks; SB 67, requires coroners or medical examiners to report overdose deaths in a more effective, uniform manner so the opioid epidemic can be effectively tracked and addressed.

Public health will improve through AB 246, banning the manufacture and sale of menstrual products containing hazardous chemicals like perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS), and SB 90, which caps co-pays for insulin at $35 for a 30 day supply.

These are just a few of the bills I authored and co-authored this year. They are now on the Governor’s desk, (hopefully) awaiting his signature.

Sincerely,
Marie Waldron
Assemblymember, 75th District

Image Credit: Canva