New state laws benefit renters, voters
Every year, hundreds of new California laws take effect on Jan. 1.
The Legislature sent more than 1,000 bills to Gov. Gavin Newsom this year, and he signed 870 into law.
Many of these bills are sure to have a lasting impact on our state and communities, so I will highlight a few laws that will take effect in 2020.
AB 1482, which I was proud to co-author, reflects a deal between tenants, property owners, builders and some of the largest employers in the state to provide renters with anti-rent gouging and just cause eviction protections. The law requires that a landlord have and state a just cause in order to evict tenants who have occupied their homes for more than a year. It also places an upper limit – 5 percent plus inflation – on annual rent increases. Hard-working families should not be forced to suffer while we work toward the ultimate goal of increasing our housing supply, and this bill will help protect Californians from being unfairly forced onto the streets.
Heading into a general election year, it is especially pertinent that we do all that we can to ensure that our elections are fair and free. Two new laws will help us accomplish these goals. AB 201 is the first law in the nation to require “paid for by” disclosures on mass campaign text messages. It will apply when the sender is a candidate, political party, ballot measure committee or independent expenditure. To ensure elections are accessible to all voters, California will join 11 other states in allowing all eligible residents to register to vote and cast a ballot at polling sites on Election Day.
I supported all three measures that will help shine a light on dark money in politics, ensure voters have the best information when they are at the ballot box and increase participation in our elections.
Mental Health Services for first responders
This year, I also worked to increase access to mental health services for first responders, however, we need to do more to help all of our friends and neighbors who may be struggling. For any Californians who are facing a difficult time, Newsom has funded and launched a new statewide mental health line at 1-855-845-7415. Known as the California Peer-Run Warm Line, it offers emotional support and resource referrals for people experiencing depression, anxiety and other symptoms but aren’t considering taking their own lives. This call line is a step in the right direction, and I will continue pushing next year for effective mental health services for all.
I have fought forcefully against PG&E bailouts and any measures that sought to undermine PG&E’s responsibility to wildfire victims or us ratepayers. This year, the Legislature passed two laws, SB 167 and SB 560, that will work to reduce wildfire risk in our communities and minimize the impact of Public Safety Power Shutoffs. I supported both measures, and I will continue to look for ways to protect Californians and to hold PG&E executives accountable for the situation that affects millions of residents.
To learn more about the laws taking effect in 2020 or to share your thoughts on matters that are important to you, call my Concord office at 925-521-1511. It is an honor to serve you, and I will continue to work to help make our communities better, happier and safer places to live.
Reach Assemblyman Tim Grayson at (925) 521-1511. Visit or write the district office 2151 Salvio Street, Suite P, Concord, CA 94520