California’s Legislative Women’s Caucus: Empowering Women and Families Through New Legislation

Advancing and Protecting Women’s Health

Enacting Common-Sense Laws Around Gendered Violence

Making Parental Care Resources More Available

Full List of Signed Bills

California Takes Bold Steps to Elevate Women and Families

Sacramento, CA – In a significant move to support women and families across the state, Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a series of priority bills championed by the Legislative Women’s Caucus. Assembly Majority Leader Cecilia Aguiar-Curry (D-Winters), chair of the caucus, emphasized the importance of these legislative measures, stating, “At a time when things in Washington, DC are making life harder for everyone, it’ll be a little easier to raise your kids, take care of your health, and build a good life. When we lift up women and families, we lift up our whole state.”

Advancing and Protecting Women’s Health

Among the newly signed legislation, several key initiatives aim to enhance women’s health. Notably, the bills introduce stronger safety regulations for ingredients in products commonly used by women, such as hair and menstrual products, as well as prenatal vitamins. Additionally, the legislation boosts maternity care by increasing access to alternative birth centers and expanding perinatal and infant care services in rural communities.

Enacting Common-Sense Laws Against Gendered Violence

In a landmark decision, the Governor signed SB 258, introduced by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward), which removes the spousal exception from sexual assault laws. This crucial change aims to better protect individuals with mental disorders or disabilities who are unable to give consent, reinforcing California’s commitment to combating gendered violence.

Expanding Parental Care Resources

The new laws also focus on making essential resources more accessible for families. Governor Newsom has approved legislation that expands basic needs for children through local food banks, ensuring families receive vital supplies like diapers and wipes. Furthermore, student parents at public institutions will benefit from improved access to childcare services and resources on their campuses.

A Comprehensive List of New Bills

The following bills were signed into law, reflecting a comprehensive approach to supporting women and families:

• AB 55 by Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) – Licensing and Medi-Cal reimbursement for alternative birth centers.
• AB 798 by Assemblymember Lisa Calderon (D-Whittier) – Establishment of a State Emergency Food Bank Reserve Program for diapers and wipes.
• AB 836 by Assemblymember Catherine Stefani (D-San Francisco) – Midwifery Workforce Training Act.
• SB 236 by Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego) – Regulation of chemical hair relaxers in cosmetics.
• SB 258 by Senator Aisha Wahab (D-Hayward) – Amendments to rape laws.
• SB 271 by Senator Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) – Childcare services for public postsecondary education students with dependent children.
• SB 520 by Senator Anna Caballero (D-Merced) – Nurse-midwifery education program.
• SB 646 by Senator Akilah Weber-Pierson (D-San Diego) – Regulation of prenatal multivitamins.
• SB 669 by Senator Mike McGuire (D-North Coast) – Standby perinatal services in rural hospitals.
• SB 754 by Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) – Regulation of chemicals in menstrual products.

For more information on the bills signed today, visit California Legislative Information.

As California moves forward with these initiatives, the focus remains clear: empowering women and families is essential for the well-being of the entire state.