Dear Neighbor,

The legislative session has come to a close, and I’m proud to highlight some of the key accomplishments we achieved. As Senate Majority Leader and Chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, I’ve been focused on advancing policies that protect families, strengthen our democracy, and ensure every community in Senate District 33 has a voice. 

End of Session & Bills Passed

As Senate Majority Leader, I helped manage the floor this session, where hundreds of bills came up for a vote. Among them were bills from my own legislative package as well as priority measures from the California Latino Legislative Caucus. These included strengthened protections for immigrant families such as:

• Keeping Schools & Healthcare Spaces Safe
  • AB 49 CA Safe Haven Schools Act: would prohibit the use of school resources for immigration enforcement efforts and prohibit immigration enforcement officers from entering schools without valid identification and a judicial warrant or court order.
  • SB 81 Ensuring Healthcare Spaces are Safe: would prohibit immigration authorities from accessing a nonpublic area in a healthcare facility without a valid judicial warrant or court order and strengthens privacy protections for immigrants.
  • SB 98 Sending Alerts to Families in Education (SAFE) Act: would require K-12 schools and public higher education institutions to notify students, staff, and other campus community members when immigration officers are present on campus.
• Clear Identification and No Masking Requirements for Law Enforcement Officers
  • Senate Bill 805, the No Vigilantes Act, will require law enforcement officers to clearly identify themselves, and Senate Bill 627, the No Secret Police Act, will prohibit law enforcement officers from covering their faces while conducting operations, with limited exemptions, such as for medical or fire-related reasons. Together, the bills will help address growing public fear and the rise in law enforcement impersonation claims in recent months. 

I’m also proud that my good governance bill SB 827 passed, requiring additional training for local employees with fiscal responsibilities, along with my bill SB 263 to study tariff impacts to support families and small businesses in recovering from economic disruptions.

National Latino Heritage Month

This year has brought many challenges for many families across our state and nation, but through every challenge, we’ve seen incredible strength and solidarity. Latino Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor everyday heroes who lift us up, dedicate their time wholeheartedly to helping others and who shape the diverse and culturally rich foundation of our community. I’m proud to recognize our SD33 honorees whose dedication, courage, and hard work inspire us all. Join me in celebrating these leaders who remind us that together, we are stronger. Learn more about them here.

As always, if you need any other information or assistance, don't hesitate to get in touch with my office at (562) 256-7921 or send us a message here.

Sincerely, 

Lena Gonzalez
33rd State Senate District