Friends and Neighbors,
Bills have been filed and committee season is in full swing. Last Friday was the deadline for policy committees to hear fiscal bills and today is the last day for policy committees to hear and report non-fiscal bills to the Senate Floor. All bills that have a significant fiscal impact to the state budget are currently waiting for the Senate Appropriations Committee to hold its suspense file hearing on May 14th, during which bills will either pass to the Senate Floor, or die. Perhaps more important is the House of Origin deadline, on May 29th, when all Senate bills must make their way to the Assembly, and vice versa. Below is a brief update on the status of my bills that are still moving through the legislature, and events from around the district. You can find more information on my legislation here.
Senator Steven S. Choi, Ph.D.
Representing State Senate District 37
Legislative Update
Bills:
SB 897: Laguna Woods: Vehicle Code: SB 897 would explicitly authorize the City of Laguna Woods to use the funds they received from the Orange County Service Authority for Abandoned Vehicles to address Vehicle Code violations. This would enable the City to use dormant funds to enforce Vehicle Code violations on public streets. This bill is sponsored by the City of Laguna Woods and has passed out of the Senate. It is currently at the Assembly Desk for assignment to a policy committee.
SB 927: Foreign Adoptees: SB 927 would allow an adult whose foreign adoption in California was not finalized by either their adoptive parents or their adoption agency by the time they were 16, to petition for their adoption to be finalized. This bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee, with a recommendation to be passed on the Senate Floor consent.
SB 935: Design-Build Authorization: This bill would repeal the January 1, 2031 sunset date of the design-build project authorization, making design-build a permanent procurement method available to local governments. Studies show that design-build projects cost approximately 6% less and are delivered more than 30% faster than traditional design-bid-build projects, and the Legislative Analyst’s Office has found the method to be a valuable contracting option. This bill is sponsored by the Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region and has passed out of the Senate. It is currently at the Assembly Desk for assignment to a policy committee.
SB 971: Older Adult Education: This bill would authorize local health departments, school districts, and area agencies on aging to offer voluntary older adult education and technology training, in partnership with community organizations. The bill is sponsored by the California Senior Legislature. SB 971 will next be heard on the Senate Floor.
SB 1021: Expand Hunting and Fishing Opportunities for Youth Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses: This bipartisan legislation would expand carefully-regulated hunting and fishing opportunities to youth who are battling life-threatening illnesses. SB 1021 directs the California Fish and Game Commission to establish a science-based program that increases access to fishing and hunting opportunities while preserving California’s wildlife conservation standards. The program would be developed in consultation with the Department of Fish and Wildlife and nonprofit conservation organizations, ensuring strong oversight and ethical participation. The bill is sponsored by Field of Dreams. This bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee on the Suspense File.
SB 1040: Veterans Cemetery Maintenance-Endowment Match Act: This bipartisan bill would strengthen long-term funding for California’s veterans’ cemeteries. SB 1040 would add Chapter 10.3 to Division 6 of the Military and Veterans Code and establish a state-local matching program. For every $1 contributed by individuals, veterans service organizations, local governments, or private donors to a qualified cemetery maintenance endowment, the state would provide a dollar-for-dollar match, up to $250,000 per cemetery per fiscal year. This bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 1126: Local Government Financial Records: This bill would require governing boards of local governments and education agencies to post their annual audit report on their websites within 30 days of the report being filed by their governing board. The measure will incentivize local governments and education agencies to be transparent with their finances and inform the public about how their tax dollars are being spent. This bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee.
SB 1222: Career Technical Education Equity Pilot Program: This legislation would expand access to high-quality career technical education (CTE) programs, with a focus on underserved students. The bill establishes a three-year Career Technical Education Technical Assistance and Equity Pilot Program, which would require the State Superintendent of Public Instructions to designate a lead agency to provide targeted support to local educational agencies in two pilot regions. The program aims to strengthen industry partnerships, improve coordination, and expand access to career pathways for students who are underrepresented in CTE programs. This bill is sponsored by the Orange County Department of Education. This bill is currently in the Senate Appropriations Committee on the Suspense File.
SB 1242: CARE Court Reform to Strengthen Family Involvement: This bill modernizes the Community Assistance, Recovery, and Empowerment (CARE) Court Proceedings process by ensuring families can remain involved in CARE Court proceedings for individuals with serious mental illness. The bill amends Section 5977 of the Welfare and Institutions Code to allow family-member petitioners to participate throughout CARE Court proceedings, for the purposes of care coordination and information sharing, unless a judge determines their involvement would be detrimental to the respondent’s well-being. This bill will next be heard on the Senate Floor.
From the District
Small Business of the Month, The Printery
Senator Choi proudly recognized The Printery as his April, Senate District 37, Small Business of the Month. The Printery is a local pillar in the Irvine community, providing services for Orange County residents and other small businesses. The Printery has been operating for 37 years, serving customers state and nation wide, but calls Irvine home. Abiding by their mission statement, this establishment continues to commit to excellence and value to offer the best product to the Orange County business community. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and we look forward to your success in the future.
2026 “Guocui Cup” Sino-U.S. Cultural & Arts Festival
On April 4th, Senator Steven Choi attended the Laguna Woods 2026 “Guocui Cup” Sino-U.S. Cultural & Arts Festival, celebrating the connection of generations and languages that are cultivated through art. The event was a display of how culture can bring people together, and it highlighted beautiful aspects of the ethnic exchange. The performers were recognized in the Senator’s speech as being dedicated to their craft and the sharing of their artform. The festival was a colorful celebration of tradition, innovation, and cross-cultural dialogue, with performances including a showcase of Peking Opera. We take pride in the diversity and cultural talents of the 37th District’s residents, and appreciate the opportunity to witness such community engagement.
50th Anniversary Celebration of the Orange County Wine Society
On April 10th, Senator Choi’s office had the pleasure of attending a wonderful celebration with the Orange County Wine Society as they marked their incredible 50-year anniversary. It was an unforgettable evening filled with great company, rich history, and an appreciation for the community they’ve built over the years. We’re truly honored to have been part of such a special milestone, and to celebrate the passion and dedication that has made this organization thrive for five decades. Cheers to many more years of success!
30th Anniversary of Korean-U.S. Citizen League of OC
On April 11th, Senator Steven Choi attended the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Orange County Korean-U.S. Citizens League. This event took place at the Buena Park Thanksgiving Church, where the Senator presented a Certificate of Recognition for the milestone event, and gave a speech in honor of the achievement. The Korean-U.S. Citizens League is a non-profit organization that supports a community of individuals to help bridge the gap between Korean Americans and the American mainstream, through educational seminars, symposiums, and civic resources. We would like to thank the Korean-U.S. Citizens League for the service to our community, and the Buena Park Thanksgiving Church for hosting this event.
Second Harvest Food Bank Walk to Feed OC
On April 18th, Senator Choi attended the Second Harvest Food Bank Walk to Feed OC. The Walk to Feed OC is a fun, feel-good, 1.5-mile walk through the beautiful strawberry fields at Tanaka Farms. It’s all about coming together to support food and nutritional security, right here in Orange County. The event is free, family-friendly, and a great way to make a difference while spending time together. The Senator was recognized as an honored guest. Thank you to Second Harvest Food Bank for hosting the Walk to feed OC.
Saint Thomas More Catholic Church Groundbreaking Ceremony
On April the 25th, Senator Steven Choi attended the Saint Thomas More Catholic Church Groundbreaking Ceremony for their new $30-million sanctuary. Most Reverend Kevin Vann, Bishop of Orange, and Most Reverend Thanh Tai Nguyen, Auxiliary Bishop, were both in attendance along with the Senator and other elected officials. This year marks Saint Thomas More Catholic Church’s 30th anniversary, and what better way to celebrate than breaking ground on an extraordinary new campus. We thank Saint Thomas More Catholic Church for hosting the Senator, and look forward to seeing your church grow even more in the years to come.
Common Bound Volunteer Awards Dinner
On Saturday, April 25th, Team Choi proudly attended the Award Ceremony Dinner for the non-profit organization, Common Bound, to celebrate their teen volunteers’ achievements in service. Established in August 2024, Common Bound is a 60-member teen volunteer group with four chapters throughout Southern California. They help local communities with urgent needs, ranging from food insecurity, fundraising for healthcare, and youth mentorship. Our office recognized and presented 21 members of the volunteer group, from the 37th Senate District, with Certificates of Recognition. We extend our gratitude to the Common Bound administration for the invitation, and to the student-volunteers who help cultivate a culture of service in our District.
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