Friends and Neighbors,
The deadline to introduce new legislation was Friday, February, 20th and our bill package for the year is now set. I want to thank you for your continued trust and engagement. Below is a brief update on the bills I have introduced 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
SCA 2: No Governor Pardons for Family: This measure would prohibit the Governor from granting a pardon or commutation to specified relatives.
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.
SB 935: Design-Build Authorization: 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.
SB 971: Older Adult Education: This bill would authorize local health departments to offer voluntary older adult education and technology training, in partnership with community organizations and local school districts. The bill is sponsored by the California Senior Legislature.
SB 1021: Expand Hunting and Fishing Opportunities for Youth Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses: this bi-partisan legislation would create new, carefully regulated hunting and fishing opportunities for 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, ensuring strong oversight and ethical participation. The bill is sponsored by Field of Dreams.
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 $1 match, up to $250,000 per cemetery per fiscal year.
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 internet websites within 30 days of the report being filed by their governing board, as specified. It would impose a civil penalty of $1,000 on an agency that fails to post the report within that time period. The measure will incentivize local governments and education agencies to be transparent and inform the public about how their tax dollars are being spent.
SB 1176: Foreign Purchases of Agricultural Land: This legislation would prohibit adversarial foreign actors from purchasing, acquiring, leasing, or holding a controlling interest in California agricultural land. SB 1176 adds Chapter 5 to the Civil Code to restrict ownership by businesses or governments from countries designated as nonmarket economies under federal law or identified as national security threats in the most recent Annual Threat Assessment issued by the U.S. Director of National Intelligence. The measure authorizes the Attorney General to investigate violations and order divestiture within 90 days, subject to judicial review.
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.
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 unless a judge determines their involvement would be detrimental to the respondent’s well-being.
SB 1310: Prospective Jurors and Voter Registration Accuracy: This legislation would improve the accuracy of California’s voter registration system by enhancing coordination between jury commissioners and election officials. The bill would require jury commissioners to share relevant information with the Secretary of State and county elections officials when prospective jurors indicate, under penalty of perjury, that they are not eligible for jury service for reasons that may also affect their eligibility to vote. This bill is sponsored by the County of Orange.
From the District
Community Support Offered for Legislation to Expand Hunting and Fishing Opportunities for Youth Facing Life-Threatening Illnesses During a District Press Conference
A group representing over 25 organizations gathered on Friday, February 13th to kickoff Senate Bill 1021, sponsored by Field of Dreams, which would authorize the California Fish and Game Commission to establish a program that grants hunting and fishing opportunities for youth (age 17 and under) who are currently fighting life-threatening illnesses. A video of Friday’s press conference can be found here. Photos can be found here.
Small Business of the Month, The Coffee Grove
I am proud to congratulate The Coffee Grove, located in Villa Park, on being recognized as the 37th Senate District’s February Small Business of the Month. More than just a neighborhood café, The Coffee Grove has become a cornerstone of the community through its consistent support of local events and generous donations of coffee and treats over the years, demonstrating a genuine love for Villa Park. While they are well known for their delicious pastries, quality drinks, and welcoming atmosphere, it is their commitment to serving and strengthening the community that truly sets them apart. I sincerely thank The Coffee Grove for their meaningful contributions to our district.
Lunar New Year Celebrations
On February 7, I attended the Lunar New Year Parade and Festival hosted by the Asian American Museum at Great Park in collaboration with the City of Irvine. The event brought together cultural organizations and groups from across Orange County in a wonderful display of performance. Thank you to the event organizers and the thousands of people who came out to celebrate Orange County’s shared cultural heritage.
Later that week, my team celebrated the Year of the Horse with a cultural fair and performance at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library. The vibrant celebration was filled with traditional music, food, and dance. Thank you to the performers and all those who participated in honoring Asian Culture.
On February 19, team Choi joined the Board of the Asian Business Association of Orange County in their annual ABAOC Lunar New Year Luncheon. The celebration welcomed their new President and provided a preview of the business speaker series planned to come in the year of the Horse.
On February 21, my district team joined the Orange County Chinese American Chamber of Commerce and Foundation at their 2026 President & Board installation as we welcome the Lunar New Year. Congratulations to the incoming and outgoing President and board of directors. Your commitment to small businesses and student scholarships are strong, and you play a vital role in our community.
Lastly, my team joined the Villa Parks Community Services Foundation and North Orange County Chinese School in celebrating their 6th annual Lunar New Year Celebration. It was wonderful to see the community of Villa Park come together through fantastic food and performance. Thank you to all the contributors who made this event possible, and to the Formosa Association of Student Culture Ambassadors.
2-1-1 Day
On February 11, my district team joined Orange County United Way and 2-1-1 Orange County to celebrate 2-1-1 day at their Pulse of OC event. February 11, also known as 2-1-1 Day, is a nationally recognized holiday that highlights the vital role 2-1-1 services play in our community. 2-1-1 Orange County is a free, confidential referral helpline available to anyone in need of resources. Their trained specialists can provide assistance with food access, utilities support, healthcare services, mental health resources, employment assistance, and many more. Thank you to Orange County United Way and 2-1-1 Orange County for your outstanding service to our community.
Joint Resolution
On February 18, my team presented a joint resolution with Assemblywoman Diane Dixon to Dr. Lorraine Prinsky to celebrate her retirement from the Coast Community College District Board of Trustees. Dr. Prinsky has served as a trustee for 17 years, a tenure that is complemented by her extraordinary 37-year teaching career at California State University, Fullerton. Thank you, Dr. Prinsky, for your dedication to education, service, and community. I wish you a prosperous retirement surrounded by loved ones.
Court of Honor
On February 22, Team Choi celebrated the accomplishments of Eagle Scout Theodore George Bell at his Court of Honor Ceremony. Theodore is part of Troop 1803, the only primarily African American troop in Orange County, and is the first person in the troop to achieve the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. The journey to Eagle Scout is long, and the rank reflects a lifelong commitment to the values promoted in the Scout Oath and Law. Congratulations to Theodore on this monumental achievement, and I look forward to seeing your successful career as a prospective physical therapist.
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