Friends and Neighbors,
Bills have been filed and committee season is in full swing. This past month I had three bills considered in committee, SCA 2, SB 971, and SB 1021. Both SB 971 and SB 1021 passed out of their committees with unanimous support. 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
Bills:
SCA 2: No Governor Pardons for Family: This measure would prohibit the Governor from granting a pardon or commutation to specified relatives or themselves. This bill did not pass out of the Senate Public Safety Committee but was granted reconsideration.
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 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Transportation on April 14th.
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.
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 will be heard in the Senate Committee on Appropriations on April 13th.
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. It passed out of the Senate Committee on Local Government with unanimous support and was re-referred to the Senate Committee on Rules.
SB 956 Vehicles: Electric Bicycles: SB 956 would authorize cities and counties to adopt and enforce local e-bike safety ordinances. This bill will be heard in the Senate Committee on Transportation on April 14th.
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. It passed out of the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Water with unanimous support and has been re-referred to the same committee.
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. This bill will be heard in the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs on April 20th.
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. The measure will incentivize local governments and education agencies to be transparent and inform the public about how their tax dollars are being spent. This bill has been double-referred to the Senate Committee on Local Government and Senate Committee on Education. It will be heard in the Senate Committee on Local Government on April 15th.
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. This bill was referred to the Senate Committees on Judiciary and Agriculture. It will be heard in the Senate Committee on Agriculture on April 21st.
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. It has been referred to the Senate Committee on Education and will be heard on April 8th.
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. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committee on Judiciary.
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. This bill has been referred to the Senate Committees on Elections and Constitutional Amendments and Judiciary. It will be heard in the Senate Committee on Elections and Constitutional Amendments on April 7th.
From the District
Small Business of the Month, Second Impressions
v. This unique thrift store has become a valued part of the Lake Forest community, offering quality items while promoting sustainability and second chances. Behind the business is an inspiring story of perseverance and determination, reflecting the heart and vision of its owners, Brandon and Carrie. Through hard work and a passion for serving others, Second Impressions continues to make a meaningful impact on those it serves. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition and on celebrating the store’s 10-year anniversary. We look forward to your continued success.
Korean Senior Scam Event
There was a senior scam prevention seminar for the Korean American community held on March 7th. The event covered various cases of voice phishing scams and raised awareness among many attendees. In addition, it addressed real estate scams, which have recently emerged as a major issue. During the event, many seniors shared that they had already experienced phishing scams or had encountered similar situations. In that sense, it would be beneficial to expand these types of events throughout our community to better protect our constituents from crime.
OC State of Education Reception/ Dr. Bean Address
On March 13th, State Senator Steven Choi joined hundreds of educators from around the County to hear from Dr. Stefan Bean, the Superintendent of the Orange County Department of Education. During his State of Education, Dr. Bean highlighted much of the work being done in the county to help increase graduation rates, support students with disabilities, and provide transparency on various efforts. Dr. Bean also made sure to stress areas of improvement that we all can work together on to help more students be successful, such as Career Technical Education. Dr. Bean even recognized Senator Choi for his work in this area, authoring Senate Bill 1222, to expand these programs for underserved students. Aside from that, much of what was discussed by Dr. Bean highlighted the amazing school districts we have throughout Orange County, as well as the collaborative work they’re doing with community colleges from around the region. You can watch Dr. Bean speak here.
Aliso Viejo Library Reopening
On March 25th, Team Choi attended the grand reopening of the Aliso Viejo Library, celebrating a renewed space dedicated to learning, growth, and community connection. Libraries play a vital role in expanding access to education, providing resources for students of all ages, and fostering a lifelong love of reading and discovery. The revitalized library will continue to serve as an important hub for knowledge, opportunity, and engagement in the community. Congratulations on this exciting milestone, and we look forward to the positive impact it will have for years to come.
Women of Distinction Event
On March 26th, State Senator Steven Choi proudly hosted our Women of Distinction Ceremony at the City of Orange Council Chambers, honoring 13 outstanding women from across the 37th Senate District, including the Woman of the Year, Julie Moore. Each honoree was recognized for her exceptional leadership, service, and lasting contributions to our community. Each of the women honored exemplify dedication and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Congratulations to all of our 2026 Women of Distinction. It was a privilege to celebrate your achievements, and we look forward to your continued impact in our community.
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