2023 February Newsletter
Dear Friend,
The 2023-24 Legislative Session is now underway, and I am thrilled to announce that I have introduced 12 bills that aim to improve the lives of Californians in a variety of ways.
From reducing gun violence, improving e-bike safety, to protecting women and LGBTQ+ Californians on public transit, my bills this year address some of the most pressing issues facing our state. Highlights of some of the bills I recently introduced are below and I encourage you to read on to learn more about what I am working on in Sacramento.
I also want to remind you to check out my past legislative accomplishments. By taking a deeper dive into my previous work, you can gain a better understanding of my legislative priorities and the values that guide my service to you and our Orange County community.
As always, thank you for the distinct privilege of serving as your State Senator. I am grateful for the opportunity to create a brighter future for all Californians.
In Unity,
Dave MinSenator, 37th Senate District
My 2023 Legislative Package
E-Bike Safety
Since the pandemic, e-bike sales have soared to record levels in the United States, a trend that is incredibly important for reducing carbon emissions generated by traditional gasoline-powered automobiles. The rise in popularity of e-bikes creates new challenges, which require us to rethink the rules in place to keep our roads safe. As a Dad and micro-transit rider myself, I am cognizant of how convenient e-bikes are, and also how important they will be for reducing carbon emissions. That is why I introduced Senate Bill (SB) 381, which will authorize a study on best practices for improving the safety and use of electric bicycles and similar types of vehicles.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Domestic Violence Victim's Rights
Restraining orders, child custody, and other life-saving protections rely on the demonstration of corroborating evidence. It is time we modernize and end the practice of charging victims hundreds of dollars in fees to obtain evidence that helps to build cases against Domestic Violence abusers. I am incredibly proud to introduce SB 290 in partnership with the Domestic Violence Clinic at UC Irvine School of Law. The measure will allow abuse victims to have access to a free copy of evidence digitally stored by law enforcement. Under current law, the cost of obtaining electronic police incident reports and accompanying evidence, including photographs and 911 recordings, is charged to victims of domestic violence. SB 290 stops this practice and removes the financial barriers to obtaining evidence that is crucial for victims to build a successful case and obtain legal protections from abuse.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Safer Public Transit
No Californian should feel unsafe commuting from one place to the next. Period. That is why I was proud to announce the introduction of SB 434, ‘Public Transit for All: Improving Safety & Increasing Ridership,’ which requires California’s top ten public transit systems to collect survey data as a critical first step toward improving ridership safety, addressing street harassment on public transit, and bringing riders back to public transit. SB 434 will give a voice to the millions of transit riders throughout the State of California who cannot freely use public transit without fearing for their safety. At the same time, it offers a lifeline to California’s beleaguered public transit agencies, which continue to struggle with record-low ridership levels. A majority of women, elderly, LGBTQ+, and disabled Californians experience street harassment or worse while using public transit. It is time we step up and give public transit providers the tools necessary to keep all passengers safe.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Ending Offshore Oil Drilling
After the 2021 Orange County Oil Spill off the coast of Huntington Beach, I promised I would fight to end offshore drilling once and for all. I am proud to say that I am continuing to keep that promise with the introduction of SB 559, which will end offshore oil drilling under existing leases in California state waters. While there has long been a moratorium on the issuance of new leases off the coast of California, oil production has continued for the past 40 years under existing leases which were first issued in the 1960s and 1970s. This legislation aims to go further and end offshore oil production under current leases, and require the State Lands Commission to negotiate in good faith with oil and gas producers.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Firearm Dealers Reform
We have got to do something to reduce gun violence in this country and introduced SB 241 to require all federally licensed firearm dealers in the State of California, and their employees, to complete annual training provided by the California Department of Justice. Mandatory training and gun dealer certification are necessary to prevent theft, straw purchases, and other nefarious crimes that too often result in the free flow of guns in our communities. Nearly all gun violence in this country stems from guns that were originally purchased from legal outlets. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) reports 1,903 federally licensed dealers or pawn brokers of firearms in California, including more than 20 stores registered in Orange County. It is long past time that we required gun retailers to put in place responsible sales practices to ensure that every legal gun sale is thoroughly scrutinized by the person processing the transaction.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Cut All Ties with Lenders Bankrolling the Gun Industry
No place in America is safe from the epidemic of gun violence. I introduced SB 237 to force Wall Street to make a choice between blood money offered by the gun industry and doing business with the State of California. SB 637 sends a clear message and a strong market signal that the State of California will not, either directly or indirectly, finance gun violence. This bill applies to every aspect of the state’s public finances. Unfortunately, the gun violence epidemic is being bankrolled by financial institutions that have turned a blind eye to the horrors that their investments in the gun industry have created. My bill requires that the state’s public finances cut off business with any banks or lenders with business customers that manufacture firearms.
Read my full Press Release HERE.
Local Opportunities
Nominate a Woman of the Year for the 37th Senate District!
As we celebrate Women's History month, let us take a moment to recognize the powerful and inspiring women who shape our communities. Last year, we were humbled by the outpouring of nominations we received here in the 37th District. The stories the women nominated were inspirational and a testament to the impact that one person can have on the community, the state, and the world.
Please use this link to nominate a woman who has inspired you. The deadline for nominations is February 24, 2023.
Let’s celebrate the women who are making a difference in our world!
The Orange County Transportation Authority is seeking volunteers to serve on the Taxpayer Oversight Committee!
The Taxpayer Oversight Committee (TOC) is an independent 11-member committee responsible for ensuring that all OC Go (Measure M) funds are used on voter-approved transportation projects. The TOC recruitment is being conducted by the Grand Jurors Association of Orange County (GJAOC), and applications are open to Orange County residents in the Second and Third Supervisorial Districts. Candidates must be 18 years of age or older, willing to serve for a three-year term, and demonstrate a history of participating in community activities and knowledge of transportation. Applications are due by May 5, 2023.
Learn more by clicking HERE.
Team Min in the News
For more on the work I have been doing in Sacramento, and throughout the district, here are some highlights in the news.
CAPRadio: New Proposed Bill Would Ask Some of California’s Largest Transit Agencies To Begin Collecting Data on Rider Harassment
OC Register: Legislation Would Ask: Are More Safety Studies, Laws Needed For E-Bikes?
LGBTQ Nation: City Votes to Ban Pride Flag From Government Buildings
Daily Kos: Senator Dave Min Introduces Bill to End Offshore Oil Drilling in California Waters
Press Enterprise: Senator Dianne Feinstein Announces Retirement
Upcoming Events
Caltrans Dump Day in Irvine!
Join Caltrans, Goodwill of Orange County, my office and the office of Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris for another event to offload bulky household items…all at no cost. This Dump Day is brought to you through the Clean California program, which invested billions in new funding to help restore local communities and cleanup our public spaces.
