2023 October Newsletter

Dear Friend,
 
As we mark the end of the 2023 Legislative Session, I am thrilled to take a moment to reflect on the remarkable achievements our dedicated team has accomplished in Sacramento this year.
 
Serving the unique needs of Orange County remains my top priority, and my office is proud to share that 10 bills that I authored were signed by the Governor this year. The legislation revolves around a common theme: protection. Protecting our communities from gun violence, expanded legal relief for victims of domestic violence, preserving our cherished environment, and increasing safety in our public transit systems for women, the elderly, LGBTQ+, and other vulnerable populations. These bills will make California a safer, greener, and a more equitable place for all residents.
 
In addition to my legislative accomplishments, I am thrilled to announce that I was able to bring $10 million in state funding back to Orange County to support projects that enhance the well-being of the community. From new investments in the Huntington Beach homeless navigation center and coastal infrastructure projects in Laguna Beach, to funding for the Irvine Police Department’s real time crime center, I am excited to see how the state budget will improve our community.
 
While we accomplished a lot this year, I know that the work is never over. My team and I will continue to explore innovative and transformative ideas, and continue advocating for the betterment of Orange County. 
 
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to you for entrusting me with the privilege of representing the heart of Orange County, and I look forward to continuing to represent you in the State Legislature in the year ahead.
 
Yours,

Dave Min
Senator, 37th Senate District

Going into the end of my third year in the California State Senate, I’m proud that Governor Newsom signed 10 of my bills into law—27 bills since I first started! Thanks to the hard work of my staff and the many stakeholders who have worked tirelessly alongside us, we have put in place dozens of new laws that will make California a better and stronger state.

I remain committed to ensuring that California continues to lead the nation in enacting common-sense gun reform. One of the first steps in preventing gun violence is requiring licensed dealers to operate smart and safe businesses. My Senate Bill (SB) 241 will require firearms dealers to complete an annual training that covers safe business practices, anti-theft methods, firearm safety, and how to spot potentially dangerous buyers. With this new training requirement, gun dealers will be better equipped to recognize and stop suspicious buyers from purchasing firearms.

I’m so proud to announce that both bills in my domestic violence legislative package were signed into law! SB 290 and SB 741 are sponsored by the Domestic Violence Clinic at the UC Irvine School Law, and are major wins for domestic violence (DV) victims seeking legal protections.

SB 290 modernizes the Access to Domestic Violence Reports Act of 1999 and allows domestic violence survivors to more easily access the evidence they need in order to obtain court-ordered legal protections. Removing these barriers will help DV survivors get the protections they need. 

SB 741 closes a loophole used to intimidate and harass domestic violence survivors. This new law will ensure that domestic violence survivors quickly receive the restraining orders they need to protect themselves and fortifies survivor-protection measures.

By protecting our coastline from polluters, my bills, SB 337 and SB 704, will ensure that our beaches remain pristine and that our open spaces are protected. These new laws further California’s commitment to promoting sustainability and long term conservation practices. 

SB 337 will codify our State’s 30x30 goal: conserve at least 30% of California’s lands and coastal waters by 2030. SB 704 will prohibit new or expanded oil and gas developments on our coasts, conserving and protecting our coastline for all beach-goers, for generations to come.

As we move toward a greener California, it is imperative that we invest in promoting public transportation and e-bikes. SB 434 will require transit agencies to collect and publish survey data on rider safety and street harassment. This information is crucial in identifying and implementing data-driven solutions that will help encourage Californians to ride public transit. If we want to increase ridership in public transportation, we need to guarantee that every rider is able to ride without fear.

The Governor also signed SB 381, which will conduct a study on how to improve e-bike safety by taking a deep look at e-bike accidents, injuries, and fatalities. As e-bikes become more popular, it is critical that we identify their risk factors and identify solutions that promote safer ridership. This study will be the beginning of the work required to create rules of the road and ensure the safety of both riders and their communities. 

In addition to my bills that were signed, I was able to secure $10 million in the 2023-24 State Budget for local projects across Orange County. For too long, Orange County taxpayers have not had a seat at the table in the California state budget process and as the saying goes, if you’re not at the table, you’re on the menu. I’ve been honored to be able to represent Orange County in state budget proceedings and have been able to bring back substantial funding for local priorities in each of my first three years in the State Senate. 

• City of Irvine: $990,000 to obtain Real Time Crime Center Dispatch Equipment.  The funds will be used to replace current patrol vehicles with electric vehicles and acquire equipment for the Criminal Investigation Division Unit and general police safety.
• City of Newport Beach: $1.6 million for the acquisition of an aquatic trash interceptor to be located in the San Diego Creek, upstream from the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve. The trash interceptor will be installed on a floating platform with a boom system to direct trash through a spinning rake onto a conveyor belt and remove trash before it reaches the Nature Preserve.
• City of Laguna Beach: $1.5 million for the rehabilitation of the Moss Street Beach concrete pathways, stairways, and bridge structures for improved public beach access. In addition, there is funding for the construction of a dog park play area at Moulton Meadows Park that will have new benches for users, new trash and recycling receptacles, and a planter area.
• City of Huntington Beach: $1.45 million will be allocated to the Navigation Center, a 174-bed shelter and multi-service center for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In addition, the state funded the HB Ride Circuit Shuttle Program to improve micro-mobility, reduce car traffic, and provide low-cost, on-demand transit to residents and visitors.
• University of California, Irvine: $1 million to the Inclusive, Diverse, Equitable and Able Leaders for Water program, which will promote education, training, and career placement of under-represented groups in the state’s water sector.
• Pacific Symphony: $2 million for the expansion of Education and Community Enrichment Programs, including Symphony on the Go, Symphony in the Cities, Heartstrings, Music and Wellness, Elementary School Education, and a Veterans Initiative.
• Orange County Museum of Art: $250,000 for the Museum's educational public programs that provide access to art free of charge for the broadest possible audience.
• Orange Coast College: $950,000 to replace the campus-based Early Childhood Lab School and outdoor classroom equipment.

Trunk or Treat at IKEA Costa Mesa! Tonight!

Tonight, we will be joining the Power of One for their annual Halloween event. The event starts at 3:00 pm, but make sure you check out the costume contest with my team at 6:00 pm.

See you there!