Bills address issue ad disclosure and local campaign finance

Bills address climate adaptation, lithium-ion battery recycling and zero-emission buses

Sacramento – Earlier today the State Auditors Office released the findings of their audit of the Bay Conservation and Development Commission (BCDC) which was requested by a bipartisan coalition of legislators and approved by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee in August of 2018. The legislative coalition led by Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin (D-South San Francisco) included Assembly Republican Leader Marie Waldron (R-Escondido), Senator Jerry Hill, (D-San Mateo), and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto) requested the audit investigate the organization’s enforcement activities, adherence to its mission as well as funding and operational needs and structure.

“The State Auditor’s comprehensive report makes abundantly clear that a legislative audit request of BCDC was absolutely necessary,” stated Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin. “As I suspected, the State Auditor has found that the Commission has struggled to perform key responsibilities related to consistent enforcement and as a result, has allowed ongoing harm to the Bay.”     

 Bill creates Stem Cell Clinic Advisory Group

Sacramento - California is a longtime leader in biotechnology and stem cell research.  Prop 71, approved by voters in 2004, created the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) and authorized $3 billion in funding for stem cell research. As a result, significant advancements in stem cell research and treatments have been realized. Unfortunately, not all stem cell clinics are adhering to the expected high standards of review within the industry and, as a result, patients have been subjected to unscrupulous, sometimes harmful practices. AB 617 will address those entities by creating a Stem Cell Clinic Regulation Advisory Group.

“California has been a leader in the research and development of stem cell therapies,” said Speaker pro Tem Kevin Mullin. “As a result of California’s leadership, doctors have used stem cells to treat patients with cancer and disorders of the blood and immune system and other conditions.”

“Today Governor Newsom took the bold step of ordering a moratorium on the death penalty in California. As a longtime opponent of the death penalty, I support this action, especially in light of evidence that the death penalty has not reduced the number of homicides or other serious crimes.