The deadline to submit bill proposals in the State Assembly was Feb. 20. My 2026 legislative package focuses on Protecting Families, Strengthening Communities and Delivering Real Solutions.
This year, I introduced a strong list of bills focused on public safety, protecting children, supporting working families and strengthening our communities. While nearly 1,800 bills were introduced in the Legislature this session, my focus remains clear: advance practical, common-sense policies that directly improve the lives of the people I represent.
I will mention four of these measures that highlight that commitment:
Assembly Bill 1639 builds on my previous drowning prevention efforts to gather and report key information to support the development of a stronger, statewide plan for California’s lifeguard workforce. The measure also requires 911 call center operators to be trained in CPR, including both ventilations and chest compressions, while working to improve public awareness and education so more Californians know how to perform CPR.
Assembly Bill 1656 is a bill to make sure human traffickers don’t escape justice just because of scheduling issues in court. Right now, trials for serious crimes like murder can be delayed if a prosecutor is busy with another case, but this bill adds human trafficking to that list so these complex cases aren’t rushed or dropped. By supporting this law, California can better protect victims and ensure that dangerous criminals are held fully accountable for their actions.
Assembly Bill 1746 addresses a major challenge in the CalWORKs program. Right now, many parents lose out on jobs or classes because the state’s child care approval process is slow, inconsistent and buried in paperwork. This bill fixes the problem by creating a standardized request form and a strict 10-day deadline for counties to approve or deny care. This policy essentially cuts the “red tape,” ensuring that child care starts the very same day a parent begins their path toward financial independence.
Assembly Bill 2242 is a safety law designed to protect students from “sextortion,” which is when child predators blackmail individuals by threatening to share private photos unless you send money or more images. This bill requires California middle and high schools to put up posters in campus restrooms that define what sextortion is and resources for law enforcement and suicide prevention assistance. By putting this information in a place where students have privacy, the law helps victims and families realize they aren’t alone and gives them a safe path to stop the blackmail without feeling exposed.
Each of these bills reflects a core principle: government must prioritize safety, accountability and opportunity. As these measures move through the committee process, I will continue working to ensure they receive serious consideration and advance policies that protect families and strengthen our communities.
It’s also important to note some of the more egregious measures offered this year by other legislators. AB 1421 promotes a new “Road Usage Charge Technical Advisory Committee.” It requires the California Transportation Commission to study and recommend a plan for imposing a tax on drivers for each mile traveled. We all know this really is a proposal to tax drivers more, and I am opposed to increasing costs for Californians who already pay too much at the pump.
An alternative measure, Assembly Bill 1745, would suspend California’s motor vehicle fuel tax for one year. This is a bill that I support. Suspending the state gas tax for one year would provide immediate relief at the pump, and the lost revenue would be responsibly backfilled through the General Fund so critical infrastructure projects remain on track.
Lastly, legislative leaders have announced they are examining whether state laws and programs are delivering results promised to Californians. While this sounds good in theory, we know that our government has refused to allow numerous audit requests. And, CBS News recently reported that despite billions of taxpayer dollars spent, the Legislature has ignored roughly three out of every four State Auditor recommendations.
Some members have sent a letter requesting a thorough review of several major state programs and long-ignored audit recommendations. If the Legislature is serious about accountability, this review process should focus on whether programs are actually working and whether taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly.
It is an honor to serve you, and I remain committed to fighting for practical solutions that put Californians first.
Laurie Davies was elected to the State Assembly in 2020 and reelected in 2022 and 2024. She represents the 74th Assembly District, which includes San Clemente, Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano.
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