Senator Durazo Celebrates 11 Bills Signed Into Law: Historic Wins for Working Families, Immigrants, and Communities Across California

SACRAMENTO – Senator María Elena Durazo (D-Los Angeles) today announced that Governor Gavin Newsom has signed eleven of her bills into law, marking a landmark legislative session focused on protecting working families, immigrant communities, and vulnerable Californians. The comprehensive package addresses critical issues ranging from workers' rights and affordable housing to public health and democratic access.

"This legislative session has been about one thing: putting people first," said Senator Durazo. "Whether you're a construction worker fighting for fair pay, a street vendor building your American dream, a caregiver looking after chosen family, or someone simply trying to participate in local government after a long shift - these laws ensure California works for you, not against you."

The eleven bills signed into law represent years of advocacy and coalition-building.

STANDING AGAINST TRUMP’S DEPORTATION AGENDA

SB 580 – Strengthening Immigrant Protection Response Guides requires the Attorney General to publish comprehensive model policies for all state and local agencies regarding interactions with immigration authorities. The bill protects access to essential services, like those provided by the Department of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Social Services, regardless of immigration status and ensures California resources are not used to support federal mass deportation efforts.

SB 635 – Street Vendor Protection Act prohibits local governments from collecting immigration or citizenship status, criminal history, or fingerprints from street vendors seeking permits. The bill prevents sensitive information from being shared with federal immigration enforcement, protecting thousands of micro-entrepreneurs across California.

"Under the Trump Administration, many immigrant families live in constant fear," Senator Durazo said. "These bills make clear that California will not be complicit in tearing families apart. We stand for dignity, safety, and opportunity."

EXPANDING WORKERS' RIGHTS

SB 513 – Access to Training Records requires employers to include education and training records in employee personnel files, ensuring workers can access documentation of their certifications, qualifications, and professional development.

SB 809 – Construction Trucking Workers provides amnesty in exchange for implementing a "two check" system that converts owner-operators to employee status while ensuring adequate compensation for vehicle use, protecting thousands of construction trucking workers.

"Workers deserve transparency and fairness on the job," Senator Durazo stated.

RECOGNIZING ALL FAMILIES

SB 590 – Paid Family Leave to Care for Chosen or Extended Family expands California's Paid Family Leave program to allow workers to care for "designated persons" - recognizing that family isn't just biology, but the people who show up for you. Workers can receive up to eight weeks of wage replacement benefits to care for chosen family members.

"Love is love, and family is family," Senator Durazo said. "Whether it's the friend who became a sister, the mentor who became a parent figure, or the neighbor who's always been there - California now recognizes and supports all forms of family and caregiving."

EMPOWERING LOCAL GOVERNMENTS TO SERVE COMMUNITIES

SB 707 – Brown Act Modernization Act gives local governments new tools to increase civic engagement by expanding teleconferencing flexibility for public meetings and making neighborhood councils, city councils, and county boards more accessible to workers, students, and people with disabilities. "This bill is about democracy in action," said Senator Durazo.

SB 346 – Short-Term Rental Enforcement empowers local governments to rein in illegal short-term rentals and collect millions in unpaid taxes. The bill requires short-term rental platforms to share rental property information with cities upon request, enabling enforcement of local laws and collection of transient occupancy taxes. Between 25-75% of short-term rentals currently operate without proper licenses, costing local governments millions annually while contributing to housing shortages. The bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support - 64-0 in the Assembly and unanimous concurrence in the Senate.

PROTECTING AFFORDABLE HOUSING

SB 21 – Affordable Housing (SRO Protection) ensures Single Room Occupancy properties can continue providing sustainable housing by allowing conversions to larger affordable units with strong tenant protections.

SB 838 – Housing Accountability Act Update excludes hotels, motels, and bed and breakfasts from automatic streamlining under the Housing Accountability Act, stops inappropriate conversions, and maintains focus on genuine housing development.

INFRASTRUCTURE AND PUBLIC HEALTH

SB 598 – Water Infrastructure Quality Assurance allows water and special districts to use Construction Manager/General Contractor project delivery methods, enabling faster and more cost-effective construction of climate-resilient water infrastructure.

SB 754 – Chemicals in Menstrual Products requires manufacturers of tampons and menstrual pads to report hazardous metals and chemicals - including lead, arsenic, and cadmium - to the Department of Toxic Substances Control, protecting over 9 million Californians, including 1 million children.

"After a 2024 study found lead and arsenic in tampons, we knew we had to act," Senator Durazo said. "Manufacturers must be proactive in ensuring their products are safe - not leave it to universities to discover the contamination."

IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS

• 10+ million immigrants in California protected from data sharing and deportation collaboration
• 9+ million Californians protected from toxic metals and chemicals
• Thousands of construction workers secured fair pay and employee status
• Millions of dollars in uncollected taxes recovered for local governments
• All types of families recognized in paid leave system

"Thank you to Governor Newsom for signing these bills. These victories belong to every advocate, organizer, and community member who stood with us," Senator Durazo said. "This is what happens when we fight together for the California we deserve - one that works for working people, not just the wealthy and powerful."

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Senator María Elena Durazo represents the 26th Senate District, which includes Central Los Angeles, Northeast Los Angeles, East Los Angeles, and the City of Vernon.