Press Releases

Assembly Overwhelmingly Passes The FRESH Act, Paving the Way for Improved Reentry Benefits and Unlocking Millions in Potential Federal Funding

SB 1254 (The FRESH Act) connects incarcerated individuals with vital services such as CalFresh and other resources prior to release in order to increase the success of reentry.



Assembly Overwhelmingly Approves Landmark AI Transparency Bill, Empowering Consumers to Identify AI-Generated Content

The California Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act (CAITA) protects consumers by giving them the ability to determine if materials have been generated by AI



With a Strong Bipartisan Vote, Assembly Approves Legislation to Memorialize Mexican Repatriation

Sacramento, CA – In a significant move to confront California’s painful past involvement in the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930s, the Assembly has voted unanimously in favor of SB 537 authored by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park). This decisive vote represents a pivotal moment to secure justice and recognition for a dark chapter in American history. 



In a Victory for Justice Reform, State Allocates $1.8 Million in Gate Money Championed by Becker

Sacramento, CA — In a significant victory for justice reform, Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park) has successfully negotiated for a $1.8 million investment to address the unfair practice of deducting transportation and clothing costs from an incarcerated individual's release allowance, commonly known as “gate money”.



Comprehensive legislative package authored by Senator Becker to advances to Assembly Floor

Sacramento, CA — As the final deadline for the Legislature to pass bills for the 2023-24 session, 12 initiatives authored by Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), who is Chair of the Bay Area Caucus, have reached the Assembly Floor for consideration. This comprehensive legislative package aims to address challenges critical to the Bay Area and advance a carbon-free economy, safeguard personal data, and reform justice practices.



In Stunning Reversal, Tech Industry Drops All Opposition to Becker’s Groundbreaking AI Transparency Bill (SB 942)

Sacramento, CA — In a remarkable turn of events, the tech industry has announced late Friday afternoon (August 23) its decision to formally withdraw its opposition to SB 942, the California Artificial Intelligence Transparency Act, following careful negotiations with Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park). This groundbreaking bill aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the realm of artificial intelligence by requiring large GenAI providers to label AI-generated content and supply an AI-detection tool for users. 



In Killing Crucial Decarbonization Bill, Assembly Committee Sets Back Progress in Climate Commitments

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park), author of the SB 308, issued the following statement regarding the Assembly Committee on Appropriations holding the bill:



Legislation to Memorialize Mexican Repatriation Receives Unanimous Vote by Assembly Committee, Marking a Major Milestone for Justice

Sacramento, CA – In a significant move to confront California’s painful past involvement in the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930s, the Assembly Committee on Governmental Organization has voted unanimously in favor of Senate Bill 537 (SB 537) authored by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez (D-Long Beach) and Senator Josh Becker (D-Menlo Park). This decisive vote represents a pivotal moment to secure justice and recognition for a dark chapter in American history.