Dear Friend and Neighbor,
The 2024 legislative session ended on August 31, and I’m excited to update you about my bills that have been signed into law, along with other significant legislative accomplishments for our community and state. With the Legislature now in recess, I’ve been spending more time in the district, meeting with many of you at local events and hearing your concerns and ideas firsthand.
Thank you for your ongoing support as we continue working together to strengthen our communities.
Warm Regards,
Blanca Pacheco
Assemblymember, 64th District
I’m proud to announce that several of the bills I authored have been signed into law. These measures address critical issues, from strengthening protections for domestic violence survivors to improving our judicial system. Below is a look at some of the highlights from this year’s legislative victories.
Help Shape Next Year’s Legislation
Now is the time when we begin to design our legislative package for the next session, and I want to hear from you! If you have an idea for a bill that could enhance our community, I encourage you to share with us. Your insights and suggestions are invaluable as we work to address the issues that matter most to our district.
Click here to submit your legislation ideas and be a part of the process!
Stronger Protections Against Retail Crime Now Law
The following bills represent a unified and decisive response to the growing concerns about organized retail theft and property crimes that impact businesses and communities throughout our state.
My colleagues and I have worked hard to pass these measures, and I am proud to say that we delivered results. These laws are designed to protect businesses, hold criminals accountable, and ensure safety in our neighborhoods.
Below are some of the critical legislative actions:
Assembly Bills
- AB 1960 (Speaker Rivas) – Sentencing Enhancements for Property Loss
We restored critical protections by reestablishing longer sentences for significant property crimes, ensuring that large-scale criminals face the consequences they deserve.
- AB 1779 (Irwin) – Theft Jurisdiction
This law strengthens law enforcement’s ability to prosecute theft across multiple jurisdictions, ensuring that all involved offenders face justice for their crimes.
- AB 1802 (Jones-Sawyer) – Organized Retail Theft
We made organized retail theft a permanent, punishable offense, extending the task force indefinitely to ensure that law enforcement has the resources to combat this serious crime.
- AB 1972 (Alanis) – Property Crimes Task Force
By prioritizing property crime and including railroad police, we are targeting organized crime networks and protecting businesses from costly thefts.
- AB 2943 (Zbur and Speaker Rivas) – Shoplifting and Retail Theft
This bill enforces more substantial penalties for organized shoplifting rings, providing greater security for businesses and consumers from repeat offenders.
- AB 3209 (Berman) – Retail Theft Restraining Orders
Courts now have the authority to issue restraining orders against repeat offenders, helping keep businesses safe from habitual thieves and vandals.
Senate Bills
- SB 1242 (Min) – Crimes: Fires and Organized Retail Theft
This law enhances penalties for criminals using fire to facilitate theft, ensuring that criminals who endanger businesses and communities are held accountable.
- SB 1416 (Newman) – Sentencing Enhancements for Selling Stolen Property
Longer sentences are now in place for criminals who sell stolen goods, ensuring that large-scale theft rings face serious justice.
- SB 982 (Wahab) – Organized Retail Theft
We made organized retail theft a permanent crime, providing protections for businesses and consumers.
- SB 905 (Wiener) – Theft from Vehicles
Stricter consequences now may be imposed for vehicle break-ins, protecting California drivers from theft and ensuring that car thieves are punished.
- SB 1144 (Skinner) – Online Marketplaces and Sale of Stolen Goods
This law holds online marketplaces accountable for the sale of stolen goods, ensuring that these platforms prevent and report such illegal activities, further protecting our homes and businesses.
This legislative package results from collaboration between the Governor, the Legislature, and local law enforcement. Together, we acted quickly to respond to the concerns of Californians and the businesses that fuel our economy.
Our message is clear: We will not tolerate retail crime or property theft, and we will continue to fight to protect the safety and security of our communities.
Thank you for your continued support. I remain committed to working for our district and ensuring that California remains a safe place to live, work, and thrive. Feel free to contact my office with any issues or concerns about this or any other state issue.
COMMUNITY CORNER – OPPORTUNITIES & UPCOMING EVENTS |
Assembly District 64's First Annual Veterans Day Awards
I am glad to announce that nominations are open for Assembly District 64’s inaugural Veterans Day Awards! This special recognition honors our local veterans for their outstanding service and continued contributions to our community.
I encourage you to nominate veterans who have shown remarkable leadership, dedication and service – both during and after their military service.
Nominations may be submitted online via my website, where you will find more details about the nomination criteria. The deadline for submissions is October 17, 2024.
Let’s come together to honor the brave individuals who have served our country and continue to make a positive impact in our community.
Operation Gobble Turkey Giveaway
You are invited to attend our Annual Drive-Thru Operation Gobble! Come discuss legislative issues of interest to the community and learn about the services provided by my District Office. We will supply families in Assembly District 64 with more than 1,200 frozen turkeys* and canned goods for Thanksgiving Dinner.
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
10:30 a.m.
Location TBA
*Limit one per household on a first come, first served basis.
For more information please contact my District Office at (562) 861-5803.
Broadband for All
With students back in school, reliable internet access at home is a critical tool for learning and academic success. California Broadband for All programs are designed to help families access affordable, high-speed internet to ensure that every student may stay connected for schoolwork and virtual learning. The programs offer a range of options to make the internet accessible for families of all income levels.
Learn more about available programs and eligibility at California Broadband for All.
Covered California Open Enrollment is Almost Here
Between November 1, 2024, and January 31, 2025, you have an opportunity to secure quality health insurance through Covered California. Plans may cost as little as $10/month because Covered California allows you to receive financial help from the government to lower the cost of coverage.
The Open Enrollment period will run until January 31. Visit Covered California for detailed information on coverage plans, estimated costs and to start your enrollment.
Your health and access to quality care is crucial, and as your state Assemblywoman, I continue to do all I can to make sure that you have access to affordable and high-quality care.
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please reach out to my District Office at (562) 861-5803.
Follow along on Instagram for more!
As always, my door is open and my staff are available to assist you. Feel free to contact me through my website, or by calling one of my offices.