Assemblymember Mia Bonta Celebrates Sending Legislative Package Focused on Creating a Healthy, Affordable, and Just California to the Governor

SACRAMENTO – This year, Assemblymember Mia Bonta (D-Oakland) has sent bills to Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk spanning diverse topics, advancing a bold legislative package that reflects the needs and values of the East Bay by promoting housing development, protecting Californians from federal threats, expanding healthcare affordability and services, and more. The Governor now has until October 12^th to sign or veto the bills.

“In the face of an increasingly antagonistic and authoritarian federal administration, my constituents across Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville have been clear that California needs to lead the way in providing protections for our community, tackling rising costs, and safeguarding our healthcare. I’m proud that my 2025 legislative package delivers on these demands, and I hope Governor Newsom recognizes the urgent need for these bills,” said Assemblymember Mia Bonta. “Protecting minors from deportation, ensuring Californians have safe places to give birth, fighting against rising healthcare costs, expanding housing opportunities, and preventing AI misrepresentation in healthcare are not radical ideas; they are common-sense solutions, and I’m proud to have fought for them.”

The bills by Assemblymember Bonta sent to the Governor’s desk this year are:

Responding to Threats on California Values:

Immigrants, non-profits, and our democracy are facing increasing attacks as the nation deals with rising political violence and a federal government that targets undocumented residents and nonprofits that don’t align with the President’s personal agenda. These bills will help California stand up for its values and protect its community members.

• AB 789 – increases candidates’ ability to use campaign funds for security measures for themselves, their staff, and their families.
• AB 1261 – provides access to legal counsel for minors in civil immigration proceedings.
• AB 1318 – protects non-profits from politically motivated targeting.
• ACA 8 – puts congressional redistricting on the ballot, coauthored with Assembly Speaker Rivas. 

Protecting Reproductive Care:

These bills will strengthen California's leadership in maternal and reproductive health. While the federal government is attacking bodily autonomy, these bills will ensure that no one has to jump through hoops to access birth control and that Californians can access safe and culturally concordant birthing options.

• AB 50 – ensures equitable access to over-the-counter birth control for Medi-Cal recipients.
• AB 55 – streamlines burdensome licensure requirements for birth centers.

Protecting Critical Health Care Services & Affordability:

These bills will ensure crucial healthcare services and healthcare workers are protected across the state. These bills also recognize that healthcare is among the fastest-growing expenses hitting California families' pocketbooks and seek to ensure they can access critical services while also providing state agencies with additional tools to prevent further price increases and rising healthcare costs.

• AB 224 – expands coverage requirements to include fertility services, hearing aids, and wheelchairs in the individual and small group markets.
• AB 489 – prevents AI from misrepresenting itself as a licensed professional.
• AB 1415 – promotes oversight of private equity spending in health systems.
• SB 41 – cracks down on prescription drug price gouging, principal coauthor with Senator Wiener.

Supporting School Districts and Disrupting the School-to-Prison Pipeline: 

The following bills aim to disrupt the school-to-prison pipeline through evidence-based expulsion and juvenile justice policies, ensuring that our school districts are equipped to address modern responsibilities, from housing development to responsible discipline practices.

• AB 1230 – reforms expulsion plans to support youth success.
• AB 1296 – promotes new housing opportunities by increasing support for school districts pursuing housing projects.
• AB 1376 – protects youth from endless probation sentences.

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Assemblymember Mia Bonta represents California’s 18^th Assembly District encompassing the East Bay including Oakland, Alameda, and Emeryville. She also chairs the Assembly Health Committee.

Courtesy photos can be found HERE.