Past: 2001-2002 Legislative Session

View 2004-2005 Legislative Session
View 2003-2004 Legislative Session

My first legislative session had its share of challenges: the energy crisis, a truck driven into the side of the State Capitol, and the September 11th terrorist attacks. The second year brought with it the budget crisis. Despite these difficulties, we accomplished many important things. I introduced more than 30 bills, 22 of which were signed into law by the Governor.

My 2001-2002 bill package focused on issues as wide-ranging as equalizing school funding (AB 441), providing incentives for energy conservation (AB 29X), making the roads safer for motorists (AB 911 and AB 1911), and getting tough on elder abuse (AB 2140).

Some bills were local in scope - assisting the Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space District to preserve more open space (AB 953). Some were regional - requiring the City and County of San Francisco to make improvements to the regional water system (AB 1823 and AB 2058). And some were national - providing a quick process to elect Members to the House of Representatives if there is a catastrophic event, such as a terrorist act (AB 2760).

As Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Privacy, I tackled the issue of online privacy in AB 2297 and provided a measure of reassurance to online users by requiring businesses and employers to notify customers when they've been hacked (AB 700). And because more and more folks are becoming victims of identity theft, I've made it easier for victims to clear their names (AB 1219).

Notably, all three winners of my There Oughta Be A Law contest saw their bill ideas become law! Thanks to the participation of citizen legislators, we are implementing a demonstration project at the State Capitol using least toxic alternatives to pesticides (AB 2472), our gift certificates will continue to be honored by businesses that file for bankruptcy (AB 2473), and our pets and kids will be less likely to suffer from antifreeze poisoning (AB 2474).

There are two important things I've tried to do as a legislator. The first is create opportunity and the second is respond to a real need. I hope after taking a look at this page, you'll let me know what you think.

Stay in touch!