California Bills That May Perish Unnoticed by Sept. 1

California Legislature Faces Critical Hearings ⁣on Controversial Bills

Hundreds of bills introduced in the California Legislature earlier this session will be decided during fast-paced hearings held by the Assembly and Senate appropriations committees on Sept. 1. These ‍hearings will ⁤address‌ some controversial measures related to drug use, child sex trafficking, and ⁤parents’ rights.

Known to critics⁤ as ⁣a mysterious​ process where lawmakers make ⁤decisions ‍behind closed ​doors before announcing the bills’ fates ⁤in rapid succession, there is no⁣ presentation, debate, or discussion ⁤during suspense file hearings.

Bills with financial costs to the state of at ⁤least $50,000 ‍in the Senate​ and $150,000 in the Assembly are potentially subject⁢ to placement⁣ on ‌the suspense⁣ file by ⁤the respective appropriations​ committees.

With the state facing a $27‌ billion budget deficit in the⁣ coming‍ fiscal year, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office’s most recent estimate, ‍some suggest proposals are typically ⁣more carefully reviewed in such situations.

“Everybody knows that the suspense file is where bills go to die,” Tara Thornton,​ co-founder of Freedom Angels—a ‌human ​and civil rights group founded by⁤ two mothers to protect children, families, and freedom, according to Ms. Thornton—told The Epoch‌ Times. “It’s where the leadership can determine if they want to kill ‍a bill or not, and they ​use cost and budget ‌as the ‍grounds to do so.”

Bills that‍ fail to clear the suspense file find ⁢themselves with no ‍path‍ forward this year. Legislators​ can reintroduce⁢ proposals next year.

One bill on the​ suspense file, Senate Bill 14, authored⁣ by Sen. Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield)⁤ and designed to strengthen penalties for child sex traffickers that offend repeatedly, faced public ⁢outcry when it was ‍initially killed by the Assembly Public Safety Committee in July.

Supporters of the bill ​responded forcefully with calls to ⁢representatives‍ and posts on social media⁤ criticizing the decision, thus leading to an unprecedented special hearing two days later where all but two ‍members of⁢ the committee switched their votes⁣ to yes⁤ and allowed the bill⁢ to​ pass.

Some are worried now that the measure‍ is facing peril on the ⁢suspense file, but one committee member and the bill’s co-author believes it will pass.

“I would be shocked if it⁤ didn’t pass the⁢ committee,” Assemblywoman⁣ Diane Dixon (R-Newport Beach) told The Epoch Times.

Another bill under consideration Friday, Assembly Bill 1078—authored by Assemblyman Corey Jackson (D-Moreno ⁣Valley)—which would limit school⁤ boards’ authority in determining books used in school curriculums,​ brought hundreds of opponents to the‍ Capitol last week.

Parents from across the state traveled to Sacramento ⁤Aug. 23 to voice ‌concerns about what they‍ believe is unsuitable material contained in‍ some textbooks.

While​ a‍ number​ of measures on suspense seek to address the state’s ongoing ⁤drug addiction crisis, one bill, Senate Bill 58—authored by⁤ Sen. ⁤Scott Wiener (D-San Francisco)—aims to decriminalize personal possession of certain hallucinogenic substances, including psilocybin mushrooms and⁤ mescaline.

Supporters point ⁤to peer-reviewed studies that demonstrate therapeutic potential for psychedelics in treating post-traumatic stress ⁢disorder and‍ other conditions.

Opponents suggest‍ the measure will increase drug use and abuse in the state.

Several bills related to fentanyl and‍ opioid addiction are ⁤also on ‌the suspense file, with two measures⁤ that would establish a fentanyl task force under consideration, ‍as well as others pertaining to access to‌ opioid-reversal medications​ and treatment options.

Criminal ⁣justice reform measures, also ⁤under consideration, include Assembly Bill 1186—authored by Assemblywoman Mia ⁤Bonta (D-Oakland) which would eliminate monetary payments to victims ⁤from minors⁣ between the ages of 12 and 17 who commit⁢ crimes. Instead, such restitution would be⁢ made to victims by the California Victim Compensation ‌Board—which is funded by taxpayer⁢ dollars. The convicted ‌minor, under​ the bill, would also pay their debt to⁤ society through community service.

A hotly⁣ contested measure on the suspense⁢ file, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 1 (pdf)—introduced by Assemblywoman Cecilia Aguiar-Curry​ (D-Winters)—would decrease the ‌percentage​ of votes needed from a supermajority to 55 percent​ to raise ⁤taxes. Bond ‍measures and‌ special tax initiatives would be‌ easier ‌to achieve⁣ if the charter amendment passes, according to⁢ supporters.

Opponents say, however, the measure will lead to more taxes paid⁢ by Californians.

Of the hundreds⁣ of ⁤bills on ‍suspense to navigate, those that clear their respective committees will ‌continue the legislative process, with the last day for bills to pass the Legislature on Sept. 14.