As the autonomous vehicle (AV) industry grows, so must the need to improve road safety. The California State Legislature tonight approved AB 1777 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) to set clear guidelines on the use of driverless technology when accidents occur or first responders are encountered, and gives first responders communication and safety tools that don’t exist in the law. The legislation prioritizes public safety and aims to protect first responders, passengers, pedestrians, and other drivers.

“Permitted companies recently logged a record nine million test miles during a one year period. It’s clear that AVs will be soon be commonplace, and California needs to get ahead of that to ensure safety for all on our streets. My legislation prioritizes public safety without slowing innovation,” said Ting, who rode in an AV last year and found it safe.

California can make a bigger dent in reducing greenhouse gasses under a bill by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which was sent to the Governor today after passing both the Senate and Assembly. AB 2401 modernizes California’s Clean Cars 4 All (CC4A) program by expanding it statewide and making higher rebates available specifically for lower income, high-mileage drivers with older, high-polluting vehicles. Simply focusing on this small group of “superusers” – particularly in communities of color – could be pivotal in helping the state reach its climate goals.

New housing is seen as a way to bring downtown San Francisco back to life. The California Legislature today approved AB 2488 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D- San Francisco), which uses tax incentives to encourage the conversion of the area’s empty office and retail spaces into residences. 

“My bill can tackle two pressing issues at the same time: a local economy that needs a jumpstart and our housing shortage. Adapting under-utilized commercial properties for residential redevelopment opens the door to vibrant, walkable, mixed-use communities. This will transform downtown San Francisco,” said Ting. 

The California State Legislature prioritized fairness and equity among college applicants today by approving AB 1780 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). The legislation bans California private colleges and universities from giving preferential treatment to potential students whose family are alumni or significant donors to the school. This practice often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body.

“Equal opportunity is the name of the game here. Everyone should be considered fairly. Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class – not the size of the check your family can write or who you’re related to,” said Ting. “If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable.”

With more budget deficits likely in the near future, state lawmakers today approved a measure to lower prison costs without risk to public safety. AB 2178 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) sets a threshold of how many empty beds California’s prison system can have, paving the way to consolidating – even closing – some facilities. Due to a declining prison population, there are currently 15,000 state prison beds not in use, incurring unnecessary staff and maintenance costs. That number is expected to grow to 19,000 by 2028.

“The surplus of beds is expensive. We’re maintaining them at taxpayer expense when schools, social safety net programs, transportation and other priorities are vulnerable to budget cuts. This is irresponsible, especially in light of foreseeable budget shortfalls. My legislation promotes fiscal responsibility, saving billions of dollars,” said Ting.

In an effort to ensure that bridges remain cost-accessible for people walking and riding their bikes, the California State Senate approved AB 2669 by Assemblymember Ting (D-San Francisco), sending it to the Governor on Monday. If signed, the legislation would continue to keep California’s state-owned bridges toll-free for cyclists and pedestrians. Not only does a cost-free approach ensure equitable access to bridge use, but it also encourages people to pursue climate friendly modes of transportation to help cut carbon emissions. 

“We all need to do our part in addressing the climate crisis. Biking and walking are easy, climate-friendly options that promote active lifestyles and a carbon-free world,” said Ting. “My bill incentivizes people to pursue environmentally responsible modes of transit by ensuring free access to California bridges for non-vehicles.”