More preventative tools championed by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) will become available next month that will help address two public safety concerns: gun violence and hate crimes. First, under AB 1587, financial institutions must make a Merchant Category Code (MCC) available for firearms and ammunition on July 1. Those companies indicated earlier this year they would comply.

Retailers then have until May 2025 to integrate the code into their systems. When unusual or suspicious purchases occur with this code, banks and credit card companies would be able to flag such activity. They are already trained to submit Suspicious Activity Reports to the federal government when they suspect activities are reflective of crimes, such as human trafficking, terrorism and fraud. 

California’s efforts to preserve the environment and improve its residents’ health gain more momentum, thanks to three pieces of legislation by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) that were approved by state Assembly this week. They include:

At a time when California is facing a large budget deficit, the state Assembly today approved AB 2178 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which could save billions of dollars in prison costs. The bill sets a threshold of how many empty beds the state can have, paving the way to consolidating – even closing – some prisons, while promoting fiscal responsibility and enhancing community safety.

“The passage of my legislation comes at a crucial time, as California grapples with severe budget constraints. It’s fiscally irresponsible to maintain such high levels of unused prison beds at taxpayer expense when schools, social safety net programs, transportation and other priorities are on line,” said Ting. 

California is another step closer to ending preferential treatment in the college application process, after the state Assembly today approved AB 1780 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).  The proposal prioritizes equal opportunity by banning “legacy admissions,” which heavily tips the scales in favor of accepting someone related to a donor or alumni of the university or college. It often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body. Continuing this practice could result in financial consequences for the school.

“Everyone should be considered fairly. If you work hard, get good grades and have a well-rounded background, your spot should not be taken by someone else just because their family can write a big check or is a graduate of that school,” 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.”