Press Releases

Governor Newsom signed AB 1587 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) today, bringing in financial institutions as partners to help prevent gun violence. The legislation requires banks and credit card companies to implement the newly-developed merchant category code (MCC) assigned to gun dealers in California, allowing them to flag suspicious activity. 

“We must use every tool possible to end our gun violence epidemic. Financial institutions can now be a part of our efforts since they are in a unique position to flag buying patterns that no one else can. Merchant codes are already assigned to other retailers, and the gun industry should be included. Identifying large purchases of firearms and ammunition can be instrumental in helping California prevent tragedies and to save lives,” said Ting.

New funding from the California state budget will help the Alcoholics Rehabilitation Association (ARA) better serve the City’s residents as they seek to re-enter society after achieving sobriety. Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced the organization will receive $2.5 million to address deferred maintenance needs and make capital improvements at its 47-bed residential facility, ARA First Step Home, on Haight Street. Serving clients since 1955, it is in dire need of repair and renovation.

“ARA has helped thousands of people in our community successfully regain their lives with supportive housing, job searches, and counseling. The need for these services is great, and the state funding I championed ensures my district will continue to have re-entry programs available for decades to come,” said Ting. 

Financial institutions will play a role in the prevention of gun violence under a bill by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) approved by the California Legislature today. AB 1587 requires banks and credit card companies to implement in California the newly-developed merchant category code (MCC) assigned to gun dealers, enabling them to flag suspicious activity. 

“For too long gun violence has plagued communities across the country and we must look to utilize every tool possible to end this epidemic. Identifying large purchases of guns and ammunition would be instrumental in helping California prevent tragedies and to save lives. Financial institutions can now be our partners in ending gun deaths since they are in a unique position to flag buying patterns that no one else can,” said Ting.

California must build more residences to address its housing shortage. One solution, AB 1633 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), is on its way to the Governor, after final legislative approval today. The bill strengthens the state’s Housing Accountability Act (HAA) so that neighbors and local jurisdictions can no longer abuse the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to unnecessarily delay or block housing projects, if all legal requirements have been met.

“We’re in a housing crisis, and we can no longer afford to let opponents of a development abuse CEQA to unnecessarily prolong the approval process that prevent projects from moving forward. That only keeps the availability of housing units low and prices high,” said Ting. 

AB 1633 promotes climate-friendly infill housing in the most location-efficient areas, and opponents would no longer be allowed to require “more study,” once legally-sufficient environmental review has been conducted.

A “backyard revolution” is underway in California, thanks to the policy and budget actions taken by the state Legislature in recent years on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) – affordable housing more commonly known as backyard cottages, granny flats or in-law units. They are now poised to play an even great role in easing these state’s housing shortage.

In SB 104, a budget bill now headed to the Governor, there’s an additional $25 million for the highly successful ADU Grant Program, which provides approved homeowners with up to $40,000 in pre-development costs like design and site prep. This funding would complement the $100 million allocated last year and could result in up to 2,500 new ADUs. But these funds were exhausted within months because of demand.

The California Legislature today approved AB 881, the Be the Jury pilot program, by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), allowing five counties to increase jury pay in criminal trials from $15 a day to $100 a day for low-to-moderate income jurors. The pilot program seeks to see whether a higher stipend results in juries that are more racially and economic diverse. 

“Californians from all backgrounds are entitled to serve on juries. When financial hardship determines whether someone can be participate in our democracy, we miss out on a diversity of perspectives. Studies show when juries are more reflective of the communities they serve, they spend more time in deliberations and are less likely to presume guilt, which help defendants get a fair trial,” said Ting. “AB 881 helps ensure the accused gets a jury of their peers.”

A stronger care network, more bike lanes and additional cultural resources top the list of projects getting state funding as a result of the efforts of Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting’s (D-San Francisco). AB 102, signed by the Governor today, includes $20 million that will help improve the lives of his constituents and beyond.

“While we have so many needs locally, I prioritized plans that help our most vulnerable residents, expand active transportation, and strengthen community because their impacts will felt far and wide for years,” said Ting. “These investments will not only make our neighborhoods stronger, but also ensure our communities are cleaner, safer, greener, and more equitable for those who live there.”

Starting July 1, drivers who have received violation notices for nonpayment after crossing any of the Bay Area’s state-owned toll bridges or using Bay Area express lanes will get a chance to settle all or part their bill with penalties waived, under AB 2594 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). An installment plan for bridge, express lane tolls and DMV fees is also available for income-eligible households.

“The penalties added to unpaid tolls created a financial hardship for lower income drivers, especially unbanked individuals who aren’t able to get a FasTrak without a debit or credit card. By considering fairness and equity in our toll system, we give people a chance to settle their debt without the added charges,” said Ting. 

The California State Library has awarded $8.1 million in grants to 62 ethnic media outlets and media collaboratives serving communities impacted by hate incidents and hate crimes. 

A joint venture with the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, the grants aim to raise awareness of the Stop the Hate Program administered by the California Department of Social Services. The Stop the Hate Program helps survivors of hate incidents and hate crimes – and works to prevent those incidents from happening in the first place. 

“It’s important that multilingual communities know we, as a state, are taking steps to address hate. Our investments in victim services and violence prevention programs say we see them and are prioritizing their needs. Partnerships with trusted ethnic media outlets help us get the word out about the new or expanded resources available,” said Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco). 

California leaders hope a new law, the Firearm Industry Responsibility Act (AB 1594) by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), will help reduce gun violence and strengthen victims’ rights to seek justice and accountability in court. When it takes effect on July 1, this law will require firearm industry members to implement certain responsible business practices to help protect public safety in California. 

The law will also provide a cause of action for victims of gun violence, as well as the state Attorney General and local government officials, to sue companies that manufacture and sell firearms and whose unlawful conduct causes harm. AB 1594 aims to push the gun industry to be more responsible in preventing the illegal sale and theft of firearms, promote a more level playing field for responsible businesses, and strengthen gun violence victims’ rights and legal tools.