SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay) and Assemblymember Gregg Hart (D-Santa Barbara), the co-chairs of the California Legislative Central Coast Caucus, issued the following statement regarding the caucus priority bills that Governor Newsom signed into law:
"The Central Coast Caucus priority bills that have been signed into law this year once again reaffirm our commitment to addressing the issues our communities are facing along the Central Coast," said Addis. "Over the course of this year, our caucus has worked together to deliver real solutions to our communities and as a result, we have turned our regional priorities into statewide action. These accomplishments prove that when we stand united as a region, our voices can be heard and lead to meaningful change across California."
"We are pleased to announce that a number of our Central Coast Caucus priorities have been signed into law by Governor Newsom this year," said Hart. "These measures reflect our shared commitment to protecting the Central Coast and ensuring California remains a leader in resilience, environmental stewardship, and community safety. By advancing legislation that strengthens our ability to prepare for wildfires, safeguard our coastline, and preserve our natural resources, we are helping to build a stronger, healthier future for our region and the entire state."
The 2025 Central Coast Caucus priority bills that were signed into law include the following:
- AB 14 (Hart) – Authorizes the expansion of the existing Blue Whales and Blue Skies Program, a voluntary vessel speed reduction and sustainable shipping program off the California coast designed to reduce whale strikes and air pollution.
- AB 996 (Pellerin) – Creates a new voluntary process that allows coastal communities to consult with the California Coastal Commission earlier on local coastal programs to better plan for sea level rise and to protect coastal resources.
- AB 367 (Bennett) – Ensures that Ventura County communities in high fire-risk areas can keep reliable water service during wildfires by requiring stronger protections and backup power for local water systems.
Assemblymember Hart issued the following statement regarding his bill, AB 14, being signed into law:
"The Santa Barbara voluntary vessel speed reduction program has shown what's possible when strong public-private partnerships come together to protect our coast," said Assemblymember Hart. "With the signing of AB 14, California is now expanding this successful model statewide, officially recognizing and supporting companies that reduce emissions and safeguard whales. This new law strengthens conservation along our coast while reaffirming California's leadership in advancing environmental protection and public health."
Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (D-Santa Cruz) issued the following statement regarding her bill, AB 996, being signed into law:
"Coastal communities need to move faster and smarter to adapt their local coastal plans to the reality of sea level rise. Now that AB 996 is signed, coastal cities and counties will have the guidance they need for practical, early-consultation with the Coastal Commission to adjust these plans up-front and avoid last-minute denials. This is a significant step in preventing a bottleneck of plan submissions and getting the coastal areas of our state ready for sea level rise adaptation."
Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Ventura) issued the following statement regarding his bill, AB 367, being signed into law:
"We are implementing the lessons learned from the devastating Thomas and Mountain Fires," said Bennett. "I'm grateful to all the citizens and agencies who gave our office feedback to make this bill the best version it could be for our mutual constituents."
The California Legislative Central Coast Caucus is made up of ten elected officials representing Santa Cruz, Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura counties. The caucus is led by Assemblymembers Dawn Addis and Gregg Hart as co-chairs and Senator Monique Limón as the vice chair. Members of the caucus include Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, Assemblymembers Steve Bennett, Jacqui Irwin, Gail Pellerin, and Senators Anna Caballero, John Laird, and Henry Stern.
CONTACT: Michael Guerra, 916-319-2030