Newsletters

The 2026 Legislative Session is well underway, and my team is hard at work to help the people in District 51 and across the state of California. That's why I'm excited to share my 2026 bill package with you. Our focus this year will be on tackling California's affordability crisis, which has been exacerbated by federal policies that have increased the cost of living for Californians, especially with respect to the cost of food, utilities, insurance, consumer goods, and health care. We’re also focused on the potential risk of job displacement related to artificial intelligence, reducing the cost of electricity for ratepayers, advancing climate action and environmental protections, advancing retirement security for our educators, protecting foster youth, and strengthening LGBTQ+ civil rights and health care.

Whether you're a student, parent, worker, or small business owner, my team and I are here to support you. I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to serve, and for the inspiring individuals and organizations that make Assembly District 51 such a vibrant and compassionate community.

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly
Representing Assembly District 51

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the historic Egyptian Theatre to celebrate leaders who make Assembly District 51 shine. Our honorees embody the California we're building together, safe, inclusive, resilient and filled with opportunity. Ours is truly a community that shows up for one another.

Watch the full Awards Ceremony below, featuring powerful stories of honorees who have led our community, state and nation in remarkable ways, including combating human trafficking, sharing critical insights with millions of online followers, fighting to keep Hollywood in California and serving as the longest-tenured LGBTQ+ elected official in the United States. Each of our awardees embodies, in their own way, what California can be: a state led by people who, in times of crisis, rise to serve their communities with compassion, courage and heart.

With care,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly
Representing Assembly District 51

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 Legislative Session has officially concluded. Earlier this year, I was proud to see AB 1138 — the California Film & TV Jobs Act — signed into law to modernize and expand our state's film tax credit program. More recently, Governor Newsom signed AB 1525 by the Assembly Judiciary Committee, which incorporates language from a bill I previously authored to protect attorneys from State Bar discipline when they assist clients in other states seeking access to reproductive care.

Now that the 2025 legislative year has concluded, I've been grateful to spend more time back home in Assembly District 51. Even as we prepare for next year's priorities on housing, climate, health care and civil rights, this month has been full of opportunities to celebrate the people and organizations that make our communities thrive.

I was honored to join SEIU Local 99 at the screening of "Make a Circle", which lifts the voices of childcare providers who are the backbone of our economy. We celebrated Latino Heritage Month at the NewFilmmakers LA Film Festival, recognizing the extraordinary talent of Latino creatives and the impact of our new California Film & TV Jobs Act. On the Assembly Floor, I was proud to speak in honor of Universal Music Group, whose global headquarters is in our district, for its cultural and economic contributions to California's music industry. I also rolled up my sleeves with Heal the Bay for Coastal Cleanup Day, joining neighbors to protect our coastline and environment for future generations.

Whether we're fighting hate in our schools, uplifting working families, celebrating our creative economy or protecting our coast, I'm proud to stand with our community. Thank you, as always, for the privilege of serving you.

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly
Representing Assembly District 51

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

The 2025 Legislative Session is now well past the halfway mark and I'm proud to share an update on where my bills stand in the legislative process. As you know, we've already achieved one of my biggest priorities this year, passing the California Film and TV Jobs Act, which is already working to revive the film and television industry and bring jobs back to California.

Through the rest of the legislative session, I remain focused on some of California's most pressing challenges, addressing housing and homelessness, improving infrastructure, advancing climate action and environmental protections, strengthening LGBTQ+ civil rights, health care and combating antisemitism in our schools.

I was honored to join the Hollywood Chamber's State of the State as a panelist, where we discussed key issues impacting Hollywood and Assembly District 51, including what’s next for our local economy following the signing of the California Film & TV Tax Credit. I also enjoyed connecting with neighbors during National Night Out in both Hollywood and West Hollywood, where community members and local law enforcement came together to strengthen trust and safety.

Whether you're a student, parent, worker or small business owner, my team and I are here to support you. I'm grateful every day for the opportunity to serve and for the inspiring individuals and organizations that make our community such a vibrant and compassionate place.

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair
51st Assembly District

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I am proud to share that I have introduced my first bill of the new legislative session, the Local Electrification Planning Act. This bill is a key component to meeting California’s ambitious climate goals and empowers cities and counties to be part of the solution in fighting climate change.

I am also ecstatic to share that we've held the inaugural Assembly District 51 Community Excellence Awards, where trailblazers and leaders will be honored for their contributions to the community.

Whether you celebrate Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Christmas or simply cherish the season of giving, December is a time to reflect on what unites us: family, community and hope for a brighter future. From my family to yours, may your holidays be filled with love, peace and happiness.

Yours in Service,

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair
51st Assembly District

Dear Friends and Neighbors,

I hope everyone is staying cool and finding meaningful ways to enjoy what's left of the summer. My District and Capitol office teams and I have been working hard over the past few months, advancing my legislative priorities forward in Sacramento, deepening connections in our local communities and helping constituents access the resources and services they need.

Thank you for taking the time to learn about what is happening at the Capitol and in our community.

Yours in Service,

Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair
51st Assembly District

Bill Introductions

February was a busy month as I introduced my 2024 Bill Package. This year I've introduced AB 2943, The California Retail Theft Reduction Act, which aims to reduce organized retail theft in California. I would like to express my gratitude to joint author Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas, who appointed me as Chair of the Select Committee on Retail Theft, and whose leadership has been instrumental in exploring solutions to this problem. This bill was created with the goal of advancing balanced, effective, and meaningful solutions that address this problem and, at the same time, preserve criminal justice reforms that have been effective at keeping our communities safe.

My legislative package also reflects my other top priorities in office, including housing and homelessness, a clean energy environment free of dirty fossil fuels, and LGBTQ+ and all civil rights. To learn more about all my bills, click on the links below:

• California Retail Theft Reduction Act
• Offshore Wind Port Infrastructure Bond Bill
• Uplifting LGBTQ+ & Vulnerable Communities Bill Package
• Improving California's Social Safety Net

Additional bills will be announced in the next few weeks.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Democratic Caucus Chair
California State Assembly
Assemblymember, 51st District

The Legislature has been back in session for less than a month, but our office has been working around the clock to craft a new bill package that best serves California and the constituents of District 51. This year, I am chairing the Select Committee on Retail Theft, formed by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas to explore policy solutions to the traumatic smash-and-grabs and retail theft impacting our retailers, workers and neighborhoods. Our office has been working closely with the Speaker's Office and the Governor's Office on legislation that will hold professional criminals accountable and target organized crime theft rings. See what the Select Committee on Retail Theft is working on.

I am proud that Speaker Rivas also appointed me to serve as the Chair of the Democratic Caucus of the Assembly. In that role I work with my fellow Democratic colleagues to establish priorities for our Caucus that will improve the lives of all Californians. I will also continue to focus on my own priorities, which include creating affordable housing and tackling homelessness, clean energy and climate change, LGBTQ+ civil rights and fighting antisemitism. Expect an update on my bill package in the February Newsletter.

Please click here to view our full January Newsletter, where you can learn more about the staff that serve you and ways to connect with my office.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Assemblymember, 51st District

A lot has happened in the last few months. Governor Newsom has signed four bills in my inaugural bill package, we recognized local heroes in our community, celebrated the successes of small businesses and so much more. I am also proud to announce that I've been named Democratic Caucus Chair of the California State Assembly by Speaker Robert Rivas. It is an honor to represent the people of Assembly District 51 as I work with the Speaker to identify solutions to the most pressing challenges that we face in the district and statewide. In this newsletter, I hope to keep you updated on some of the work my staff and I are doing on your behalf both in the District and in Sacramento.

Also, please view my speech congratulating Speaker Robert Rivas on his inauguration.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Assemblymember, 51st District

As I reflect on the 100 days since I took the Oath of Office to become your representative in the California State Assembly, I am humbled by the opportunity to be an advocate for the people of Assembly District 51. In this newsletter, I hope to keep you updated on some of the work my staff and I are doing on your behalf in the District and in Sacramento.

Sincerely,

Rick Chavez Zbur
Assemblymember, 51st District