Catching Up With Rick - 2026 Legislative Bill Package
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
Bills Introduced During the 2026 Legislative Session
Energy & Climate & Environment
AB 2383 - Fair Share in Energy Act
Ensures working families don't shoulder higher electricity costs by making large energy users like AI data centers pay their fair share and directing the state to create a new electricity rate structure that properly assigns costs, supports long-term grid planning, and strengthens reliability as demand grows.
AB 1740 - Modernizing Coastal Permitting in Urban, Transit-Rich Communities
Reduces approval delays for a limited set of activities — including housing and projects that enhance public access, such as bike lanes, outdoor dining, temporary events and minor building updates — while preserving the California Coastal Commission's crucial authority to protect beaches and sensitive coastal ecosystems.
Public Safety
AB 2217 - Alternatives to Arrest
Expands alternatives to arrest by connecting people committing low-level, non-violent offenses to housing, mental health care, and treatment instead of jail, addressing the root causes of crime while reducing recidivism, improving public safety, and using law enforcement resources more effectively.
Consumer Protections
AB 1609 - Right to Human Customer Service Act
Guarantees consumers the right to reach a real person within 15 minutes, requires transparency when AI is used, and sets clear standards for accessible, responsive customer service so consumers can resolve their needs instead of being trapped in endless phone trees or frustrating chatbot loops.
AB 2039 - Protecting Consumers & Strengthening Legal Ethics in CA
Increases accountability within the legal profession by strengthening penalties for attorneys involved in illegal client solicitation, creating whistleblower protections for those who report misconduct, and regulating attorney-client loans and financial advances to help crack down on fraud and protect the integrity of our justice system.
Economic Development
AB 1693 - Accelerated Retail Building Plan Approval
Helps brick-and-mortar retailers open more quickly by allowing qualified outside professionals to certify tenant improvements for compliance with building, health, and safety codes, reducing costly permitting delays while maintaining strong safety standards.
AB 2549 - Battery Reporting Modernization Act
Strengthens California's Covered Battery-Embedded Product Program by improving reporting and compliance processes, modernizing regulatory notifications to CalRecycle, and helping reduce costs for consumers, businesses, and the state while advancing California's environmental goals.
LGBTQ+ Civil Rights
AB 1930 - Defending Protected Health Care in California
Strengthens California's protections for reproductive and gender-affirming health care by requiring businesses and healthcare providers to notify the Attorney General before responding to subpoenas or inquiries related to legally protected care, helping safeguard patient privacy, provider safety, and sensitive medical information from out-of-state attacks.
AB 1967 - Ending Foster Youth Instability
Closes critical gaps in the foster care system by ensuring timely responses when youth seek help, improving access to extended foster care, and removing barriers that can prevent former foster youth experiencing homelessness or unsafe situations from receiving the support and stability they need.
Supporting Workers
AB 2634 - High Road Jobs & Workforce Training Act
Strengthens California's High Road Training Partnerships by prioritizing labor-management partnerships, focusing workforce investments on low- and middle-wage workers, and directing funding to industries with strong job standards and real workforce demand, including opportunities tied to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
AB 2417 - Retirement Security for Part-Time Faculty
Improves retirement security for community college faculty by requiring Social Security to be offered as a retirement option and providing clear information comparing retirement plans so educators can make informed decisions about their long-term financial future.
Health & Human Services
AB 1887 - Removing Barriers to Rare Disease Care
Removes barriers to care for rare disease patients by requiring approval of FDA-approved treatments prescribed by specialists within 30 days, helping ensure patients can access lifesaving care more quickly.
Visit my website for more details on my 2026 legislative package:
To My Constituents
Please know that my office is always here to serve you. Reach out to my district office for assistance at (323) 436-5184 if we can be of service.