The Los Angeles Post

Governor Newsom Signs Legislation

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SACRAMENTO, CA (September 13, 2023) – Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that he has signed SB 447 by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego), which creates a new public awareness project that will consult with community leaders to promote California’s values of acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community across the country. The bill also ends California’s restriction on taxpayer-funded travel by state agencies and departments to states that have adopted discriminatory anti-LGBTQ+ laws.

“In the face of a rising tide of anti-LGBTQ+ hate, this measure helps California’s message of acceptance, equality and hope reach the places where it is most needed,” said Governor Newsom. “I thank Pro Tem Atkins for authoring this important measure that enables California to continue taking a stand for the rights of LGBTQ+ people throughout the country and combating intolerance and hate with empathy and allyship.”

“Today, we are sending a message to the rest of the nation – here in California, we embrace one another, not in spite of our differences, but because of them. And we are ready to reach across the aisle, and across state lines, to help open hearts and minds, and support our LGBTQ+ youth and communities who are feeling so alone,” said Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego). “There’s so much hate, so much hurt, so much harm being inflicted on people who are just trying to live their authentic lives. The BRIDGE Project is a chance to counter that with kindness and empathy, and I’m grateful to Governor Newsom for swiftly signing this bill into law, and to my colleagues in both parties who voted for it. We will be the bridge to a more understanding and compassionate nation.”

Governor Newsom alongside Assemblymember Zbur, Pro Tem Atkins, Senator Eggman and Assemblymember Ward for SB 447 signing (left to right.)

The Governor also announced that he has signed the following bills:

  • SB 104 by Senator Nancy Skinner (D-Berkeley) – Budget Acts of 2022 and 2023.
  • SB 135 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Public safety.
  • SB 137 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Health omnibus trailer bill.
  • SB 138 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Human services.
  • SB 140 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Early childcare and education.
  • SB 141 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Education finance: education omnibus budget trailer bill.
  • SB 142 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Higher education trailer bill.
  • SB 143 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – State government.
  • SB 148 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – State employment: State Bargaining Units: agreements: compensation and benefits.
  • SB 152 by the Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review – Background checks and fingerprinting: state employment, licensing, and contracting.

For full text of the bills, visit: http://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov.