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The massive data centers that AI needs require huge amounts of electricity and water. And they’re popping up all over the state. Those data centers are likely to impact the electrical grid, electricity prices and the state’s water infrastructure and supplies. Assemblymembers Rick Chavez-Zbur and Diane Papan are working to prevent those impacts from hurting Californians.     AB 2383 Ensures Large Energy Users Pay Their Fair Share and Strengthens Grid Reliability SACRAMENTO, CA - Democratic Caucus Chair and Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur's (D-Hollywood) AB 2383, legislation protecting California ratepayers from bearing the rising energy costs associated with large energy use facilities such as data centers, has passed the California State Assembly with bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate. Strongly supported by the NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council) and the Little Hoover Commission, this bill requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to establish a new electricity customer classification for large energy users to ensure the costs of serving these facilities are not shifted onto residential and small business ratepayers. "As California continues leading the world in innovation and artificial intelligence, we must make sure working families and small businesses are not left footing the bill for the enormous energy demands of large-scale data centers," said Assemblymember Rick Chavez Zbur. "AB 2383 ensures these facilities pay their fair share, protects ratepayers from cost shifts, and helps California plan responsibly for the future of our electrical grid." California is home to a rapidly expanding technology and artificial intelligence sector, driving increased demand for data centers that power cloud computing, AI systems, and digital infrastructure used worldwide. The California Energy Commission projects statewide peak electricity demand could exceed 66 gigawatts by 2040, with data centers accounting for approximately 6.7 gigawatts of new demand — roughly equivalent to the electricity use of more than 4 million households. As utilities receive increasing requests from large-load facilities seeking transmission-level service, regulators have identified significant gaps in how these customers are classified and charged for service. While the CPUC recently approved interim rules for large-load customers within Pacific Gas & Electric's territory, statewide long-term planning and ratepayer protections remain unresolved. AB 2383 requires the CPUC to establish a new classification for large energy use customers by 2028 designed to appropriately assign costs, avoid shifting infrastructure expenses onto other ratepayers, support grid reliability, and promote equitable contributions to state energy programs. The bill also requires utilities serving these facilities to enter into long-term service agreements with large energy users to help avoid stranded infrastructure costs and ensure financial responsibility remains with the facilities driving the demand. "Californians are one step closer to being protected from paying extra for energy-hogging data centers," said Victoria Rome, director of California government affairs at NRDC (Natural Resources Defense Council.) "Requiring data centers to pay for their energy usage makes sense for all ratepayers and helps keep electricity affordable across the board." "This bill is an important step toward protecting California ratepayers while enabling responsible economic growth," said Ethan Rarick, executive director of the Little Hoover Commission. "By requiring the creation of a separate rate classification for large energy use facilities, AB 2383 helps ensure that costs are appropriately allocated, and reflects our Commission's core finding that ratepayer protection must be the state's foremost priority in addressing large-load growth."

In this episode of Look West, the conversation centers on California Democrats’ commitment to protecting immigrant families and defending the values that make California strong. The discussion highlights how immigrants contribute to communities, culture, and the economy, while exploring efforts to get ICE out of sensitive locations and ensure that families can access schools, healthcare, and essential services without fear.

Let's take a (low)ride with Assemblymember Mark Gonzalez as he honors the rich Chicano and Latino heritage that has helped define California’s culture. Gonzalez has written the Lowrider License Plate Program (AB 2541). This initiative not only recognizes a powerful cultural legacy but also invests back into our communities by supporting arts and cultural programs through the California Arts Council. Jump in and ride along with us as we talk to Assemblymember Gonzalez.

Assemblymember Rhodesia Ransom is all abuzz about honey bees and thinks you should "bee" too. These pollinators help California farmers feed the world with cherries, melons, almonds and more. But bee colonies are dying at nearly unprecedented rates and the reasons why remain unclear. Join Assemblymember Ransom for a buzzworthy visit to a hive, hear from a local farmer who is a big fan of pollinators, and learn all about her ideas she's working on to Save the Honey Bees.

HR 81, as introduced, Aguiar-Curry. AI Summary This resolution, HR 81, officially proclaims the month of March 2026 as Women's History Month in California, recognizing the essential and often overlooked contributions of women throughout history to the nation and the state. It acknowledges women's groundbreaking achievements in various fields, their leadership in social change movements, and the ongoing need to address gender inequity. The resolution also highlights the origins of Women's History Week in 1978 and its subsequent establishment as National Women's History Month, emphasizing the importance of commemorating these accomplishments to benefit all by raising awareness. Finally, it directs the Chief Clerk of the Assembly to distribute copies of this proclamation to relevant organizations and individuals, including the Vice Chair of the California Legislative Women's Caucus and the Chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls, to further promote the observance

Assemblymember Chris Ward (D–San Diego) held a press conference Tuesday at the State Capitol to announce the introduction of AB 1542, new legislation to strengthen protections for sensitive personal data; continued efforts to advance AB 322, a two-year bill to ban the sale of geolocation data; and renewed momentum for AB 1337, a two-year bill currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee to modernize public-sector privacy protections. The press conference brought together consumer advocates, civil rights organizations, and privacy experts to underscore the urgency of protecting Californians’ personal information from misuse, exploitation, and sale without consent. “Californians should not have to worry that their sensitive personal information is being sold to the highest bidder,” said Assemblymember Chris Ward. “From precise location data to deeply personal information, these bills work together to stop the sale of geolocation data, strengthen protections for sensitive information, and ensure government agencies are held to modern privacy standards. California led the nation on privacy once before, and we must continue to lead as technology evolves.” Justin Brookman, Director of Tech Policy at Consumer Reports, warned that data-driven pricing and monetization practices are outpacing existing protections. “People should not have to worry that their sensitive personal information is going to be sold to the highest bidder,” Brookman said. “The California Consumer Privacy Act was groundbreaking, but it needs to be updated to address the realities of the modern data ecosystem. Companies should use personal information like geolocation to deliver the services we ask for—not to secretly monetize it through data brokers.” Advocates emphasized the heightened risks these practices pose to vulnerable communities. “When businesses sell and trade sensitive personal information like precise location or immigration status, they open the door to surveillance, targeting, and exploitation. Those harms fall the hardest on the most vulnerable in our community, including immigrants, LGBTQ+ individuals, and survivors of domestic violence and human trafficking," said Lan Le, Policy Advocate at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California (AJSOCAL). “These data privacy bills send a clear message: dignity and safety are rights, not commodities.” Supporters also highlighted the need to modernize how public agencies handle personal data. “In an era of increasing digital surveillance and data collection, it’s crucial that our privacy laws evolve,” said Rindala “Rin” Alajaji, Associate Director of State Affairs at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. “AB 1337 is a much-needed update to ensure local governments are held accountable for how they handle personal data.” Tracy Rosenberg, Executive Director of Oakland Privacy, underscored how the measures work together. “The bill duo of AB 1337 and AB 322 attacks our current dystopia in two vital ways,” Rosenberg said. “They modernize privacy protections, add transparency and limits around precise location data, and curb invasive practices that expose Californians to government and industry overreach.” John Bennett, Initiative Director at CITED, emphasized the broader democratic stakes. “Privacy and freedom of movement are cornerstones of a healthy democracy,” Bennett said. “It’s time to strengthen our data privacy laws and fulfill the promise of California’s constitutional right to privacy—so people can move, assemble, and participate in civic life without fear of surveillance.” Ward’s legislative package builds on California’s landmark privacy framework to protect sensitive personal data, prohibit the sale of geolocation information, and ensure privacy rights keep pace with modern technology.

February 10, 2026   Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo’s Legislation to Protect Veterans Signed Into Law   Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee Celebrates Major Victory for California veterans   SACRAMENTO, CA — Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, Chair of the Military and Veterans Affairs Committee, today announced that the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act (SB 694) was signed into law, strengthening California’s protections for veterans and service members seeking the benefits they have earned.   The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act, authored by Senator Bob Archuleta and co-authored by Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, was a top priority for Assemblywoman Schiavo. SB 694 stops illegal, deceptive and predatory practices by unaccredited companies who exploit veterans. These VA benefit claim sharks sometimes charge veterans as much as $20,000 for services that they can instead access for free from County Veteran Service Officers and other federally accredited organizations.   “As Chair of the Military and Veterans Committee and the daughter of a disabled veteran, alongside so many, we fought to protect disabled veterans from illegal fees charged by predatory claims sharks,” said Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo. “Veterans who earned their benefits through service and great sacrifice, deserve every penny. With the Governor’s signature of SB 694, we are making it clear that we will always protect our veterans and hold predators accountable.”   The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act brings California law into alignment with federal law and accreditation standards and strengthens enforcement tools to protect veterans from financial harm. It establishes clear guardrails to prevent illegal fees and financial exploitation by requiring individuals who assist with veterans’ benefits claims to meet federal accreditation standards. It also creates important privacy protections by restricting the misuse and sharing of veterans’ private data.   “Today, I am proud to stand with a coalition of veterans organizations in celebration of the signing of SB 694, legislation that continues our commitment to vigorously protect those who have sacrificed so much to protect us," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. “Claim sharks pose a financial risk to veterans who need help with their benefits claims. SB 694 will degrade and deter the ability of these predatory individuals or companies to exploit veterans seeking help accessing their benefits. I thank Senators Archuleta and Cervantes, and Assemblywoman Schiavo, for authoring this legislation and Governor Newsom for signing it into law and making it clear: If you want to charge veterans for help with their benefits claims, you must be accredited by the VA."   “Veterans served this nation with honor and sacrifice, and they have earned every benefit their country owes them,” said Senator Bob Archuleta, Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. “This legislation ensures veterans are protected from individuals who prey on their trust, their service, and their need for help. This law reinforces California’s commitment to honoring veterans with real, meaningful protections.”   The signing of the Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act builds on California’s broader efforts to safeguard veterans, service members, and their families who call California home to ensure they receive the benefits that they have earned.   The Protecting Veterans from Predatory Practices Act takes effect on January 1, 2027.   ###   Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo was elected to the California State Assembly in November of 2022 and re-elected in 2024 to represent the 40th Assembly District, representing the Northwest San Fernando Valley, Val Verde, Castaic and the Santa Clarita Valley. Upon her election, she was appointed as Assistant Majority Whip by the Speaker of the Assembly and now serves as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs. During her first term she brought back a record $93 million district investment in school and community safety, seniors meal programs, veteran housing, domestic violence services and creating local jobs. Prior to her election, Assemblywoman Schiavo was a Nurse Advocate and Small Business Owner who worked in the labor movement for more than 20 years. Throughout her career, Assemblywoman Schiavo helped deliver healthcare, including reproductive healthcare, to more than one million people. In the Northwest San Fernando Valley, she co-founded an organization that helped secure housing for Veterans experiencing homelessness, has delivered more than 50,000 meals to people in need, and increased resources to help keep our communities safe. Assemblywoman Schiavo lives in Chatsworth with her creative kid where they love to hike in the Santa Susana Mountains.

Assemblymember John Harabedian’s (D-Pasadena) Mortgage Forbearance Act, has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. AB 238, the Mortgage Forbearance Act, provides essential relief to survivors of the Los Angeles Fires by allowing a pause on mortgage payments for up to a year. Fire victims entering into forbearance will not face any penalties or credit damage during the pause in payments. Importantly, the bill also prohibits lenders from requiring lump sum payments at the conclusion of the forbearance period, allowing homeowners to focus on rebuilding. “For months since the fires, survivors have been forced to make two housing payments: one for their temporary rental accommodations and another mortgage payment for a house that either doesn’t exist anymore or is uninhabitable due to smoke and ash damage. AB 238 will ease the financial burden that too many families are facing by allowing them to pause their mortgage payments for up to a year while they get back on their feet,” said Assemblymember Harabedian (D-Pasadena). After the fire, Assemblymember Harabedian worked with the Governor to secure initial commitments of 90-day forbearance periods from nearly 400 lenders in California. AB 238 takes effect immediately. If you encounter any difficulties with your servicer, please notify the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation (DFPI) which is charged with ensuring your rights under this new law are upheld. You can also contact Assemblymember Harabedian’s district office at (626) 351-1917 for assistance. The Governor’s decision has brought us a step closer to recovery.

All year long we've been sharing the immigration stories of our Assembly Democrats, stories that remind us how diverse California really is. Each journey is different, but they all speak to a shared truth. No matter where we came from, we're all Californians. As we close out 2025 Look West looks back at the immigration journeys of Assemblymembers Jose Luis Solache, Jessica Caloza, Juan Carrillo, Celeste Rodriguez, Mike Fong, Alex Lee, Al Muratsuchi, Liz Ortega and Esmeralda Soria.

All this year Look West has been hearing the immigration stories of our Members. Each of their stories is unique but also prove, no matter where we came from or how we got here, we are all Californians now. On this episode, Assemblymember Jessica Caloza tells us about her immigration journey, how her Los Angeles Assembly district is responding to the federal anti-immigration actions and why she co-authored the Birthright Citizenship resolution, AJR5.

Food, Glorious Food…it’s more than just a way to stay alive. Food brings people together. Families gather for meals. Communities gather for picnics, block parties and potlucks. It’s also a way we explore each other’s cultures. Today, “Foodies” are a massive part of the social media world. There’s even an unofficial Foodie Caucus in the State Legislature. We brought a few of the Foodie Members together to sit down at a Sacramento area restaurant and talk about food, its importance to family, community and culture (and the ways the State Legislature helps keep food safe in California). Join Assemblymembers Jose Luis Solache, Stephanie Nguyen and John Harabedian for this tasty discussion.

Birthright citizenship is a fundamental right that has been enshrined in the Constitution for over 150 years. In the wake of the federal government’s assault on this core principle, Assemblymember Alex Lee authored legislation affirming the California Legislature’s commitment to birthright citizenship. Assembly Joint Resolution (AJR) 5 passed the Senate Floor on September 2, and heads to the Assembly Floor for a final vote.  On his first day in office, Trump issued an executive order to deny citizenship for children of non-citizen parents. The order, which remains blocked by legal challenges, would strip an entire class of people of the right to vote, work lawfully, access federal benefits, and many other basic rights. It is estimated that 153,000 children nationwide, including 24,500 in California, would see their right to citizenship eliminated if the federal government implemented the executive order.  “Birthright citizenship is a bedrock of the American Dream,” said Assemblymember Lee. “We cannot let one President and his cronies abuse their federal powers, undo our long-standing civil rights laws, and redefine who becomes a citizen. AJR 5 shows the nation that the California State Legislature is committed to defending birthright citizenship, and the deep-rooted legal precedent set by the landmark Supreme Court case of Wong Kim Ark.”  Birthright citizenship is guaranteed by the 14th Amendment, which was ratified in 1868 following the Civil War. It ensured those who were formerly enslaved the right to citizenship and states: “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”  Decades later, the Supreme Court Case of U.S. v. Wong Kim Ark in 1898 affirmed birthright citizenship to all those born in the U.S. During a period of anti-Asian racism, San Francisco-born Wong Kim Ark was prohibited from reentering the United States after traveling to China to visit family. Customs agents claimed he was not a citizen because his parents were unable to naturalize and ordered him to be deported. With legal support from the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of San Francisco, he took his case to the Supreme Court and won.  In commemoration of the 127th anniversary of the case, AJR 5 honors Wong Kim Ark’s fight for the fundamental right of birthright citizenship, and the legacy that he leaves behind. The bill is sponsored by Chinese for Affirmative Action.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Today, Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez (D-San Fernando) introduces her first bill in the 2025-26 legislative session, AB 495 – The Family Safety Plan Act, which will provide support to immigrant and mixed-status families by ensuring safety plans are in place in the event of immigration enforcement actions. “The threats from the federal administration have led to fear in many communities including mine,” said Assemblywoman Celeste Rodriguez. “We must do everything we can to safeguard families from separation and ensure children are supported. AB 495 is a critical tool that will preserve California’s families.” Forty-five percent of California children have at least one immigrant parent. An estimated 1 million children in California have at least one undocumented parent, and approximately 133,000 children in California public schools are undocumented. This bill protects children in immigrant families by ensuring that families have safety plans in place in case of immigration enforcement actions. Assemblywoman Rodriguez represents the 43rd Assembly District, which includes the City of San Fernando and communities across the Northeast San Fernando Valley, including Arleta, Sun Valley, Sylmar, Pacoima, Panorama City, North Hollywood, Lake View Terrace, Valley Glen, Mission Hills and North Hills.

Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson Advances Legislation to Lower Home Prices and Increase Housing Stock   SACRAMENTO — Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson (D-Moreno Valley) has taken decisive action to address California’s housing crisis by authoring AB 317, the First Time Homeowner Act, a bill designed to boost affordable housing production by eliminating unnecessary regulatory delays. The legislation passed the Assembly Floor last week with strong bipartisan support and now heads to the Senate.   California faces a shortage of up to 2 million homes, driving the median price above $800,000. AB 317 directly addresses this by making it easier to build affordable starter homes, especially in underserved regions like the Inland Empire.   AB 317 creates a targeted exemption from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) for modest, first-time homebuyer developments. It applies to homes 1,500 square feet or less, with no more than three bedrooms, priced under $400,000, and built specifically for first-time buyers. By streamlining the approval process for these homes, the bill aims to increase supply and reduce costs for working families.   “This bill is a commitment to first-time homebuyers and to making California more affordable,” said Assemblymember Dr. Corey A. Jackson. “We can protect the environment and still cut through red tape that blocks families from owning a home. AB 317 is about building homes faster, affordable, and for the future of our communities.”   Dr. Jackson’s leadership directly challenges the idea that Democrats are not serious about lowering costs for Californians. AB 317 is a common-sense solution: build more homes, build them faster, and bring down prices through increased supply.

Bill would protect immigrant children from President-elect Donald Trump’s stated plan for mass deportations Torrance, CA – Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi (D-Torrance), Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, introduced Assembly Bill 49, a bill that would protect immigrant children from actions by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers who enter school sites or child care facilities. The bill would prohibit school or child care employees from allowing ICE officers to enter a school site or child care facility for any purpose without providing valid identification, a written statement of purpose, a valid judicial warrant, and approval from the school district's superintendent or director of the child care center. The bill also would require that if an ICE official meets the requirements to enter a school site or child care facility, their access would be restricted to school or child care facilities where students or children are not present. "All children have a constitutional right to attend public schools, regardless of immigration status," stated Assemblymember Muratsuchi. "Unfortunately, the threat of federal immigration officials coming onto school grounds to detain undocumented students or family members casts a shadow of fear over all California students. Students cannot learn if they are living in fear of being deported or separated from their family members. This bill is necessary because children should not be afraid to come to school, and parents should not be afraid to send their children to school." As during his first term, there is an increased fear of raids by ICE officials at schools and child care centers as President-elect Donald Trump is threatening to deport millions of undocumented immigrants across the United States. President-elect Trump has also threatened to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education. According to the California State Superintendent of Public Instruction's office, this closure would risk around $8 billion in federal funds for California programs serving students with disabilities and low-income students. Assemblymember Al Muratsuchi represents California's 66th Assembly District, which includes El Segundo, Gardena, Hermosa Beach, Lomita, Los Angeles, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Redondo Beach, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro and Torrance. Muratsuchi is Chair of the Assembly Education Committee, Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Aerospace, and a member of the Committees on Budget, Budget Subcommittee on Education, Higher Education, Natural Resources, and the Joint Legislative Committee on Climate Change Policies.