Dear Neighbor‚
I hope this email finds you well. June was an especially busy month with finalizing the budget‚ my legislative package‚ the Governor’s State of the State‚ and meeting with constituents. To be honest‚ even though it’s been particularly eventful‚ I’ve cherished each of these moments. I am terming out this year‚ and it’s been an honor of a lifetime serving North State residents.
The California Legislature made its final 2024-25 Budget negotiations with the Governor (you can read more about the budget here). The Legislature convenes for Summer Recess on July 3‚ and I’m looking forward to being out in the District seeing familiar faces‚ attending events‚ and celebrating the 248th anniversary of our nation’s independence. As we inch closer to Independence Day to enjoy gathering with friends and family‚ please remember to check if fireworks are legal in your ordinance–click here for fireworks safety tips.
I’d like to share a District update–California Department of Motor Vehicles has begun its “digital transformation” and several office locations will shift from in-person businesses to virtual offices. DMV has changed office hours at 20 locations throughout the state‚ six of which fall in California’s 1st Senate District. Offices will now be open 2-3 days a week and DMV will no longer process “simple transactions” or transactions that can be completed online. The following locations will see their local DMV office hours changed:
- Colusa
- Fall River Mills
- Mount Shasta
- Susanville
- Willows
- Yreka
My offices will be working with DMV to ease this transition‚ and my staff are available to answer any concerns and questions. For links to DMV’s online services and virtual offices‚ please see below:
In closing‚ it’s my honor to serve as your State Senator. Wishing you and your family a safe Independence Day!
Sincerely‚
Senator Brian Dahle
Legislative Update |
A number of my bills continue to advance through the legislative process‚ and are being heard in their respective committees this week. A few of these measures were brought forward from constituents across the District–I value your partnership!
Energy
Senate Bill 1062: Supports the conversion of biomass generation facilities to newer advanced bioenergy technology–allowing them to continue operating to reduce harmful debris that pose a serious wildfire threat to communities.
Senate Bill 1207: Expands the definition of “eligible materials” under the Buy Clean California Act to include all insulation types‚ incentivizing manufacturers to continue climate and reliability investments in their products.
Healthcare
Senate Bill 1258: Authorizes the State Department of Health Care Services to waive the interest on unrecovered Medi-Cal overpayment due by a provider when certain factors are met.
Senate Bill 1423: Requires the Department of Health Care Services to convene a Rural Hospital Technical Advisory Group to discuss and provide recommendations on Medi-Cal reimbursement and other issues related to the financial viability of small‚ rural‚ or critical access hospitals.
Safety
Senate Bill 1163: This measure allows state agencies to make evidence-based decisions to improve traffic and wildlife safety.
Senate Bill 542: This bill would exclude PG&E settlement payments awarded to victims of the 2021 Dixie Fire and the 2022 Mill Fire from gross income‚ meaning those payments would not be subject to income taxes.
Senate Bill 804: This bill authorizes law enforcement civilians to provide hearsay testimony at preliminary hearings. As police departments receive less funding even with rising crime‚ efficiency is more important than ever‚ and this allow law enforcement to prioritize resources.
District-Related Bills
Senate Bill 1009: This bill authorizes the director of the Department of General Services with consent of the Department of Fish and Wildlife‚ to lease a portion of the Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery to the Mt. Shasta Museum Association at no cost for continued long-term operation of a historical museum. This bill is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature.
FYI |
Own a Motorhome or Large Vehicle? Senate Bill 210 (Leyva‚ 2019) directed the California Air Resources Board to implement a Heavy-Duty Inspection and Maintenance regulation for vehicles operating in California with a gross vehicle weight above 14‚000 pounds. This bill now requires heavy duty vehicles to undergo an inspection similar to a passenger vehicle “smog check.” Please click here for more information.
Reminder: A new area code is coming to the 530 region in 2025! The California Public Utilities Commission announced that an 837 area code is coming to the 530 region. According to the PUC’s website‚ customers should continue to identify their telephone number as a 10-digit number (3-digit area code + 7-digit telephone number)‚ and include the area code when giving the number to friends‚ family‚ and business associates. Click here for more information on this change.
AT&T Update: Great news for rural Californians! The California Public Utilities Commission denied AT&T’s request to withdraw its carrier of last resort obligation as a landline telecommunications service provider. Had their request been granted‚ this would’ve greatly impact service to those who rely on a landline‚ especially for those who reside in rural areas where wireless service simply isn’t an option.
At the Capitol |
I joined Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher for a press scrum in response to the Governor’s State of the State. Click here to hear to watch the video.
I’m proud to be a co-author on SB 980 “The Smile Act” that would increase dental coverage for Medi-Cal recipients‚ namely dental implants.
In the District |
Coyote’s Saloon in Willows received a warm welcome from the community. The venue‚ formerly known as Murphy’s Bar and Restaurant‚ offers amenities such as a pool table‚ jukebox‚ outdoor seating‚ and patrons are welcome to bring their dogs onto the outdoor patio.
The West Hills Shooting & Training Facility is open for business. They aim to teach individuals on how to properly handle and shoot firearms and emphasize safety throughout the process.
Shasta County Superintendent of Schools Judy Flores retired in June after serving seven years in that office and 39 years in education. I’ve appreciated her leadership and advice on key school issues both in Shasta County and statewide.
Cathy Darling Allen served as Shasta County’s clerk and elections officer for two decades‚ overseeing more than 40 elections during a time when election laws and systems changed dramatically. I wish her all the best in her retirement!
Habitat for Humanity of Butte County Women’s Build Fundraiser was one for the books. This two-day event focused on building foundations‚ which will lead to homes constructed by women who are members of the Butte County community. The event welcomed a total of 60 participants‚ marking a 38% increase from last year. I am extremely proud of their willingness to lend a helping hand and financial support to deserving families.
Staff were thrilled to celebrate graduates at the 44th Annual Butte College Extended Opportunity Programs & Services Awards Ceremony. 
The Paradise region will soon have additional housing for 70 families thanks to the dedicated efforts and investment from numerous advocates‚ community stakeholders‚ and friends. Staff were delighted to attend the groundbreaking for the Cypress Apartments.
The 86th Annual Placer County Fair’s ribbon cutting had a great turnout. There are many fairs happening throughout the District‚ be sure to stop by.
The newly opened Krak Boba in Chico is all the rage offering a variety of drinks and topping combinations in addition to daily specials.
Families can enjoy the beautiful summer days at the newly remodeled Orland Memorial Park and Willows Memorial Park. Various improvements include new playground equipment‚ gently winding pathways‚ picnic tables‚ benches‚ and more.
If you need assistance with any State agency‚ or have questions about legislation‚ please contact one of my offices below.