April has been a fast-paced and productive month, with several of my bills heard in committee. I’m pleased to report that many have advanced out of key Senate committees. Next up is Senate Bill 926, which would secure state budget funding for Proposition 36, the anti-crime measure approved by nearly 70% of voters across all 58 counties. Click HERE to learn more about my legislative package.
Senate Bill 985 (The Fix 911 Act) would require the governor’s California Office of Emergency Services (OES) to submit quarterly reports to the California State Legislature on the progress of the state’s Next Generation 911 upgrade program. Since 2019, OES has spent nearly $500 million on the Next Gen 911 system, yet Californians have seen little progress toward a fully modernized emergency response system. I introduced SB 985 following a series of investigative reports by NBC Bay Area reporter Candice Nguyen and Sacramento Bee reporter William Melhado that exposed serious concerns about the project’s lack of transparency, oversight, and accountability. SB 985 passed out of the Senate Emergency Management Committee.
Senate Bill 1027 would establish the California Prostitution Task Force, implementing a community-focused, data-driven approach that convenes victim service providers, human trafficking survivors, public health and social service agencies, community organizations, law enforcement, and legal professionals. SB 1027 would direct the task force to examine how victims are currently being identified and supported, evaluate current services, review existing data, and ultimately develop recommendations and best practices to better protect and support victims and communities. Click HERE to listen to my bill presentation in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
Senate Bill 1015 (Protecting Our Children from Online Extortion) has successfully cleared its first committee hearing, the Senate Public Safety Committee, with unanimous, bipartisan support. This legislation directly addresses the alarming rise of predatory online networks targeting minors across gaming platforms, social media, and messaging apps. These criminal groups use manipulation, coercion, and intimidation to exploit vulnerable children for sextortion, self-harm, and even forcing victims to recruit others. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is seeing a spike in these types of crimes. I am proud to work with Sheriff Don Barnes to strengthen our laws against online predators and to address the growing problem of child exploitation.
With OC Sheriff Barnes following the passage of SB 1015.
Click HERE to listen to my committee presentation.
Senate Bill 885, the Restoring Accountability Act, is about giving the Legislature direct oversight of major policymaking decisions. As elected lawmakers, we are accountable to the people we represent when we weigh changes to state law. That is not the case with unelected regulators, such as those on the California Air Resources Board and the California Energy Commission. These appointees can make sweeping policy decisions that significantly impact our communities, yet they do not answer to the voters. My bill would require the Legislature to review and approve major regulations with an expected economic impact of more than $50 million in a single year. While it did not pass its first committee hearing, I remain committed to restoring accountability and transparency in state government.
Click HERE to listen to my presentation for SB 885.
Senate Bill 1071 (Justice in Court. Truth on Record) is a bipartisan measure. It’s more than just a death certificate record. This measure is about something very simple, but very important: truth, accuracy, and justice for victims and their families. Ultimately, SB 1071 is about aligning our records with reality. It’s about giving families the dignity of truth. And it’s about ensuring our public data accurately reflects the seriousness of these crimes. SB 1071 is a reasonable fix, which is why I am a proud co-author with my colleague, Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh. SB 1071 passed out of the Senate Health Committee.
Speaking at the bipartisan press conference with advocates on SB 1071.
The Orange County Business Council visited Sacramento with its delegation and held a successful two-day advocacy trip. A big congratulations to President and CEO Jeff Ball and his team for their work in gathering public policy experts and legislators to discuss topics such as housing, energy, and affordability.
At the OCBC Advocacy Day event.
Thank you to the Orange County Business Council for naming me OCBC’s 2025 Legislator of the Year. I am grateful for the recognition, as I have always been a champion for our business community and advocate for policies to help our businesses thrive. I will continue to champion these policies in 2026.
With OCBC President & CEO Jeff Ball.
I joined the Orange County Fire Authority at their Fire Operations 101 training in Garden Grove. I want to thank OCFA and President Chris Hamm for inviting me to participate, as I got a glimpse into what it takes to be a firefighter. I was suited up in heavy gear and pushed through the heat. Our first responders stand ready to save lives, and every task is driven by precision and purpose. I have endless respect for firefighters who run towards danger, not away from it. I am grateful for what they do to keep our communities safe!
At the OCFA Fire Ops 101 training.
As Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I’m focused on making everyday life more affordable, starting with strong partnerships that keep our supply chain moving. I joined my friend, Commissioner Sharon Weissman, and the Harbor Association of Industry and Commerce for a tour of the Port of Long Beach and Port of Los Angeles. Both ports are the largest in Southern California, and together, they form the San Pedro Bay port complex, making up 40% of the nation’s containerized imports. Thank you for hosting me on the tour!
With members of the Port tour.
Members of the San Bernardino County Police Chiefs and the Sheriff’s Association visited Sacramento to discuss critical funding for Proposition 36, the anti-crime law that was passed by nearly 70% of voters in all 58 counties. I will always stand with our law enforcement agencies because I believe the most essential role of government is public safety. I am looking at all avenues to fight for full funding for Proposition 36. Not only did I submit a letter advocating for Proposition 36 funding as part of the budget process, but I also authored Senate Bill 926 to require the General Fund be used to fund it and honor the wishes of California voters.
With members of the San Bernardino County Police Chiefs and Sheriff’s Association.
From the classroom to the State Capitol, it’s always a pleasure for me to see students visit Sacramento and learn about our state’s history. Even better when they are students from Senate District 36. I hope the students and parents from Rossmoor Elementary School enjoyed their visit!
Students from Rossmoor Elementary School visited the California State Senate chambers.
From elementary to high school, I have also enjoyed inspiring the next generation of leaders. I had the pleasure of speaking with students from Mater Dei High School in Orange County who visited my Sacramento office to discuss their legislative priorities. Go Monarchs!
With students and their chaperones from Mater Dei High School in Sacramento.
Senate District 36 is home to some of the best schools in California! Congratulations to all the SD36 schools recognized as California Distinguished Schools for 2026. You make our communities proud!
In Case You Missed It: The Strickland Spotlight
Gas prices are already hitting California drivers hard, and we will always pay well above the national average. Now, the California Air Resources Board (CARB) is considering new regulations that could make things even more expensive for families and commuters. CARB’s proposal could force the state’s remaining refineries to take on up to $9 billion in new costs, something many can’t afford. That’s why, in my op-ed published in CalMatters, I am calling on CARB to pause these changes. Click HERE to read my Op-ed.
Click HERE to read the Op-ed published in CalMatters.
Affordability is such an important topic and on the minds of so many Californians, including high gas prices. I spoke to CBS 2 Los Angeles about my gas tax legislation that would have lowered the price of a gallon of gas by $1.08. Click HERE to watch the CBS 2 Los Angeles story. Click HERE to listen to my interview on KFBK AM1530, where I discussed my legislation, SB 1027 and SB 885.
Click HERE to listen to my interview on KFI AM640 discussing SB 1015.
Click HERE to listen to the KFI story on SB 1015.
The Center Square highlighted my legislation, Senate Bil 926, which would require funding for Proposition 36. Click HERE to read the article posted on the Center Square.
Click HERE to read the article posted on the Center Square.
I also joined KUSI-TV to discuss the importance of funding Proposition 36. Click HERE to watch my interview on KUSI-TV.
Click HERE to watch my interview on KUSI-TV.
I joined FOX 40 and KTLA Los Angeles to discuss SB 1015, the Protecting Our Children from Online Extortion Act, and SB 885, the Restoring Accountability Act.
Click HERE to watch the story on SB 1015.
Click HERE to watch the story on SB 885.
Senate District 36 Nonprofit of the Year goes to GameChanger Charity! I’m proud to select the Dana Point nonprofit founded in 2007 by a father and son duo. Jim Carol and his son, Taylor, founded this nonprofit organization during Taylor’s five-year battle with pediatric cancer. Gaming allowed Taylor to connect with his friends online, bringing him moments of joy while receiving treatment. In essence, it was a lifeline for Taylor. Jim will join me in Sacramento next month for the celebration.
My office has received so many submissions for Nonprofit of the Year, and it was a tough choice to select only one. On Saturday, May 16, from 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, I will host a Community Recognition Open House at my Huntington Beach district office to recognize Nonprofit Organizations of Distinction in Senate District 36.
Once again, my office serves as a gateway to the state government. Should you need assistance, please reach out to me at Senator.Strickland@senate.ca.gov or call my district office at (714) 374-4000.
In Friendship,
Tony Strickland
Senator, California 36th State Senate