This month marked my one year in office since returning to the California State Legislature as your state senator proudly representing California Senate District 36. When I was elected a year ago, I promised to bring common sense back to Sacramento. I continue to look for solutions and opportunities to lower the cost of living here in California, restore accountability and transparency in government, and champion public safety. I remain steadfast in these priorities for 2026.
March is Women’s History Month, and I had the pleasure of honoring Garden Grove Mayor Stephanie Klopfenstein as the 36th Senate District Woman of the Year. I am proud to recognize Mayor Klopfenstein, along with an additional 18 Women of Distinction from my district, whose leadership, dedication, and service make our communities stronger. It was an honor to celebrate their incredible contributions. I’ll share more about the women honorees later in the newsletter.
But first, here are updates on several pieces of legislation in Sacramento:
Senate Bill 985 – The Fix 911 Act
I authored this legislation to require the California Office of Emergency Services to issue quarterly reports on the Next Gen 911 emergency response system. This measure aims to bring better accountability, transparency, and legislative oversight. I am happy to share that SB 985 passed out of the Senate Energy Committee and is on its way to the Senate Emergency Management Committee for a second policy hearing.
Click HERE to listen to my bill presentation.
Senate Bill 926 – Funding for Proposition 36
I’m proud to champion efforts that prioritize public safety. SB 926 would create the California Public Safety Services Support Fund to implement Proposition 36. In 2024, the anti-crime measure passed in 58 counties with nearly 70% of the vote. In addition, I have also sent a budget letter requesting funding for Proposition 36 through the state budget process.
Senate Bill 1035 – The Gas Tax Relief Act
My SB 1035 focused on providing short-term, immediate relief to Californians by suspending the gas tax for one year. SB 1035 would have lowered the price of a gallon of gas by $1.08, resulting in annual savings of approximately $900 to $1,100 per household. USC Professor Michael Mische testified in support and explained the importance of passing this legislation as a solution to ever-increasing gas prices.
Unfortunately, SB 1035 was blocked by the Senate Environmental Quality Committee and did not move forward. This was a missed opportunity to take meaningful action to address California’s high cost of living.
While I am disappointed by the outcome, I remain committed to fighting for policies that bring real relief to families and small businesses and advance solutions that make California more affordable. Click HERE to review the vote count.
Click HERE to listen to my bill presentation.
Next month, my public safety bills, Senate Bill 1027, the California Prostitution Task Force, and Senate Bill 1015, Protecting Our Children from Online Extortion Act, are up for a committee presentation in the Senate Public Safety Committee. I am proud that both of my measures are supported by Orange County Sheriff Don Barnes.
More updates to come as these bills and other measures continue through the legislative process. Click HERE to learn more about my legislation.
Meanwhile, I stand with parents to protect our children, and I’m outraged that the California Board of Parole released a convicted serial predator under the Early Release Program. As a father of two, I am deeply concerned about the board’s decision to uphold the release of convicted child rapist David Allen Funston. I‚ along with other members of the California State Senate‚ took action and signed a letter calling for the removal of members of the parole board.
Click HERE to read the letter.
I’m thrilled to be recognized by the Autonomous Vehicles Industry Association as one of its 2026 AV Champions. As the Vice Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, this recognition highlights my commitment to advancing policies that encourage innovation, promote safety, and foster the next generation of transportation technology.
At the AVIA Awards Ceremony in March.
It’s always a pleasure to host members of the Association of California Cities – Orange County in Sacramento. These local leaders work tirelessly to address issues that directly impact families across our communities. Congratulations to Tanya Doby, Mayor of Los Alamitos, who is serving as President this year.
With members of ACC-OC.
I had a great meeting with California State University Long Beach President Andrew Jones, Vice President Dan Montoya, Bellflower Mayor Pro Tem Victor Sanchez, and others in Sacramento to discuss the future of higher education. I believe an investment in our students is an investment in the future of our state.
With members of CSULB and Bellflower Mayor Pro Tem.
Thank you to Fountain Valley Mayor Jim Cunneen for inviting me to attend and provide a legislative update at the State of the City event. I was proud to highlight my ongoing work in Sacramento to tackle affordability and lower costs for families and small businesses across our district, along with strong public safety legislation. I’ll keep working hard to deliver results for all of Senate District 36!
At the Fountain Valley State of the City event.
Congratulations to Sutherlin Subaru in Huntington Beach on an amazing grand opening event hosted by the Huntington Beach Chamber. Small businesses like Sutherlin Subaru drive our local economy and create great jobs in our community.
At the grand opening with Brett Sutherlin, owner of Sutherlin Subaru.
March is Women’s History Month, and I’m proud to announce that Stephanie Klopfenstein, Mayor of Garden Grove, has been named the 36th Senate District Woman of the Year. Stephanie’s tireless dedication to the residents of Senate District 36 has strengthened our community, promoted civic engagement, and made a lasting impact. Stephanie joined me in Sacramento to celebrate the day with more than 100 other women leaders from across California.
Stephanie and her family joined me in Sacramento with her WOTY Senate Proclamation.
I also had the honor of selecting 18 outstanding women leaders for the Senate District 36 Women of Distinction Awards. This month, I hosted a gathering at the district office celebrating their remarkable accomplishments and contributions. Thank you to these inspiring women! Click HERE to see photos of the honorees.
I also had the pleasure of hosting the first Community Recognition Awards in 2026. Click HERE to see photos from this month’s recognition event.
Click HERE to see more photos from this month’s recognition event.
In Case You Missed It: The Strickland Spotlight
KCRA’s Ashley Zavala covered the Next Gen 911 project and interviewed me about Senate Bill 985, the Fix 911 Act. Click HERE to read and watch her story.
With gas prices hovering around $6 per gallon of unleaded fuel, media outlets across California covered my Gas Tax Relief Act. I was on Spectrum News 1 to discuss high gas prices and my solution to help California families. Here’s a link to an article by Madeline Shannon with The Center Square on the Gas Tax Relief Act, and AOL picked up the story. The California Post highlighted my Gas Tax Relief Act and the ongoing bipartisan movement. KFBK AM1530 Sacramento anchor Kitty O’Neal also interviewed me about my legislation.
Click HERE to listen to my interview with KFBK radio Sacramento anchor Kitty O’Neal.
April will be another busy month with a full schedule of committee hearings. This is a friendly reminder that April 15 is Tax Day.
Thank you to everyone who submitted nominations for the 36th Senate District Nonprofit of the Year Award. My district is home to incredible nonprofit organizations which will make selecting just one winner a challenging but rewarding task.
Lastly, my district office is here to help you navigate state government and to connect you with resources. You can contact my office at Senator.Strickland@senate.ca.gov, or call (714) 374-4000.
In Friendship,
Tony Strickland
California State Senator