Sunday state roundup

The legislative session draws to a close, here are some of the bills that have made it to the floor and await their fate including a statewide plastic bag ban and an e-bike bill for San Diego County

STATE — The 2024 legislative session is drawing to a close and with it, a mad rush on Friday to get bills to the Assembly or Senate floor.

Friday was the last day for the fiscal committees to meet and report new legislation, while the final two weeks is just a floor session in each house. There, legislators will battle over laws to pass and send the Gov. Gavin Newsom’s desk for his signature, or veto.

Assemblywoman Tasha Horvath’s (D-Encinitas) bill, AB 2234, on e-bike safety for riders 12 years old or younger is on the verge of being signed into law (more on the bill below). The bill is currently on the Senate floor.

Also, Sen. Catherine Blakespear’s (D-Encinitas) bill Senate Bill 1053 to ban plastic bags at the point of sale in grocery stores is on the floor.

There are several bills stirring controversy such as SB 1414 by Assemblywoman Shannon Grove (R-Bakersfield), which would make it a felony to solicit or purchase a minor for sex.

Another bill, AB 1446 by Sen. Lola Smallwood-Cuevas (D-Los Angeles), has sparked outrage from grocery stores and business groups as the bill aims to prevent grocery stores from providing self-service checkout unless certain conditions are met. The bill is also backed by former Assemblywoman and current president of the California Federation of Labor, Lorena Gonzalez.