Senator Laird announced he secured state funding for six projects in Santa Cruz County, supporting affordable housing, senior nutrition, arts and culture, health care, public transit safety, and climate-focused work.
Senators Shannon Grove and John Laird are proud to announce that their measure, SB 931, proclaiming 9-2-5, September 25 as Dolly Parton Day in California has been signed into law by Governor Newsom.
Governor Newsom signed SB 1261 by Senator Laird, legislation to protect continued access to critical services for older adults and people with disabilities on the Central Coast during regional transitions affecting aging services.
Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1078 by Senator Laird, coauthored by Assemblymember Gail Pellerin, legislation that allows the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and other businesses to use existing gift cards printed before California’s cash-redemption threshold changed this year, while making sure consumers are informed of their right to redeem gift cards worth less than $15 for cash.
After more than 25 years of efforts to protect Wild Cherry Canyon, Senator Laird celebrated the State Coastal Conservancy’s approval of $40 million to The Wildlands Conservancy to conserve approximately 2,200 acres along the San Luis Obispo County coast.
Senator Laird condemned a Trump administration decision blocking California’s effort to phase out disposable propane cylinders in favor of reusable and refillable alternatives.
Senator Grove announced that her measure, SB 931, jointly authored with Senator Laird, proclaims 9-2-5, September 25, as Dolly Parton Day in California, a fitting tribute to a global icon, humanitarian, philanthropist, and dreamer whose extraordinary generosity and commitment to others have made a lasting impact on California and communities around the world.
Senator Laird today marked the end of the 2026 legislative session, highlighting a year that included 11 bills signed into law, five additional bills sent to Governor Newsom, a state budget that protected critical services, and major investments in healthcare, housing, and communities across the Central Coast.
Governor Newsom signed SB 1253 by Senator John Laird, legislation to expand recreational access at Santa Margarita Lake in San Luis Obispo County while maintaining strong water quality protections.