Redding Today

Senator Brian Dahle has provided an update on recent activities and legislative developments. In a message to constituents, he noted that June was particularly busy with finalizing the budget, his legislative package, the Governor’s State of the State address, and meeting with residents. Dahle emphasized his appreciation for these moments as he approaches the end of his term.

The California Legislature concluded its 2024-25 Budget negotiations with Governor Gavin Newsom. The Legislature will commence its Summer Recess on July 3. Dahle expressed anticipation for spending time in the district and participating in events celebrating Independence Day.

Dahle highlighted changes at the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), which is undergoing a digital transformation. Several DMV offices will transition from in-person services to virtual offices, affecting locations such as Colusa, Fall River Mills, Mount Shasta, Susanville, Willows, and Yreka. These offices will now operate only 2-3 days a week and will no longer handle simple transactions that can be completed online.

Several bills authored by Dahle are advancing through the legislative process:

**Energy:**

- Senate Bill 1062 supports converting biomass generation facilities to advanced bioenergy technology.

- Senate Bill 1207 expands eligible materials under the Buy Clean California Act to include all insulation types.

**Healthcare:**

- Senate Bill 1258 allows waiving interest on unrecovered Medi-Cal overpayments under certain conditions.

- Senate Bill 1423 requires convening a Rural Hospital Technical Advisory Group for Medi-Cal reimbursement discussions.

**Safety:**

- Senate Bill 1163 aims to improve traffic and wildlife safety through evidence-based decisions.

- Senate Bill 542 excludes PG&E settlement payments from income taxes for victims of recent fires.

- Senate Bill 804 authorizes law enforcement civilians to provide hearsay testimony at preliminary hearings.

**District-related Bills:**

- Senate Bill 1009 allows leasing part of Mt. Shasta Fish Hatchery to Mt. Shasta Museum Association at no cost for museum operations.

Dahle also mentioned ongoing initiatives like implementing heavy-duty vehicle inspections similar to passenger vehicle smog checks (Senate Bill 210) and introducing a new area code (837) in the region by 2025.

In other updates:

- The California Public Utilities Commission denied AT&T's request to withdraw its landline service obligations in rural areas.

- Dahle joined Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher for a press conference responding to the Governor’s State of the State address.

In community news:

- Coyote’s Saloon opened in Willows with community support.

- West Hills Shooting & Training Facility began operations focusing on firearm safety training.

Retirements:

- Judy Flores retired as Shasta County Superintendent of Schools after seven years in office and nearly four decades in education.

Events:

- Habitat for Humanity of Butte County held a successful Women’s Build Fundraiser event.

Community improvements:

- Additional housing projects are underway in Paradise thanks to various stakeholders' efforts.

Local celebrations included ribbon-cutting ceremonies at fairs and park remodels across several communities within District One.

For assistance or inquiries regarding state agencies or legislation, constituents are encouraged to contact Senator Dahle's offices serving multiple counties including Alpine, El Dorado, Lassen, Modoc, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, Sierra, Siskiyou, Shasta as well as parts of Tehama, Butte, Colusa, and Glenn counties.