California Governor signs bills into law

Wonderful news out of Sacramento! Governor Newsom signed the priority bills we advocated for that strengthen enforcement of the flavored tobacco law and ensuring schools have a response plan should someone on campus have a cardiac emergency.

First, Assembly Bill 2887, authored by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein. This bill, the Heather Freligh Act, is named after 14-year-old Heather Freligh. Heather survived a cardiac arrest at school, thanks to quick action, including CPR from someone nearby who was ready to take action. Many people – students, staff, parents and visitors – who experience cardiac arrest at schools are not so fortunate. The passage of this measure means that schools across the state will be updating their safety plans to include a response plan should someone on campus have a cardiac emergency.

Governor Newsom also signed into law two measures to improve enforcement of existing tobacco control laws. Senate Bill 1230, authored by Senator Susan Rubio, empowers the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration to seize restricted flavored tobacco products during regular inspections at retail stores. This new authority increases California’s ability to enforce the flavored tobacco law and protect our communities from these harmful products. This is a significant step toward ensuring retailers are following the law and makes it harder for kids to obtain these dangerous flavored tobacco products.

Finally, Assembly Bill 3218, authored by Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Jim Wood and sponsored by Attorney General Rob Bonta with Speaker Robert Rivas as principal coauthor. This new law will establish a comprehensive list of unflavored tobacco products that comply with state law, making it easier to enforce restrictions and protect our communities from the harmful effects of flavored tobacco.

These lifesaving laws will give students and school staff the best chance of surviving a cardiac emergency on campus and protect our community from dangerous flavored tobacco products, fostering a healthier future for all Californians.