Field rep gives Sacramento legislation update for locals

Photo and Story by Catherine Stachowiak

Ireland Comstock, field representative from Assemblyman Vince Fong’s offices, gave legislative updates to the community, Thursday March 14, at the Kern Valley Exchange Club’s luncheon.

One bill Fong’s office is introducing this legislative year is to allow alcohol to be sold at the Bakersfield College Stadium during games.

Fong is also introducing a bill to promote more transparency to the public regarding legislation.

A bill recently passed was Fong’s AB724, which expands language access for firearm safety certificate test and study materials.

AB297 allows for more help preventing wild fires.

Other bills introduced by others were passed in Sacramento. One was AB28, which increases taxes on firearms and ammunition.  Governor Gavin Newsom signed it, and it went into effect, January 1.

AB 1406 allows the Department Of Justice to delay firearms transfers in the event of wars or declared disasters. 

SB525 institutes a $25 minimum wage for health care workers.  The increase was slated to happen in installments, gradually increasing over time.  It is currently being reevaluated because the legislation has already caused losses to hospitals in other areas forced to close necessary services to their patients.