Government Affairs Op-Ed
The City of Tulare is off to a great start in 2026!
As we begin a new year, I am humbled to continue representing the hardworking families, farmers, and
businesses of the Central Valley for my final year as your California State Senator. Together we carried
historic legislation to the finish line, overcame many obstacles, and most importantly, shined a
spotlight on the national importance of our region.
During the last legislative session, I authored bills targeting key priorities for our area, several of
which advanced important conversations, even if they did not all cross the finish line.
With Californians paying among the highest gas prices in the nation, tackling affordability and energy
security was one of my top priorities. That’s why I introduced SB 13, to promote transparency in
oil imports from nations with questionable human rights or environmental practices, while also
highlighting the benefits of producing oil right here in our own backyard. Similarly, another bill, SB
77, would have required child-labor-free certifications for cobalt and lithium used in state-purchased
electric vehicle batteries. Both measures bring awareness to the irony that the majority party is
exporting their carbon guilt at the expense of child labor and poor environmental standards that are far
below those we have in California.
For agriculture, a cornerstone of Tulare County’s economy, I introduced SB 628, legislation that
will allow California farmers to deduct overtime payroll costs from their DE-6 when they report their
quarterly payroll taxes. California’s farmers and farmworkers are the backbone of our agricultural
economy. Unfortunately, overtime mandates have made it harder for farmworkers to get the hours they need
and for growers to get their product to market. SB 628 would have ensured farmworkers have more
opportunities to earn, while providing relief to our agricultural businesses who sustain the
world’s food chain supply. This would have provided relief to farmers navigating rising labor
costs, and to consumers reduced prices at the grocery store, but it did not advance past the Senate
Labor Committee.
To ease regulatory burdens, SB 712, also known as Leno’s Law, aimed to preserve
California’s classic car heritage by extending rolling smog check exemptions for vehicles over 30
years old. This bill, popular among enthusiasts, was held on the Assembly Suspense File. We are going to
continue advocating to keep these incredible rolling pieces of history in California, where many
businesses are able to restore these classic cars.
In education, we celebrated a major success with SB 373, the California Accountability for Placements
in Education (CAPE) Act, working alongside advocate Paris Hilton to move forward this major education
accountability reform for students who are sent to out-of-state schools. This law mandates more frequent
check-ins for our most vulnerable special education students placed in distant facilities, enhancing
oversight and safety. It was signed into law and goes into effect during the 2026-2027 school year.
I also authored SB 64 to expand school choice through educational flex accounts, providing up to $8,000
for general education expenses and $16,000 for special needs. My school choice measure was intended to
empower parents to choose a school model that best fits their child’s needs. Though it did not
pass the Senate Education Committee, the conversations we have had with members on the Senate Education
Committee have given parents an opportunity to voice their desire for choice in schools, instead of
being stuck at a poor-performing school simply because of their zip code.
Healthcare in rural California remains a top concern, and I am proud that SB 246 was signed by the
Governor. My bill creates a new Medi-Cal funding mechanism to support residency programs in underserved
hospitals, including those in the San Joaquin Valley, Inland Empire, and rural north. This legislation
is going to ensure additional training for more doctors where we need them most.
For our veterans, SB 621 removed obstacles for overseas military personnel using conditional voter
registration, ensuring their voices are heard. This too was signed into law.
As I look forward to the year ahead, I also reflect on some of the work that we have accomplished
together during my time as your representative. In the Assembly, I supported meaningful PAGA reforms to
curb excessive litigation against businesses while safeguarding worker rights. I supported the
transition away from antiquated developmental centers for individuals with developmental disabilities
toward safer, more effective community-based care, while also advancing labor reforms. In the Senate, I
helped block efforts to unionize the oil industry, protecting jobs in our energy sector, as well as
helping advance SB 237, which will allow Kern County to approve up to 2,000 new well drilling permits a
year for the next 10 years. Most importantly, with your support we passed historic human trafficking
laws—SB 14, SB 1414, and AB 379—which make child sex trafficking a felony offense for both
the buyer and seller.
As we look ahead to 2026, I want to encourage you to get involved and voice your opinion on
legislation, as many of the decisions made in Sacramento will have an impact on your life, family, and
business. You can make a difference by sending letters of support or opposition to policy committees,
attending hearings in Sacramento, sharing updates on social media, or following my page
@ShannonGroveCA.
Thank you for your continued partnership in advocating for a stronger, more prosperous Central Valley.
Together, we can address our challenges and continue to create a place our children and grandchildren
are proud to call home.
If you need assistance, please always feel free to reach out to my office at (559) 243-8580.
Shannon Grove,
California State Senator, 12th District