Legislature Gavels in New Session

The California Legislature convened on Monday, Dec. 7, to swear in the Assembly and Senate members for the 2021-22 legislative session. Due to the pandemic, most of the State Assembly’s 80 members took their oaths of office at individual tables spaced six feet apart in the Sacramento Kings basketball arena, while most of the 40 state senators took theirs in the Capitol building. The remaining legislators were sworn in remotely.

The legislative session, which begins in earnest on Jan. 4, will largely be defined by its response to the pandemic. Some key proposals lawmakers introduced on Dec. 7 seek to provide economic relief to renters, the unemployed and businesses, as well as to give guidance for school re-openings.

A number of other non-pandemic proposals were also introduced that will impact the food processing industry. These proposals include issues related to plastic recycling, wildfire prevention, climate change, regulatory reform, energy and employment. Many of the bills introduced on Dec. 7 do not contain substantive provisions and are considered “spot bills” or markers for issue development when the legislature reconvenes in January.

CLFP staff will review these proposals and work with legislators and staff on measures of importance to the food processing industry.

Written by Government Affairs Director Trudi Hughes. CLFP’s Legislative Affairs Committee meets monthly to review and address legislative issues affecting the state’s food processing industry.