AARP California Celebrates Major Legislative Victories

AARP California closed out the 2026 legislative session with a series of important advocacy victories, securing Governor Gavin Newsom’s signature on all five of our remaining priority bills. The wins build on our successful efforts earlier this year to protect consumers and maintain strong oversight of telecommunications services.

Together, these measures address issues affecting the daily lives of older Californians and their families, including transportation, street safety, family leave and emerging technology.

More Ways to Benefit

View All

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

MEMBERS ONLY

View Benefit

Previous Next

1. Related Benefit 1
2. Related Benefit 2
3. Related Benefit 3
4. Related Benefit 4
5. Related Benefit 5

Five Priority Bills Signed Into Law

• AB 1599 (Ahrens) – Transit Access: Establishes a statewide transit stop registry to improve transportation information, access and mobility for riders.
• AB 1976 (Wicks) – Safer Streets: Prevents delays to already-approved local pedestrian and bicycle safety projects, helping communities move important safety improvements forward.
• AB 2074 (Haney) – Transit and Housing: Supports regional transit hub districts and downtown housing development in California’s major transit cities.
• SB 886 (Padilla) – Utility Consumer Protections: Protects utility customers from bearing electrical costs associated with the growing energy demands of large-scale data centers.
• SB 1149 (Durazo) – Bereavement Leave: Expands bereavement leave protections to include chosen family, extending protections to more California workers experiencing a loss.

Advocacy Makes a Difference

These victories reflect the strength of AARP California’s advocacy network, turning priorities into action. Throughout the year, grassroots activists, volunteer leaders, and coalition partners contacted lawmakers, participated in Lobby Days and helped bring the voices of older Californians directly to policymakers in Sacramento.

AARP's impact extends beyond member benefits, advancing policies that strengthen communities and improve the lives of Californians of all ages. Together, these wins demonstrate what Californians can accomplish when we speak up on the issues that matter to us.

Make Your Voice Heard

Want to help make a difference? Become an AARP e-activist and raise your voice on policies affecting people 50-plus and their families at the federal, state and local levels. Click here.