A Committee of The Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce
LakeArrowheadGovernmentAffairs.org
LEGISLATION
"All Legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in a Congress of the United States, which shall consist of a
Senate and House of Representatives."
(Article I, Section 1, of the United States Constitution)
How Are Laws Made?
Laws begin as ideas. First, a representative sponsors a bill. The bill is then assigned to a committee for study. If released by the committee, the bill is put on a calendar to be voted on, debated or amended. If the bill passes by simple majority (218 of 435), the bill moves to the Senate. In the Senate, the bill is assigned to another committee and, if released, debated and voted on. Again, a simple majority (51 of 100) passes the bill. Finally, a conference committee made of House and Senate members works out any differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill. The resulting bill returns to the House and Senate for final approval. The Government Printing Office prints the revised bill in a process called enrolling. The President has 10 days to sign or veto the enrolled bill.
Current Legislation
Below is a summary of current legislation that has in impact on our community
Legislation
San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approves financial relief to help storm-impacted property owners rebuild and recover
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved recovery fee waivers to help eligible property owners repair and rebuild following severe winter storms that started on Dec. 23.
The storms delivered more than 17 inches of rain to some areas, causing flooding, mudslides and debris flows, impacting mountain and high desert communities including Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Phelan, Piñon Hills and Hesperia, as well as multiple roadways, including areas near Mt. Baldy. San Bernardino County continues to support residents and coordinate response and recovery operations with partner agencies as communities navigate ongoing impacts and begin long-term recovery.
“Recovering from a disaster is hard enough without additional costs standing in the way,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe. “Waiving recovery fees removes barriers and helps families and property owners move forward safely and legally, so our communities can rebuild as quickly as possible.”
“From the mountains to the high desert, residents have been dealing with damage, debris and disrupted access,” said First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.). “By reducing their out-of-pocket costs to rebuild, we’re helping residents and business owners get repairs started. We’ll keep coordinating across departments and with our partners to support a steady recovery.”
In the days immediately following the storm, San Bernardino County Fire’s inspection teams surveyed homes and businesses. The Office of the Fire Marshal completed a damage assessment and found two buildings were destroyed and 31 sustained major damage. Another 23 buildings sustained moderate damage, 37 sustained minor damage and a total of 93 buildings were categorized as “affected” by the storm.
Plan review and permit fee waivers
The board approved waivers of San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ plan review and permit fees, up to $5,000 per property (both fees combined), with an aggregate countywide limit of $200,000, available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2027, for post-disaster recovery and repairs to properties in communities damaged by the December 2025 storms.
Under the board’s action, the Land Use Services’ plan review and permit process for impacted residents will be expedited.
Debris disposal fee waivers
The board also authorized San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management to waive Standard Gate Rate Disposal fees for impacted property owners. This allows qualifying residents to dispose of acceptable debris at county landfills at no cost. The waiver applies to properties identified by the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services in the Lytle Creek, Wrightwood, Phelan, and Hesperia areas, with a total waiver amount not to exceed $16,800. The program is limited to an estimated 48 residential properties, with a maximum of five tons per property, and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis through June 30, 2026.
Debris must be acceptable for disposal and cannot contain asbestos, hazardous materials or other unacceptable waste. For a detailed list of acceptable and prohibited materials at county landfills, visit the “Can I take it to the landfill” webpage.
Background
In response to the storms, county CEO Luther Snoke proclaimed a local emergency on Dec. 25, which was ratified by the Board of Supervisors on Dec. 29, enabling swift mobilization of resources and coordination with state and local partners.
Last week, emergency crews were in Wrightwood, Lytle Creek, Hesperia, Phelan and Piñon Hills accompanying the U.S. Small Business Administration and state and county partners to conduct preliminary damage assessments. The assessments help officials evaluate storm impacts and identify potential recovery resources.
As part of recovery support, the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services hosted a Local Assistance Center at the Rick Novack Community Center in Hesperia from Jan. 8 through Jan. 10.
Additional resources:
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San Bernardino County Land Use Services’ website: lus.sbcounty.gov.
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San Bernardino County Public Works – Solid Waste Management Division’s website: dpw.sbcounty.gov/solid-waste-management.
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San Bernardino County VOAD, in coordination with the San Bernardino County Office of Emergency Services, is supporting recovery and cleanup efforts for communities impacted by recent flooding and mudslides. For help with debris cleanup, call the California Floods Home Cleanup Hotline at (800) 451-1954 (open through Jan. 23) or visit bit.ly/4bumkgu.
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For insurance-related assistance after flood and mudslide impacts, the California Department of Insurance consumer hotline is available in multiple languages at (800) 927-4357.
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Visit prepare.sbcounty.gov.
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Sign up for San Bernardino County’s Telephone Emergency Notification System (TENS) to receive emergency alerts such as evacuations warnings and orders for your area.
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Download the Ready SB County app to receive emergency alerts and safety information.
Medi-Cal Asset Limits Returning in 2026
With Medi-Cal asset limits coming back next year, local seniors need to act now. Estate plans should be reviewed to protect eligibility, especially for long-term care. Tools like irrevocable trusts and strategic gifting can help preserve assets while ensuring access to vital benefits."
California will reinstate asset limits for Medi-Cal eligibility for older adults and people with
disabilities. Starting January 1, 2026, applicants must have countable assets under $130,000
(individuals) or $195,000 (couples). This reverses the 2024 elimination of asset tests. Exempt assets include one home, one vehicle, and household items. Transfers made in 2025 may be scrutinized under new look-back rules.
What Happened in 2024?
In January 2024, California eliminated asset/resource limits for many non-MAGI Medi-Cal programs (those not based on Modified Adjusted Gross Income). This meant:
• Applicants could qualify for Medi-Cal regardless of how much they owned in savings,
property, or investments.
• The change applied to older adults, people with disabilities, and those seeking long-term
care services.
• It was part of a phased reform initiated by the 2021 Budget Act (AB 133), which first raised
asset limits in 2022 and then removed them entirely in 2024. [dhcs.ca.gov]
What's Changing in 2026?
Starting January 1, 2026, California will reinstate asset limits for non-MAGI Medi-Cal applicants:
• $130,000 for an individual
• $195,000 for a couple
• $65,000 for each additional household member
• Exempt assets (still not counted): primary residence, one vehicle, household goods, burial
plans, and some retirement accounts [moravecslaw.com], [canhr.org]
This reversal is driven by state budget pressures and a desire to align with federal SSI resource rules.
Why This Matters for Estate Planning
• 2025 is a critical planning window: Families can still make transfers or restructure assets
without triggering penalties.
• Starting in 2026, asset transfers may be penalized if they exceed the Average Private Pay
Rate
(currently $13,656). [bottilaw.com]
• Current Medi-Cal recipients will need to report assets at their next renewal or if their
circumstances change after Jan 1, 2026. [canhr.org]
California's 2024 elimination of Medi-Cal asset tests gave seniors unprecedented access to long term care benefits. But with asset limits returning in 2026, families must act now
Supervisor Dawn Rowe
The Board of Supervisors took several actions during its regular board meeting on Tuesday, Dec. 16, including supporting infrastructure, public safety and community need initiatives, expanding behavioral health response through the Emergency Communications Nurse System, approving One Stop Transitional Age Youth (TAY) Center services, accepting various grants and the donation of a trained law enforcement canine, waiving pet adoption fees, and partnering with universities and hospitals for increased workforce training.
County invests $7.5 million in Loma Linda University Health child abuse programs
From left, First District Supervisor Col. Paul Cook (Ret.); Vice Chair and Fifth District Supervisor Joe Baca, Jr.; Chairman and Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe; Dr. Amy Young; Children and Family Services Director Jeany Glasgow; Second District Supervisor Jesse Armendarez; Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman; and Chief Executive Officer Luther Snoke.
Each year, tens of thousands of children are reported to San Bernardino County as possible victims of abuse or neglect. At Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital, a specialized medical team has become one of the most influential forces in identifying abuse, protecting young victims, and guiding families toward long-term healing.
Volunteers needed for county’s annual homeless count
A volunteer speaks with a person experiencing homelessness.
San Bernardino County is calling on volunteers to help with the official count of unsheltered individuals on Jan. 22 to gather data that will be used to determine how federal funds are distributed.
The annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, a collaboration between the San Bernardino County Office of Homeless Services and the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership, provides a snapshot of the county’s homeless population, which helps officials track progress toward reducing homelessness and ensures resources are being directed to the communities with the greatest need.
County Fire explores drone technology for early wildfire prevention
As part of its ongoing pursuit of new and emerging technologies, San Bernardino County Fire recently welcomed a demonstration by Seneca, a California-based company specializing in aerial fire suppression innovation. The demonstration featured the Argo-1, a semi-autonomous unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) designed to assist firefighters and transform initial response tactics to vegetation fires.
ARMC partners with Public Health to receive Quality Leader Award
Click on image to view video.
Arrowhead Regional Medical Center has been awarded the 2025 Quality Leader Award for Population Health by the California Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems and the California Health Care Safety Net Institute. The recognition highlights ARMC’s innovative, measurable and equity-driven efforts to reduce the spread of communicable diseases through a strong partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health.
Mobile Defense Program brings free legal assistance to Chino
The San Bernardino County Public Defender’s Office partnered with Chaffey College to bring the Mobile Defense Program to the Chaffey College Chino Community Center on Dec. 3, providing residents with free legal assistance and access to essential county services. Community members met with public defender staff, resolved court matters through virtual court access, and received support with record clearing and outstanding fines.
Community Health Ambassador Program empowers community members as trusted health messengers
Launched in September 2024, the Community Health Ambassador Program (CHAP) was a year-long pilot initiative by the Inland Empire Health Plan in partnership with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health’s Health Equity Program. Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Health Disparities Grant, CHAP equipped trusted community members in the High Desert region to serve as local health messengers.
County Library Adult Literacy Program offers free one-on-one tutoring for adults
Building bridges through education! Our Adult Literacy Program is fostering connections and empowering individuals.
The San Bernardino County Library invites adults across the county to improve their reading skills through its free Adult Literacy Program, a confidential, one-on-one tutoring initiative designed to help adult learners build confidence and achieve personal literacy goals.
Nutrition and Wellness Services program leaves a 43-year legacy
Click on image to view video.
After 43 years of promoting healthy lifestyles and community well-being, San Bernardino County Public Health Department’s Nutrition and Wellness Services (NWS) will begin to wind down and is scheduled to sunset early next year. Throughout its history, NWS staff have built a lasting legacy of health promotion, known for their ability to connect with communities and foster strong partnerships that improve health and increase awareness of program services.
County employees donate nearly $20,500 to Community Action Partnership food bank for holiday basket program
San Bernardino County Human Services’ employees, together with the County Administrative Office and Human Resources, raised $20,492 during a month-long food drive supporting Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County’s (CAPSBC) annual Holiday Basket Program.
Community comes together to find homes for shelter pets
San Bernardino County Animal Care would like to express its heartfelt appreciation to everyone who made the “Home for the Pawlidays” event a huge success on Saturday, Dec. 13. Whether you joined us in Devore or in Big Bear, we couldn’t have done it without you.
A Look Ahead
Week of January 5, 2026
In an effort to keep my constituents informed of the policies being discussed in Sacramento, the following is a brief description of the bills being heard in Senate Policy Committees next week. This is for informational purposes only and does not represent my position on any of the bills. Please note that this information is being sent in advance of the Senate Policy Committees scheduled to meet next week and they have not been presented for a vote yet.
However, I hope that you will share your opinion on any or all of these bills with me by replying to this email or calling one of my offices. I want to hear from you. I want to keep you informed of the legislation that is being introduced in California in the hope that you will be engaged in sharing your position on them. I would also like to invite you to attend one of my town halls to learn more about the legislative process and have your voice heard.
To learn more or monitor the progress of any of these bills, please visit California Legislative Information.
For more information about legislative deadlines and where we are in the legislative process click here.
For more information about how to submit a position letter to committee click here.
If you have additional questions, please feel free to reach out to my office through any of the methods listed here: https://sr19.senate.ca.gov/my-offices
I hope you find this information useful. YOUR VOICE MATTERS.
Thank you,
ROSILICIE OCHOA BOGH
Senator, 19 th District
Banking & Financial Institutions
Wednesday, January 7
SB 505 (Richardson) Requires digital wallet providers and money transmitters to use mandatory two-factor authentication or multifactor authentication for all user logins. Provides that the bill becomes operative on January 1, 2028, presumably to allow digital wallet providers and money transmitters time to comply with these requirements.
SB 546 (Grayson) Repeals the code section that established the California Financial Literacy Fund.
SB 700 (Grayson) Repeals the code section that established the Bank on California Program.
Housing
Tuesday, January 6
SB 417 (Cabaldon) Enacts the Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026 to authorize the issuance of $10 billion in general obligation bonds to finance programs to fund affordable rental housing and home ownership programs.
SB 457 (Becker) Defines "in-kind services" for purposes of the housing element provision related to committed assistance.
SB 492 (Menjivar) Enacts the Youth Housing Bond Act of 2025 to authorize the issuance of an unspecified amount of general obligation bonds to finance the Youth Housing Program.
SB 677 (Wiener) Makes changes to the recently enacted SB 79 regarding transit-oriented development projects.
SB 722 (Wahab) Prohibits an SB 79 transit-oriented development project from being located on a site governed by the mobilehome, recreational vehicle, or special occupancy laws.
Additional Resources:
For more information about any of the bills on this list click here.
For more information about legislative deadlines and where we are in the legislative process click here.
For more information about how to submit a position letter to committee click here.
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Senator Ochoa-bogh
Congressman Jay Obernolte
Hosting a virtual town hall
This week, I hosted a virtual town hall focused on issues that matter most to residents in California’s 23rd District, including supporting our veterans and servicemembers and working to lower taxes for working families. Thank you to the thousands who joined me and the many who asked thoughtful questions. I will always fight to ensure your voice is heard in Washington.
We had an outstanding turnout, with more than 5,000 constituents engaging in our hour-long discussion. Participants responded to several real-time poll questions throughout the event. When asked whether Congress should prioritize reforming the VA to improve accountability and access to care, even if it means changing long standing policies at the department, 63% expressed support. On the question of whether improving pay, benefits, and quality of life for servicemembers should be a top priority when Congress considers defense policy, 90% agreed. Support for a tax system structured to reward hard work and allow working families and individuals to keep more of what they earn stood at 90%.
Thank you again to everyone who participated and made your voice heard. Your feedback helps shape my work in Washington.
Supporting our community's veterans
More than 40,000 veterans call California’s 23rd District home, and supporting them remains one of my top priorities in Congress. I recently voted in favor of the FY26 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations bill to fully fund veterans’ health care and benefits, including mental health care, rural health services, caregiver support, and toxic-exposure-related care.
I also spoke on the House floor in support of H.R. 980, which includes my bill to modernize how the VA helps disabled veterans transition into civilian careers. This legislation allows veterans using the Veteran Readiness and Employment program to pursue vocational flight training rather than only degree-granting programs, better reflecting real world aviation careers, helping address the nationwide pilot shortage, and ensuring veterans can use their earned benefits to access training that leads directly to good paying jobs.
Advocating for our active-duty service members
I’m proud that active-duty service members are receiving a 3.8% pay raise as included in the defense funding recently passed by Congress. This increase helps recognize the sacrifices made by those who serve and provides meaningful support for military families facing rising costs.
This legislation also focuses on quality of life by improving access to health care, housing, childcare, and family readiness programs, reducing unnecessary permanent change of station moves, and strengthening transition and career support as service members prepare for civilian life while ensuring our military remains ready, modern, and capable of defending our nation.
I will continue fighting to support the five major military installations in our district and the service members and families who call our community home.
Promoting online safety for children
I was honored to speak at the Sony Interactive Entertainment and Entertainment Software Association Kids Online Safety event. The video game industry has long led the way in protecting kids online by giving parents clear information and practical tools. Empowering families to manage online interactions and content helps create safer and healthier gaming experiences. As Congress continues its work on kids’ online safety, it is important that we build on approaches that prioritize parental empowerment and proven solutions.
Discussing water infrastructure and growth in Apple Valley
It was a pleasure to meet with Douglas Heinrichs, a constituent and Director of the Apple Valley Water Board. We discussed the challenges and opportunities facing water infrastructure and development in our community. I will continue fighting for policies and federal investments that support reliable water systems, responsible growth, and long-term water security for our district.
Working with law enforcement to keep our community safe
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with the Board of Directors of the Peace Officers Association of California. We discussed ways to strengthen collaboration on public safety initiatives and ensure law enforcement agencies have the tools and resources they need to keep our community safe. I value their continued partnership and their commitment to protecting California families.
Reducing federal overregulation in telecommunications
It was a pleasure to meet with Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr following his recent testimony before Congress. We discussed efforts to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens, promote innovation, and ensure that communications policy keeps pace with rapidly evolving technology. These issues are critical to maintaining American leadership in the telecommunications space.
Supporting reliable and safe water across rural California
I appreciated the opportunity to meet with leaders from the City of Big Bear Lake Department of Water while they were in Washington representing California at the National Rural Water Association’s Rural Water Rally. We discussed the unique challenges facing mountain and rural communities, including infrastructure needs and long-term water reliability. Continued federal support is essential to ensuring safe and affordable drinking water across our state.
My office is here for you!
One of the key functions of my Congressional office is to help constituents like you with any problems you may face concerning the federal government. If you or a family member need help with a federal government problem, please contact my office. You can reach my Hesperia office via phone at 760-247-1815, email me at Jay.Obernolte@mail.house.gov, or find more information on how we can help at obernolte.house.gov/services. Get help with the federal government
It is an honor to serve you.
Assemblyman Tom Lakey
Assemblyman Tom Lackey Blasts Reckless Budget: A Sham That Betrays Californians
SACRAMENTO – Assemblyman Tom Lackey (R-Palmdale) condemned the Supermajority’s budget, calling it a “misleading accomplishment” that sacrifices public safety, and common sense in favor of political vanity projects.
“This budget is a betrayal. Full stop,” said Assemblyman Lackey. “It pours billions into failed projects like the High-Speed Rail while ignoring the immediate needs of Californians. These jobs matter - but those workers could be put to better use on fire mitigation, road repairs, and real infrastructure that our communities actually need. But instead of responsible leadership, the Supermajority is too busy writing checks for dreams that died years ago.”
As Los Angeles rebuilds from the devastating wildfires, the budget recklessly commits $1 billion to the Governor’s High-Speed Rail, while only offering a meager $200 million for wildfire prevention - a fraction of what the state spent in prior years. As family homes and neighborhood businesses are left in ashes, the Supermajority chooses to bankroll a mismanaged rail fantasy.
This budget makes their priorities crystal clear - and voters’ priorities are not among them.
Mere months ago, voters overwhelmingly passed Proposition 36 to reform sentencing laws and invest in drug treatment and rehabilitation. But while retail theft surges and fentanyl deaths rise, this budget fails to deliver on the core promise of Prop 36. Instead of the $400 million needed to support treatment and courts, the budget offers a patchwork of just $110–200 million - barely half of what is required.
“This budget is a shameful dismissal of California’s needs,” concluded Lackey. “It’s time we stop chasing flashy headlines and start fixing the issues that actually matter - public safety, and fire protection. This budget is not a true accomplishment.”
Senator Ochoa-Bogh
SB 389 to Governor’s Desk to Preserve Student Health Services
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R–Yucaipa) has announced that Senate Bill 389 has passed the California State Assembly with bipartisan support and is headed to the Governor for signature. The bill safeguards the ability of licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) working in schools to provide essential respiratory care to students with special healthcare needs under the supervision of a credentialed school nurse.
“At the heart of this bill are the children who depend on us for their health, safety, and education,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “SB 389 ensures that students with exceptional healthcare needs will continue receiving the skilled, compassionate care they rely on every day at school. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who worked to protect these vital services and uphold every child’s right to learn in a safe and supportive environment.”
SB 389 addresses an unintended consequence of SB 1436 (Roth, 2022), which inadvertently created uncertainty about whether LVNs in educational settings could continue providing medically necessary suctioning support and tracheostomy care. Without this clarification, students requiring these services could face disruptions in care and school districts could face increased staffing and fiscal burdens.
“Every student deserves the chance to learn in a safe environment. SB 389 ensures that students who require suctioning or tracheostomy care have access to trained LVNs, keeping them safe and included in the school community,” said Katie Nilsson, President of the California School Nurses Organization. “On behalf of the California School Nurses Organization, we want to thank Senator Ochoa Bogh and her staff for their work on this important issue.”
Under SB 389, LVNs working in educational settings will remain governed by Education Code Section 49423.5 regardless of future changes to other healthcare laws allowing them to continue providing suctioning and trach care services they have been trained to perform since 2001.
SB 389 now awaits Governor Newsom’s consideration. If signed into law, the measure will guarantee that school-based LVNs can continue delivering critical care to the state’s most medically vulnerable students.