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
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
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.
Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh
A Look Ahead
Week of April 20, 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
Week of May 4, 2026
Revenue & Taxation
Wednesday, May 6
SB 984 (Ochoa Bogh) Conforms the state's Personal Income Tax Law to federal tax law to provide a state income tax deduction for tips received during the taxable year up to $25,000. (No tax on tips.)
SB 1084 (Alvarado-Gil) Creates a temporary state income tax credit, from 2027 through 2031, for homeowners who complete qualifying wildfire mitigation projects. Eligible taxpayers could receive tax credits for costs related to home hardening improvements and vegetation management intended to reduce wildfire risk.
SB 1096 (Dahle) Creates a temporary personal income tax credit for retired seniors who are caring for dependents. Specifies that the tax credit amount is $1,500 per dependent for qualified taxpayers.
SB 1113 (Valladares) Conforms California tax law with the federal tonnage tax system by allowing qualifying United States-flag international shipping companies to be taxed based on vessel tonnage, rather than corporate income.
SB 1118 (Alvarado-Gil) Creates a temporary state tax credit, from 2027 through 2031, for the purchase of backup electricity generators and solar batteries for residential or commercial properties. Eligible taxpayers could claim a credit equal to 50% of the purchase cost, which is capped at $5,000 for generators and $7,500 for solar batteries.
SB 1137 (Valladares) Allows taxpayers who claim the standard deduction to deduct qualified unreimbursed medical expenses through a new “above-the-line” tax deduction. Applies to taxpayers with an adjusted gross income that does not exceed 300% of the federal poverty level and caps the deduction at $5,000.
SB 1249 (Richardson) Creates a temporary California state income tax deduction for seniors in tax years 2027 through 2031. Eligible taxpayers could deduct up to $6,000 per qualifying senior from their taxable income.
SB 1298 (Jones) Expands an existing property tax exemption for religious organizations by removing the current 500-member congregation limit. As a result, larger churches and religious organizations could qualify for a tax exemption on property used for parking related to religious services.
SB 1406 (McNerney) Expands the definition of who is a resident under California’s use tax law to include a shell company, when at least one member of the company is a California resident. This is for purposes of paying the use tax when bringing a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft purchased out-of-state into California within 12 months from the date of purchase. Holds individual members of a shell company personally liable for any unpaid taxes, including interest and penalties.
SB 1424 (Archuleta) Provides a sales and use tax exemption for the purchase of equipment and infrastructure for electric vehicle charging or hydrogen vehicle fueling stations. Requires the CA Air Resources Board and CA Energy Commission to annually review the effectiveness of this tax exemption.
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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Congressman Jay Obernolte
Advocating for safe food
This week, I questioned witnesses at a hearing on food safety, focusing on how we can ensure safe, reliable food for every American. A patchwork of different state labeling rules creates confusion for consumers and challenges for producers across state lines. We need clear, science-based standards and better coordination to keep families safe.
Supporting digital innovation
This week I was honored to receive the Digital Patriot Award from the Consumer Technology Association alongside other leaders advancing American innovation. I will keep working to ensure the United States remains at the forefront of the technologies shaping our future.
Advancing America's food supply chain
I was pleased to vote in favor of the 2026 Farm Bill when it passed the House this week. This legislation delivers critical support for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities across our country while also strengthening agricultural innovation. Agriculture accounts for nearly 2.5% of California’s GDP and the Farm Bill will help ensure a stable, affordable food supply for families while supporting the long-term resilience of American agriculture.
Investing in quantum technology
Quantum technology will transform how we solve complex challenges and strengthen our national security and economy. I was proud to help advance two amendments during committee markup of the National Quantum Initiative Reauthorization to expand regional innovation and accelerate real-world quantum applications through public private partnerships. Quantum computing will improve cybersecurity, enable faster drug discovery, and solve new problems in computer science. These efforts will help ensure America leads not just in developing quantum technology but in putting it to work for the American people.
Supporting our Rural Communities Advancing healthcare with AI
Artificial Intelligence is already transforming medicine in ways that will save many lives. A new study from the Mayo Clinic concludes that AI can detect pancreatic cancer up to three years earlier than traditional diagnostic methods, identifying tumors while they can still be treated and giving patients a much better chance of survival. Innovation like this will improve outcomes, lower costs, and change healthcare for the better.
Investing in water infrastructure in Crestline
I am proud to have secured $1 million in funding for the Crestline Village Water District to support critical water efficiency and infrastructure upgrades. This funding will allow the district to replace outdated meters with advanced technology that improves accuracy, reduces maintenance needs, and enables more efficient data collection, especially during challenging winter conditions.
Crestline Village Water District General Manager Tom Weddle highlighted the importance of the project, saying, “This investment will help ensure a more reliable, sustainable water supply for our community, while allowing us to modernize systems essential to the region and for long-term resilience. Congressman Obernolte's support demonstrates a strong commitment to the communities we serve, and we are proud to partner with him on this important work.”
Leading the House Republican Policy Committee
This week I was honored to be elected Chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee. This new role is an opportunity to help shape meaningful policy and turn good ideas into real results for the American people. I remain focused on delivering for the High Desert and Inland Empire by advancing polices that strengthen our economy, support innovation, and keep our communities safe.
Improving ICU Capacity and Patient Care
At the height of COVID, families were forced to call hospital after hospital trying to locate an ICU bed. That should never happen again. I've introduced the bipartisan ICU Bed Act to bring real-time transparency to ICU capacity, improve coordination between hospitals, and ensure patients get the care they need when every minute counts.
Strengthening Aviation Safety
I’m delighted that the House just passed H.R. 7613, the ALERT Act, to strengthen aviation safety and help prevent tragedies like the collision that occurred last year at DCA. As a pilot myself, I know that tragedies like these can only be prevented by addressing each link in the accident chain that led to them. I am proud to be a cosponsor of this commonsense effort to keep our skies safe.
Restoring Fair Air Standards
The House has passed the FENCES Act with my support. American communities should not be penalized for emissions they do not control, including those originating outside their borders or from natural events such as wildfires. This bill restores the intent of the Clean Air Act by ensuring those emissions are not counted against states.
Advocating for our Seniors
I met with AARP California leadership during their visit to Washington to discuss issues impacting older Americans. Our conversation focused on protecting Social Security, supporting family caregivers, improving access to care, and addressing the rise in fraud and scams. I appreciate their advocacy and look forward to continuing our work to support seniors.
Cutting Bureaucratic Red Tape
I supported passage of the RED TAPE Act to address duplicative environmental review requirements that delay critical projects without improving outcomes. This legislation streamlines permitting, reduces unnecessary delays, and provides greater certainty for projects that support jobs and economic growth.
Engaging with Local School Leaders
I was glad to meet with constituents from the California School Boards Association during their visit to Washington. We had a productive conversation about the challenges facing our local schools and how to best support students, educators, and school boards across our community. I appreciate their advocacy and the important work they do to strengthen education and expand opportunity for students.
Receiving CSU Public Service Award
I was honored to receive the inaugural Public Service Award from the California State University system! California’s public universities play a critical role in expanding opportunity, strengthening our workforce, and driving innovation. I remain committed to fighting for policies that ensure our students have access to high-quality, affordable higher education.
Advancing American Energy Production
This week I met with representatives from the American Clean Power Association, including constituents from California, to discuss the future of American energy generation. We covered both the challenges and opportunities in domestic energy production. I especially appreciate Rico Thompson of Clearway Energy Group for sharing their experience in Barstow. I will continue fighting for policies that strengthen American energy production.
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.”