SACRAMENTO, CA – Several key pieces of legislation authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) which seek to address important issues affecting California’s Central Valley passed a significant legislative hurdle, and now head to the floor of the California State Assembly. Among the seven bills eligible for a floor vote and potential passage into law are:

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) today expressed her deep disappointment after the California Assembly Appropriations Committee failed to advance Senate Bill 697. This bill aims to enhance sentencing and penalties for those found guilty of wrongdoing under the Cartwright Act. The bill proposed increasing corporate fines up to $100 million and individual fines to $1 million with possibility of a 10-year imprisonment.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Last week, the California Assembly Judiciary Committee passed Senate Bill 697, authored by Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield). This bill aims to enhance sentencing and penalties for those found guilty of wrongdoing under the Cartwright Act.

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Bakersfield Legislators Senator Melissa Hurtado and Assemblymember Dr. Jasmeet Bains are calling for assistance to families in East Bakersfield who have been without household water for multiple days during extended heatwaves.

“The residents of East Bakersfield are experiencing a humanitarian crisis that needs urgent attention and support. Just as we experienced triple-digit heat, their water goes out. What is happening is inhumane, and it is cruel. And it must be resolved with urgency,” said Senator Melissa Hurtado.

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) released the following statement after her legislation, Senate Bill 1366, was signed into law by Governor Newsom. The bill requires a seller of a property to disclose water well issues that resulted in water tank assistance to prospective buyers.

BAKERSFIELD, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) released the following statement applauding joint operations between the California Highway Patrol (CHP) and Bakersfield law enforcement that have resulted in 470 arrests for illegal activities, 244 stolen vehicles recovered, and 10 crime-linked firearms seized:

SACRAMENTO, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) released the following statements after three of her priority bills from her legislative package on ‘Government Transparency and Accountability.’ Senate Bill 1151, the Foreign Influence Transparency and Accountability (FITA) Act,

VISALIA, CA – Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) toured the Creative Center, Visalia to recognize them as Senate District Sixteen’s 2024 Non-Profit of the Year. The Senator will present a ceremonial Senate Resolution to the organization’s Executive Director, Joel Glick, before touring the facilities & meeting with staff.