Senator Hurtado’s Common-Sense Legislation Clears Key Legislative Hurdle, Advances Bills to Lower Prices and Deliver Funds for the Valley
SACRAMENTO, CA — Today, Senator Melissa Hurtado (D-Bakersfield) announced that several major bills from her Common Sense Plan have passed out of the Senate Appropriations Committee, clearing a critical hurdle and moving one step closer to delivering real results for working families across California—and especially the Central Valley.
The bills advance a focused agenda: putting people first, driving down costs, and holding the powerful accountable.
“At a time when families are paying more for less, and trust in government is low, these bills show that common sense still has a place in Sacramento,” said Senator Hurtado. “We’re fighting back against corporate greed, algorithmic price manipulation, and unfair systems that leave working people behind. These bills are about fairness, accountability, and making life more affordable.”
The bills passed by the Senate Appropriations Committee were:
Senate Bill 224 – Preventing Artificial Water Shortages Act: Stops wasteful water releases to the ocean by requiring DWR to adopt better forecasting tools. Prevents artificial shortages that raise prices. Keeping more water in the Valley where it’s needed most.
Senate Bill 295 – CA Fair Pricing Act: Targets the misuse of AI and algorithm-driven pricing tools that drive up costs. Cracks down on secret price coordination. Technology shouldn’t be used to rip people off.
Senate Bill 297 - Valley Fever Early Detection Act: Expands Valley Fever screenings across the Central Valley and ensures insurance coverage. Catches the disease early before it spreads, protecting the health of farmworkers, families, and frontline communities.
Senate Bill 317 – Wastewater Surveillance & Preparedness Act: Improves the state’s ability to detect emerging health threats like Avian Flu through wastewater monitoring. Focuses on vulnerable and underserved areas. A smart, low-cost way to stop outbreaks before they spread.
Senate Bill 345 – State Fire Training Accessibility Act: Allows the State Fire Marshal to accept additional funding for firefighter training programs easing the financial burden on the local firefighter workforce. Firefighters protect us and we should invest in them.
Senate Bill 444 – the GROW Act: Strengthens California’s commitment to the Human Right to Food. Supports the expansion of locally grown, affordable food in every region. No one should go hungry in the state that feeds the world.
Senate Bill 556 – Flood Protection and Groundwater Recharge Act: The Central Valley faces both floods and droughts. This bill invests in floodplain restoration to protect homes and recharge groundwater bringing real water security to Kern, Kings, and Tulare counties.
Senate Bill 647 – Home Energy Savings Expansion Act: Expands eligibility and simplifies access to low-income energy efficiency programs. Cuts administrative costs and delivers real savings to working families. Clean energy should be affordable energy.
Senate Bill 661 – the AERO Act: Redirects aviation fuel tax revenue to further support airports in modernizing infrastructure, attracting new air service, and meeting growing passenger and cargo demands, specifically prioritizing Meadows Field Airport in Bakersfield.
Senate Bill 763 – Better Business Lower Prices Act: Strengthens penalties for antitrust violations like price-fixing and anti-competitive behavior. Protects small businesses from getting crushed by illegal practices. Big business shouldn’t play by different rules.
“We’re not asking for special treatment—just a fair shot,” Hurtado added. “The Valley works hard, and it’s time folks here see the same investments and respect as the rest of the state. These bills are about making sure our communities aren’t overlooked anymore.”
Other bills moving forward include:
Senate Bill 446 – Consumer Data Protection and Notification Act.
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