IPA Kicks Off July with a Big Legislative Win
July is off to a strong start for Informed Policy Advocates.
This week marks one of the busiest periods of California's legislative session as lawmakers work to move bills through policy committees before the Legislature begins its summer recess on July 3. When legislators return in August, bills that remain alive will continue through the Appropriations Committees and floor votes before reaching the Governor's desk.
On July 1, the Capitol was buzzing as legislators hurried between committee hearings to advance their legislation. IPA was actively engaged throughout the day, taking positions on three important bills and providing testimony on behalf of California families.
SB 1128 Passes Committee Unanimously
One of the highlights of the day was SB 1128, authored by Senator Stern.
This important parental rights measure would ensure that schools cannot require families of Transitional Kindergarten (TK) and Kindergarten students to accept a school-issued tablet or electronic device to be taken home.
Senator Stern introduced this legislation after personally experiencing a situation in which his own child was required to take a school-issued tablet home. Recognizing that many families share similar concerns, he took action to protect parental choice across California.
IPA proudly stood in support of the bill.
IPA CEO and Executive Director of Government Affairs, Darrlene Alquiza, served as the lead witness, providing expert testimony on early childhood brain development and the growing body of research regarding excessive screen time for young children.
Following concise testimony and discussion, SB 1128 passed out of committee without opposition.
We now look forward to the bill advancing through the Appropriations Committee after the Legislature returns from summer recess, with the hope that it ultimately reaches the Governor's desk.
IPA Also Supported SB 1107 and Opposed AB 2651
Throughout the day, the IPA team remained engaged in multiple committee hearings.
We supported SB 1107, legislation addressing shade structures on California school playgrounds, and opposed AB 2651, which would require schools to notify families when vaccination rates fall below a state-established threshold.
During testimony on AB 2651, Assemblymember Mia Bonta acknowledged that school vaccination rate data is already collected and available through the California Department of Public Health but admitted that it is not easily accessible for parents to locate.
Opposition to AB 2651
From IPA's perspective, the better policy solution is not creating additional notification mandates for schools, but instead improving public transparency by making this information easier for parents to access directly through the California Department of Public Health.
Simply put, we believe AB 2651 addresses the wrong problem with the wrong solution.
A Changing Culture at the Capitol
After participating in multiple hearings throughout the day, two things became increasingly clear.
First, California's legislative process can and should do better.
Second, the culture at the Capitol is beginning to change.
Progress rarely happens overnight, but we continue to see signs that respectful dialogue, persistence, and credible advocacy are opening doors that were once closed. While there is still much work ahead, we believe our movement is gaining credibility and momentum.
Watch Darrlene's video recap below, where she shares her observations from the AB 2651 hearing including an encouraging moment that reflected the changing atmosphere at the Capitol.
Summer Recess Is Your Opportunity to Make a Difference
The California Legislature will be on summer recess from July 3 through August 2.
While lawmakers are away from Sacramento, they will be back in their local district offices meeting with constituents throughout their communities.
This is one of the best opportunities of the year to build a relationship with your elected representatives.
Share your personal story.
Explain how current policies have affected your family.
Ask questions.
Listen.
Build relationships that can make a lasting difference.
Getting involved is easier than you may think. Simply call your legislator's district office and ask whether they have any upcoming constituent events or request a meeting to discuss your concerns as a constituent.
If you'd like guidance preparing for a meeting or help communicating your concerns effectively, Informed Policy Advocates is here to help.
Now is the time to engage.
Together, we can continue advancing informed consent, medical consumer protections, parental rights, and civil rights for all Californians.