Assemblyman Joe Patterson (R–Rocklin) announced that three bills he authored have been signed into law by the Governor of California. The new laws are intended to address public safety, government transparency, and healthcare access both in Assembly District 5 and throughout the state.
“I’m proud to share that three bills I authored this year were signed into law by the Governor,” said Assemblyman Patterson. “These measures will have a meaningful impact on public safety, government transparency, and healthcare access—not only in Assembly District 5, but statewide.”
The laws—AB 1087, AB 1370, and AB 1152—will take effect starting January 1, 2026. AB 1087 addresses sentencing for drunk drivers who cause fatal accidents by closing a legal loophole that previously allowed them to receive less probation time than those whose DUIs did not involve fatalities. This legislation was motivated by a constituent’s experience after losing his father to a drunk driver.
AB 1370 aims to improve transparency in government by prohibiting legislators from using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) to conceal legislative decisions from the public. This action follows reports that some lawmakers had used NDAs to hide how taxpayer funds were spent.
AB 1152 changes regulations around fertility treatment confidentiality in California. By removing Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a medication often used in fertility treatments, from the state’s controlled substances list, California is brought in line with most other states regarding this issue.
“These bills reflect the priorities of the people I represent,” said Patterson. “Since day one, my goal has been to hold criminals accountable, advocate for common-sense policies, and ensure our government works for the people—not against them. I’m grateful these bills are now law and look forward to seeing their impact in the coming year.”
