Newsletter
August-September Newsletter
A Note from Tom Umberg:
With the 2026 legislative session behind us, I’m proud of our accomplishments for Orange County and California.
Seven of my bills advanced to the Governor’s desk this year, including SB 884, the Protect Our Polls Act, which Governor Newsom signed into law last week to protect California voters from intimidation and federal interference ahead of the November election.
This session, I also helped secure more than $800 million in the state budget for public hospitals, crime victim services, housing solutions and youth mental health — bringing critical resources to Orange County and communities across California.
As we head into fall, I hope the school year is off to a great start and cooler Southern California weather is on the way! I look forward to spending more time back home in Orange County and seeing many of you at upcoming events.
Thank you for the opportunity to serve the 34th Senate District. As always, my office is here if we can ever be of assistance.
Legislative Update
Bills Headed to the Governor's Desk
The Legislature has concluded its work for 2026, sending seven of my bills to Governor Newsom for his signature.
This year’s legislative package addressed a broad range of issues, from election security and chemical safety to the responsible use of artificial intelligence, substance use treatment oversight and consumer protections.
Here's a closer look at the seven bills awaiting the Governor's signature:
SB 884 – Protect Our Polls Act: Expands remote and early voting options and prevents immigration enforcement in specified areas during an election in order to protect voters at the polls.
SB 883 – Preventing Chemical Explosions: Strengthens California's oversight of reactive chemical storage facilities and improves emergency preparedness, public safety and community protections.
SB 574 – Court A.I. Protection Act: Protects clients receiving legal services by establishing rules for the use of A.I. by attorneys and arbitrators. Attorneys using A.I. must ensure confidential information is not entered into the system and must review any work generated or reviewed by A.I. The bill also prohibits arbitrators from delegating decision-making to any A.I. tool.
SB 758 – Substance Control and Retail Integrity Act: Prohibits the sale of nitrous oxide by any retailer with a cigarette and tobacco license. A retailer does not include a grocery store or a general retail merchandise store with a grocery department.
SB 490 – Substance Use Disorder Treatment Safety Act: Establishes timelines for the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to investigate allegations of licensed treatment at unlicensed sober living homes. If DHCS cannot meet these timelines, the bill authorizes cities and counties to request approval to conduct site visits and enforce existing state licensing requirements.
SB 342 – Contractors Licensure Fairness Act: Creates a more balanced approach to contractor licensing by allowing recovery of payment for work completed while licensed, even if a licensure lapse occurs during the project. Contractors remain ineligible to recover pay for any work performed while unlicensed.
SB 96 – CALM Act Modernization: Extends existing consumer protections by prohibiting social media video, music streaming and podcast platforms from playing advertisements louder than the content selected by users.
Read more here: Press Release
Budget Wins
Delivering More Than $800 Million for California
This year's state budget includes critical investments in health care, crime victim services, housing solutions and youth mental health. I'm proud to have helped secure funding for these much-needed resources to Orange County and communities across California.
$250 Million Awarded to Public Hospitals
Funding for Public Hospitals to protect California’s health care safety net from federal Medicaid cuts.
$50 Million Awarded for Victims and Survivors
Funding to offset federal cuts to the Victims of Crime Act Fund (VOCA) and protect critical services for crime victims in California.
$500 Million Awarded for Housing Solutions
Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) funding to expand affordable housing, prevent homelessness and help people find permanent housing.
$7 Million Awarded for Youth Mental Health
Funding to sustain California’s 11 allcove youth mental health centers and the central allcove team at Stanford Medicine.
In the News
Bloomberg Law - California Attorney AI Guardrail Bill Advances to Newsom’s Desk
Voice of OC - Angels Owner Arte Moreno Sells Baseball Team Four Years After Stadium Deal Flop
Bloomberg Law - California Nears Becoming First to Set Attorney AI Guardrails
CalMatters - Audit: State Bar missed warning signs before 2025 exam fiasco
Los Angeles Daily News - Gov. Gavin Newsom signs bills meant to stop Trump changes in CA elections
District Update
This summer, our district team connected with over 29 organizations and community members, recognized more than 168 individuals, and assisted 15 constituents with issues involving state agencies.
Young Senators Graduation
In August, my team and I welcomed our Young Senators to Sacramento to conclude the final year of our program, followed by a graduation ceremony back in the district. This year was particularly special as we invited alumni from previous classes to return and share how their experiences in the program have shaped their education and careers.
Throughout the year, students explored civics and government while developing practical skills in financial literacy, mental health awareness, résumé writing and networking. During their visit to the State Capitol, they presented the legislation they had developed throughout the program. I am always impressed by their thoughtfulness and passion for addressing issues that affect their lives and communities.
Congratulations to this year's graduates, and thank you to every student who has participated over the years! A special thank-you to my district team, particularly Emily, Monse and Ana, for their dedication to making this program such a meaningful experience year after year.
Project SELF Graduation
Project SELF, hosted by Project Youth OC, connects high school students with local businesses and organizations, providing hands-on professional experience and valuable skills as they prepare for college and their future careers. This year’s graduation celebrated another outstanding group of students whose hard work and dedication made the program a success.
Having hosted several Project SELF interns at my own law firm over the years, I’ve seen firsthand the talent and commitment these students bring. We were fortunate to welcome Mikeyla to our team this year, and I’m grateful for her hard work and contributions.
Congratulations to all the graduates, and thank you to Laura Marcum, Alejandra Diaz, Nancy Garcia and the entire Project Youth OC team for another successful year of creating opportunities for Orange County students.
Upcoming Events
Anaheim Older Adults Program Health Fair
Date and Time:
September 26, 2026
10:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location:
Miraloma Park Family Resource Center
2600 E. Miraloma Way
Anaheim, CA 92806
As part of their Fall Health Fairs series, the City of Anaheim is hosting another Anaheim Older Adults Program Health Fair at SD34’s very own Miraloma Park Family Resource Center on Saturday, September 26. This event will have plenty of vendors and information for those over 55. For additional information, please call (714) 765-3912 or go to anaheim.net/6527/Older-Adult-Special-Events.
Driving Hope Home – Community Car Show & Fall Festival
Date and Time:
October 3, 2026
9:00 am – 1:00 pm
Location:
Placentia Presbyterian Church Parking Lot
849 N. Bradford Ave.
Placentia, CA 92870
Homeless Intervention Services of Orange County is hosting their “Driving Hope Home” community car show and festival on Saturday, October 3 at the Placentia Presbyterian Church. This free community event will feature music, food, a kid’s zone and games, opportunity drawings and classic cars. Guests are asked to bring an unwrapped toy to support foster and transitional-age youth. For more information, please go to his-oc.org/event/48.