August 2026 Newsletter

As we head into August, our office is hard at work advancing legislation and engaging with our community here in the district and in Sacramento.

I'm pleased to share that AB 2559 (Deposit Reform) has been signed into law, becoming the first bill from my 2026 legislative package to reach the Governor's desk and receive his signature.

AB 2559 establishes a standardized timeline for consumers to request the return of deposits after meeting local construction and demolition recycling requirements, helping ensure Californians can promptly recover money they are owed.

Meanwhile, 13 more bills are continuing through the final stages of the legislative process. With the Legislature facing an August 31 midnight deadline to send bills to the Governor's desk, we have a busy few weeks ahead.

Stay tuned for next month's update for a full recap of where our legislative package stands.

Legislative Survey Results

Thank you to everyone who participated in my 2026 Legislative Survey! My team and I are reviewing every response, and your feedback will help inform my decisions as we enter the final and busiest month of the legislative session.

Hearing directly from the people I represent is an important part of my work, especially when considering difficult votes and the issues that matter most to our communities. Thank you for taking the time to make your voice heard.

Make Your Voice Heard!

As this year's legislative session comes to a close, I'm already beginning to craft my legislative package for next year - and I want to hear from YOU!

If you have an idea for a new law or a change you think California should make, I encourage you to submit a bill proposal through my website. My team and I will review submissions in the fall when we consider legislation to introduce next year.

Constituent ideas can make a real difference. This year alone, I authored four proposals that came directly from constituents in our district. Your idea could be next!

Top Left: Joined my colleague, Assemblymember Tasha Boerner, for an episode of her podcast, Tea Time with Tasha.

Top Right: Met with IBEW Local 569 to discuss important state and local issues impacting our communities.

Bottom Left: Presented my Assembly Fellow, Barbara Sanford, with a resolution recognizing her hard work and contributions to our office throughout the year.

Bottom Right: Held a press conference alongside several colleagues and advocates in support of my surveillance pricing bill, AB 2564.

California lawmaker pushes to ban AI-powered surveillance pricing before legislative deadline

‘Surveillance pricing' is legal gouging. California legislators don't seem to care

As always, I want to thank you for your support. I'm grateful to be your representative and work on these issues and more. One of the best ways to stay informed is to follow my social media accounts on Facebook, BlueSky, Threads, and Instagram where you can know in real time what developments are happening or what I'm working on every day.

And if you need assistance, please know that my district office staff is available and ready to serve or answer any questions you may have. Feel free to reach out to the contact information at the end of this email, and a staff member will connect with you as soon as possible. I wish you, your family, and your neighbors all the best.

Sincerely,

Christopher M. Ward
Assemblymember, 78th District