Press Releases

Senate Leader Atkins’ Statement on Appointment of Laphonza Butler to U.S. Senate

October 2, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding Governor Gavin Newsom choosing Laphonza Butler to serve in the U.S. Senate:

“As someone who has effectively fought for the rights of women and working people throughout her career, Laphonza Butler is an outstanding choice to serve California in the U.S. Senate. I am grateful to Laphonza — an incredible leader and friend — for stepping up and agreeing to take on this important role. She is an excellent choice.”

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein

September 29, 2023

SACRAMENTO, CA - Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement about the passing of U.S. Senator Dianne Feinstein:

“California – and our nation – has lost an incredible leader who dedicated her career and life to public service, and opened doors for women in politics. We are fortunate to have benefitted from Senator Feinstein’s courage, strength, and governance for so many years – her legacy is one of a class few can hope to match.”

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Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on End of Session: Championing Progress, Innovative Public Policy

September 14, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement after the conclusion of the first year of the 2023-24 Legislative Session:

Senate Leader Atkins’ Bill to Increase Transparency, Accountability for In-Custody Deaths Passes Legislature

September 13, 2023

SACRAMENTO, CA - Senate Bill 519 by Pro Tem Toni G. Atkins passed the Senate floor today on a 31-4 vote. The bill would increase transparency and accountability for local detention facilities as it relates to in-custody deaths. SB 519 will help improve conditions in county jails statewide and increase transparency for the families of victims. 

Senate Leader Atkins’ BRIDGE Project Passed by California State Legislature

September 12, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, in a move that will further uphold California as a beacon of hope and inclusivity, the Senate passed Senate Bill 447, a bill authored by Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) that would lift the state’s travel ban and create in its place a program to encourage acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Senate Leader Atkins’ Abortion Provider Protection Bill Approved by Legislature, Heads to Governor for Signature

September 11, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ bill to strengthen protections for California health care providers who provide abortion care services and gender-affirming care services passed the Senate on a 31-8 concurrence vote.

Senate Leader Atkins’ BRIDGE Project Passes Assembly

September 11, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ to lift California’s travel ban to other states and create in its place a program encouraging acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community passed the Assembly on a bipartisan vote.

Senate Leader Atkins’ Abortion Provider Protection Bill Passes Assembly

September 8, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins’ bill to strengthen protections for California health care providers who provide abortion care services and gender-affirming care services has passed the Assembly on a 64-15 vote.

Senate Leader Atkins Issues Statement on Passing of Greg Knoll: An Authentic, Compassionate Advocate for Those in Need

August 29, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) released the following statement regarding the death of Greg Knoll, longtime Executive Director and Chief Counsel of the Legal Aid Society of San Diego:

 

Senate Leader Atkins Announces Agreement Reached for Pro Tem Designee, Transition to be Announced in 2024

August 28, 2023

SACRAMENTO – Today, Senate President pro Tempore Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) announced that the Senate Democratic Caucus convened and determined that Senator Mike McGuire (D-Healdsburg) will be the Pro Tem Designee, with a transition to be announced next year.

Senate Leader Atkins has served as Pro Tem since 2018, and was the first woman to hold the position and the first person in 150 years to serve as both Pro Tem and Assembly Speaker.