Press Releases

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Extend Access to Benefits for Families of Deceased Public Safety Officers

February 12, 2018

Today, Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) introduced SB 1086, legislation that extends the window of time during which the family of a public safety officer whose death is attributable to certain work-related illnesses is eligible to collect survivor death benefits.

Senator Atkins Introduces Legislation to Help Violent-Crime Survivors Avoid Choosing Between a Home and a Pet

February 6, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Tuesday introduced SB 1005, a bill that allows survivors of violent crimes, such as domestic violence, to use state-provided victim-relocation funds to pay for expenses related to housing an animal companion, including pet deposits and pet rent.

Senator Atkins Introduces Legislation to Require Hotels to Train Employees on Human-Trafficking Prevention

January 31, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Wednesday introduced SB 970, a bill that requires California hotels and motels to train employees how to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report those signs to law enforcement.

Senator Atkins Introduces Bill to Remove Arbitrary Cap on Treatment Time for Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer

January 29, 2018

Senator Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) on Monday introduced SB 945, legislation that seeks to remove arbitrary caps in the state’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Treatment Program (BCCTP) for low-income, uninsured or underinsured patients.

Currently, the BCCTP caps treatment for breast cancer at 18 months and treatment for cervical cancer at 24 months, regardless of medical need. SB 945 would remove those caps and allow the program to continue to provide treatment for as long as necessary.

Senator Atkins to Participate in WeAllCount on Friday, Jan. 26

January 25, 2018

Senator Toni G. Atkins will participate in WeAllCount, the San Diego County Regional Task Force on the Homeless’ annual point-in-time survey of residents who are experiencing homelessness. This year, after addressing volunteers, she will be deployed in the Clairemont neighborhood to interview people living on the streets.

Senator Atkins Reacts to Governor Brown’s Final State of the State Address

January 25, 2018

SACRAMENTO—Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding Gov. Jerry Brown’s final State of the State address:

“Today’s final State of the State address by our one-of-a-kind Governor included many of the hallmarks of his extraordinary leadership – the dry humor, the impressive intellect, the fierce resistance to federal policies that would take California backward, and the steadfast commitment to serving and protecting our taxpayers.

Senator Atkins Reacts to Governor’s Proposed State Budget

January 10, 2018

Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement regarding the release of Gov. Jerry Brown’s proposed state budget for the 2018-19 fiscal year:

Senate Democratic Caucus Designates Next President pro Tempore

January 9, 2018

Guest Press Release

SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, the Senate Democratic Caucus voted unanimously to select Senator Toni G. Atkins (D-San Diego) the next President pro Tempore of the California State Senate, succeeding Senator Kevin de León (D-Los Angeles). President pro Tempore-designee Atkins will be formally elected on the Senate floor and take office on March 21st, 2018.

Senate President pro Tempore de León released the following statement on today’s vote:

Senator Atkins Issues Statement on California Senate Leadership Transition

December 7, 2017

Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) issued the following statement on the transition of leadership in the state Senate:

“Today, I am humbled by the trust my colleagues have placed in me, and I intend to earn that trust every day by working tirelessly and inclusively to keep California a place of opportunity for everyone. 

Governor Brown Signs Toni Atkins’ SB 179, Creating Third Gender Marker for State IDs

October 16, 2017

Gov. Jerry Brown today signed SB 179, legislation authored by Sen. Toni Atkins (D-San Diego) that will create a third gender marker on state-issued identification documents for people who identify as nonbinary or intersex. The bill will also streamline the process for transgender, intersex and nonbinary Californians to obtain identification documents that accurately reflect their gender.