October 2026 Newsletter from the Office of Senator Bob Archuleta
Dear Neighbor,
As we closed out the 2026 legislative session last month, I remain focused on what matters most: delivering results for our communities. From securing state funding for local projects to meeting with residents, supporting community organizations, and participating in events throughout the district, I am committed to being present, listening, and getting things done.
State investments are supporting projects across our district, including $8.5 million for the Smith Park Aquatic Center in Pico Rivera, $6.4 million for the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center in Santa Fe Springs, approximately $5 million for Parnell Park in Whittier, $500,000 for the City of Montebello to purchase and outfit a specialized emergency response vehicle for its police department, $120,000 for fire-safety improvements at Whittier College’s Robinson Theater, $1.5 million to help replace an aging fire station in Whittier that no longer meets modern safety standards, $1.5 million for a new wildland brush fire station in Montebello and $1 million for La Puente’s animal shelter expansion and canine training facility. I am proud to work alongside local leaders to turn community priorities into tangible improvements.
The Governor has also signed several of my bills into law. SB 694 protects veterans from predatory claims assistance providers; SB 907 strengthens accountability for repeat DUI offenders; SB 804 establishes hydrogen pipeline safety standards; SB 1188 expands access to JROTC programs; and SB 1354 clarifies state authorization requirements for certain out-of-state military personnel performing military or law-enforcement functions in California.
At a luncheon hosted by several area chambers of commerce, I delivered my State of the State address, highlighting my 2026 legislative accomplishments and state investments benefiting the 30th Senate District, with a focus on public safety, veterans’ services, infrastructure, and opportunities for local families.
Whether I am presenting a funding check, visiting a local organization, or helping a constituent navigate a state agency, my commitment is the same: to serve the people of the 30th Senate District. My staff and I are here to help, and I encourage you to contact our office with questions or concerns.
My office also remains available to assist you with state agencies and services. Please contact us at (562) 406-1001 or visit sd30.senate.ca.gov if we can be of assistance.
It is an honor to serve you, and I look forward to continuing our work together throughout the 30th Senate District.
God bless,
Chair, Senate Military and Veterans Affairs Committee
Out and About in SD30 and Beyond
Senator Archuleta Delivers State of the State Address
At a luncheon hosted by area chambers of commerce, I delivered my State of the State address, bringing together federal, state and local elected officials, business leaders, and community partners to discuss the priorities and progress of California’s 30th Senate District.
The address highlighted my 2026 legislative accomplishments and state investments benefiting our communities, with a focus on public safety, veterans’ services, infrastructure, and opportunities for local families. From strengthening DUI accountability and protecting veterans from predatory claims assistance providers to investing in parks and aquatic centers, these efforts are focused on delivering results where they matter most.
Thank you to the area chambers of commerce for bringing regional leaders together. Strong partnerships and staying connected to the people we serve are essential to building safer, stronger communities.
Senator Bob Archuleta at the podium presenting his State of the State Address to about 200 government officials and members of the business community at a luncheon hosted by area chambers of commerce.
Celebrating the Grand Reopening of the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center in Santa Fe Springs
I joined the Nakamura family, the Santa Fe Springs City Council, and community members to celebrate the grand reopening of the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center. I was proud to secure $6.4 million in state funding to help renovate this important community facility for generations of families to enjoy.
As a fellow Army veteran, this celebration was especially meaningful to me. Before making the ultimate sacrifice while serving our country as an Army medic in Iraq, Paul worked as a lifeguard and swim coach at this very center. Standing alongside his family was a powerful reminder of his courage, service, and lasting connection to our community.
This investment preserves Paul’s legacy while ensuring Santa Fe Springs families have a place to gather, swim, and create lasting memories for years to come.
Senator Bob Archuleta presents a California State Certificate of Recognition to the parents of U.S. Army medic Paul T. Nakamura at the Grand Reopening of the Aquatic Center named after their son, who was killed in action in service to our country.
La Puente Walk for Autism Promotes Awareness, Acceptance and Inclusion
I was glad to join the City of La Puente and the La Puente Community Foundation for the Walk for Autism, an event that brings our community together to raise awareness, promote autism acceptance, and celebrate the unique talents, perspectives, and contributions of individuals with autism.
The walk serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting different needs while fostering a community where individuals with autism and their families feel welcomed, valued, and supported.
I want to thank the families, caregivers, educators, advocates, and volunteers who work every day to make a meaningful difference. Together, we can continue building a more inclusive community where everyone can thrive.
Senator Bob Archuleta is pictured with city officials and members of the community at the La Puente Walk for Autism and Health Fair
Senator Archuleta’s Bills Signed Into Law: Effective January 1, 2027
SB 296 – Provides an expanded disabled veterans’ property tax exemption, in lieu of the existing exemption, on the first $1 million of assessed value of the eligible property. Provides a 50% exemption on the first $1 million in value for those disabled veterans qualifying for the basic exemption (household income above $83,474) and provide a full exemption on the first $1 million in value for those disabled veterans qualifying for the “low-income” exemption (below $83,474).
SB 667 – Requires the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) to evaluate a list of hazardous railroad sites by July 1, 2029, and determine whether changes to railroad operations, conditions and safety data warrant modifications to the list.
SB 694 – Strengthens protections for California’s veterans and close gaps in existing law. This major victory for our veterans cracks down on deceptive and predatory practices that target those seeking their earned benefits.
SB 795 – Makes changes to gasoline dispensing equipment’s certification process to dispense gasoline with up to 15% ethanol, as well as other technical and conforming changes. The bill also requires the State Fire Marshal to adopt emergency regulations to allow its sale.
SB 804 – The Hydrogen Pipeline Safety Act, will require the Office of the State Fire Marshal (OSFM) to adopt safety standards for hydrogen pipelines to ensure that any new hydrogen pipeline infrastructure is designed and built to prevent leakage.
SB 907 – Strengthens California’s DUI enforcement and sentencing laws, particularly for repeat offenders. The bill includes 5 provisions that will protect California families from drunk drivers, improve road safety, hold repeat serial offenders accountable, close loopholes in existing law, and prevent future tragedies from occurring. It also creates mandatory sentences for hit and run causing injury or death when the defendant has a prior conviction within the previous 10 years for DUI, gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, or gross vehicular manslaughter
Senator Archuleta is pictured with (to his right) Jennifer Levi, and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom and (back row, left to right) Governor Gavin Newsom, his wife, Rose Archuleta, and his daughter, Sandra Haun, after the signing of the Senator’s bill, SB 907. They are holding photos of their loved ones, Braun Levi and Senator Archuleta’s grandchild, Samantha Robles and a copy of the signed bill.
SB 920 – Enhances transparency, accountability, and fiscal integrity in the implementation of regulatory fees under California’s Gambling Control Act. By requiring published statements of purpose and cost basis summaries, SB 920 advances good governance practices that promote greater transparency in fee adoption and expenditure and protect the integrity of regulatory funding mechanisms.
SB 1124 – will ensure tobacco consumers are made aware of lung cancer screenings available to qualifying consumers by requiring notice of these screenings and requirements are available to consumers at the point of sale. This bill will ensure those harmed by addiction begin their path to care.
SB 1188 – Will provide much needed clarity to students and education institutions alike by clarifying students participating in independent study, homeschooling, and other educational institutions can access their local schools JROTC program if not offered by their current placement. While federal code guarantees students enrolled in independent studies access to JROTC programs at their local schools, they are being turned away from their local schools and unable to participate.
SB 1274 – California is home to a small number of unique cities that have a higher daytime population than residential population. This typically occurs when a city is primarily zoned for industrial use and is experiencing large numbers of workers commuting to and from the city every day. In recent years, these industrial cities have formed a coalition to better advocate for themselves and their unique needs. SB 1274 legitimizes their status by creating an official definition of “industrial city” in state code.
SB 1354 – Prohibits military personnel of another state, territory, or district from entering, or causing something to enter, California to perform military duty or law enforcement functions for another state without the permission of the Governor but exempts personnel acting under federal Title 10 authority.
Constituent Assistance and Resources
My staff is available and committed to helping you resolve any issues you have with any state agencies. We will contact a state agency on your behalf to see if we can get your questions answered or matter resolved. You can give us a call at (562) 406-1001 or visit https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/.. You can also follow my Facebook and Instagram accounts for a look at the work my staff and I are doing in the Capitol and the District, as well as information regarding Senate District 30.
Senator Bob Archuleta currently represents the 30th Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles County and Orange County. He is the Chair of the Senate Committee on Military and Veterans Affairs, and a member of the Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee, Governmental Organization Committee, Transportation Committee, as well as the Joint Legislative Committee on Emergency Management. Senator Archuleta also sits on the Senate Special Committee on International Sporting Events: Olympics and World Cup Soccer
Website of Senator Bob Archuleta:https://sd30.senate.ca.gov/