Drivers will soon be seeing changes to the way late fees and penalties are assessed on unpaid tolls. The Governor today signed AB 2594, a bill by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) seeking to reform the way outstanding toll charges are handled. The current system has disproportionately impacted workers who cannot afford the outstanding invoices that keep escalating for nonpayment.

“We shouldn’t be saddling Californians with unrelenting debt just for driving to work. By switching to electronic payments, we’ve shut out an unbanked individual’s ability to pay their tolls simply because they don’t have debit or credit cards,” said Ting. “I thank the Governor for seeing the undue hardship being put on lower income drivers. His signature on my bill brings more fairness and equity to our toll systems.”

The Golden State continues to crack down on the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that put our health and the environment at risk. Governor Newsom tonight signed AB 1817 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), which bans the use of these harmful substances in fabrics by 2025. They’re commonly added to clothing and household items to make them water or stain resistant.  

Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced today that the state will provide an additional $6 million in state funding to help keep a Japantown project on track. Unexpected costs threaten to impact the renovation and redesign of Peace Plaza as envisioned.

“We must see this project through to completion. This isn’t just about modernizing a public space. It’s also about making amends to Japanese Americans who were forced out of Japantown not once, but twice. The state should be a partner in these efforts to make things right, and I was determined to fight for this funding,” said Ting.

Asm. Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) and the Stop AAPI Hate Coalition announced today that Gov. Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2448 into law, which requires the California Civil Rights Department (formerly the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing) to create and implement a first-of-its-kind pilot program that motivates businesses to create a safer environment for customers.

"Customers have the right to feel safe in businesses, and workers need training on ensuring that. Right now, our state’s civil rights laws do not adequately protect people who are verbally harassed and intimidated while grocery shopping or eating at a restaurant,” said Ting. “My bill allows businesses to lead the fight against hate and create more welcoming and safe spaces for all Californians.”

An influx of new resources will strengthen California’s response to the MPX (formerly known as monkeypox) outbreak, as a result of Governor Newsom signing AB 179 this week. A provision in that budget bill immediately allocates $41.5 million for vaccine access, testing, treatments and outreach/education – with an emphasis to include disadvantaged and marginalized communities. One of the key lessons of COVID-19 has been the need for our public health system to better serve them.

“Because of the slow federal response this summer, state and local efforts have been key to addressing the MPX virus. This funding not only keeps resources flowing, but it also builds them up. We must make sure hospitals, clinics, patients, and advocacy groups continue to get what they need during a public health emergency,” said Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco).

Two weeks into the new school year at the Jefferson Elementary School District, teachers, parents and students received welcome news that the state will help make commutes safer. Assembly Budget Chair Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) announced $3.2 million from the state budget for the Daly City Safe Routes To School project. It entails wider sidewalks, higher visibility crosswalks, shorter crossing distances and other general improvements for increased pedestrian and bicycling safety.

“In order to meet our climate change goals and instill healthy habits in our kids, we must make walking or biking to and from school viable. But these options must be safe,” said Ting, whose district includes northern San Mateo County. “Communities of color often don’t get the transportation infrastructure they need, and I’m thrilled I could secure the funding that will be impactful for generations.”

After today’s concurrence vote by the California State Assembly, drivers may soon see changes to the way late fees and penalties are assessed on unpaid tolls. AB 2594 by Assemblymember Phil Ting (D-San Francisco) is now headed to the Governor, who will consider whether to bring more fairness and equity into the way outstanding toll charges are handled.

“While I applaud the use of technology for toll payments, we’ve disproportionately impacted drivers who don’t have debit or credit cards. The fines and penalties imposed on unpaid tolls can total more than a ticket for traffic violations,” said Ting. “We shouldn’t saddle Californians with unrelenting debt just for going to work.”