Latest News

State Assembly Approves Short Sale Bill

(Sacramento) - The State Assembly has approved Assembly Bill 1745 which prohibits a lender or bank from proceeding with a foreclosure on a home after approving a short sale in writing. The legislation was authored by Assemblymember Norma Torres (D-Ponoma). "This is a straightforward bill, the bank or servicer cannot record a notice of sale on a home while the escrow is waiting to close on a short sale," said Torres. Unfortunately, this is a situation that can occur if the foreclosure department does not communicate with the short sale department and forecloses on a home even after the home has been approved for a short sale. AB 1745 is an important step to ensure fairness in the foreclosure/short sale process. Here's more from Assemblymember Torres in this Assembly Access video.

Drugged Driving Bill Approved by the State Assembly

Sacramento, CA – Driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs is a growing public safety problem in California. Today, the California State Assembly took a step forward and approved Assembly Bill 2552 by Assemblymember Norma Torres. The bill will help law enforcement break up the code section of the law used to charge individuals for DUI into three sections.

“These new sections will allow state and local entities to collect arrest data that is more precise and that can reflect the actual numbers of alcohol, drug or a combination of alcohol and drugs,” said Torres. “This is critical for health and safety agencies, because with the arrest data they will make informed decisions regarding funding for officer training, equipment, and/or drug and alcohol programs,”

State Assembly Approves Airport Security Bill

AB 2182 applies zero tolerance for illegal possession of firearm at an airport

Sacramento, CA – Today, the California State Assembly approved legislation that would strengthen security at California airports by applying zero tolerance to those individuals who intentionally or recklessly bring a loaded, concealed firearm without a concealed weapons permit to an airport. Under Assembly Bill 2182, by Assemblymember Norma Torres, individuals who are unlawfully carrying firearms will be subject to immediate arrest and have their firearms confiscated.

“This is a serious matter that happens too frequently at our airports. We must adopt a policy of zero tolerance for individuals who intentionally or recklessly endanger the security of other passengers. AB 2182 ensures that people’s safety comes first,” said Torres.

City of Ontario Receives $2,998,000 for Park

Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Norma Torres announced that the California State Park’s Office of Grants and Local Services awarded $2,998,000 to the City of Ontario. The project will create the new, 1.3 acre Civic Center Community Conservation Park.

“I would like to congratulate the City of Ontario for receiving these funds. The money will be used to construct an interpretive playground, discover play area, water-wise garden feature, educational amphitheater, walking paths, community art, lighting, and landscaping,” said Torres. “All these features are very much needed in our community and most importantly the project will transform the current lawn in front of City Hall.”

Countrywood School

I enjoyed meeting with students and teachers from the Countrywood School in Chino. The entire State Assembly gave them a warm welcome during their visit to the State Capitol.

Keep Your Home California Expands & Changes two Key Programs

The programs will help homeowners struggling with their mortgage payments

Sacramento, CA- Assemblymember Norma Torres, Chair of the Assembly Committee on Housing and Community Development, announced that Keep Your Home California (KYHC) is expanding and changing two key programs to help struggling homeowners qualified for the assistance. The changes to the Principal Reduction and Mortgage Reinstatement Assistance go into effect next month.

The Principal Reduction Program will now be funded 100% by the KYHC. The principal reduction program can decrease the amount owed on a home loan by up to $100,000.

Multicultural Arts Festival

I had a great time at the Multicultural Arts Festival in the City of Chino. I appreciate the hard work by these fabulous women!

Cinco de Mayo Celebration

Thank you to Luis Rojas, President of the Ontario Hispanic Chamber, for organizing the Cinco de Mayo celebration. I am grateful for the dedicated service the chamber provides to the community.

Congratulations to Wendy Cruz for winning a $500 scholarship from the Ontario Chamber of Commerce. Wendy keep up the good work!

Bill to Deter Copper Theft Approved

Sacramento, CA – Assembly Bill 2003, by Assemblymember Torres, was approved by the Assembly today in Sacramento. The bill will assist law enforcement in catching copper thieves by requiring recyclers to issue payments for metal recycling only by check.

“Metal theft is a crime that continues to grow not only in California, but across the nation. According to a report from the National Insurance Crime Bureau thefts of copper and other metals have increased 81 %, driven by rising prices for the stolen metals,” said Torres.

California ranks 4th in the nation generating the most metal theft insurance claims. Copper thieves also steal telephone lines, endangering anyone who needs to dial 9-1-1. Companies have suffered losses in the millions to thieves targeting telephone cable lines. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the damage from a theft of just $100 in copper wire can cost a utility more than $5,000 to repair.

“In Chino, metal thieves removed 26 air conditioning units from mall rooftops, banks, a school and churches causing several thousands of dollars in damages. Local law enforcement in my district have asked for more tools to combat metal theft, AB 2003 enables police to track payments to metal recyclers,” added Torres.

AB 2003 will prevent metal thieves from trading stolen metals for quick cash by requiring check payments, a crime that is costing businesses and taxpayers millions of dollars. AB 2003 was approved by the Assembly, 68-1, and now heads to the Senate for further action.

Bill Seeks to Protect Warehouse Workers

Sacramento, CA – Today, Assembly Bill 1855 was approved by the Assembly Labor and Employment Committee in Sacramento. The measure will provide warehouse workers the same protections as is afforded to temporary workers in the construction, farm labor, garment, janitorial and security guard industries under current law.

“While there has always been a need for temporary and seasonal work, the long-term use of workers by staffing agencies can lead to wage, hour, health and safety violations,” said Torres. “This is not an indictment of the temporary staffing industry as a whole. Like in any field, there are good and bad actors.”

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