Sacramento: Assembly Majority Leader Chris Holden's bills to expand and improve access to California schools were approved have been approved in the Assembly Education Committee. They now move to Assembly Appropriations for consideration.
AB 525 Franchise Bill of Rights
Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to improve the rights of franchise owners in contract disputes with corporate bosses, has passed the Assembly Business and Professions Committee on a vote of 11 to 0. The measure, jointly authored with Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins and Assemblymember Scott Wilk, now goes to the Assembly floor.
AB 525 would make it more difficult for corporate operators to put franchise owners out of business by closing loopholes and adopting a “substantial compliance” standard that in essence says they are making an honest effort to comply with the contract.
Sacramento – Under legislation proposed by Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena), students in underserved communities throughout California would have access to advanced coursework in Science, Technology, Engineering, Math and Computer Science classes.
The bill, AB 252, passed Assembly Education Committee late Wednesday on a vote of 5 to 1. The measure is aimed at increasing the number of minority, female and low income students who often do not have access to advanced courses at their high schools.
Sacramento: The Assembly Judiciary Committee today overwhelmingly approved a bill authored by Assemblymember Chris Holden and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins to protect the rights of small-business franchise owners. The vote was 7-2.
AB 525 makes it more difficult for major chains to unfairly terminate their franchise operators. The measure will clarify the current vague and one-sided law to close loopholes and prohibit a corporation from closing a franchise business unless there has been a substantial violation of the contract, the law or local regulations. It also allows franchisees to keep the equity they invested in the event of termination.
Sacramento: Assemblymember Chris Holden and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins have introduced legislation to defend the rights of small business owners by providing more protection to franchise operators who fear losing their businesses to powerful corporations. AB 525 will make it more difficult for major chains to unfairly terminate the contracts of their franchisees.
“Under existing law, franchisees lack even basic contract protections afforded to nearly every other type of contract, from construction to home mortgages to employment,” said Assemblymember Holden. “These small business owners invest in a franchise because it can provide for their family and future generations. Franchise corporations should not be able to use their dominance to rob franchisees of their livelihood without good reason. They should not be able to destroy someone’s future by hiding behind an unjust contract and weak state laws.”
Sacramento – In a moving ceremony today at the State Capitol, Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) honored Holocaust survivor Ike Langholz of Pasadena whose nightmarish journey through the Nazi occupation of Poland was recounted on the Assembly floor as part of Holocaust Remembrance Week.
“I am honored to be able to share Ike Langholz’ story of survival in the face of incredible pain and suffering at the hands of the Nazis,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Ike lived through extreme persecution and horrific experiences during this agonizing dark history. The number of survivors is dwindling, so we are here today to raise awareness of these dark events and honor Ike for his courage and his willingness to tell his story.”
Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) bill to expand pathways for high school students who want to enroll in college courses or career tech classes has been unanimously approved in the Assembly Higher Education Committee.
AB 288 (College and Career Access Pathways Act) enhances concurrent or dual enrollment opportunities by encouraging school districts and community colleges to enter into formal agreements that outline the terms and goals of the partnership.
“There is a growing recognition that concurrent enrollment at community colleges can pave the way to a four-year college, while also reducing the cost of that four-year degree,” said Assemblymember Holden. “The boost in confidence a student receives when he or she completes a college course as a student in high school can encourage the realization that college is within their reach; this is especially important for minority and low income students.”
AB 265 Buy Here/Pay Here Dealerships Passes Key Committee
Pasadena – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s bill to regulate Buy Here/Pay Here used car lots passed its first legislative test today. The Assembly Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee voted 11 to 0 to support Holden’s AB 265 to rein in predatory car dealerships.
AB 265 would stop the widespread practice of yanking a car if you are late with a payment and before you know what’s hit you. The new measure requires a 10-day grace period before dealers are able to repossess the car by using a starter-interruption device to disable the car. The bill also calls for a final warning 48 hours before using the gadget to shut down the vehicle remotely.
PASADENA–A portion of the Foothill (I-210) Freeway in Pasadena was dedicated in honor of slain Pasadena Police Agent Richard Morris – 46 years to the day after his death. Agent Morris’ death marked the first time in the history of the Pasadena Police Department that a sworn officer was shot and killed in the line-of-duty.
Pasadena – Pasadena community activist Stella Murga was honored today by Assemblymember Chris Holden as “Woman of the Year” for the 41st Assembly District. Ms. Murga was recognized on the floor of the Assembly during ceremonies at the State Capitol. Each year the Assembly honors women of distinction who enhance the quality of life for others in their Assembly districts.
A first-generation Mexican-American, Stella Murga has spent more than 20 years working with young people with a focus on student achievement. She established the Adelante Youth Alliance, a non-profit organization focused on guiding youth to develop their full personal, academic and career potential.
Under Stella’s direction, Adelante Youth Alliance produces the two largest college and career conferences in California.
“Our state has a rich history of women who have made lasting contributions to their communities through their public service and activism,” said Assemblymember Holden. “Stella Murga exemplifies that spirit through her work advocacy for better education for all of California’s young people.”
