Press Releases

Sacramento:  The State Legislature today gave final approval to Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) bill to end disputes over architects’ designs. The Assembly voted 75 to 0 on amendments taken earlier in the Senate. AB 630 now goes to Governor Brown for signature.

AB 630 safeguards an architect’s work such as architectural drawings or plans, by clarifying that a person can only use the plans or drawings if they have written permission. Architects currently face a challenge preventing those who are not authorized to use their work from using it again and again.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) bill to expand on the state’s iHub innovation network by creating economic opportunities for pioneering start-up companies has been approved by the state Legislature and now goes to the Governor for signature.

“We want to put California in a position to cultivate and incubate young companies that are developing new technologies that will promote conservation and other public policy goals,” explained Assemblymember Holden. “Establishing the iHub Accelerator Fund will allow the state to compete for grant funding from the federal government, private sector and foundations to encourage innovation.”

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden's AB 139 which strengthens penalties that abusers are required to pay to ensure more funding for Domestic Violence Shelters was signed into law by Governor Brown today.

"I am grateful to the Governor for signing this important bill that will help make resources available to women and children fleeing violent situations," said Assemblymember Holden (D-Pasadena). "The nation's first modern, women's shelter opened in my district in Pasadena, in 1964 offering a refuge for women who had been physically and emotionally abused. Fully funding domestic violence shelters such as Haven House is critical and provides a safety net for those who live in fear."

Sacramento - Assemblymember Chris Holden's (D-Pasadena) legislation to make the Small Business Loan Guarantee program more accessible and userSacramento - Assemblymember Chris Holden's (D-Pasadena) legislation to make the Small Business Loan Guarantee program more accessible and user friendly has been approved in the Legislature and now goes to Governor Brown for signature.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s (D-Pasadena) legislation to promote California’s agricultural economy was overwhelmingly approved today in the Senate Governmental Organization Committee.

AB 199 requires California state agencies to purchase agricultural products from California companies if the price is equal to or less than the lowest out-of-state company. AB 199 also encourages all public schools, school districts, and public colleges to purchase agricultural products within the state.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s AB 139 which strengthens penalties that abusers are required to pay to ensure more funding for Domestic Violence Shelters has been formally approved in the State Legislature following concurrence vote today in the Assembly.  The measure now goes to the Governor for signature.

AB 139 clears up a technicality in order to provide more funds for local domestic violence shelters. The bill stipulates that those convicted of domestic violence must pay a minimum $500 fee – not a fine – after they are granted probation. This clarification is important because it would clear up confusion over the $500 payment and ensure funding for local domestic violence programs.

Pasadena – Assemblymember Chris Holden (D-Pasadena) – with the backing of the California Legislative Black Caucus - said he would introduce a Resolution calling for a repeal of Florida’s “stand-your-ground” law and urging a boycott of Florida in the wake of the not guilty verdict in the shooting of Trayvon Martin. 

“When I heard the verdict last weekend, I was disappointed and saddened.  Another young black child is dead and nobody is being held accountable,” said Assemblymember Holden.  “It is a true nightmare scenario for every black parent in America, and a sad commentary on racial injustice in this country.

Sacramento – Assemblymember Chris Holden’s AB 139 to strengthen penalties that abusers are required to pay to ensure more funding for Domestic Violence Shelters, passed the Senate today on a unanimous vote. 

“The nation’s first modern, women's shelter opened in my district in Pasadena, in 1964. Forty-nine years later, Haven House continues to provide a refuge for women and children who have been physically and emotionally abused,” said Assemblymember Holden (D-Pasadena). “That’s why I believe this bill is so important - fully funding of domestic violence shelters is critical and provides a safety net for those who live in fear.”