by: Will Conybeare | California State Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-38) has introduced AB 3162 – known as the California Oppose Cruelty to Octopuses (OCTO) Act – to prohibit octopus farming on land and water as well as ban the import of farmed octopus to California.

Bill will ensure that octopus farms, and the risks inherent to them, are not allowed in California.

AB 3053 INTRODUCED! New legislation will ensure uniform rules to allow families participating in junior agricultural programs to opt out of slaughter-only auctions.

Below is a letter that ran recently in local papers about a harmful “Utility Tax” that snuck through the legislature last year and that a group of lawmakers is now working to repeal. It’s something we should all care about, as climate-conscious individuals, and as utility ratepayers.

Assemblymember Ash Kalra and Social Compassion in Legislation introduce AB 2133. New legislation will help address pet overpopulation by expanding access to cat neuter services.

Hi Judie, so happy you were able to devote some time to sharing your thoughts and wisdom with our community. So, we’ve always admired how you have seemingly never let nay-sayers or haters keep you down. Can you talk to us about how to persist despite the negative energy that so often is thrown at folks trying to do something special with their lives?

A previous version of this bill was introduced in 2023 but was held in the Senate Appropriations Committee. It is being reintroduced with amendments that address the concerns expressed by the legislature. The goal is to optimize resource allocation and reduce pet overpopulation.

The bill will reinstate a voluntary tax check-off program that ran successfully for eight years and expired at the end of 2023. The program allows Californians to direct a portion of their state tax refund to a program that offers grants for low- and no-cost spay and neuter services.

Our Last Update for 2023! As we close out 2023 and look ahead to 2024, we want to thank all of you for your support and political engagement. We could not do what we do without you!

OPINION: Judie Mancuso: California must stop the pet animal overpopulation crisis