East SBV Times

Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Yucaipa) has formally requested Governor Newsom to take action on several critical pieces of legislation passed by the California Legislature. The Senator's letters highlight concerns about the potential impacts these bills may have on local governance, education, veterans' services, and California’s ability to address emerging technological threats.

One of the key bills is SB 1381, which aims to expand child pornography laws to include material generated using artificial intelligence. "It is critical that we protect children from exploitation in this new digital age. SB 1381 ensures that AI-generated explicit content involving minors is treated with the seriousness it deserves," said Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Another significant bill is AB 535, which ensures that veterans with service-connected disabilities remain eligible for housing assistance. Emphasizing the need to address California’s veteran homelessness crisis, Senator Ochoa Bogh stated, "We must ensure that veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our country, are not denied housing due to technicalities in income classification. AB 535 helps us fulfill our promise to serve those who have served us."

Senator Ochoa Bogh also coauthored SB 1414, a bill designed to increase penalties for individuals who solicit commercial sex with minors. This legislation aims to strengthen protections for child victims by ensuring harsher consequences for repeat offenders and those purchasing sex from minors. "Sex trafficking of children is one of the most horrific crimes, and we must do everything in our power to stop it. SB 1414 increases the penalties for those who exploit children, ensuring stronger protections for some of the most vulnerable among us," she said.

In addition, as a coauthor of SB 1831, Senator Ochoa Bogh called for the Governor’s signature on this bill aimed at combating AI-generated explicit content involving minors. This legislation would add depictions of minors created with artificial intelligence to California’s existing child pornography laws. "As AI technology advances, it is crucial that our laws evolve to protect children from new forms of exploitation. SB 1831 provides vital protections by addressing this growing threat," noted Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Senator Ochoa Bogh continues her commitment to advocating for balanced and effective policies that serve California’s diverse communities.