Big Issues, Big Solutions

As the legislative session wraps up, I’m proud to share the progress we’ve made together — both in Sacramento and here at home. Seven of my bills have passed the Legislature and now await the Governor’s signature. My legislative efforts include bills to protect women’s health, expand renewable energy, help local cities develop housing plans, promote environmental stewardship and water conservation, improve the lives of people with disabilities, protect the environment, improve public safety, strengthen consumer protections, and enhance quality of life across San Mateo County and California.

I also partnered with colleagues to secure critical budget wins for our region. Most notably, we restored the majority of Vehicle License Fee revenues for San Mateo County and our cities — funding that will bolster local services and stabilize budgets. At the same time, I’ve continued working directly with state agencies and hosting events to keep residents informed on issues that matter. Recent forums have tackled wildfire hazard maps, helped families learn about college savings programs, and educated seniors about scams that too often target them. These conversations ensure that our community has the tools and resources to stay safe, secure, and prepared.

I am grateful for the opportunity to continue to develop legislation and advocate for the benefit of the communities that I represent. This legislative session has had both challenges and victories but I am pleased that, together, we have made strides to improve and strengthen San Mateo County and all of California.

I look forward to seeing you in the community soon.

Engaging directly with constituents remains a cornerstone of my service. Recent events have provided valuable opportunities to connect and collaborate with community members.

SENIOR SCAM STOPPER SEMINAR

On July 19, I hosted a Senior Scam Stopper Seminar at the San Mateo Senior Center to help equip older adults in our community with the tools they need to recognize and avoid fraud.

The free event featured experts from the Contractors State Licensing Board, HICAP of San Mateo County, and other trusted organizations who shared practical advice on how to spot scams and protect personal finances. With seniors across the country losing an estimated $4.8 billion to scams in 2024 — a 33% increase from the prior year — this information could not be more timely.

I was grateful to see so many of our neighbors attend, ask thoughtful questions, and take home resources to share with friends and family. Over coffee and light refreshments, we built connections while addressing an issue that affects too many in our community.

I have also added the presentations and additional resources to my Assembly website for anyone to access below.

Hosting this seminar was another way I am working to keep our residents safe, informed, and supported. I remain committed to providing opportunities for education and engagement so that together we can strengthen our community.

Pictured above: Assemblymember Diane Papan at the lectern addressing the Senior Scam Stopper Seminar attendees.

SAN CARLOS COMMUNITY OFFICE HOURS

On June 21, I had the pleasure of co-hosting Community Office Hours with San Mateo County Supervisor Ray Mueller. Over coffee, conversation, and light refreshments we welcomed residents to share their thoughts, concerns, and ideas on the issues impacting California and our local community. It was a lively and successful gathering, with many important topics discussed. I am always grateful for these opportunities to hear directly from constituents and I left encouraged by the thoughtful engagement and strong commitment our community continues to show.

Pictured left: Assemblymember Diane Papan speaking to attendees at the June 21 San Carlos Community Office Hours event with Supervisor Ray Mueller. Pictured right: Supervisor Ray Mueller speaking to attendees at the June 21 San Carlos Community Office Hours event.

FIRE HAZARD SEVERITY ZONES MAPS

On April 26, I co-hosted an event with the San Bruno Fire Department and CalFire focused on the updated Fire Hazard Severity Zones (FHSZ) Maps to provide residents with information about the implications for our cities, neighborhoods, and homes. The successful forum included representatives and experts from CalFire, the California Department of Insurance, and the United Policyholders — an insurance consumer advocacy organization.

Together, we covered the impacts of the new maps, homeowner responsibilities, fire department preparedness, and what these maps mean and do not mean for your insurance coverage. If you missed the event, I invite you to watch the full recording at your convenience below.

Pictured above are San Bruno Fire Chief Ari Delay (foreground) with representatives from CalFire, the United Policyholders, and the Woodside Fire Protection District on a panel.

Key Legislative Initiatives:

• Assembly Bill 60 – The MUSK Act: This bill aims to dramatically restrict synthetic nitro musk chemicals, such as musk ketone, musk ambrette, tibetene, moskene, and xylene, in cosmetics and personal care products starting in 2027. These chemicals — found in products like soaps, shampoos, and perfumes — are linked to endocrine disruption, early puberty, breast cancer risk, and infertility. Though banned in the EU for decades, they remain unregulated in the U.S., leaving Californians particularly vulnerable. AB 60 seeks to close this gap and protect consumers in the absence of sufficient federal oversight.
• Assembly Bill 93: This bill will require data centers to self-certify their anticipated water and actual water use during the business license process. As technology has evolved into the new frontier of Artificial Intelligence, the demand for data centers has exploded, and with it, increased competition over our most precious natural resources. AB 93 is a pragmatic solution that carefully considers a delicate balance of resource demand and the benefits of data center expansion.
• Assembly Bill 527: This bill will cut the “green tape” for exploratory geothermal projects that meet rigorous standards of environmental stewardship. Without decisive action, the state risks falling short of securing the necessary in-state geothermal resources to meet our needs and reach net-zero emissions. AB 527 provides a practical solution by allowing low-impact exploratory drilling to proceed without duplicative environmental review.
• Assembly Bill 650: This bill will improve the housing review procedure by starting the housing planning process six months earlier, giving cities more time to prepare and engage with their residents. It also ensures, the state provides clear and consistent feedback, helping local governments avoid unnecessary back-and-forth discussions. By clarifying expectations and timelines, AB 650 helps cities stay on track, move housing plans forward, and support the creation of homes that strengthen communities.
• Assembly Bill 1250: This bill paves the way for a streamlined recertification process for paratransit riders with permanent disabilities whose conditions and transit needs are not expected to change. Rather than enduring repeated in-person evaluations or paperwork, eligible individuals could recertify only once every five years, via phone, mail, or online. AB 1250 preserves rider dignity, simplifies the process for transit providers, and reduces needless bureaucracy.

Western City Magazine

Being a mayor was like conducting ‘a symphony of voices,’ says Asm. Diane Papan

Asm. Diane Papan’s political aspirations began at the local level on the San Mateo City Council. Like many city officials, she was drawn to local government because she wanted to make an immediate impact on her community.

San Mateo Daily Journal

San Mateo County breathes sigh of relief after majority of vehicle license fee revenue retained in state budget

San Mateo County state legislators have secured two-thirds of an important but complicated revenue source tied to vehicle licensing fee revenue — equaling about $76.5 million — from the state’s 2025 budget.

San Mateo Daily Journal

Clarity sought for state housing requirements

Tension caused by the state tasking cities to plan for more housing, ostensibly without clear guidance, could leave local jurisdictions vulnerable to fines or larger developments through “Builder’s Remedy,” an issue Assemblymember Diane Papan is seeking to solve through a bill that just passed the state Assembly.

Microgrid Knowledge

How Geothermal Energy Can Fill Solar and Wind Energy Gaps in Clean Microgrids

Emerging geothermal technologies, including closed-loop systems, can be scaled to meet demand peaks, with minimal environmental impact, and are poised to play a key role in expanding clean energy infrastructure across communities.

Did you know your child and public school student may be eligible for a free scholarship?

CalKIDS is California’s statewide children’s development account program launched in 2022 by the ScholarShare Investment Board, which also administers ScholarShare 529 – the state’s official college savings plan. Every child born in California on or after July 1, 2022 has a CalKIDS Scholarship ranging from $25 to $175 waiting in their name, while eligible public-school students receive $500 and up to $1,500 for college, vocational school, or career training.

The financial benefits families may receive include:

• $25 for babies born July 2022–June 2023; $100 for those born July 1, 2023 and after
• Additional $25 when parents claim their child’s CalKIDS Scholarship Account, available for children born in California on or after July 1, 2022
• $50 bonus for linking a CalKIDS Account to a ScholarShare 529 account available for children born in California on or after July 1, 2022
• $500 for eligible public-school students, with additional funds for foster youth and students experiencing homelessness — up to $1,500 total in CalKIDS Scholarships

Your child may already have an account established in their name.

Check your child’s eligibility!

Join me alongside Brisbane Mayor Clifford Lentz for a cup of coffee, community conversation, and light refreshments to share your thoughts and ideas on issues impacting California and our community. RSVPS are appreciated but not required.

Date/Time: Saturday, October 11th 10am-12pm

Location: Community Meeting Room at Brisbane City Hall | 50 Park Place, Brisbane, CA

We are currently seeking applicants to participate in our District Office Internship Program for Fall and Winter 2025. The ideal candidate will have an interest in state and local policy, communications, public relations, and other related fields. Additionally, the ideal candidate will have the following:

• Written and oral communication skills
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail
• Critical thinking and creative problem solving
• Ability to manage multiple tasks with competing deadlines

Interns will gain valuable education and work experience by fully participating in agreed-upon work hours. All internship work is voluntary and students will not receive any monetary compensation.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website. If you have any questions, please reach out to our district office at (650) 349-2200.

Your input and engagement are vital. If you have questions about state programs, need assistance with a state agency, or wish to share your thoughts on pending legislation, please reach out.

Contact Information:

• Capitol Office:
  1021 O Street, Suite 4220
  Sacramento, CA 94249-0021
  Phone: (916) 319-2021
• District Office:
  1528 South El Camino Real, Suite 302
  San Mateo, CA 94402
  Phone: (650) 349-2200

Follow Me Online:

• Bluesky
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I look forward to continuing our work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant California.

Sincerely,

Diane Papan
Assemblymember, 21st District