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Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law on Monday that will ban the sale of tampons and other menstrual products in California that contain certain levels of potentially toxic chemicals.

A bill introduced by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, could prohibit employers from compelling workers to use two weeks of paid vacation time before accessing paid family leave benefits.

As we face escalating and ever-more uncertain climate-change challenges with dire consequences, the need for adaptation and resilience now and for future generations cannot be overstated. A climate resilience bond being considered for the November 2024 general election by the state Legislature represents the chance for California voters to take action.

Assemblymember Diane Papan (D-San Mateo) recently introduced legislation — AB 1798 — that would mandate the state’s leading transportation agency to devise a plan for naturally removing the toxic tire particles, known as 6PPD-quinone, before they slip into waterways and kill fish. While the state has already asked the tire industry to develop alternatives for the chemicals in every tire sold in California, Papan’s plan seeks to clean up the pollution from the cars already on the road.

SACRAMENTO —  A new bill could ban the sale of tampons and other menstrual products that contain potentially toxic chemicals in California, reigniting a push by women’s rights groups and environmentalists that Gov. Gavin Newsom rejected last year.

Lawmakers want Californians to have the chance to vote on a new measure they believe would save the Bay from future flooding.

Following her recent victory in the November elections, newly-elected Assemblymember Diane Papan is preparing to represent San Mateo County in the recently formed 21st Assembly District…

“I’m tremendously honored to have the opportunity to serve,” Papan said. “We’ve got a lot of challenges ahead, and we are going to work very hard. My goal is to work together on our most pressing needs.”

…Her immediate policy focus is on water supply and drought, climate resilience through Bay adaptation investments to deal with the increased risk of flooding, and affordable housing.

Assembly Bill 893 will ensure that vehicles rented through third party platforms similarly pay local and state fees that support vital public services, placing the peer to peer platforms on a level playing field with traditional car rental services. These include local levies such as those imposed in San Mateo County that help address local needs and fees supporting the California Office of Tourism which markets California as a destination, helping to attract billions of dollars in spending by visitors.

Assembly Bill 246, a bill to remove toxic chemicals from menstrual products introduced by Assemblymember Diane Papan, D-San Mateo, was approved May 15 by the California Assembly by a vote of 64-0.

In California, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances class chemicals have already been removed from clothing, children’s toys, cookware and food packaging but remain in many menstrual products. AB 246 will remove these chemicals from menstrual products, according to Papan’s office.