The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) has released its 2025 End-of-Season Legislative Scorecard, outlining key votes and outcomes on 43 bills that impact our region’s business climate. This annual scorecard serves as an essential tool for employers, entrepreneurs, and community leaders to understand how state legislation and the decisions of our local representatives affect the business environment in Southwest Riverside County.

A Snapshot of the 2025 Legislative Session

Out of the 43 bills tracked by the SWCLC this year:

• 6 bills died,
• 2 were vetoed,
• 11 were signed into law, and
• 24 remain active as two-year bills, which means they will be carried into the next legislative session for further consideration.

The SWCLC reviews each of these measures through a business lens, evaluating how proposed laws may support or hinder job creation, economic growth, and the ability of businesses to thrive.

Legislative Alignment

The scorecard also reflects how our local legislators voted in alignment with SWCLC’s business advocacy positions:

• Senator Kelly Seyarto (District 32) – 97%
• Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (District 19) – 91%
• Assemblymember Kate Sanchez (District 71) – 96%
• Assemblymember Natasha Johnson (District 63) – 89%
• Assemblymember Corey Jackson (District 60) – 48%

These scores provide valuable insight into each legislator’s alignment with business-friendly policy priorities and their responsiveness to the economic needs of our region.

Key Legislative Outcomes

Of the 11 bills signed into law this year, several represent significant developments for business and infrastructure stability:

• AB 226 (Calderon) strengthens insurance resilience by allowing the California FAIR Plan to issue bonds to pay wildfire-related claims, important for property owners and small businesses seeking coverage in high-risk areas.
• AB 390 (Wilson) enhances roadway safety by expanding “Move Over” requirements to all vehicles using hazard lights, improving protection for roadside workers and motorists.
• SB 72 (Caballero) updates California’s Water Plan with enforceable long-term water supply targets, a critical measure for sustaining growth in water-dependent industries.
• SB 78 (Seyarto) mandates a statewide traffic safety study to identify and address high-collision locations, an important foundation for future infrastructure investments.

Conversely, the SWCLC opposed several new laws it identified as adding regulatory complexity or cost burdens to employers, including AB 858 (Lee) on mandatory rehiring and retention, and SB 464 (Smallwood-Cuevas) expanding employer pay data reporting requirements.

Please click the links to see all of the supported bills and opposed bills, along with the letters written. 

Why This Matters to Business Owners

For business leaders, the SWCLC Scorecard is more than a policy summary; it is a practical resource for understanding how Sacramento’s decisions translate into real-world impacts. Whether it involves employment regulations, infrastructure development, taxation, or environmental standards, these policies directly affect operational costs, workforce stability, and long-term growth opportunities.

By monitoring and communicating these developments, the SWCLC ensures that the collective voice of the Southwest California business community is heard at every level of government. The Council’s efforts reinforce the Chamber’s broader mission: to advocate for policies that foster a competitive, predictable, and supportive business climate.

Looking Ahead

With 24 two-year bills still under review, the SWCLC will continue to track and evaluate proposed legislation into the next session. Business owners are encouraged to stay informed, engage with the Chamber’s advocacy updates, and participate in discussions that shape the future of our regional economy.

For more information on the Southwest California Legislative Council or to access the full 2025 Scorecard, please visit www.southwestca.org.