SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1289, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) would require Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) such as Uber and Lyft to complete comprehensive criminal background checks for their drivers. The bill was approved on a 60-4 bipartisan vote today by the California State Assembly.

Currently, the California Public Utilities Commission, which regulates TNCs, doesn't require TNCs to conduct thorough background checks which capture an individual's complete criminal history.

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1660, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) will remove the sunset date of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) authority to administer statewide rules regarding high school athletic programs. The bill was signed today by Governor Brown.

“As a father and a longtime girls’ softball coach, I have been highly involved in high school athletic programs,” said Cooper. “The CIF plays a vital role in governing and creating an environment that promotes sportsmanship, honesty, and quality academics.”

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1965, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) was approved on a bipartisan vote today by the Senate Committee on Transportation and Housing. The bill would provide financial incentives for low-income individuals to replace their old, high-polluting, and less reliable vehicles with newer, cleaner, and more dependable vehicles.

AB 1965 directs the California Air Resources Board to expand the Enhanced Fleet Modernization Program (EFMP) Plus-Up program. Currently, EFMP Plus-Up is only available in two out of 35 air districts in California. AB 1965 will expand the program to regions with poor air quality and large populations in disadvantaged communities.

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 1744, authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), was approved today by the Senate Committee on Public Safety on a unanimous bipartisan vote. The bill would require the development of a standardized sexual forensic medical evidence kit, also known as a “rape kit” to be used throughout California.

“Often there is confusion among examination teams as to what should be included in a rape kit and how to administer the kit,” said Assemblymember Jim Cooper. “AB 1744 will ensure that every rape kit used in the state would be identical, thus making it easier for examination teams to be properly trained and proficient at administering an exam on a victim of sexual assault.”

Sacramento – Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) released the following statement in response to the mass shooting that killed 50 people and injured another 53 in an Orlando nightclub early Sunday morning. 

“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims’ families and their loved ones. I stand unequivocally in solidarity with the people of Orlando and the entire LGBTQ community. This horrific attack reminds us that we must remain vigilant and stand united as Californians and Americans against terrorists who try to inflict harm on Americans.”

Assemblymember Cooper represents the Cities of Sacramento, Elk Grove, Galt, and Lodi.

SACRAMENTO – In an effort to combat gun violence, Assistant Majority Leader Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) presented a package of bills aimed at curtailing gun violence by ending the production of untraceable homemade firearms and by making the theft of a firearm a felony.

“Increasingly untraceable, undetectable, and stolen firearms are being used in serious crimes,” said Assemblymember Cooper, a former 30-year law enforcement officer. “I am proud to author legislation to address these issues and protect the public while safeguarding our Second Amendment rights.”

SACRAMENTO – Assembly Bill 2564 is one of two bills authored by Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) aimed at addressing poor air quality in disadvantaged communities. The bill will make improvements to the Clean Vehicle Rebate Project (CVRP) to ensure clean vehicles are more accessible to low-income individuals and a greater number of California drivers. The bill was approved yesterday on a unanimous vote by the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources.

The CVRP provides consumer rebates for the purchase of zero-emission and plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles to accelerate on‐road deployment of zero‐tailpipe‐emission‐capable passenger vehicles – including fuel‐cell, all‐battery, and plug‐in hybrid electric vehicles to encourage clean technology.