SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) introduced Assembly Bill 2663. The bill will increase funding to California’s After School Education and Safety program for low-income children.

“We must continue to invest in education and support students, especially those in disadvantaged communities,” said Assemblymember Jim Cooper. “After-school programs provide essential and meaningful academic and enrichment activities for students and help keep kids off the streets and out of trouble.”

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) introduced Assembly Bill 2166. The bill would exempt surviving relatives of California law enforcement officers or firefighters who are killed in the line of duty from system wide tuition and fees.

“Family members of a law enforcement officer or firefighter who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their state should be able to attend college free of tuition and fees,” said Assemblymember Jim Cooper. “AB 2166 will ensure these individuals will continue to attend college without paying campus based fee.”

SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) introduced Assembly Bill 1965. 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. 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 – Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) released the following statement regarding the impending strike announced by the faculty of the California State University system:

“As a proponent and supporter of faculty in our higher education system, I believe it is important that we recognize the hard work and sacrifices that over 26,000 faculty members have made since the great recession. Faculty should be recognized for the important role they play in educating our future leaders and they should be compensated fairly for their contributions and support of all students. I fully support the California Faculty Association’s request for a five percent increase in compensation for CSU faculty. I look forward to a quick resolution to this dispute without disruption to the 460,000 students that attend our California State Universities.”

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

SACRAMENTO –Today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove) introduced Assembly Bill 1744. 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 – At a press conference today, Assemblymember Jim Cooper (D-Elk Grove), along with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s office, crime victim’s families, and bill supporters, announced the introduction of AB 1681. The bill will allow law enforcement to investigate and prosecute suspected criminals and criminal organizations that are involved in human trafficking and other serious crimes.

In 2014, cell phone manufactures began providing new operating systems for smartphones and tablets, these new operating systems employ, by default, “full-disk encryption” (FDE).