Friends and neighbors,
This week’s email update covers several pieces of legislation I support that are working through the Legislature’s process to become law. They include addressing violence in the workplace for health care workers, bringing community partners into the discharge process at Western State Hospital, and cracking down on corporate crime by updating penalties for illegal acts.
Day of Remembrance
Every year, the Legislature commemorates the Day of Remembrance, which is when we reflect upon the internment of Japanese Americans during World War II. I encourage you to watch the speeches given by my colleagues reflecting on that time in American history and remember the people whose lives were uprooted and even destroyed because of fear and racism.
Addressing violence in the workplace for health care workers
No one should be put in a dangerous situation when they go to work. In fact, workplaces are required to follow law to provide training and create violence prevention plans to keep their employees safe. However, health care workers—like those at Western State Hospital—are five times more likely to be assaulted while at work. They need a way to come forward and share their stories so that their employers and policymakers can improve safety for our health care workers. That’s why I introduced HB 1931, which requires annual review of workplace violence incidents and development and implementation of violence prevention plans every three years. It also requires those workplaces to provide violence prevention trainings.
Health care professionals work tirelessly to take care of us and our loved ones. Evaluating risks and providing training to help prevent violence will help keep them safe while at work.
Bringing community partners into the process for Western State discharges
Like so many in our community, I have been disappointed at the lack of disclosure to community partners from Western State Hospital when discharging individuals with a history of violent acts. When behavioral health organizations take in these individuals without the full background of their relevant criminal history, it puts everyone at risk—their staff, other residents at the facility, and the local public who live in the neighborhoods and communities nearby. It’s time for that to stop.
HB 1826 brings community partners into the discharge process by getting them more complete information. By keeping community members informed and accepting input, there can be more intentional and thoughtful decision-making when someone with a criminal background is discharged from Western State.
Cracking down on corporate crime
I co-sponsored legislation with my colleagues to update the penalties for corporations who break the law. Those penalties have not been updated since 1925 and are laughably low—just $10,000 for a felony. The Corporate Crime Act of 2019 increases the maximum fine to $1 million for corporations who commit serious crimes.
As a business owner, I know that small businesses work hard to ensure they follow the law. If a corporation breaks the law, they should face serious consequences, not just a slap on the wrist that does not detour future illegal behavior.
Thank you for taking the time to read my latest email update. Do not hesitate to contact my office if you have any questions or concerns. It is my honor to serve you!
Sincerely,
