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State lawmakers advance major housing bills, including a $75 fee on refinancing

California lawmakers advanced key housing legislation late Thursday, clearing the most substantial hurdle for a package of bills aimed at addressing the state’s housing affordability crisis.

Legislators in the Assembly passed Senate Bill 2, a $75 fee on mortgage refinances and other real estate transactions except for home and commercial property sales. The measure is expected to raise $250 million a year to help finance new and rehabilitated developments for low-income residents — a key step, lawmakers said, in beginning to get housing costs under control.

Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights Awaits Action from Governor

SACRAMENTO – Today, the California State Legislature voted unanimously to adopt a Sexual Assault Survivors’ Bill of Rights. Assembly Bill 1312, joint authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Marc Berman (D-Palo Alto), now awaits Governor Jerry Brown’s signature.

Gov. Jerry Brown vetoes bill addressing youth suicide, substance abuse polices

Gov. Jerry Brown has vetoed a bill proposed by Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Palo Alto, which would have required schools to consider how zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies keep students from seeking help when crafting suicide prevention policies. “I agree with the goal of this bill but believe this is a matter more appropriately handled at the local level,” Brown said in returning the bill without his signature.

Assembly bills addressing suicide prevention reach the final stage

Ten years ago, a Bay Area teenager died by suicide after being expelled from school for substance abuse. He had been doing well academically and participated in sports." All the things the general public doesn't associate with someone who takes his life," said former Palo Alto Mayor Victor Ojakian, who knew the youth.