Berman Bulletin: Mid-Year Milestones

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through 2026, and this is the first legislative newsletter I’m sending out. My wife and I had our first child last July, and in many ways this year – my tenth in the Assembly – has looked much different than my first nine.

One thing that hasn’t changed is my excitement for the bills I introduced at the beginning of the year. From creating a free youth mental health and suicide prevention training for millions of Californians, to cracking down on firearm dealers who are violating California law, to protecting Californians against bioterrorism threats, to making it easier for Californians to electrify their homes, I am proud to author pragmatic legislation that produces real results for my constituents.

These are just a few of the bills I am working on this year, but you can find a list of all my bills on my website. Scroll down or click one of the buttons below to learn more.

In this newsletter:

• My 2026 Legislative Package
  • Supporting Our Students
  • Advancing Public Safety
  • Protecting Consumers and Children
  • Reaching Our Climate Goals
  • State Funding for Youth Mental Health Services
• Celebrating Women’s History Month
• Inaugural AI Basics for Everyday Life Seminar
• Portola Valley Community Coffee
• Trail Talks in Mountain View
• Celebrating Pride Month
• Upcoming Events

Sincerely,

Marc Berman
Assemblymember, 23rd District

AB 2003 – Supporting Youth Mental Health

It is an extraordinarily challenging time to be a teen. Too many communities across California have been devastated by youth suicides, including my hometown of Palo Alto. We must do everything we possibly can to support youth in our communities and avoid these preventable tragedies.

AB 2003, which was just signed into law by Governor Newsom, will create a free online suicide prevention training statewide for all students 13 and older as well as all K-12 teachers, administrators and parents. Suicide is preventable, and this training is essential to give Californians the knowledge, tools, and resources to know what to look for and feel confident in supporting youth in their life who are struggling and need help.

You can learn more about AB 2003 here: California bill aims to enlist educators and parents in preventing youth suicide

AB 2121 – Defending Student Equity and Access

The Trump administration has launched an assault on higher education, attacking historically marginalized students who rely on critical programs provided by Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) to stay in school and succeed. When President Trump pulls the rug out from under our most vulnerable students, California must fight back, holding firm to our values of equity and access to higher education.

I am proud to partner with West Valley-Mission Community College District to respond to the administration's systematic dismantling of federal student success programs by making it easier for community colleges to backfill this loss in federal funding. AB 2121 empowers our community colleges to save these programs and continue supporting their most disadvantaged students.

Learn more about AB 2121 here: West Valley community college district sponsors bill to address loss of federal funding

AB 1810 – Holding the Firearm Industry Accountable

California has some of the strongest firearm laws in the country and these laws save lives – approximately 2,000 lives a year in comparison to the nationwide average. AB 1810, sponsored by GIFFORDS, will ensure firearm dealers in California follow our gun safety laws. The bill also clarifies the California Department of Justice’s authority to shut down irresponsible dealers who are breaking the law and endangering our lives.

AB 1901 – Diaper Ingredient Transparency

As a new dad, I have a new appreciation for how important it is for parents to make informed decisions when it comes to the health and wellness of their children. We all want the best for our children, but the lack of transparency around diaper ingredients prevents parents from knowing what “the best” is when buying the one thing that is touching our baby’s skin literally every minute of their first few years of life.

My bill, AB 1901, requires manufacturers of children’s diapers sold, distributed or manufactured in California to clearly label all ingredients on both the product’s packaging and online, allowing parents and caregivers to feel confident about the products they choose for their children. Recent tests show that many diapers are made with ingredients linked to health and environmental risks, such as hormone disruption or skin and respiratory irritation. It is crucial that parents have the information necessary to make informed purchases.

You can read more about this bill here: California bill wants to tell you what’s in a diaper that your nose can’t detect

AB 2313 – the Home Energy Choice Act

Many homeowners in my district and across the state want to fully electrify their homes, but the upfront costs of transitioning from gas appliances to electric alternatives pose a major barrier. If we’re going to meet our goal of creating a more affordable and sustainable California, as well as achieving carbon neutrality by 2045, we need to make it less costly to transition to clean energy.

This year, I teamed up with NRDC and Earthjustice on the Home Energy Choice Act to provide Californians with that opportunity. AB 2313 would give homeowners the option to electrify their homes using money that utilities would have otherwise spent on replacing their outdated gas service line. In addition, utilities will spend less money on unwanted natural gas infrastructure, reducing the risk from future stranded assets and providing long-term savings for all ratepayers while also protecting the environment and promoting public health.

Youth in California are facing a serious mental health crisis, and it’s important that we provide them with the vital care and support services they need to thrive. I am proud to have secured $5 million for allcove youth mental health centers in the 2026-27 Budget.

In the 23rd Assembly District, allcove Palo Alto has served our community since June 2021 and allcove Half Moon Bay is planning to open for social engagement in Summer 2026, with mental health support launching in the Fall.

These centers are designed with, by, and for young people, providing low barrier, walk in access to mental health services in a developmentally appropriate and stigma free setting. We must do everything we can to support our young people, and this funding will ensure allcove centers continue to provide life-changing care across California.

You can learn more about the state funding for allcove youth mental health services here: Wellness center allcove Palo Alto gets a lifeline in state budget

In March, we celebrated Women’s History Month at the State Capitol, honoring women throughout California for their contributions to their communities and to the state. I was proud to honor Olga Talamante as Assembly District 23’s Woman of the Year. From organizing farmworkers as a teenager, to surviving political imprisonment and torture in Argentina, to building the Chicana Latina Foundation and creating a pipeline for Latina leadership – Olga’s life is a masterclass in courage and commitment to justice.

Every day I hear from constituents who are concerned with the rising influence – and risks – of AI. While there are countless positive uses of AI, it can also be abused by bad people to cause harm.

That’s why I hosted the AI Basics for Everyday Life seminar. The more we understand how AI works, the more we can make informed decisions and avoid being harmed by it.

Interest and turnout for this virtual event was off the charts, with over 750 constituents signing up! From learning how to spot AI-generated content to learning more about how AI works, my hope is that everyone who joined us came away with more confidence in understanding AI. If you were not able to join us, or missed any part of the event, there is a recording of the seminar up on my website.

I hosted a great community coffee in Portola Valley in April. I always appreciate getting the chance to speak with constituents one-on-one about the work I am doing in Sacramento, while also hearing about issues they care about and what they want to see improved in their community.

In honor of Earth Month, I hosted a Trail Talk at Shoreline Park in Mountain View! The 23rd District is home to some of the most beautiful open spaces and landscapes in California. It was great to connect with constituents, enjoy nature, and also get some exercise!

June was Pride Month! Pride is more than a celebration – it is a declaration to every LGBTQ+ resident, every family, and every young person that we see you, we love you, and you belong here! This year has been especially difficult for the LGBTQ+ community, but it was heartwarming to see our community celebrate pride and love, not hate and division.