In California, wildflowers are carpeting our hills and valleys, reminding us spring is a time when the dormant seeds we have been planting begin to bloom. And yet, this time of new beginnings feels at odds with all that is going on in the world. Despite an illegal war, an ongoing genocide, and the continued attacks on our immigrant and trans communities, we are grounding ourselves in acts of resistance. Mutual aid networks, protests, radical wealth distribution–these acts are a reminder of our refusal to give up, of our commitment to persist.
This is the work of our 2026 Solís Policy Institute State fellows. Over the past six months, they have been crafting behind the scenes, dreaming, collaborating, and articulating new policies for our feminist future. From protecting the dignity of incarcerated folks seeking medical care, to ensuring privacy for immigration support services, to strengthening essential midwifery programs, to equitable access to STI prevention for young Californians, our fellows are drafting bills by and for our communities across the state.
That’s why we are proud to highlight four new California bills coming out of the 2026 Solís Policy Institute. These four bills are not simply ideas, they will be used to chart our path forward. At a time when the federal government is actively attacking our communities, our fellows are writing policy that will result in a more just California.
- Criminal Justice Reform
AB 2318 – Law enforcement: facilitating medical care.
Author: Assembly Member Elhawary
When incarcerated people need serious medical care, law enforcement shouldn’t stand in the way. AB 2318 makes it unlawful for law enforcement officers to deny, delay, or obstruct access to medical care for individuals in custody when it is safe and reasonable and a medical professional is present or has been requested. It also requires written justification within 72 hours for any denial and allows disciplinary action for violations.
- Immigrant Economic Justice
AB 2624 – Privacy for immigration support services providers.
Author: Assembly Member Bonta
People who help immigrants, and the immigrants they serve, are targets for harassment and worse. AB 2624 extends California’s Safe at Home Program, which ensures privacy and address confidentiality, and makes doxxing immigrants and their service providers a civil and criminal offense.
- Reproductive Health, Rights & Justice
SB 1271 – Midwifery: workforce data.
Author: Senator Gómez Reyes
California has licensed midwives but not nearly enough clinical training slots to serve regions facing cuts in maternity care. SB 1271, the Midwifery Access & Preceptor Act, will require the Medical Board to collect and report on clinical preceptor capacity so the state can assess the gaps in the training pipeline and expand access to midwifery care.
- Trauma Services & Prevention
AB 1201 – Family reunification services.
Author: Assembly Member Jackson
AB 1201 aims to remove the automatic bypass of reunification services, reducing unnecessary foster care costs prevents avoidable family separation and ensures every family is judged by who they are today, not by their past.
Since its founding over 20 years ago, our Solís Policy Institute teams have passed nearly 60 pieces of legislation. Together, grassroots organizers and policymakers co-create legislation like this that tackles some of the toughest issues facing Californians today.
These bills are a step forward to transforming California into a place where immigrant justice, criminal justice reform, reproductive justice, and health justice are a reality. If this is a future you believe in, we hope you follow along and support these bills as they spring forward.