All six Ramos bills signed by governor, continuing to earn the title of ‘most productive Inland Empire legislator in either chamber’
SACRAMENTO—Gov. Gavin Newsom today signed significant legislation by Assemblymember James C. Ramos (D-San Bernardino) to prevent suicides by identifying new safety measures on the state’s bridges and overpasses. Two other Ramos bills approved by the governor will benefit his district in the city and county of San Bernardino.
At the end of the 2023-24 legislative session, an Inland Empire newspaper described Ramos as “the most productive Inland Empire legislator in either chamber, with 25 bills signed into law by Newsom.” With the first year of the current two-year session now completed, Ramos is working to retain the depiction: “I’m excited that the suicide prevention measure and others have been signed and look forward to continuing to work on other measures that improve the safety and well-being of my constituents.” Other Ramos bills signed this year included three tribal bills signed on California Native American Day last week: AB 221 dealing with streamlining the tribal grant process, AB 977 dealing with repatriation of Native American human remains and AB 1369 that would reinforce students’ rights to wear tribal regalia at high school graduation ceremonies. Two other bills, AB 31 and AB 53 were included in the 2025-26 budget signed earlier this year. AB 31 that would create a pilot program granting state peace officer status to tribal law enforcement officers and AB 53 would grant a new state tax exemption of up to $20,000 to military retirees. California was the only state without any tax relief for veterans. Retirees may take advantage of the exemption on the January 2025 returns.
Ramos’s new law, AB 440, builds on his previous efforts to improve mental health care services and access to care in California. In 2020, his AB 2112 established the Office of Suicide Prevention as the state’s lead agency for coordinating and streamlining suicide prevention efforts and resources.
Ramos stated, “California must do more to confront the great tragedy of suicide in our communities. Suicide strikes every community, every age group. Sadly, it is the third leading cause of death for persons 10 to 24 years of age, and the second leading cause of death among Native American youth 10 to 20 years of age. Individuals in distress often need just a pause to reconsider actions that can lead to irreversible harm to themselves and loved ones. Barriers on bridges and other interventions can create that pause and prevent tragedies. ”
Physical barriers are effective at reducing suicides by those jumping from high-risk areas, according to the Journal of Preventative Medicine. A Senate Health Committee analysis reported that a net installed as a physical deterrent on the Golden Gate Bridge reduced the number of suicides.
“Gov. Newsom’s signature on AB 440 is an important statement of California’s commitment to preventing suicide,” shared Didi Hirsch CEO Lyn Morris. “Making our roads and bridges safer for people in crisis is a meaningful action that will prevent lives from being lost and families [from being] shattered; this bill also shows that with collaboration and dedication, California can take on even greater leadership in suicide prevention. We are grateful for Assemblymember Ramos’ commitment to bringing these resources to California communities.” Didi Hirsch is a sponsor of the bill.
Supporters include the Bridge Rail Association, California Alliance of Child and Family Services, California Association of Social Rehabilitation Agencies, California Hospital Association, California Police Chiefs Association, County Behavioral Health Directors, California State Association of Psychiatrists, Children Now, National Alliance on Mental Illness/California, County of San Bernardino, City of Rancho Cucamonga, United Domestic Workers/AFSCME Local 3930, Wayfinder Family Services, Hillsides Pasadena, Helpline Youth Counseling, and Sycamores.
Also signed today were AB 385, to expand public parkland in San Bernardino County, and AB 359 that would allow the city of San Bernardino and other local agencies to continue receiving advice, implementation and enforcement of local campaign finance or government ethics law from the Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC). The FPPC’s role in providing those services was set to sunset or end Jan. 1, 2026.
AB 385 addresses longstanding restrictions on a 4.2-acre portion of Glen Helen Regional Park purchased decades ago with state grant funds. Under current law, San Bernardino County could not repurpose or exchange the parcels without legislative approval. The new law authorizes the county to dispose of the restricted land, provided it is replaced with new parkland of equal or greater size and recreational value.
“My bill grants state authorization for the county to move forward with a major project to enhance the region’s quality of life and boost the local economy,” Ramos said. “The proposed multiuse project will bring new amenities, including expanded recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. This is an important local-state collaboration that I welcome.”
County Board of Supervisors Chairman Dawn Rowe emphasized the county’s focus on ensuring the replacement property benefits residents.
“Glen Helen Regional Park is a cherished destination, but some of its acreage is isolated from the rest of the park by steep terrain and a major arterial road,” Rowe said. “With AB 385, San Bernardino County can provide new, accessible parkland in underserved areas while advancing a mixed-use development that brings jobs and economic vitality to the region. This is a win-win for our residents.”
Supervisor Joe Baca Jr. added, “This legislation puts our residents first.” He continued, “AB 385 ensures that families will always have safe, accessible, and high-quality park space to enjoy. I want to thank Assemblymember James Ramos for his leadership and partnership in making sure our residents are at the center of this effort. Last October, one of our local papers wrote the Assemblymember was the most productive Inland Empire legislator in the Assembly or Senate. He’s still living up to that reputation.”
The county noted AB 385 strikes a balance between community investment and preservation of open space. The replacement property will expand recreational opportunities for families, ensuring that future generations can enjoy safe and accessible outdoor spaces close to home.
AB 385 takes effect Jan. 1, 2026.
AB 359 allows the FPPC to permanently continue contracting for services with local governments and agencies after the end of the year. It was sponsored by the FPPC. Other supporters included California Common Cause, California Special Districts Association, city of San Bernardino and the League of Women Voters of California.
FPPC Chair Adam E. Silver said, "We are deeply grateful to Assemblymember Ramos for his leadership in ensuring the FPPC can continue supporting local government agencies under the Political Reform Act. This law allows the commission to continue its mission of impartially and effectively administering, implementing, and enforcing local campaign finance and ethics laws by supporting every jurisdiction that reaches out for assistance. Every community in California deserves fair and consistent protections, and this partnership helps us uphold that promise.”
City of San Bernardino Mayor Helen Tran stated, “I thank Assemblymember Ramos for his leadership on AB 359 and Governor Newsom for signing it into law. This measure ensures San Bernardino and other cities can continue relying on the FPPC to safeguard transparency and accountability in local government.”
###
Assemblymember James C. Ramos proudly represents the 45th Assembly district that includes the Cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the Legislature. Ramos chairs Assembly Budget Subcommittee #6 on Public Safety and the Assembly Select Committee on Native American Affairs.