Today, Senator Suzette Martinez Valladares (R-Santa Clarita) announced her public safety legislative package aimed at strengthening protections for crime victims, improving efforts to combat human trafficking, and cracking down on illegal dumping across California.
“Public safety means protecting our state’s most vulnerable, holding offenders accountable, and ensuring our communities are safe and clean,” said Sen Valladares. “This package aims to address some of the most pressing public safety challenges facing our communities.”
Combating Human Trafficking
Senate Bill 1022, the California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking (MAST) Act, establishes a statewide task force to evaluate and improve collaboration between government agencies and non-profit organizations serving human trafficking victims.
The task force will bring together experts, service providers, and state officials to identify best practices, close gaps in services, and strengthen California’s response to trafficking. The task force will report findings and recommendations to the Governor, the Attorney General, the Legislature, and the Office of Emergency Services.
“Human trafficking is an evil, complex and evolving crime that demands a coordinated response,” said Sen Valladares. “This bill ensures we have an all-hands-on-deck approach to better protect trafficking victims and hold traffickers accountable.”
Strengthening Long-Term Protections for Crime Victims
Senate Bill 1395, known as Kayleigh’s Law, allows judges to issue lifetime protective orders at sentencing for individuals convicted of serious or violent felonies, or felony sex offenses against a minor.
Under current law, victims must repeatedly return to court to renew protective orders, often forcing them to relive traumatic experiences. Kayleigh’s Law provides courts with the discretion to issue long-term protections, while allowing orders to be modified or lifted under specific circumstances.
The bill is named after survivor and advocate Kayleigh Kozak, who has been forced to face her abuser in court for more than a decade after her case had been closed. Kayleigh’s Law is co-sponsored by The California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.
“No survivor should have to repeatedly confront their abuser just to maintain the most basic protections,” said Sen Valladares. “Kayleigh’s Law puts the rights of victims before perpetrators, and will provide stability, safety, and peace of mind to crime victims who have already endured so much.”
Cracking Down on Illegal Dumping
Senate Bill 1230 brings accountability to the crime of illegal dumping by increasing penalties for repeat offenders and improving coordination between state and local agencies.
The legislation updates outdated fine structures that have not kept pace with the true cost of cleanup and environmental damage, helping to deter chronic violators. It also designates the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) as the state’s lead resource hub, providing cities and counties with centralized access to enforcement tools, funding opportunities, and best practices.
Illegal dumping continues to pose serious environmental, public health, and fiscal challenges, particularly in rural and underserved communities where enforcement resources are limited.
“Illegal dumping harms our environment, threatens public health, and drains local resources,” said Sen Valladares. “This bill gives communities the tools they need to hold offenders accountable and keep neighborhoods clean.”
Together, the three bills reflect a balanced approach to public safety, victim support, better statewide coordination, and bringing better quality-of-life to communities across California.
“This package is about delivering real solutions,” Sen Valladares added. “From protecting survivors of violence and trafficking to addressing illegal dumping in our communities, these bills are focused on making California safer for everyone.”