Yesterday, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 338 (Hueso) the California Senior Disability and Justice Act into law. The press release announcing the signing of the bill into law signaled a major accomplishment for Stephanie Chavez and Spencer Saks. SB 338 was the bill that Stephanie and Spencer worked on while in the Legislative and Public Policy Clinic at McGeorge School of Law. After a year of hard work, collaborating closely with the office of Senator Ben Hueso and Arc of California, Spencer and Stephanie have a new law to show for their efforts.

“This was definitely a team effort,” said Spencer Saks after learning SB 338 had become law, “I’m excited to know that our work could help elderly and disabled Californians have access to the justice they deserve.”

Not only did the bill become law, but it navigated its way through the California Legislature without receiving a single no vote.

According to the Senate Floor Analysis of the legislation, SB 338 “establishes the “Senior and Disability Justice Act” which requires a local law enforcement agency that adopts or amends its policy regarding senior and disability victimization after April 13, 2021, to include information and training on elder and dependent adult abuse as specified.”

The Legislative and Public Policy Clinic at McGeorge School of Law is taught by Elizabeth Fenton and Cathy Christian.