2026 Priority Legislative Agenda
Black Women Organized for Political Action California (BWOPA-CA) supports legislation that advances equity, opportunity, and justice for Black communities across California and the nation. These priority measures align with BWOPA-CA's core policy pillars: Health, Education, Criminal Justice Reform, Economic Security, and Civic Engagement.
HEALTH
Federal
S.721 – The Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Act
Authors: Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) & Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
This bipartisan legislation would allow state Medicaid programs to establish comprehensive, coordinated care models for individuals living with sickle cell disease, improving access to specialty care, care coordination, and long-term health outcomes.
BWOPA Message:
Every person living with sickle cell disease deserves coordinated, high-quality care. Comprehensive care saves lives and reduces health disparities.
California
SB 987 (Weber Pierson)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Reinvests state savings to help offset reductions in federal healthcare funding and preserve access to care for Californians.
BWOPA Message:
Continuity of care shouldn't depend on Washington.
EDUCATION
AB 1871 (Fong)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Removes unnecessary administrative barriers that prevent students from participating in College and Career Access Pathways (CCAP) dual enrollment programs, making it easier for students—especially those traditionally underrepresented in higher education—to earn college credit while still in high school.
BWOPA Message:
The rules shouldn't be harder for students who need them most.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
AB 2350 (McKinnor)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Protects renters from predatory "rent now, pay later" financing products that can trap families in long-term debt.
BWOPA Message:
Staying housed shouldn't mean taking on confusing debt.
AB 2599 (Bryan)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Requires greater corporate transparency regarding historical wealth-building practices and public disclosure.
BWOPA Message:
Truth is the prerequisite for repair.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
AB 1537 (Bryan, Carrillo & Ortega)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Limits local participation in federal immigration enforcement to strengthen community trust and improve public safety.
BWOPA Message:
Public safety depends on trust—not fear.
CIVIC ENGAGEMENT & DEMOCRACY
SB 1164 (Cervantes)
BWOPA Position: SUPPORT
Strengthens voting protections and safeguards voter access amid ongoing changes to election law.
BWOPA Message:
Protect access, representation, and voice.
BWOPA Legislative Priorities at a Glance
| Policy Area | Bill | BWOPA Position |
|---|---|---|
| Health | S.721 – Sickle Cell Comprehensive Care Act | SUPPORT |
| Health | SB 987 (Weber Pierson) | SUPPORT |
| Education | AB 1871 (Fong) | SUPPORT |
| Economic Security | AB 2350 (McKinnor) | SUPPORT |
| Economic Security | AB 2599 (Bryan) | SUPPORT |
| Criminal Justice Reform | AB 1537 (Bryan, Carrillo, Ortega) | SUPPORT |
| Civic Engagement | SB 1164 (Cervantes) | SUPPORT |
2025 Legislative Priority Bills
HEALTH
AB 55 (Bonta) – Freedom to Birth Act
This bill eliminates unnecessary licensing barriers for Alternative Birth Centers (ABCs), such as the requirement to be Perinatal Service Providers. These barriers limit access to high-quality maternal healthcare and disproportionately impact Black women and families.
Key Message: Expand access to community-based birthing options and improve maternal health outcomes.
SB 32 (Weber-Pierson) – Health Care Coverage: Timely Access to Care
Requires state agencies to adopt geographic access standards for maternal and infant care services, ensuring timely and equitable care across California.
Key Message: Timely access to care saves lives. No parent should be forced to travel hours to deliver safely.
EDUCATION
AB 7 (Bryan) – College Admissions Preference for Descendants of Enslaved People
Establishes admissions preference for descendants of U.S. chattel slavery at California’s public colleges and universities as part of the state’s reparations strategy.
Key Message: Access to higher education must be part of how we redress the legacy of slavery.
SB 510 (Richardson) – Pupil Instruction: Treatment of African Americans
Mandates inclusive K–12 instruction on the historical treatment of African Americans in California, including slavery, segregation, systemic racism, and state-sanctioned harms.
Key Message: Students deserve a truthful education. Inclusive curriculum is essential for racial equity.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE REFORM
ACA 6 (Wilson) – End Slavery Act
Amends the California Constitution to prohibit involuntary servitude in all forms, removing the current exception for criminal punishment.
Key Message: Slavery has no place in California’s Constitution—no exceptions, no loopholes.
ECONOMIC SECURITY
AB 57 (McKinnor) – Home Purchase Assistance for Descendants of Enslaved People
Allocates at least 10% of homebuyer assistance funds to support descendants of U.S. chattel slavery in closing the racial wealth and homeownership gap.
Key Message: Black homeownership is key to economic justice. This bill turns words into wealth-building action.
AB 801 (Bonta) – California Community Reinvestment Act
Expands reinvestment obligations to include modern lenders such as fintech firms, mortgage companies, and credit unions.
Key Message: Modern lenders must reinvest where they profit. It’s time to close the racial wealth gap.
AB 801 SUPPORT LETTER