Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh (R-Rancho Cucamonga) has introduced Senate Bill 336 to ensure local communities are aware of any changes to the state or local public health orders by requiring them to be posted to relevant websites and shared with local organizations at least 72 hours before changes go into effect.
“We must keep the lines of communication constantly open and inform our local communities of all changing public health orders with enough time for them to readjust their lives,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “Changes are happening from one day to the next and taking effect immediately. This is leaving already struggling employers scrambling to review and comply with orders that may require significant changes to their operations.”
Current law authorizes California’s Department of Public Health (CDPH) to take necessary measures to study and prevent the spread of a communicable disease. Existing law also requires local health officers to take similar steps to prevent the spread of the disease. Under existing law, these measures can be made effective immediately and have the force of law.
SB 336 would require that CDPH publish new COVID-19 measures at least 72 hours on its website before taking effect. CDPH would also be required to contact local organizations to ensure that all parts of our communities, their residents, and employers are aware of all new measures and are promptly prepared to make the required changes.
“Supporting our local communities during this pandemic is one of my main priorities,” said Senator Ochoa Bogh. “That is why it is important to start building a strong line of communication and trust between our government and communities. SB 336 will provide a needed reliable structure for communicating all new public health orders to community members and businesses constantly caught in between swinging doors.”
SB 336 would take effect immediately upon approval by the Legislature and the Governor and will only remain in effect for the duration of this current public health crisis as caused by COVID-19.