California Assembly Public Safety Committee Starts Year With New Leader, Fresh Faces

The new chair replaced all Democratic members while the two Republicans retained their positions.

California State Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento) speaks during a news conference in Sacramento, Calif., on April 3, 2018. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

SACRAMENTO, Calif.—Seeking to establish a balance between criminal justice reform and the safety of Californians, a new group of lawmakers comprising the Assembly Public Safety Committee met Jan. 9 for its first hearing of the new Legislative session—ultimately passing a number of bills on to their respective committees.

Six of the eight members were replaced by Assembly Speaker Assemblyman Robert Rivas (D-Hollister) going into the new year, including the chair position now filled by Assemblyman Kevin McCarty (D-Sacramento).