Speaker Rivas Restructures California Assembly: Public Safety Committee Chair, Majority Leader Removed

State Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas advised the Legislature to oust two top-ranking Democrats embroiled in public controversy this year from coveted positions.

California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas speaks on stage at the Los Angeles Equality Awards at The Westin Bonaventure Rooftop in Los Angeles on Oct. 14, 2023. Rich Polk/Getty Images for Equality California

In preparation for the coming legislative session, California Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas advised the Legislature on Nov. 21 about a series of moves and appointments, including the ouster from coveted positions of two top-ranking Democrats embroiled in public controversy this year.

Public outrage ensued after multiple controversial decisions were made this year by the chair of the Public Safety Committee, Assemblyman Reginald Jones-Sawyer (D-Los Angeles), who repeatedly said during committee meetings that proposals increasing penalties for crimes would be mostly rejected.