Southwest California Legislative Council Meeting Recap – August 11, 2025

The Southwest California Legislative Council (SWCLC) convened on August 11, 2025, bringing together business and civic leaders to review pressing legislative issues impacting our region. As the united voice for business in Southwest Riverside County, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce participates in these discussions to ensure that the concerns of local employers are heard at every level of government.

Key Legislative Updates

Senator Kelly Seyarto, who represents California’s 32nd District, provided an in-depth briefing on the status of current legislation as the California Legislature prepares to reconvene from summer recess on August 18. He outlined the challenges of moving bills through the appropriations process, noting the volume of measures under consideration and the budget-driven trade-offs shaping outcomes.

His legislative package addressed issues of particular interest to business and community stability, including veterans’ benefits, infrastructure gap funding, fire prevention, housing policy, public safety, and insurance relief. Several measures were stalled in committee, while others remain active and warrant close monitoring in the weeks ahead. To learn more, click here.

Issues Affecting Business Competitiveness

A significant portion of the discussion focused on California’s economic climate. Participants expressed concern over escalating labor costs, including the impact of the $20/hour minimum wage on small businesses and youth employment. Testimony highlighted the continued outmigration of young professionals due to the state’s high cost of living and limited housing affordability, an issue often referred to as California’s “brain drain.”

Business leaders also discussed the burdens of complex regulations, litigation risks, and energy policy shifts that may further strain employers. For example, upcoming budget trailer bills on oil, gas, and energy policy could influence fuel prices and energy reliability, while CEQA reforms and Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) fee provisions may significantly increase the cost of development.

A particularly urgent issue is the Vehicle Miles Traveled (VMT) provisions contained in AB 130. The Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Southwest California Legislative Council have joined a growing statewide coalition opposing this bill. By adding VMT mitigation obligations to CEQA, AB 130 significantly increases the cost of building or expanding housing, jobs, parks and sports fields, hotels and tourist destinations, as well as research and educational centers. This embrace of VMT as a CEQA impact makes it harder and more expensive to build anything in California, while the flaws in current implementation invite lawsuits that delay or block projects entirely. The VMT provisions of AB 130 should be repealed, and a comprehensive study conducted before the Legislature considers embedding VMT into CEQA.

Legislative Council Advocacy

The SWCLC has taken formal positions on 45 bills this year, with 26 measures still active. The Council continues to collaborate with partner chambers and business associations to advocate for policies that support job growth, economic stability, and regional competitiveness. Click here to view the latest scorecard. 

Looking ahead, the Council will be closely monitoring developments on redistricting, insurance market reform, CEQA/VMT implementation, and energy policy. Members were encouraged to share their business impact stories through the U.S. Chamber’s platform, which helps strengthen advocacy at the state and federal levels.

Why This Matters to Business

The challenges discussed during this meeting, ranging from labor costs and housing affordability to regulatory complexity and energy reliability, directly affect the cost of doing business in our region. By engaging in the legislative process through the SWCLC, the Temecula Valley Chamber of Commerce ensures that the business community’s perspective is represented. Our collective voice is essential to influencing policy in ways that promote growth, safeguard jobs, and sustain a thriving economy.

What's Next

The California Legislature will return to session, with a full agenda expected between August 18-22, 2025. This “jam-packed week” will address redistricting proposals, CEQA reforms, and energy-related legislation. The Chamber will continue to provide timely updates and resources so that our members remain informed and equipped to navigate these developments.

For more information, please visit https://www.southwestca.org/.