Chamber Hosts Report from the Capitol with Senator Shannon Grove
The Greater Bakersfield Chamber welcomed Senator Shannon Grove to the 2026 Report from the Capitol, presented by California Resources Corporation. This members-only event offers local business and community leaders an exclusive opportunity to hear directly from Sacramento on the federal issues shaping Kern County and the Central Valley.
This year’s program, themed “Leading Today, Protecting Tomorrow,” gave our members the opportunity to hear directly from Senator Grove about the 2026 legislative session, the issues affecting our regional economy and employers, and what our community should be watching as we look toward 2027.
In her presentation, Senator Grove touched on legislation impacting the community, including the following:
- Child safety – Senator Grove and celebrity advocate Paris Hilton recently celebrated the signing of SB 1190, known as the Safe Passage for Youth Act. Senator Grove and Hilton have worked on this project for the past three years with the goal of protecting vulnerable youth. Sponsored by Hilton’s nonprofit, 11:11 Media Impact, SB 1190 brings more accountability to California’s youth transportation industry by requiring permits, background checks, and a ban on harmful practices. Additionally, when asked what the proudest moment of her career is, Senator Grove cites the passing of SB 14. This classifies human trafficking of a minor as a serious felony in California, making those who commit the crime punishable with harsh prison sentences.
- Drilling permits – Under SB 237, Kern County can approve up to 2,000 new well drilling permits per year for the next 10 years. This strengthens Kern County’s position as the Energy Capital of California and addresses the decline in domestic oil production.
- Veteran support – SB 892 clarifies an existing bill that requires public universities to give priority registration to veterans. Previously, veterans had to register within 15 years of leaving active duty, but SB 892 removes that limitation and allows for ongoing access to priority registration.
“We are grateful to Senator Grove for her legacy of leadership advocating for farmers, families, veterans, and school safety in our business community,” said Greater Bakersfield Chamber President and CEO Janelle Capra.
Report from the Capitol was made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsor California Resources Corporation, Co-sponsor Chevron, and other contributing sponsors: Hey Salty, Hydrostor, Bakersfield Association of Realtors, and Valley Strong Credit Union.
Thank you to our members who attended this luncheon. To learn more about the Chamber’s advocacy and programs, visit bakochamber.com.
