FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

June 9, 2025

Contact: Chris Jonsmyr

(619) 800-2080

Chris.jonsmyr@asm.ca.gov

Assembly Bill 655 Passes Senate Committee with Strong Support for Increased Border Representation

SACRAMENTO, CA — Assembly Bill 655 by Assemblymember David Alvarez (D-San Diego) passed the Senate Business, Professions, and Economic Development Committee today, advancing a proposal to expand representation on the California-Mexico Border Relations Council to include a State Senator and State Assemblymember from a border district.

Currently composed of state agency leaders, the CA-MX Border Relations Council coordinates cross-border policy efforts on issues ranging from trade and environmental protection to emergency management. AB 655 aims to bring local voices to the table by adding legislative members who represent California’s border communities— vital regions to the state's economic and cultural relationship with Mexico.

“AB 655 ensures that border communities have a voice in cross-border policymaking. This is pertinent, because they are critical to California’s economic and cultural ties with Mexico,” said Assemblymember Alvarez. “By including a State Senator and a State Assemblymember from a border district, the California Mexico Border Relations Council will gain firsthand knowledge of regional needs, improving the effectiveness and equity of its decisions which will help create policies that are not only informed by but also beneficial to the diverse communities that make up California’s border region.”

Border communities represent nearly 3 million Californians and represent $33.5 billion in annual cross-border trade between California and Mexico. AB 655 has received support from the City of San Diego, the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, and other regional leaders who have highlighted the need for a more locally informed governance.

AB 655 now moves to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

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