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Gov. Newsom Signs Two Bills Authored by Black Caucus Members 

October 7, 2025

Governor Gavin Newsom signed two bills authored by California Legislative Black Caucus members Senator Akilah Weber Pierson and Senator Lola Smallwood-Cuevas on October 1. Weber Pierson's SB 39 extends California's ban on boric acid in cosmetics from 2027 to 2035, requiring warning labels on vaginal suppositories while allowing continued access if FDA-regulated. Smallwood-Cuevas's SB 303, the Public Workplace Bias Mitigation and Employee Protection Act, strengthens workplace discrimination protections by keeping employee participation in anti-discrimination training confidential and inadmissible in civil court proceedings.

Who is affected

  • Women who use boric acid vaginal suppositories
  • Consumers of cosmetic products containing boric acid
  • State and local government employees
  • Manufacturers and sellers of cosmetic products containing boric acid
  • Companies like pH-D Feminine Health that create wellness products for women
  • Formerly incarcerated individuals (mentioned in related SB 75)

What action is being taken

  • Governor Newsom is signing two bills from California Legislative Black Caucus members
  • California is extending its ban on boric acid in cosmetics from 2027 to 2035
  • Warning labels are being required on boric acid vaginal suppositories, specifically focusing on pregnancy risks
  • State and local agencies are being enabled to engage in anti-discrimination programs while keeping employees' participation confidential
  • Senator Smallwood-Cuevas is pursuing a broader bill package to advance equity and strengthen worker protections

Why it matters

  • The boric acid extension allows continued access to these products when regulated by the FDA
  • Boric acid is found in more than 500 products sold in the United States
  • The confidentiality provisions in SB 303 aim to foster more open and honest participation in anti-discrimination training
  • These policies impact women's access to cosmetic and health products
  • The legislation creates more inclusive and equitable workplaces
  • The bills contribute to "leveling the playing field" for working families

What's next

  • No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint

Gov. Newsom Signs Two Bills Authored by Black Caucus Members