Introduction
Betsy Butler (born June 14, 1963 in Sacramento, California) is an American politician who served in the California State Assembly. She is a Democrat. Prior to being elected to the State Assembly, she was a board member of Equality California and a fundraiser for the California League of Conservation Voters and the Consumer Attorneys of California.
Political career
Butler was elected to the California State Assembly in 2010 to what was then the 53rd Assembly District.
Under the 2011 redistricting lines, the 53rd Assembly District changed significantly and Butler announced she would run for re-election in 2011 for the new open 50th Assembly District which includes Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Malibu and Beverly Hills. She narrowly lost reelection to Richard Bloom.
Legislative measures
She is a sponsor of the Toxin-Free Infants and Toddler Act (AB 1319) which bans the use of Bisphenol-A (BPA) in baby bottles and sippy cups.
Banning toxic chemicals
Authored by Butler, and signed into law by Governor Brown, AB 1319 – The Toxin-Free Infants and Toddlers Act — will prohibit the manufacture, sale or distribution of baby bottles and sippy cups that contain the harmful chemical Bisphenol-A (BPA).
Issues relating to senior citizens
Butler has also authored, and had signed into law, bills to protect the elderly against identity theft (AB 332) and to allow seniors and dependent adults to publicly speak out against their abusers (AB 2149).
Veteran issues
During her term in the Assembly, Butler was named the 2011 Legislator of the Year by the Vietnam Veterans of America and the 2012 Legislator of the Year by the American Veterans (AMVETS) (AB 2371, AB 2490 and AB 1940.
Consumer protection
Governor Brown also signed legislation protecting consumers from fraudulent businesses (AB 2118) and green growth legislation designed to increase the use of electric and hybrid vehicles (AB 475).
Worker safety
In 2012 Butler introduced AB 2346, The Farm Worker Safety Act, to safeguard California farmworkers from abusive work conditions and ensure shade and water is readily available. The measure was vetoed by the governor.
Environmental
Butler introduced AB 972 to place a moratorium on hydraulic fracking.