Back in the District

The 2026 legislative session has concluded and I look forward to spending more time in the district to engage with residents, attend the many wonderful local autumn events and hear from constituents about their concerns.

While back in the district, I will be hosting a series of local events and office hours in the coming weeks and months. To stay informed about my community events, check my website periodically and watch out for emails and other communications from my office.

It has been a very busy legislative session and I am proud that nine of my bills have reached the Governor's desk. From improving e-bike safety to data center water use transparency to expanding geothermal energy and improved energy transmission planning, we have been hard at work for our district and California as a whole.

The landscape of challenges and issues in our communities and across our state is always changing, and every legislative session offers an opportunity to respond. I am honored to continue to represent you in the State Assembly and help our communities thrive. In this edition, please find the following topics:

• My Bills
• Constituent Survey
• There Ought to be a Law Submission
• In the News
• District Events
• Internships
• California EV Incentives

💰 Securing Critical Funding for San Mateo County – In partnership with San Mateo County's legislative delegation, I secured a total of $76.5 million in Vehicle License Fee (VLF) funding for the County and its 20 cities, protecting critical investments in public safety, libraries, parks, and other local services that residents rely on every day.

💧 Water Transparency from Data Centers – I authored two bills this year to require water use transparency from data center developers at the pre-entitlement stage, when new facilities are considered, and after facilities have been sited. Together, these two bills ensure local decision-makers and water suppliers have complete and consistent information about these facilities. In addition, the bills will ensure data centers cover the full costs associated with serving new or expanded facilities.

• AB 2469
• AB 2619

🚲 New Tools for E-bike Safety in San Mateo County – I authored legislation to establish a countywide pilot program to give our local communities the flexibility to create new safety rules for e-bikes:

• AB 2595

⚡ Advancing Clean Energy – I authored several bills this session to advance a cleaner, more reliable, and more affordable energy future through improved electric grid planning, streamlined geothermal energy development, and opportunities for the deployment of thermal energy networks.

• AB 2111
• AB 2234
• AB 2088

Your voice is important to me, and I want to hear from you. Please take a survey and share your priorities.

Take a Survey

Your Ideas Can Help Shape California's Future

As your Assemblymember, I believe some of the best ideas for improving California come directly from the people who live and work in our communities.

Every day, I hear from residents about the issues that matter most to them—from housing and transportation to climate resilience, public safety, education, and the quality of life in our neighborhoods. I want to bring those ideas with me to Sacramento and turn community priorities into meaningful legislation.

Submit Your Idea by October 26, 2026

Do you have an idea for a new law or a way to improve an existing one? I want to hear it. Your proposal could address a local need, create a statewide reform, change an existing law or establish a new policy.

This opportunity is open to residents of the 21st Assembly District.

Your Idea Could Become California Law

I look forward to hearing your ideas and bringing the best of them to Sacramento.

There Ought to be a Law Program

California Legislature passes data center water bill. Will Newsom veto again?
Sacramento Bee, August 27, 2026

After 2 deaths, San Mateo County e-bike age restriction bill heads to Newsom’s desk
Coastside News, August 24, 2026

Diane Papan’s e-bike safety bill heads to Newsom
San Mateo Daily Journal, August 21, 2026

San Mateo Co: Youth E-Bike Safety Bill For San Mateo County Approved By State Legislature
SFGATE, August 20, 2026

Senate bill, other measures look to solve problematic Bay Area e-bike use
San Jose Mercury News, August 16, 2026

California lawmakers seek more transparency on data center water use
Sacramento Bee, July 15, 2026

This fall, I am hosting a series of events. As these are finalized, please be on the lookout for communications from my office.

Join me for a morning outdoors on a docent-led walk with Midpeninsula Regional Open Space District at Ravenswood Preserve, a beautiful tidal marsh here in our district. This is a great opportunity to enjoy nature, connect with neighbors, and spend time with your elected representative in the State Assembly in an informal setting.

Join me to learn about common scams targeting senior citizens and how to stay vigilant. Expert panelists will include representatives from the Contractors State Licensing Board, California Department of Financial Protection and Innovation, and California Department of Justice.

Calling all middle and high school artists in San Mateo County! Assemblymember Diane Papan and Supervisor Lisa Gauthier are excited to host another year of the student art contest, open to students ages 11-18 who reside or attend school in County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier's District, celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary in our community.

We invite students to submit original, two-dimensional, non-digital works of art that creatively reflect the theme:

Immigration Town Hall

On August 15, I co-hosted an Immigration Forum & Community Resource Fair with my colleague Senator Josh Becker. The event was an opportunity for all community members to learn about recent immigration policy changes and how they affect Medi-Cal, SNAP and other services, and connect with local organizations ready to help. The event also featured a Community Resource Fair and Backpack Giveaway for students and families heading back to school for the upcoming academic year.

I want to thank our many partners, including California Immigrant Policy Center, El Concilio of San Mateo County, Faith in Action Bay Area, Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County, Multicultural Institute, San Mateo County Human Services Agency, and Samaritan House for their contributions and support.

Electric Vehicle Charging for Multifamily Housing

I was pleased to join Westlight Energy in South San Francisco to celebrate the installation of 200 new electric vehicle chargers at Peninsula Pines Apartments. This is the largest multifamily EV charging retrofit in California and the second largest in the nation, bringing convenient, reliable charging directly to residents where they live. Projects like this show how we can expand access to clean transportation, reduce emissions, and make the transition to electric vehicles practical for more Californians.

Recycling Plastic into Innovative Uses

I recently had the opportunity to visit and tour Peninsula Precious Plastics in San Carlos, where I saw firsthand how this innovative local nonprofit is turning plastic waste into durable, useful objects. I was especially impressed by their hands-on work with local high school and college students and community members, integrating STEM, art, and entrepreneurship to promote sustainability. Their work not only raises awareness about the global plastic pollution crisis but also diverts plastics from landfills and empowers our community to explore practical solutions to today’s environmental challenges.

Internships offer students a unique opportunity to participate in and experience the work of a State Assembly District Office. It is an invaluable way of understanding California’s legislative processes as well as an excellent opportunity to build essential career skills while serving your community.

To learn more and to apply, visit our intern page.

District Internship Program

California residents interested in buying or leasing an electric vehicle may be eligible for a significant incentive from the State of California. MyFirstEV offers California residents a point-of-sale incentive for first-time zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) buyers to purchase or lease a new or used ZEV. Incentives can be up to a combined $3,500 for new vehicles ($1,750 each from the state and participating manufacturers) and $1,750 for used vehicles ($875 each).

I look forward to continuing our work together to build a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant California.

Sincerely,

Diane Papan
Assemblymember, 21st District