John Laird
- Assembly: 2002-2008
- Senate: 2020-present
Bio
John Laird, 76, was a member of former Gov. Jerry Brown’s cabinet, a city council member and a member of the Assembly. Laird was Brown’s secretary of the California Natural Resources Agency. Prior to his appointment, he served three terms in the Assembly and several years on the Santa Cruz City Council, where was one of the country’s first openly-gay mayors. Laird was executive director of the Santa Cruz AIDS Project, taught environmental policy at the University of California Santa Cruz, hosted a talk radio show and was an analyst for Santa Cruz County. Laird and his spouse live in Santa Cruz.
Leader Badges
Ideology
Bill Activity
For this session year, this legislator initiated 47 bills: 35 passed, 2 failed, and 10 are currently pending.
Alignment Meter
See all-time percentage of this legislator’s alignment with any organization based on total votes.
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Influence
There are three categories of donations to legislators after they are elected that encourage a working relationship between the donor and the legislator. The three categories are: 1-Gifts, 2-Travel, 3-Behests.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Don Ernst | $350 | Nov 22, 2021 | 3 bottles of wine |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 - Haley & Company | $158.2 | May 24, 2021 | member dinner |
| Rivas for Assembly 2022 | $151.74 | Oct 4, 2021 | dinner |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 - Haley & Company | $92.79 | May 11, 2021 | member dinner |
| Adam Gray for Assembly 2020 | $91.5 | Feb 24, 2021 | gift basket |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 - Haley & Company | $80.71 | Feb 23, 2021 | senate jacket |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 - Haley & Company | $45 | Mar 3, 2021 | champagne |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 - Haley & Company | $45 | Apr 13, 2021 | campagne |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 31st highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Democratic Party | $142.83 | Mar 16, 2022 | Food & Beverages |
| California Democratic Party | $133.48 | Mar 15, 2022 | Food & Beverages |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $130.97 | Jun 15, 2022 | Dinner |
| Toni Atkins for Lt. Governor 2026 | $118.45 | Nov 6, 2022 | Dinner |
| Brandon Hernandez | $116 | Apr 5, 2022 | Dinner |
| Winegrowers of Napa County | $114.65 | Aug 17, 2022 | Dinner |
| Consulate General of Canada in San Francisco | $110 | Jul 11, 2022 | Dinner |
| Visit Napa Valley | $102.5 | Aug 17, 2022 | Gift Bag/Transportation |
| Monterey Bay Central Labor Council | $100 | May 16, 2022 | Dinner |
| Napa Valley Vintners | $100 | Aug 17, 2022 | Rec/Transportation |
| Brandon Hernandez | $95 | Mar 14, 2022 | Dinner |
| The Sierra Fund | $91.48 | Apr 6, 2022 | Food & Beverage |
| Reed & Davidson, LLP. | $90 | Mar 22, 2022 | Food & Beverages |
| Barona Band of Mission Indians | $57 | Apr 22, 2022 | Lunch |
| CA Legislative LGBT Foundation | $55.52 | Mar 7, 2022 | Dinner |
| CA Legislative LGBT Foundation | $19.54 | Jun 20, 2022 | Pride Gift Bag |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $19.15 | Dec 4, 2022 | notebook |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $17.48 | May 11, 2022 | Wine |
| CA Legislative LGBT Foundation | $11.46 | Dec 5, 2022 | LGBTQ Welcome Rec |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 38th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $329.15 | Nov 20, 2023 | Flowers |
| California International Relations Foundation | $254.4 | May 16, 2023 | dinner |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $210.8 | May 19, 2023 | Jacket |
| League of California Cities | $200.68 | Jan 18, 2023 | dinner |
| San Francisco Giants | $200 | Jun 10, 2023 | game tickets |
| Hope Family Wines | $178 | Nov 17, 2023 | 6 bottles of wine |
| Visit California | $175 | Mar 7, 2023 | dinner |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $168.39 | Jun 5, 2023 | PRIDE Rec/Dinner |
| Palmaz Vineyards | $165 | Aug 15, 2023 | dinner |
| Monterey Bay Aquarium Foundation | $150.44 | Apr 11, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $136.63 | Apr 18, 2023 | jacket |
| Resources Legacy Fund | $129.37 | Feb 1, 2023 | dinner |
| Mightycomm | $125 | Mar 27, 2023 | dinner |
| Bernardo Riojas Achutegui | $119.3 | Jul 20, 2023 | reception |
| Speaker 2023 Inaugural Fund | $109.86 | Jun 29, 2023 | reception |
| California Democratic Party | $101.42 | Feb 7, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Speaker 2023 Inaugural Fund | $97.14 | Jun 30, 2023 | Ceremonial Reception |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $91.25 | Feb 7, 2023 | jacket |
| Governor of Oaxaca Salomon Jara Cruz | $90 | Jul 17, 2023 | lunch and gifts |
| California Democratic Party | $82.72 | Jan 24, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| California Environmental Voters | $77.8 | Feb 15, 2023 | dinner |
| CA State Protocol Foundation | $77.57 | Mar 15, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Mike McGuire for Insurance Commissioner 2026 | $75.35 | Nov 16, 2023 | flowers |
| California Chamber of Commerce | $72.91 | May 1, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| The Institute for College Access & Success | $71.34 | Mar 6, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Reed & Davidson | $70.92 | Feb 22, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Fuerza Migrante | $70 | Jul 16, 2023 | dinner |
| Transitions Mental Health Association Growing Grounds | $69.95 | Nov 30, 2023 | 5 Poinsettia Plants |
| CA State Protocol Foundation | $66.82 | Mar 21, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Visit Napa Valley | $66.48 | Aug 15, 2023 | transportation |
| Ag Land Trust | $65 | Mar 4, 2023 | dinner |
| Barona Band Of Mission Indians | $62 | Feb 21, 2023 | dinner |
| California Democratic Party | $48.74 | Feb 8, 2023 | Food & Beverage |
| Speaker 2023 Inaugural Fund | $44.6 | Jun 30, 2023 | Breakfast Reception |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $32.64 | Jul 20, 2023 | meal at tablevine |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $27 | Jan 10, 2023 | Event Ticket |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $21.82 | Apr 12, 2023 | Beanie & Hat |
| Re-Elect Senator Atkins 2020 | $4.09 | Mar 20, 2023 | candy |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $3.05 | Jun 5, 2023 | PRIDE Gifts |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 16th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Bill Dodd for Lieutenant Governor | $336.1 | Dec 1, 2024 | Dinner |
| California Democratic Party | $139.52 | Feb 27, 2024 | Food, Beverage & Entertainment |
| California International Relations Foundation | $131.38 | Aug 12, 2024 | Reception |
| Antinori Napa Valley | $125 | Aug 6, 2024 | Drinks & Appetizers |
| Visit Napa Valley | $110.51 | Aug 6, 2024 | Transportation |
| Wine Institute of California | $103 | Aug 26, 2024 | Dinner & Entertainment |
| Wine Institute of California | $78.57 | Mar 11, 2024 | Dinner |
| Hall Wines | $75 | Aug 6, 2024 | Reception |
| Masaji Matsuyama Member, House of Councillors | $73 | Mar 25, 2024 | Lunch |
| Hirofumi Ichisaka | $65 | Mar 27, 2024 | Dinner |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | $64 | Mar 25, 2024 | Dinner |
| Equality California | $61.42 | Mar 11, 2024 | Plant |
| Daikin Industries, LTD. | $59 | Mar 28, 2024 | Dinner |
| Mike McGuire for State Senate 2022 | $58 | Feb 28, 2024 | Engraved Stanley Tumbler |
| Keidanren, Japan Business Foundation | $53 | Mar 26, 2024 | Dinner |
| Quebec Ministry of International Relations and La Francophonie Edifice Hector-Fabre | $47.66 | Jul 8, 2024 | Lunch |
| California Democratic Party | $38.4 | Feb 28, 2024 | Food & Beverage |
| Ministry of Foreign Affairs | $33 | Mar 26, 2024 | Lunch |
| *CDPQ ( Caisse de depot et placement du Quebec) | $31.9 | Jul 10, 2024 | Dinner |
| Canada Pension Plan Investment Board | $31.9 | Jul 10, 2024 | Dinner |
| Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan | $31.9 | Jul 10, 2024 | Dinner |
| *PSP Investments (Public Sector Pension) | $31.9 | Jul 10, 2024 | Dinner |
| California Democratic Party | $25.66 | Apr 9, 2024 | Food & Beverage |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $19.56 | Aug 12, 2024 | Framed Caucus Photo |
| Daikin Industries, LTD. | $13 | Mar 27, 2024 | Lunch |
| Visit Napa Valley | $9.56 | Aug 6, 2024 | Gift Bag |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $8.3 | Feb 12, 2024 | Pins |
Gifts
Legislators are not allowed to accept gifts of more than $10 per month from registered lobbyists. Gifts from any other single source are limited to $590 in a calendar year.
Gift Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 56th highest for the amount of personal gifts received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $1,067.91 | Dec 8, 2021 | |
| CA Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $596.13 | Apr 22, 2021 | |
| Consumer Attorneys of California | $420.34 | Nov 20, 2021 | |
| Ocean Winds North America | $159.65 | Nov 10, 2021 | |
| Principle Power | $159.65 | Nov 10, 2021 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 34th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CA Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $14,996.57 | Apr 8, 2022 | |
| The Climate Registry | $5,000 | Nov 10, 2022 | |
| CalCEF Innovations | $694 | Aug 4, 2022 | |
| Energy Foundation | $501.84 | Jul 27, 2022 |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 15th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California Foundation on the Environment and the Economy | $1,002.42 | Feb 8, 2024 | Napa, CA: Lodging/meals during Energy Policy Roundtable Discussion |
| California Central Coast Legislative Caucus Foundation | $915.45 | May 30, 2024 | Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA: Lodging/meals during Legislative Policy Discussion |
| League of California Community Foundations | $889.67 | Jan 18, 2024 | Carmel Valley, CA: Lodging/meals during Legislative Policy Discussion |
| Asian and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Foundation | $491.72 | Jan 4, 2024 | Sausalito, CA: Lodging/meals during Bay Area Caucus Summit |
| California Environmental Voters | $483.68 | Apr 11, 2024 | Berkeley, CA: Lodging/meals for Climate Roundtable Summit |
| California Legislative LGBT Foundation | $246.19 | Oct 11, 2024 | Salinas, CA: Lodging/meals for Salinas Valley Rural Tour |
| California Apartment Association | $160.86 | Jan 4, 2024 | Sausalito, CA: Lodging/meals during Bay Area Caucus Summit |
| Republic Services | $160.86 | Jan 4, 2024 | Sausalito, CA: Lodging/meals during Bay Area Caucus Summit |
| United Food and Commercial Workers Western States Council | $160.86 | Jan 4, 2024 | Sausalito, CA: Lodging/meals during Bay Area Caucus Summit |
Sponsored Travel
Legislators are allowed to have their expenses paid for domestic and international travel that is related to their work including, for example, trips to conferences or to tour places facing issues similar to California. There is no limit on the amount of travel expenses a legislator can accept. The trips are often funded by companies or organizations with interest in state policy.
Travel Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 60th highest for the amount of sponsored travel received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Nation | $10,000 | Aug 12, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
| Arc Strategies, LLC | $5,000 | Aug 3, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
| HP, Inc. | $5,000 | Aug 21, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
| California Apartment Association | $5,000 | Aug 31, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
| Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California | $5,000 | Sep 1, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
| Unearth Campaigns | $5,000 | Oct 19, 2021 | Charitable donation to organization that works to advance civil rights and social justice. |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 25th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| Spectrum | $8,000 | Feb 25, 2022 | Digitial Education Grant from Spectrum |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 41st highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California LGBTQ Foundation | $5,000 | Sep 24, 2023 | LGBTQ Caucus Foundation Student Scholarship |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 67th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California LGBTQ Foundation | $5,000 | Oct 3, 2024 | LGBTQ Caucus Foundation Student Scholarship |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 67th highest for the amount of behests received.
|
Giver
|
Value
|
Date
|
Description
|
|---|---|---|---|
| California LGBTQ Foundation | $5,000 | Aug 22, 2025 | Scholarship |
| California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation | $3,000 | Jul 21, 2025 | Scholarship |
| California Legislative Central Coast Caucus Foundation | $3,000 | Jul 21, 2025 | Scholarship |
Behests
These are unlimited payments made “at the behest” — or request — of a legislator to a third party. The behest might involve, for example, a legislator requesting a donation be made to a school district or a job fair. Behests must be reported if they exceed $5,000 from a single source in a year.
Behests Received Rating
This legislator is ranked 78th highest for the amount of behests received.
Featured Comments
Below are links to the video and transcript of recent, substantive comments by this legislator in committee hearings or floor sessions.
The maps and information about this district reflect the boundaries when this Senator was last elected in 2020. Since then legislative districts have been redrawn according to the latest US Census. This district will change after the 2024 election.
Previous Election (2024):