Kevin Shelley Papers, 1997-2002

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Summary

Creators:
Kevin Shelley, California Legislator
Abstract:
The Kevin Shelley Papers consist of 8 cubic feet of textual records. The records are organized into two record series: Bill Files, 1997-2002; and Subject Files, 2001.
Extent:
8 cubic feet
Language:
Languages represented in the collection: English

Background

Scope and content:

The Kevin Shelley papers consist of two record series: Assembly Bill Files, 1997-2002, and Subject Files, 2001. The Bill Files document his legislative activity during his term as a member of the California State Legislature. The bills introduced by Kevin Shelley include a wide array of subjects. He authored bills concerning such subjects as, education, health care reform, environmental issues, elderly care, firearm regulation, red light violations, homeowner protection, protecting coastal waters, and domestic violence enforcement.

Biographical / historical:

Kevin Shelley, Democrat, was a State Assembly Member from 1996 to 2002. His 12th District included half of San Francisco and San Mateo County.

Shelley was born on November 16, 1955 in Washington, D.C. He attended University of California, Davis where he attained a bachelor's degree in Political Science in 1978; in 1983 he earned his law degree from UC Hastings College of the Law. He began his political career as a congressional aide in the late 1970s and 1980s. He went on to win a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1990 and became the board president in 1994. Shelley also served on the boards of the California Abortion Rights Action League and United Irish Cultural Societies.

Shelley was elected to the State Assembly in 1996. He quickly obtained Assembly leadership positions, first as the Democratic Caucus Chair, and later as the Majority Leader. Shelley's legislative interests include: education, health care reform, environmental issues, elderly care, red light violations, homeowner protection, protecting coastal waters, and domestic violence enforcement. He authored many bills for nursing home reform and elderly care, such as, the Nursing Home Reform Act, AB1160 (1999-2000). In the 1999-2000 session, he also authored the Healthy Schools Act, AB2260, which required schools to notify families of pesticide usage. He also authored bills to protect pedestrians and increase fines for traffic violations; AB2522 (1999-2000), the Pedestrian Safety Act, and AB1191 (1997-1998, 1999-2000), which increased fines for running red lights and stop signs. Shelley reached his term limit in 2002; after terming out of the Assembly he was elected California's Secretary of State in 2002 and served until his resignation in 2005.

Chronology

1955: Born in Washington D.C.

1978: B.A., Political Science, University of California, Davis

1983: J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law

1988: Admitted to State Bar of California

1990: Elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors

1991-1996: Served as Supervisor for the 2nd District

1996: Elected to California State Assembly

1997: Began term in the State Assembly representing the 12th District

1997-1998: Democratic Caucus Chair

1998-2002: Leader

2002: Ended service in the State Assembly

2002: Elected to the Office of Secretary of State

2003-2005: Served as California Secretary of State

Acquisition information:
California State Archives acquired the Kevin Shelley papers in a series of two transfers, beginning in 2005 (Accession Numbers: 2005-053 and 2005-083).
Accruals:

No further accruals are expected.

Physical location:
California State Archives
Rules or conventions:
Finding aid prepared using Describing Archives: a Content Standard

Access and use

Location of this collection:
1020 "O" Street
Sacramento, CA 95814, US
Contact:
(916) 653-2246
reference@sos.ca.gov
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