Assembly Speaker pro Tempore Fiona Ma (D-San Francisco and San Mateo counties) was honored by the American Red Cross as the Legislator of the Year. The Assemblywoman was recognized for her work to increase public safety and health access, and for embodying the mission of the American Red Cross which prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

“I am honored to receive this award for AB 300. The signing of AB 300 was a victory for public health as it represented a decade of collaboration between local health officers, consumers, and members of the tattoo and piercing industry,” said Assemblywoman Ma. “This bill also helped eliminate unsafe practices at tattoo parlors that can transmit diseases like HIV and Hepatitis.”

AB 300, known as The Safe Body Art Act, created comprehensive statewide standards for tattooing, body piercing and the application of permanent cosmetics in California. Assemblywoman Ma introduced AB 300 in response to a growing concern over the lack of standards for tattooing and piercing and its effects on public health. It received wide bi-partisan support in both the Assembly and Senate.

“Assemblywoman Ma’s efforts to enact the Safe Body Art Act will make tattooing safer and our blood supply safer, to the benefit of those who want to donate blood or who one day may need a lifesaving blood transfusion,” said Christy Woods, Director of Preparedness and Government Relations for the American Red Cross, Capital Region Chapter. “We are very proud to have legislators like Assemblywoman Ma and Senator Huff, working on legislation that protects health and promotes safe practices in our communities.”