Folsom Assemblyman Josh Hoover honored by CA Distillers Association.

Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) has been named 2025 Legislator of the Year by the California Distillers Association. The honor comes as a result of his leadership in authoring Assembly Bill 1246, which extended critical privileges for California's small craft distilleries — in an effort to save businesses and jobs across the state. "Assemblymember Hoover's leadership came at a critical moment for California's craft spirits industry," said Cris Steller, a local craft distiller and Executive Director of the California Distillers Association. "His commitment to protecting small businesses and local jobs ensured that hundreds of family-owned distilleries across the state could keep our doors open, employees working, and products reaching consumers." AB 1246, authored by Assemblymember Hoover and sponsored by the California Distillers Association, allows licensed craft distillers to continue direct-to-consumer shipping of distilled spirits and doubles the amount distillers can sell to visitors in their tasting rooms. The bill also ensures compliance with federal commerce standards and expands storage flexibility for brandy aging in collaboration with winemakers. "Small businesses are the backbone of our economy," said Assemblymember Hoover. "I'm honored to receive this recognition from the California Distillers Association, and proud to help sustain local jobs and entrepreneurship in communities across our state." California is home to nearly 200 independent craft distilleries, which contribute to local economies through tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Without AB 1246's timely passage, the legal authority for direct-to-consumer shipping would have expired, dealing a devastating blow to these small producers who often lack access to traditional distribution channels. The legislation passed with overwhelming bipartisan support before being signed into law by the Governor in October.