Assemblyman Josh Hoover (R-Folsom) has been recognized as the 2025 Legislator of the Year by the California Distillers Association. The honor comes in response to his work on Assembly Bill 1246, which provided new privileges for small craft distilleries in California.
Cris Steller, Executive Director of the California Distillers Association and a local craft distiller, said, “Assemblymember Hoover’s leadership came at a critical moment for California’s craft spirits industry. 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.”
The legislation allows licensed craft distillers to continue shipping distilled spirits directly to consumers and increases the amount they can sell at tasting rooms. It also ensures compliance with federal commerce standards and offers more flexibility for aging brandy in partnership with winemakers.
Hoover commented on receiving the award: “Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. 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 has nearly 200 independent craft distilleries that support local economies through tourism, agriculture, and manufacturing. Before AB 1246 was passed into law in October with bipartisan support, direct-to-consumer shipping rights were set to expire—a move that could have negatively affected many small producers who do not have access to traditional distribution channels.
Hoover represents Assembly District 7, covering Citrus Heights, Folsom, Rancho Cordova, and several unincorporated communities including Carmichael and Fair Oaks.