Byron Sher

Byron D. Sher (born February 7, 1928) is an American Democratic politician. He served in the California State Senate from 1996 to 2004, prior to which, he served in the California State Assembly between 1980 and 1996. Sher was also a longtime professor at Stanford Law School. He served as the California Senate Rules Committee appointee to the Tahoe Regional Planning Agency from 2009 to 2012.[1][2]

For the Oklahoma politician, see Byron D. Shear.
Byron D. Sher
Member of the California State Senate
from the 11th district
In office
March 28, 1996 – December 6, 2004
Preceded byTom Campbell
Succeeded byJoe Simitian
Member of the California State Assembly
from the 21st district
In office
December 1, 1980 – March 28, 1996
Preceded byVictor Calvo
Succeeded byTed Lempert
Personal details
Born (1928-02-07) February 7, 1928
St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.
Political partyDemocratic
SpouseLinda B. Sher (m. 1954, d. 2014)
Children3
Residence(s)Palo Alto, California
Alma materWashington University in St. Louis
Harvard Law School
OccupationPolitician, law professor
ProfessionAttorney

Early life and education

Sher was born February 7, 1928, in St. Louis, Missouri). He received his BA from Washington University in St. Louis and his JD from Harvard Law School. Before beginning his political career, Sher taught at several schools, including Harvard Law School, Southern Methodist University, the University of Southern California, and Stanford University. He also became a Fulbright research scholar.[3]

Pre Assembly political career

Sher served on the Palo Alto City Council from 1965 to 1967 and from 1973 to 1980. He served as mayor in 1975 and 1978.

Legislative accomplishments

Sher was a major environmental proponent during his time in the legislature. Major legislative accomplishments of his include the Groundwater Protection Act (1983), California Clean Air Act (1988), and the California Safe Drinking Water Act (1989).[4] He was the chairman of the Natural Resources Committee for 11 years.[5]

He authored a bill, signed by Jerry Brown, that increased the statute of limitations for rape from three years to six in response to the fact that many serial rapists—such as Melvin Carter—were able to avoid or partially avoid prosecution due to the shorter limit expiring.[6]

Personal

Near the end of his legislative career, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors designated January 30, 2004, as Byron Sher Day, calling him "the most effective environmental legislator in the state."[3] Sher was married to Linda B. Sher (1932–2014)[7] and they have three children and five grandchildren. They lived together in Palo Alto, California for many decades.[7] He is professor emeritus at Stanford Law School.[8]

References
  1. Jensen, Adam (2009-02-04). "Byron Sher appointed to TRPA Governing Board". Tahoe Daily Tribune. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  2. "TRPA Approves New 20 Year Regional Plan". Tahoe Sierra Board of Realtors. Archived from the original on 2015-09-14. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  3. "Byron Sher Day Proclamation" (PDF). San Mateo County. Retrieved 19 March 2011.
  4. "JoinCalifornia - Byron D. Sher".
  5. "Cover story: Byron Sher looks ahead (December 29, 2004)".
  6. Guttman, Monika (1981-10-02). "Three years added to the statute of limitations on rape". The Stanford Daily. Archived from the original on 2021-05-19. Retrieved 2020-09-01.
  7. Kenrick, Chris (2014-01-20). "Linda Sher, artist and political wife, dies at 82". PaloAltoOnline.com. Archived from the original on 2015-02-26. Retrieved 2020-07-12.
  8. "School of Law" (PDF). Stanford Bulletin, 2009-10. Retrieved 18 March 2011.
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