ACR 111: Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Assembly
- Latest Version Date: 2025-09-23
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-09-23: Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 194, Statutes of 2025.)
Introduced
In Committee
Awaiting First Chamber Vote
Passed First Chamber
In Committee
Awaiting Second Chamber Vote
Passed Second Chamber
Enacted
What does this bill do?
This bill proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day to recognize military sexual trauma and the people it affects. It defines MST as sexual assault or repeated threatening sexual harassment during military service and notes survivors can face lasting harms such as PTSD, depression, substance use problems, and higher suicide risk. The Legislature affirms support for survivors, seeks to reduce stigma, improve care, and strengthen prevention and reporting in the Armed Forces.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
This measure would proclaim September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
This measure would proclaim September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
This measure would proclaim September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
WHEREAS, Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service; and
WHEREAS, MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard; and
WHEREAS, MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment; and
WHEREAS, MST not only affects the individual but also impacts their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivors ability to perform effectively within the military setting; and
WHEREAS, There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community; and
WHEREAS, There is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer military environment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature affirms its commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors and acknowledges the importance of providing them with the highest quality care and support; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service; and
WHEREAS, MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard; and
WHEREAS, MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment; and
WHEREAS, MST not only affects the individual but also impacts their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivors ability to perform effectively within the military setting; and
WHEREAS, There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community; and
WHEREAS, There is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer military environment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature affirms its commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors and acknowledges the importance of providing them with the highest quality care and support; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service; and
WHEREAS, MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard; and
WHEREAS, MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support; and
WHEREAS, MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment; and
WHEREAS, MST not only affects the individual but also impacts their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivors ability to perform effectively within the military setting; and
WHEREAS, There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community; and
WHEREAS, There is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer military environment; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Legislature proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature affirms its commitment to supporting military sexual trauma survivors and acknowledges the importance of providing them with the highest quality care and support; and be it further
Resolved, The Legislature acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families; and be it further
Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 23, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 194, Statutes of 2025. |
| Sep 23, 2025 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 11 a.m. |
| Sep 12, 2025 | In Assembly. Ordered to Engrossing and Enrolling. |
| Sep 11, 2025 | Adopted and to Assembly. (Ayes 40. Noes 0. Page 2929.) |
| Sep 9, 2025 | Ordered to special consent calendar. |
| Aug 27, 2025 | From committee: Ordered to third reading. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | In Senate. To Com. on RLS. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Adopted and to Senate. (Page 2730.) |
| Aug 21, 2025 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to Third Reading. (Ayes 11. Noes 0.) (August 21). |
| Aug 21, 2025 | Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Aug 19, 2025 | From printer. |
| Aug 18, 2025 | Introduced. To print. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 11, 2025 | Special Consent ACR111 Sharp-Collins | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Aug 21, 2025 | Be adopted. To third reading. | Assembly Standing Committee on Rules |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | ACR 111 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: ACR 111
Author: Sharp-Collins (D)
Introduced: 8/18/25
Vote: 21
SUBJECT: Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This resolution proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service as a member, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard; and
- MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment.
- MST not only affects the individual but also impacts their families, friends, and overall military readiness, as the trauma can strain relationships and affect the survivor’s ability to perform effectively within the military setting.
- There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community.
- There is an urgent need for the Armed Forces to intensify efforts to prevent MST by implementing comprehensive training programs, promoting a culture of zero tolerance, and strengthening reporting and support mechanisms to protect all members and ensure a safer military environment.
This resolution acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 8/27/25)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 8/27/25)
None received
Prepared by: Sofia Pachon-Mendez / SFA / (916) 651-1520
8/27/25 16:14:50
**** END ****
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
ATR Bill Id:ACR 111
Author:(Sharp-Collins)
As Introduced Ver:August 18, 2025
Majority vote
SUMMARY
Proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and, acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families.
Major Provisions
- Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately one in three women and one in 50 men experience MST during service, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard.
- MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide.
- MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support.
- MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress, and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment.
- There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community.
COMMENTS
According to the Author
This resolution proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day to recognize the widespread impact of MST on service members, their families, and the broader military community. Survivors deserve respect, compassionate care, and access to support without stigma or re-traumatization. By raising awareness and affirming the state's commitment to prevention and survivor support, this measure underscores the urgent need to strengthen protections, promote a culture of zero tolerance, and ensure military readiness is not compromised by unaddressed trauma.
Arguments in Support
None on file
Arguments in Opposition
None on file
FISCAL COMMENTS
No fiscal impact. This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
VOTES
ASM RULES: 11-0-0
YES: Pacheco, Lackey, Ahrens, Flora, Mark González, Irwin, Krell, Patel, Michelle Rodriguez, Sanchez, Zbur
UPDATED
VERSION: August 18, 2025
CONSULTANT: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800 FN: 0001234
Date of Hearing: August 21, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
ABPCA Bill Id:ACR 111 (
Author:Sharp-Collins) – As Introduced Ver:August 18, 2025
SUBJECT: Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day.
SUMMARY: Proclaims September 25, 2025, as Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day; and, acknowledges the profound impact of military sexual trauma, commits to breaking the stigma surrounding it, and reaffirms its decision to improving support systems for military sexual trauma survivors and their families. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Military sexual trauma (MST) encompasses sexual assault or repeated, threatening sexual harassment that occurs during military service. MST affects both women and men in the Armed Forces, with research indicating that approximately 1 in 3 women and 1 in 50 men experience MST during service, whether active duty, Reserve, or National Guard.
- MST is an experience rather than a diagnosis or mental health condition, and can result in significant and long-lasting impacts on survivors, including heightened risks of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and physical health issues, with an increased risk of suicide.
- MST survivors who identify as members of marginalized and minority groups may face additional stressors and barriers to engaging in MST-related care, which may compound the trauma and hinder their access to necessary support.
- MST survivors often encounter feelings of being unsupported, disrespected, or retraumatized when seeking care, which can exacerbate their psychological distress, and elevate the risk of suicide, highlighting the urgent need for reforms to ensure they receive compassionate and respectful treatment.
- There is a critical need to address the stigma associated with MST and to provide comprehensive support that considers the needs of survivors, their families, and the broader military community.
FISCAL EFFECT: This resolution is keyed non-fiscal by Legislative Counsel.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION:
Support
None on file
Opposition
None on file
Analysis Prepared by: Michael Erke / RLS. / (916) 319-2800
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):