SCR 95: Soju Day.
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: Senate
- Latest Version Date: 2025-09-18
Current Status:
Passed
(2025-09-18: Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 183, 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?
California names September 20, 2025, and every September 20 after that, as Soju Day. The resolution recognizes soju and honors Korean American culture, encourages Californians to attend events and learn about Korean food and traditions, and notes that more local soju production may use California rice and create jobs.
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 recognize and establish September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state.
This measure would recognize and establish September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state.
This measure would recognize and establish September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, It is a unique characteristic of soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy; and
WHEREAS, More than 530,000 Korean Americans reside in California; and
WHEREAS, Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food Movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, September 20 is chosen as Soju Day to recognize the day of Californias new law; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes and establishes September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, It is a unique characteristic of soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy; and
WHEREAS, More than 530,000 Korean Americans reside in California; and
WHEREAS, Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food Movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, September 20 is chosen as Soju Day to recognize the day of Californias new law; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes and establishes September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
WHEREAS, Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States; and
WHEREAS, Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society; and
WHEREAS, Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions; and
WHEREAS, It is a unique characteristic of soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy; and
WHEREAS, More than 530,000 Korean Americans reside in California; and
WHEREAS, Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food Movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends; and
WHEREAS, California is the second largest rice producing state in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu; and
WHEREAS, September 20 is chosen as Soju Day to recognize the day of Californias new law; and
WHEREAS, The new law is likely to encourage domestic production of soju in California, and it is highly anticipated that new distilleries will contribute to the California economy by the consumption of California rice and other agricultural products in producing soju; and
WHEREAS, New soju distilleries will create more jobs in factories and through marketing, distribution, and sales channels; and
WHEREAS, The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby recognizes and establishes September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state; and be it further
Resolved, That the citizens of this state are encouraged to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents; and be it further
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate distribute copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
|
Date
|
Status
|
|---|---|
| Sep 18, 2025 | Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 183, Statutes of 2025. |
| Sep 18, 2025 | Enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State at 1 p.m. |
| Sep 8, 2025 | In Senate. Ordered to engrossing and enrolling. |
| Sep 8, 2025 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 71. Noes 0. Page 3040.) Ordered to the Senate. |
| Sep 3, 2025 | From committee: Be adopted. Ordered to consent calendar. (Ayes 6. Noes 0.) (September 3). |
| Aug 28, 2025 | Referred to Com. on RLS. |
| Aug 26, 2025 | In Assembly. Held at Desk. |
| Aug 25, 2025 | Read. Adopted. (Ayes 37. Noes 0. Page 2237.) Ordered to the Assembly. |
| Jun 25, 2025 | From committee: Ordered to third reading. |
| Jun 13, 2025 | Introduced. Referred to Com. on RLS. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 8, 2025 | SCR 95 Choi Consent Calendar Second Day Regular Session | Assembly Floor |
Passed |
|
| Sep 3, 2025 | Be adopted. To Consent Calendar. | Assembly Standing Committee on Rules |
Passed |
|
| Aug 25, 2025 | Senate 3rd Reading SCR95 Choi et al. | Senate Floor |
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.
Date of Hearing: September 3, 2025
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON RULES
Blanca Pacheco, Chair
SBPCA Bill Id:SCR 95
Author:(Choi) – As Introduced Ver:
SENATE VOTE:
SUBJECT: Soju Day.
SUMMARY: Recognizes September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state. Specifically, this resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community, but increasingly across the United States. Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans, serving as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society.
- Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions.
- More than 530,000 Korean Americans reside in California. Korean Americans residing in California are part of the K-Food Movement by introducing Korean food, including bulgogi, kimchi, and soju, to their California friends.
- Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2069 (Chapter 306 of the Statutes of 2024) into law in 2024, which allows California on-sale beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced soju and shochu to their customers, when previously those licensees were only authorized to offer imported Korean soju and Japanese shochu.
- September 20 is chosen as Soju Day to recognize the day of California’s new law. The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
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
SENATE RULES COMMITTEE Office of Senate Floor Analyses (916) 651-1520 Fax: (916) 327-4478 | SCR 95 |
THIRD READING
Bill No: SCR 95
Author: Choi (R), et al.
Introduced: 6/13/25
Vote: 21
SOURCE: Author
DIGEST:
This resolution recognizes and establish September 20, 2025, and every September 20 thereafter, as Soju Day in this state.
ANALYSIS: This resolution makes the following legislative findings:
- Soju, a traditional Korean distilled beverage, holds a significant cultural, historical, and social importance, not only within the Korean community but increasingly across the United States.
- Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social, and cultural fabric of our state, and the recognition of Soju Day will further highlight and celebrate their contributions.
- The establishment of Soju Day is intended to foster deeper appreciation for Korean heritage and culture, strengthen community bonds, and promote unity among people from diverse backgrounds.
- It is a unique characteristic of soju as a spirit that brings people together and symbolizes the sharing of joy.
This resolution encourages to join in the celebration of Soju Day by learning about Korean culture, attending community events, and engaging in the rich traditions that soju represents.
FISCAL EFFECT: Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No Local: No
SUPPORT: (Verified 6/24/25)
None received
OPPOSITION: (Verified 6/24/25)
None received
Prepared by: Sofia Pachon-Mendez / SFA / (916) 651-1520
6/26/25 9:03:13
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Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):
