Assembly Floor
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, the Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Juan Carillo notices an absence of a quorum. The Sergeant at Arms will prepare the chamber and bring the absent Members. The Clerk will call the roll.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, a quorum is present. We asked our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and the gallery to please stand for the prayer and flag salute. Today's prayer will be offered by our chaplain, Imam Yasir Khan.
- Mohammad Khan
Person
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, almighty God as we stand here today, Monday, May 22, 2023 celebrating California Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month we are turning to you as we believe that you are our creator and sustainer the giver of life and the one that has blessed us all with the blessings we enjoy in this very moment. Bless us with hearts that are always in your remembrance.
- Mohammad Khan
Person
Bless us with such hearts that allow us to have the best of character through which we touch the hearts of the people around us. Bless us with hearts that are always concerned regarding the well being of all people in California. Bless our hearts with such hope that the laws that are passed on this floor grant hope to those that are seeking it. Allow us to be the voice for those that don't have one. Use us all for good and never for evil.
- Mohammad Khan
Person
Use us to unify and never to divide. Use us all to spread more love and never hatred. We ask you, Almighty God, that you accept our prayer. Have mercy on us all. And we ask You, Almighty God, that you continue to bless the State of California that we all call home. Amen.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Please remain standing as Assembly Member Kalra leads us in the flag salute.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you and you may be seated. Reading of the previous day's journal.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Chamber of Sacramento, Thursday, April 13, 2023 the Assembly met at 09:00 A.m.. The honorable Christopher M. Ward. Speaker... in for the Assembly presiding.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Gallagher seconds that the reading of the previous day journal be dispensed with presentations and petitions. There are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted messages from the Governor. There are none. Messages from the Senate, there are none. Moving to motions and resolutions the absences of the day for purposes businesses Assembly Member Chin Assembly Member Lackey for illness. Assembly Member Quirk silva, Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized for your procedural motion.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assemblymember Rubio to speak on an adjournment in memory today.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 A to allow Assembly Member Low to have guests and photographers on the floor today.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Please remove the following items from the consent calendar item 645, AB 1287 Alvarez, at the request of Assemblymember Boerner and item 661, ACR 38 Alvarez. At the request of the author, pursuant to Assembly Rule 96 I request unanimous consent to rerefer SB 793 Glazer from the Insurance Committee to the Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee and then back to the Insurance Committee
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
I request unanimous consent to suspend Joint Rule 62 A the file notice requirement to allow the Budget Committee to meet this Thursday, May 25 upon adjournment of session in swing space, room 1100 regarding the 2023 Assembly Budget Plan. Mr. Flora, for what purpose do you rise?
- Heath Flora
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Withhold consent and ask for a roll call vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Okay. Second. Mr. Majority leader raised. Motion is second by family Member Hart. Members, Mr. Flora is withholding unanimous consent and is asking for a roll call vote. The motion is not debatable. The Clerk will open the roll. Members, this is a procedural motion. The majority leader is asking for an I vote. Assembly Member Flora is asking for a no vote. It takes 41 votes. All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote. Members, this is a procedural motion.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 44. noes 11. The motion carries. Members, we have one birthday today. Happy birthday to Assemblymember Maienschein, whose birthday is today's. Moving to business on the Daily File. We are going to start with file item 214, ACR 56.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 56 by Assembly Member Rodriguez, relative to Emergency Medical Services Week.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Assembly Member Rodriguez, you may open on the resolution.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
Madam Speaker and Members, ACR 56 proclaims May 21st through the 27th as Emergency Medical Services Week in California. This year's theme is where emergency care begins, which is fitting, as our first responders are the first to provide care. Hence the title first responder. National EMS Week is an annual recognition to honor the dedication of these professionals who provide life-saving care to others in the time of need. I'm proud to stand that now is my tenth annual proclamation of EMS Week in California.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
California is home to over 86,000 EMS personnel treating millions of Californians annually. EMS personnel have made significant sacrifices to save lives, from placing their lives in the line to missing out on special moments with their loved ones. As most of you know, I served as a first responder for over 30 years before getting involved into politics, so I understand how demanding the job can be and the challenges they face.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
911 calls range from a broken bone, cardiac arrest, difficulty breathing, or even being deployed to another state to aid in rescue missions. Back in 2005, I was deployed to Hurricanes Rita and Katrina. This life-saving rescue mission was traumatic, but I can tell you that we first responders have a unique ability to put ourselves aside in the moment so that we can save lives. However, traumatic calls can stick with you and affect your mental health.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
Our EMS workforce faces one of the highest rates of occurrence of mental health illness, paired with the lowest likelihood of seeking treatment. Many of their lives have been lost, but their service and bravery will never be forgotten. This resolution commends all of California's medical service providers for the selfless sacrifice and dedication. An EMS lapel pin was delivered to your offices. Members, please join me in wearing it this week to honor our EMS personnel. I respectfully ask for your aye vote and request that the roll call be open for coauthors. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing no others wishing to speak on this item, the Clerk will open up the roll for coauthors. All those who desire to vote, vote. This is for coauthors. Members, this is for coauthors. All those who desire to vote, vote. All those who desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. There are 65 coauthors. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on this. All those in favor, say 'aye.' Opposed, say 'no.' The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Moving on. Mr. Rodriguez, you're recognized for your guest introduction.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
Also, Members, please join me in welcoming some of our first responders. Police, fire, EMS personnel that are to my left on the above, would you please stand so we can recognize our first responders that are here joining us for EMS Week?
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, going back to guest introductions, let's welcome to the floor former Assembly Member David Chiu, our San Francisco City Attorney. Additionally, please welcome the heads of the largest city attorney and county council offices in California up in the gallery with him. Moving back to business on the Daily File, we'll go ahead and take up File Item 216, ACR 76.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 76 by Assembly Member Grayson and others, relative to Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Grayson, you may open.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. ACR 76 proclaims the week of May 22nd through May 26th as Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week. Firefighting is a dangerous and physically demanding profession that requires that women--or the women and men of the fire service to routinely put themselves in harm's way for the good of the communities that they serve. In addition to the physical demands of the profession, firefighting has been consistently rated as one of the most stressful and emotional, intense professions.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
And according to the Firefighter Behavioral Alliance, 126 firefighters and EMTs died by suicide in 2020, followed by 90 firefighters and EMTs who died by suicide in 2021. Additionally, studies have shown that one in three firefighters will experience some level of post-traumatic stress injuries at some point in their career and are ten times more likely to contemplate suicide than the general public.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
It is incredibly important that we break the stigma of behavioral health struggles and post-traumatic stress by ensuring that firefighters, paramedics, and emergency medical service personnel receive the care and the resources that they need. Peer support programs and confidential discussions with trusted colleagues and peers with similar work and life experiences provide not only an outlet for these struggles, but also allow for connections to life-saving resources.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
ACR 76 gives us an opportunity to bring awareness to one of the biggest struggles California firefighters face on the job, but to also recognize the existing resources that are available to supporting mental health. Friends and colleagues, thank you for your attention and recognition of Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week. I do respectfully request an aye vote on ACR 76 and request the roll to be open for coauthors at appropriate time.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Flora, you're recognized.
- Heath Flora
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. I rise in support of ACR 76. For so many of us that worked in the service over the last number of years, you're starting to see call volumes just go through the roof and staffing levels stay the same, which takes a severe mental toll on our public safety officers and the men and women that fight for us each and every day.
- Heath Flora
Legislator
So when you go back home and you hear of local issues where--taxation, supporting your local jurisdictions--really think long and hard about that because it could truly save lives. And I really want to impress upon is like these staffing levels in the fire service right now, there's a direct coalition between staffing levels and mental health, and I strongly encourage an aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Ms. Waldron, you are recognized.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. I too, rise in support of ACR 76, recognizing this week as Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week. Being a firefighter is both physically and mentally demanding as they are present and ready to help during what are often the most traumatic moments in people's lives. And they go to an incident scene, they see things that stick with them, and then when they leave, they have to be ready to go on to the next call.
- Marie Waldron
Person
There's no time in between to deal with what they've seen and what they've had to mentally process. Studies have shown that one in three firefighters will experience a post-traumatic stress injury at some point in their career and that firefighters are ten times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide than the general public. As someone who has worked extensively in the mental health field and as a mother to a son who now works for CAL FIRE as an EMT firefighter, this resolution hits close to home.
- Marie Waldron
Person
With fire season quickly approaching, I ask that we take a moment to think about the selfless and difficult work our firefighters do every day to keep our community safe. I urge an aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Jim Patterson, you are recognized.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. I too, rise in strong support of ACR 76. About nine months ago, I walked out the front door of my home in Fresno and looked two houses down, and two homes were engulfed in flames. The single story home was fully engulfed. The two-story home had a very large pine tree that was a torch. You never think it happens in your neighborhood, and yet it did.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And as the former mayor of Fresno, I had a little bit of something to do with the Fire Department and the Police Department also. You think, 'all right, now let's watch them in action.' They were there immediately. They were there quickly. They put the fires out, but it was a hot day in Fresno, and many of them would be lying on the grass of a neighbor's home, panting and sweating, and yet they were still there doing it, even though it was such a difficult task.
- Jim Patterson
Person
But something else happened. The neighborhood came around these firefighters. They brought them iced tea. They brought them cold drinks. They thanked them for what they were doing. I also saw what police officers do when they also show up at a fire. Obviously, the lookie-loos want to take a look.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And sometimes people are getting in the way of the Fire Department doing its job and to see the Police Department come in and take care of making sure that everybody stayed out of the way and were safe and to see that cooperative work. But also, I can remember that a dear neighbor--we've lived in that neighborhood for 40 years, we've known him for 35 years--had a lot of knickknacks inside the house. And they mentioned that to the fire captain who was in charge.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And you know what? Those firefighters actually identified the rooms, brought down the special things, and a next-door neighbor had taken their car out of their garage into our driveway, and that was where those knickknacks and those special things and pictures, et cetera, were stored safely. So we saw our firefighters do their job, but we also found that our neighborhood rose to their help, thanked them for what they were doing.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And also, our firefighters recognized that, yes, there were items in there that were special, that needed some special care. And I thought about that. To actually, in the midst of fighting a fire, had the heart and the soul to go in and say, 'okay, there was a special roller desk that was a grandfather's from years ago. There were special things on the wall.' That's what these firefighters do. And I thank the author.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And also when you are that close to firefighters on the front lawn and you see their panting and their exhaustion, it really does come home. It's something that you don't get a taste of unless it happens right in your neighborhood. And so thank God those two homes were the only homes that were burnt. The neighborhood was safe and those firefighters were cared for and loved for what they did.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And I commend those firefighters and all firefighters. They take an oath, they put on the gear, and they do it knowing that to keep their promise to the people, they are going to rush into places that people are rushing out of and putting those fires out. So thank you for what they do.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And let's remember, as was mentioned by our Republican leader, that there is staffing issues that will go a long way to lightening the burden and helping them to do their job and to do it well over and over again. So I'm glad to support this and thank you, author, for bringing it forward, but we need to do a whole lot more than just remember, a whole lot more than just say thank you.
- Jim Patterson
Person
We need to act in our communities, be clear about it, and let our leadership know they deserve the best equipment, the best training, and the best backup they possibly can get. And they also deserve mental health and care. One of the things that the City of Fresno did--and I'm grateful for what they accomplished--was to open a health and welfare operation for police officers and our firefighters.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And so when they face these kinds of concerns and these kinds of--there is a place with professionals and health care people that they can go to. And I thank you for the opportunity to rise in support of this and appreciate the author.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Ms. Davies, you're recognized.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
Thank you, Chair. I too, support ACR 76. In my area in Orange County, we had a pretty tragic fire in Laguna Niguel, where I was from a couple of years ago. And the action that they took--which we had about 104 homes--and to evacuate that many people within a matter of three hours and saved everyone's life, no injuries, was unbelievable. But again, as we know, serving on OCFA in Orange County--look at what we do.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
We come to work every day, but we don't worry about the threat of cancer and disease. We don't worry about mental illness and how it's affecting us. We don't worry about are we going to actually come home safe tonight. And so the fact that we're here, you deserve so much more. And again, we need to support those that are taking care of us, and whatever we can do, please let us know. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no others, would you like to close, Mr. Grayson?
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Yes. Thank you, Madam Chair, and thank you to those that have spoken in support and thank you to each of you as you consider support as well. I respectfully ask for an aye vote and for first roll to be called open for coauthors.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will open the roll for coauthors. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. We have 70 coauthors. Without objection, we will take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say 'aye.' Opposed, say 'no.' The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Going back--I'm sorry. Mr. Grayson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Yes, thank you very much. And I would like to introduce representatives of the Contra Costa County Peer Support Team up in the gallery. If you'll stand. Mario Ferrar, Battalion Chief of Chevron Fire Department. Damien Carrion, captain of the El Cerrito Kensington Fire Department. And Jim Howard, retired Battalion Chief of the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District. Welcome to the Chamber. Thank you very much.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Ms. Wilson, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Thank you, Members, for the opportunity to introduce leaders from the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. Today is AKA Day at the Capitol, where Members come to Sacramento to learn how government and the political process work and to support our goals of educating and empowering Members of the communities to become effective advocates and impacting the development of public policy.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
The akas have many notable alumni, including many who have served in state government, such as former state Senator Diane Watson, former state Assembly Members Yvonne Brightwaite Burke, Wilmer Amina Carter and Gwynn Moore. And of course, Vice President Kamala D. Harris. Kamala D. Harris. My apologies. Joining us in the gallery today, we have Mrs. Shelby D. Bagani, Far West Regional Director, Mrs. Carol R. Dixon, 25th Far Western Regional Director, Mrs. Arklene Amos Martin, 17th Far Western Regional Director, Ms. Sandra Poole, California State Connection and Social Action Coordinator. The honorable Patrice Mckenzie, protocol officer. And, of course, Lanise Jones, CLBC Assembly consultant. Blackhawks consultant. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Ms. Ortega. You are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Liz Ortega
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members for the opportunity to introduce some very special guests today in the gallery, we are joined by fifth grade students from North Star Elementary School, along with their teacher and some of their parents. North Star Elementary School is a pre K through 8th grade Islamic faith based school located in Hayward. Their unique form of education promotes their students to possess a well trained mind, healthy body, and exceptional character. They are also a vision of what the diversity looks in our great State of California. Please join me in welcoming these young, brilliant minds to our State Capitol.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
All right, Members, we will now move to the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus Ceremony in honor of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. Without objection, we will take up File Item 219: HR 38, Assembly Member Low, for the purpose of Third Reading. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
House Resolution 38 by Assembly Member Low and others, relative to Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Mr. Low, you may open up on the measure.
- Evan Low
Person
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker, for allowing me to present HR 38. Happy Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Where are you from? I was born in San Jose. Where are you really from? My father was born in Sacramento. Well, where are you really from? You know what I mean. What's your nationality? I'm an American. Fourth generation Californian, speaking more Spanish than I knew Chinese. My grandfather worked at Frank Fat's part time as a busser. Here? Yes. Downtown. Well, you know what I mean.
- Evan Low
Person
No, I don't know what you mean. Oftentimes, we're seen as perpetual foreigners, not truly American. This is an experience that I received, currently still do receive, but when I knocked on doors, people would ask these questions. Who do you root for in the Olympics, the United States or Japan? If they knew, this is not of my origin. This is not unique to me. This is an experience that many Asian Pacific Islanders face in the United States.
- Evan Low
Person
Members of our API Legislative Caucus in California were prohibited to immigrate to the United States. The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 prevented Chinese from coming to this country, even though those Chinese helped build the railroads here in California. We might think that's preposterous, and that was back in 1882.
- Evan Low
Person
But history does repeat itself with the Muslim Ban, that we would prevent a particular group of people coming from a geographic region for no other notion other than their country of origin or whether or not it's the Alien Land Law of 1912 in California which prevented Asian Pacific Islanders from owning property. And you might think that it is equally preposterous, but that was back then in 1912, when in fact, just this year, the State of Florida passed HR 147, which prohibits Chinese from owning property.
- Evan Low
Person
Just this year, we've seen another version in Texas. And colleagues, there is a version here in the State of California in the Senate. This reeks of xenophobia, and this can also be in the State of California. And that's when we think about the rise of Asian hate, that we have all come together in solidarity.
- Evan Low
Person
And in fact, when thinking about the State of Florida and the attack on Asian Pacific Islanders, the NAACP just issued a travel advisory that the State of Florida is hostile towards minorities because of the attack on curriculum and other communities as well. Equality California, two months ago, issued a travel advisory in the State of Florida because of the type of attacks specifically to communities.
- Evan Low
Person
While we are celebrating Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we also stand in solidarity with other caucuses and other communities as well for the important work of basic, fundamental human rights. And that's why we are so proud to recognize the incredible work of progress for so many that you'll get a chance to see. While we recognize some of the challenges, let us also celebrate the successes. Things like everywhere, everything everywhere, all at once, which made history as receiving the most awards at the Oscars featuring Asian Pacific Islanders.
- Evan Low
Person
Whether or not it's history making and seeing the first Sikh woman to be elected in California State history, enter Dr. Jasmeet Bains, a doctor who was told she has no place running for office or whether or not it's Stephanie Nguyen wearing a beautiful, traditional ao dai, the first Democratic Vietnamese woman elected in California State history.
- Evan Low
Person
And colleagues, by the way, this is a bipartisan effort in recognizing that we also have Asian Pacific Islanders on the other side of the aisle who equally have championed and stood in solidarity on basic, fundamental human rights. That this is not a partisan issue, this is about full equality for all and that we are just as American as everyone else. So as we celebrate the incredible work of so many, I know that we will be proud of the contributions of our entire community. Let us celebrate in the successes of so many and also ask your aye vote for HR 38 in celebration of Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Ta, you are recognized.
- Tri Ta
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise, and I'm proud to the author on HR 38, and I like to thanks my colleagues from San Jose for introducing this important resolution. California is home to over seven million Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, which is more than any other state, and Asian and Pacific Islander Americans are one of the fastest growing ethnic population in the state and the nation. Asian and Pacific Islander Americans have been an integral part of American and Californian history.
- Tri Ta
Legislator
In 1848, California Gold Rush brought the first Chinese migrants to the western U.S. Many found opportunities in the mining industry, others on farm or small businesses. However, one of the most significant contribution, including thousands of Chinese workers building 690 miles from railroad between 1864 and 1869. As an individual who had to flee my home country, Vietnam, at 19 years old to seek political freedom, I had to learn English and attend community college.
- Tri Ta
Legislator
My education led me to a life and a career in political philosophy with a growing interest in politics. I ran for City Council in Westminster, and in 2012, I became the first Vietnamese American elected mayor in the U.S. My district in northern counties be home of the largest, oldest, the most prominent Little Saigon Community in the U.S. where almost 200,000 Vietnamese American reside.
- Tri Ta
Legislator
The community has been a beacon for promoting Vietnamese businesses, including strip mall and restaurant, where I guarantee you, you find the best fun you ever had. We must teach our children and future generation the importance of diversity and acceptance of every culture, including the Asian and Pacific Islander culture which has led to many crucial advancements in our great nation. So I ask for your aye vote on this important resolution.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Pellerin, you may be recognized.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Speaker and Members. I rise today on behalf of the Legislative Jewish Caucus in support of HR 38, celebrating the Month of May as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. California is home to the highest population of Asian Americans among the United States with a population of about six million API Californians.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Upon reflecting on the key points in state's history with Asian and Pacific Islander Americans, we can recognize that Asian American history is California's history and California is intimately linked to the stories of millions of Asian American and Pacific Islander families and the cultures they hold. It is indisputable that without the API community, California as a state would be vastly different than it is today. API Americans have been and continue to be drivers of innovation for California's art, science, business, technology, medicine, literature, entertainment, food, and government.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
As we recognize the richness and diversity of API heritage, we also reflect on the struggles that the API community continues to face today, which, unfortunately, in this day still include anti-Asian racism and xenophobia. Since the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a rise in anti-Asian rhetoric as well as hate crimes against innocent API individuals going about their daily business.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
We must not forget the tragic death of Vicha Ratanapakdee, an 84-year-old Thai American man who was forcibly pushed to the ground in broad daylight in San Francisco in January 2021 and died as a result of that attack. Nor should we forget the horrific mass shooting that happened recently in Monterey Park where 11 individuals were killed and nine were wounded during what was meant to be a peaceful celebration of the Lunar New Year. These attacks do not just impact the individual victims and their families.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
They also instill fear within the API community as a whole. Members, let us remember our collective responsibility to denounce anti-Asian sentiment on this floor as well as our personal responsibility to denounce xenophobic and anti-Asian rhetoric within our personal interactions at home. The Jewish Caucus stands in solidarity with the API community in the fight against hatred and intolerance, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully ask for your aye vote in support of HR 38.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Ramos, you are recognized.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, I rise today on behalf of the Native American Legislative Caucus to ask for your support on this measure celebrating the numerous contributions of Asian and Pacific Islanders to the state and the nation. Asian and Pacific Islanders' contributions to the United States are numerous. Here in California, they helped build the Transcontinental Railroad and were leaders in establishing civil and labor rights and added to the richness of our culture in the arts, sports, and other areas of endeavor.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Their service to protect our nation during times of war, even as their loyalty was questioned by the United States and their families were interned, they rose to defend this country. They are resilient and strong in overcoming barriers such as discrimination, prejudice in the Chinese Exclusion Act. Some of that prejudice and some of those barriers still remain today, but our state's Asian and Pacific Islanders continue to achieve, to serve, and contribute to the State of California, the nation, and the world. Join me as I urge your aye vote on HR 38.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Jim Patterson, you are recognized.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members. I rise to join in the support of this resolution. I don't know if this qualifies me to be a part of the API Caucus, but I am BJ Patterson's dad. Brian James Patterson is my oldest son. He was abandoned on the side of the road in Vietnam when Vietnam was being evacuated. Two GIs found him on the side of the road, and instead of thinking only about their safety, they also thought about this little 18-month-old.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And they gathered him up and took him to a Catholic orphanage. He was later flown to the United States on Operation Babylift. Now, we always thought that BJ was Vietnamese, right, because he was in Vietnam and he was flown over on Operation Babylift and all of that. Well, there are about 3,500 of these now grown up adults, and they have an association, and they put together their DNA bank because they thought we had probably a lot of cousins and relatives and all of that.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And so BJ gave him the swab and all. He called me up. He says, 'Dad, you know, all this time thought I was Vietnamese.' He says, 'well, I'm one-third Japanese and two-thirds Cambodian.' He says, 'does that make me Cambonese or Japamodian?' Quiet on the phone. He said, 'I'll tell you what it means, Dad. I'm 100 percent American and 100 percent Patterson.'
- Jim Patterson
Person
He is a fresh reminder of what it means to have escaped a despotic, war-torn country, to come to the United States, and to find freedom and opportunity. He has been the delight of our lives. He is 50 years old now. He's a plumbing contractor, and he married into an accounting family. His wife is an accountant. Every family needs a plumber and an accountant in it. But it is so special.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And I rise as the father of an Asian boy who's grown into a man who recognizes his heritage and his history, but is grateful that he is here free owning his own home and having his own business, that fresh reminder of what it means to come to the United States of America. I love him dearly, and I wanted to tell his story because it is truly an Asian story, but it is also an American story.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And so thank you for the opportunity to rise on behalf of the BJ and Jim Patterson Asian Caucus and respectfully ask for your vote for this ACR. I love the boy and I'm grateful that he's my son.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Cervantes, you are recognized.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. Today I rise on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus and on behalf of the Latino Legislative Caucus in support of HR 38, and thank our colleague from Silicon Valley and the API Caucus for bringing this vital resolution to the floor. Today we celebrate our vibrant and vital Asian Pacific Islander community in California and across the United States. APIs are the fastest growing demographic in our country.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
The collaboration between the Latino and the API communities in fighting equal rights and dignity in the United States has been both longstanding and real. As we know, Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta had essential partners in founding the United Farm Workers in Larry Itliong and Philip Vera Cruz, two immigrant Filipino American farm workers. Both played essential roles in the Delano Boycott and the formation of the United Farm Workers, and they were the embodiment of the broader Asian Pacific Islander community who fought alongside the Latino community.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
While today is a joyous occasion, I also want to be clear. The Latino Caucus stands in solidarity with our partners in the API Caucus in confronting many of the struggles faced by our API community. As we know, the unfair scapegoating of the API community for the Covid-19 pandemic led to increased incidences in hate crimes, discrimination, and violence. Let me be clear. The Latino Caucus stands shoulder to shoulder every single day with our API community both here in California and across the country by celebrating all that the community has achieved against these hateful rhetoric.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
I want you to know that today and every day, we are proud to stand with you, and the Latino Caucus and Women's Caucus asks for an aye vote on HR 38. Thank you.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Dr. Jackson, you are recognized.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. It is my honor to stand on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus in solidarity and in partnership with our API brothers and sisters. You know, our two communities do share a common history in this state. Having laws of California being specifically created to prohibit our communities from owning land, to prohibit our communities from going into certain public spaces, and quite frankly, even being prohibited to be able to marry outside of our own race.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
And so it is fitting that we continue to support one another, to have each other's back, and understanding that sometimes when we talk about civil rights, when we talk about hate, too many times the API community and their story is not told enough. As a matter of fact, I was recently told that the largest lynching in California's history was not against African Americans, but against the Chinese when 19 men and boys were massacred in Los Angeles in the old Chinatown.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
I am reminded even in my own county of Riverside where one of the greatest civil rights cases was won, was the Harada family in Riverside, in which they were prohibited from owning what is now lovingly called the Harada House, where they were prohibited from owning that house.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
But that case actually made it its way to the Supreme Court and was one of the more far reaching court cases in making sure that people are not prohibited from owning land simply because of the color of their skin and their nationality. And so we stand in solidarity together knowing that even today, as more hard times are coming and on its way, we just need to make sure that it is clear you come from one of us; you're coming for all of us. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Lee, you are recognized.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of the California LGBTQ Plus Caucus in strong support of HR 38. I have the great honor of representing the most Asian American district in the entire state right after my colleague from San Gabriel Valley. My district is 60 percent Asian, 60 percent Asian American, and there is, of course, a sizable population of queer Asian Americans that exist in my community.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
And I want to say that this caucus or API Caucus, this body always stands resolute in supporting the queer, trans, and non-binary Asian Americans that of course, exist. It's a very challenging time for them to exist in this country, for our community to exist in this country, and even more so with cultural stigma. As proud as we are of all the advances we've made in this country economically, socially, there still remains a lot of stigma within our community against LGB people.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
And even now, as people who are only a couple of years younger than me have never had the experience of having to come out, and they are who they are. They can just exist and be who they are but they still have backlash back at home. So we hope as this body and through our awareness, we can make sure that Asian Americans are embracing of whatever their children decide to do and become and express themselves.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
It's so important they recognize the achievements of queer Asian Americans and all the work they do. For example, I want to shout out Parivar Bay Area who works specifically in the intersection of trans and South Asian activities, South Asian issues, and also, of course, our own Equality California Director Tony Hoang, who is proudly Asian American and queer representative community. So it's good to include that part of our history. So, rise in strong support.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Garcia, you are recognized.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Although all of the ethnic groups caucuses have stood up, I thought I'd rise in representation of what I'll just call the Chicali Caucus. Chicali Caucus, Mexicali, Baja California is home to a significantly large Chinese Mexican population outside of China, perhaps one of the areas aside from the large cities in California that has significantly large presence of Chinese Mexican populations.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
And so I wanted to rise to bring attention to this unique opportunity that in the early 1900s, a large group of Chinese immigrants came to the border area to help build what is today the infrastructure to a very, very important agricultural economy for our area.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
But beyond the work that was done in the area of agriculture, it's important that I note that there were, in the early 1900s, more Chinese immigrants on the border of Mexicali-Calexico than there were Mexican--national Mexican residents living on the border. The Chinese population immersed himself into the community border culture and today we have a thriving Chinese Mexican population on the border of Mexicali-Calexico today.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
So as the one member of the Chicali Caucus, I wanted to just stand up in honor of the Mexican Chinese population that I get to represent that is transnational, that goes from Mexicali to Calexico, and that has contributed significantly to the fabric of the Imperial Valley and the culture of the border, which is the Mexicali-Calexico culture. So thank you for allowing me to share those few thoughts and respectfully support this HR 38 in front of us.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Gallagher, you are recognized.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
Yes. Thank you, Madam Speaker and Members. I also wanted to rise to recognize our amazing API community in California, and I've been the beneficiary of some great relationships with Asian American Pacific Islanders as I've grown up in California and as I've represented the district that I represent. I represent the historic Chinatown in Marysville, and for a long time had great relationships with that community. And one thing that I learned about Marysville is that there are tunnels underneath the City of Marysville.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And the reason that there are tunnels is because Chinese Americans in that city could not go out during the daytime. They had to travel to different buildings within that community by tunnel because of fear of mob attacks on those cities. And as an Irish American, we built the railroad from the east side and the Chinese immigrants built the railroad from the west side, but we know that as immigrants we face discrimination on our side.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
The NINA Laws: no Irish need apply, and here on the West Coast the Chinese Exclusion Act, and that is why I've always been very wary and concerned by laws that are xenophobic, that are targeting groups, and we've seen that over our history. Chinese Exclusion Act. We saw that with Japanese Internment when out of fear--out of fear and under emergency powers we did unbelievable things to Japanese Americans.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And so I agree with my colleague, and thank you for bringing that up that we do need to be on guard always when we see these kinds of things. We can do so much better. We need to do more to stop Asian hate, violent attacks against members of the API community, especially elderly members of the API community. We need accountability for this violence that we're seeing on our streets. We need justice for Jasper Wu, who was murdered in Alameda.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And we need the DA there to provide accountability and go after his murderers. We see far too much crime impacting Asian businesses in this state. This retail theft crisis that we're in is affecting many API businesses. In fact, I just recently visited Little Saigon with my colleague, and as I was visiting his district office, we saw a police officer coming out of a restaurant that's right next door. And we went up and say, 'man, what just happened here? What just transpired?'
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And that business owner told us that just that night before, his store had been robbed, his inventory taken, and the officer was there coming to write a file report. But he was in distress, as many business owners, many Asian business owners in his position are in this state. So we can do so much better. We must work hard as a body to address these many issues that are still plaguing our API community.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And I will stand side by side with all of you as we work on those issues. So thank you for bringing this resolution forward today. I'm proud to support it and continue to stand with our API community here in California. Thank you.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Assembly Member Berman, you are recognized.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I wasn't planning on speaking, but one of our ayes in support of HR 38, and as my colleague from Nicolaus was talking about, all the things we need, I think one of the things we need is for all of us.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
When the president of the United States gets up and calls a virus a China Virus, when the former president of the United States uses the word China pejoratively, which causes people in his community to target--or people who follow his lead, people who listen to what he says to target the API community in California and across the country. We all elected leaders in California; every one of us needs to get up and speak up against that kind of hateful and unnecessary language.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
We all need to speak out. When elected leaders in this state try to target our friends and our neighbors and our colleagues with that type of hateful rhetoric, we all need to speak up. And we need to call that out. We need to call that out on our Twitter feeds. We need to send out press releases. We need to speak up when politicians try to target the API community. When politicians say things that lead to violence against the API community, that's what we need to do.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
And I'm so glad to hear that everyone is very focused on supporting the API community. And the next time that happens, I look forward to my colleagues doing exactly that. I look forward to all of my colleagues, Democrat or Republican, getting on their social media feeds and denouncing when Donald Trump does things like that. I respectfully ask for your aye vote for HR 38.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Is there any further discussion on this measure? Seeing and hearing none, Assembly Member Low, you may close.
- Evan Low
Person
Deep appreciation to all of our colleagues for giving close attention to the importance of this community. While we recognize the history and we celebrate in the successes, we reaffirm our commitment to our American history, our California history, and I urge your aye vote on HR 38.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
The Clerk will open the roll for coauthors on HR 38. This is for coauthors. Members, please vote now to be added as a coauthor. All right, the Clerk will close the roll. There are 76 coauthors added. Without objection, we can take a voice vote on HR 38. All those in favor, say 'aye.' Opposed, say 'no.' The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. For the 2023 Assembly Observance of Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month, we will recognize a number of distinguished honorees.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
We will recognize a number of distinguished honorees. All right, I'm appointing an escort Committee to bring our honorees onto the floor for recognition. Members should retire to the rear of the chamber as I call your name. Assembly Members Mike Fong, Vince Fong, Kalra, Lee, Low, Muratsuchi, Stephanie Nguyen, Ta and Assemblymember Ting.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
I asked Speaker Anthony Rendon, Republican Leader James Gallagher, API Caucus Chair Evan Low, API Caucus Vice Chairs Assemblymember Mike Fong and Senator David Min and Majority Leader Reyes to move to the front center aisle to receive our honorees. We are moving to the introductions of the Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month honorees for 2023. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Presenting San Jose Taiko. Representing the group are Wisa Uemura and Franco Imperial. They are escorted by Assembly Members Kalra and Muratsuchi. San Jose Taiko promotes API inclusion and representation through the art of Taiko drum ensemble performances. SJT is a pioneer in contemporary Taiko and has been instrumental in the growth of the art form. Wisa Uemura, the Executive Director, and Franco Imperial, the Artistic Director, work to further San Jose Taiko's goals each day. In 2010, Japan honored San Jose Taiko.
- Reading Clerk
Person
It is only the second North American Taiko group to receive that honor. In 2011, SJT's, Cofounder, Roy Hirabayashi and PJ Hirabayashi were recognized as National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellows. Welcome, San Jose Taiko.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Presenting Anni Chung. She is escorted by Assemblymember Ting. Anni Chung is President and CEO of Self-Help for the Elderly, or SHE, a community based organization for mostly immigrant, low income, and Asian seniors.
- Reading Clerk
Person
SHE began as part of the Federal War on Poverty initiative in 1966 and now serves 40,000 plus seniors in San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Since 1981, Ms. Chung has expanded the size and scope of the organization in its efforts to help API seniors access resources and care. She also supports the API and broader community by serving on the Elder Abuse and Family Violence Council, the Boards of Wildflowers Institute and California Commission on Aging as a producer for the Chinese Journal. Welcome Anni Chung.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Presenting Julia Gouw. She is escorted by Assemblymember Mike Fong. Julia Gouw is the Chairwoman of the board at Piermont Bank, a commercial bank. Along with her work as a banker, she is known for advocating for improved API representation in the entertainment industry. She has promoted API diversity and inclusivity within the industry by contributing to opportunities organized by the Coalition of Asian, Pacifics and Entertainment.
- Reading Clerk
Person
In addition, she is currently on the Board of Trustees for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures and the Board of Directors of Pacific Life. Welcome, Julia Gouw.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Presenting Anh Phoong. She is escorted by Assemblymember Stephanie Nguyen. Anh Phoong is the President and CEO of Phoong Law. Fostered by her experiences as an AAPI immigrant, she is committed to helping those in need. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she provided healthcare workers with resources such as N 95 masks. She actively helped in the AAPI community, aiding to those who experienced discrimination and hate during the pandemic. She has also worked with the Sacramento Kings to support the Asian Resources Inc. Organization. Welcome Anh Phoong. Presenting. Travis Kiyota.
- Committee Secretary
Person
He is escorted by Assemblymember Tri Ta. Travis Kiyota is the head of corporate global affairs at East West Bank. As a Member of the bank's senior leadership team, Mr. Kiyota leads the bank's public policy and governmental relations strategy, overseeing the communications and marketing function, and directs the company's corporate security and crisis management. His extensive knowledge in the banking industry and government allow him to be an exceptional leader.
- Committee Secretary
Person
He is involved in the community and works as a board Member for multiple AAPI organizations, including the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and Asian and Pacific Island of American Vote. Welcome. Travis Kiyota. Presenting Jodi Hicks. She is escorted by Assemblymember Lee. Jodi Hicks is the CEO and President of Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California. Throughout her career, she has employed her expertise in public policy to push for legislative reforms and assist different agencies in achieving political or financial support.
- Committee Secretary
Person
She was previously the Vice President of Government relations at the California Medical Association and has been named one of Capital Weekly's Top 100 for her advocacy. Welcome, Jodi Hicks. Presenting Albert w Young. He is escorted by Assemblymember Stephanie Hun. Dr. Albert W. Young is a Physician and Chief Administrative Officer at Apollo Med Holdings. Apollo Med is a healthcare company which acts as a single payer and connects health, ecosystem participants and integrates clinical, tech and administrative support for providers.
- Committee Secretary
Person
He is associated with the allied Pacific Independent Practice Association and Network management. In addition to his extensive and prominent positions in the medical field, he is an advocate of General preventative medicine. For this reason, he obtained his Master's degree in public health from UCLA. Dr. Young is a stellar representative of the Asian Pacific Islanders in the medical field. Welcome, Albert W. Young and Daniel Fong and Marianne Fong. They are escorted by Assemblymember Lowe.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Daniel and Marianne Fong are the founders of $1.0 million Baby Co. A leading manufacturer of baby furniture that is safe, non toxic, eco friendly and stylish. The company provides nursery furniture at every price point through its seven brands such as Namesake Baby Leto, DA Vinci and Nursery Works which includes the highly artistic Vitro and Luma Clear Acrylic Cribs or the Wavy Wood Gradient Crib, which doubles as Sculptor. As API business owners, they employ their efforts to promote the growth of other API businesses.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Mr. And Mrs. Fong emphasize the importance of API culture and emphasize equality in the workplace. Welcome Daniel Fong and Marianne Fong presenting Benny Luo. He is escorted by Assemblymember Vince Fong. Benny Luo is the founder of NetShark, an online API News platform company. Through NetShark, Mr. Luo has substantially contributed to providing the community with up to date API reports in various areas featuring political issues to API Sports News. Luo was recognized in the Forbes 30 under 30 list in 2018. For media. Welcome, Benny Luo.
- Committee Secretary
Person
The Assembly also congratulates the Senate honorees for API Heritage Month: Samina Usman and Anne Nguyen Oliver.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
All right. At this time, we'd like to welcome additional guests who joined us for today's ceremony. Welcome to Members of the Senate and family and friends of our honorees. On behalf of our esteemed caucus chair and Members of the Joint Asian American Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus we thank you and our program's participants to help you celebrate Apia Heritage Month. There are mementos on your desk. There is a book titled We Were Dreamers an Immigrant Superhero origin Story by Simi Liu.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Mr. Liu is the nation's first API superhero in the movie Shang Chi and a very special lapel pin with the caucus's logo for API Heritage Month. This concludes our ceremony. As our honorees exit the chamber let's give them another big round of applause.
- Jasmeet Bains
Legislator
Members, we're back to business. On the Daily File second reading, the Clerk will read.
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Second Reading]
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All bills are deemed read. All amendments will deem adopted uncle carts and Senate Amendments. We're going to pass and retain on file item 146. We will move forward to file item 217. This is HR. 28. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
House Resolution 28 by Assemblymember Ward and others, relative to Harvey Milk Day.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblymember Zbur, you may open on the resolution.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today to present HR 28, Harvey Milk Day, on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. To honor today, we honor Harvey Bernard Milk a hero in the LGBTQ + community who dedicated his life to fighting for the rights of all people. Harvey was the first openly gay elected official in California and in any major United States city. He's a global icon and a pioneer in the LGBTQ plus civil rights movement.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Harvey Milk's life embodies the values of resilience, persistence, and dedication to social justice. And his career embodies in many respects the rise of the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement in California and in the United States. Harvey unsuccessfully ran in several local elections, but his persistence paid off in 1977 when he was elected to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
His unprecedented election victory and the impact of his bold and short career continue to inspire us today as we increase LGBTQ+ representation across California, the country, and the world. Working to fight homophobia and transphobia and other forms of discrimination against LGBTQ + people, Milk was often the loudest voice at a time when many were afraid to be themselves. He actively encouraged members of the LGBTQ + community to show pride and to express our true identities.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Harvey's life was tragically cut short after a former colleague on the Board of Supervisors assassinated him and San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. Harvey Milk's killer was convicted of manslaughter instead of murder. An injustice that sparked riots and still stings today because of the injustice that occurred and the reminder that his life and the lives of LGBTQ people and people of color, women and religious minorities are often devalued by our criminal justice system.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
The outcome of that trial serves as a stark reminder how much work we still have to do in reforming our criminal justice and our justice system. Harvey Milk's life was about helping LGBTQ+ people to see a new world, a changed world, a world in which every person and child can see themselves in it with pride and with confidence that their lives and their dreams matter and can be achieved.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
His was a message of optimism, but also a call to action that we, ourselves, as LGBTQ + people working with our allies, can change the world. He called on us to "burst down those closet doors, stand up, once and for all and start to fight". And he reminded us that, "hope will never be silent". And later on, "you can't live on hope alone, but life is not worth living without hope".
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Harvey Milk changed my life and the lives of countless other LGBTQ+ people and kids showing us that we belong, but that we also have an agency and responsibility to act and engage to make the world a better place for everyone.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
He showed me and many of our colleagues in this body and the thousands of other LGBTQ+ people across the country and the world that we also belong in the halls of government. In a world that did not and still does not ensure equality and social justice for all, Harvey Milk's impact as a trailblazer and a civil rights advocate moves us to continue the fight and to finish what he started. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on HR 28.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Zbur. And Assemblywoman Papan, you're recognized.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon. I rise on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus in support of HR 28, which recognizes May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. While Milk's advocacy primarily focused on the rights of the LGBTQ+ community, his work had a much broader impact. During the time that he was breaking down barriers for the LGBTQ+ community, he was also simultaneously uplifting the voices of women.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
Harvey Milk understood that oppression is not limited to sexual orientation and that the fight for equality elevates all marginalized groups. Milk's groundworking campaign for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977 was a pivotal moment in history. He was not only the first openly gay elected official in California, but also a prominent ally to women. He actively engaged with women's organizations, empowering them and amplifying their voices. Supervisor Milk was a pioneering civil rights leader and demonstrated clearly that representation matters.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
The development of public policy depends at least partly on what we all bring to the table. Diverse voices and experiences are critical to inclusive and thoughtful policy. When best informed, policymakers like those assembled here can challenge a status quo that has been exclusive and at times outright harmful. While his life and career were tragically cut short, Harvey Milk was an inspiration to many successors who took up the mantle, some of whom who have served and are serving here today, Assemblymember Zbur.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
Today we recognize Harvey Milk for his accomplishments and we commit to carrying on his legacy by challenging and confronting the structural inequalities that hinder progress for all people. Harvey Milk had an exuberance for life and those who he loved. I have no doubt in my mind, and I'm out living this part that his exuberance and his legacy has saved many lives since he graced this Earth.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
Recently, I was walking through the San Francisco airport and it was a long day and I was coming back and they have this fantastic collage, if you will, of pictures of Harvey Milk's life. And, I mean, I was dog tired. It was 10:00 at night and it couldn't help but bring a smile to one's face. So I'm grateful to the Assembly Member from Southern California for carrying this resolution.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
I believe that his life still to this day saves lives because of the exuberance and the acceptance that he brought. So thank you for giving me and the Women's Caucus this honor to support.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Papan. And Assemblywoman Pacheco, you are recognized on the resolution.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus in support of HR 28. I also want to thank my colleague from San Diego for authoring this important resolution. Today we commemorate Harvey Milk Day and celebrate the life and political accomplishments of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay elected official in California and one of the first in the United States.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
Although this day is an honor of memorializing Harvey Milk and a celebration for the LGBTQ community, it allows us to reflect on the path toward equal rights for all. Milk represents the rise of political activism for our LGBTQ+ community to change the face of politics for our state and nation. In the words of Harvey Milk, you got to give them hope. A resounding resemblance of what hope truly means an ability to be unashamed and unafraid never to be silenced under challenging moments because hope will carry us forward.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
During his tenure on the San Francisco Board of Supervisor, he helped pass a gay rights ordinance for San Francisco that prohibited antigay discrimination in housing and employment. Yet in recent years, we have bared witness to a record breaking number of anti-LGBTQ+ measures proposed and passed across the country. 23 is a record setting year for state legislation and rhetoric targeting LGBTQ+ adults and youth.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
Harvey Milk reminds us of Milk's plight in fighting misinformation and pushing against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, which ultimately ended his life due to harmful conservative backlash across the country. The rising wave of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation across our country offers a stark reminder that continued progress towards equality is not assured. We have made much progress due to Milk's contributions to state politics, and many have come before us.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
In fact, we have the honor of having as Latino Caucus Chair the second openly LGBTQ+ Member in caucus state history, our Assemblymember Cervantes. Therefore, colleagues, while we must commemorate this day, may we continue to uplift and celebrate our LGBTQ+ community and honor the long journey that LGBTQ+ individuals have strived to gain rights. May we fight towards eliminating the barriers that remained. Thank you.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
And I join my colleague from San Diego and my other colleagues, including my colleague from West Hollywood, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote on House Resolution 28. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Pacheco and Assembly Member Lee, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
Thank you, Speaker, Members, I rise today on behalf of the Native American Caucus in support of HR 28, which designates May 22 as Harvey Milk Day. Harvey Milk's commitment to serving a broad constituency in addition to the LGBTQ+ folks drive his ambition and vision forward. He believed the government should represent the people, not interests, and ensure equality for all while giving them the support they need.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
As his final campaign manager, Anne Kronenberg, an LGBTQ rights activist, said, "what set Harvey apart from you or me was that he was a visionary. He imagined a righteous world inside his head, and then he set about to create it for real for all of us". I'm honored to uplift the vision Harvey had for our government, and his advocacy sets an example for all of us.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
It is important to remember the complex history and struggles that all of our marginalized communities face in our continued fight for equality. I hope my colleagues recognize the significance of Harvey's work and urge an aye vote on today's resolution. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Lee. And Assemblymember Haney, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus and as the proud representative of Harvey's home, San Francisco, and the Castro neighborhood. I stand in support of HR 28 to celebrate and commemorate the pioneering life and career of Harvey Milk. Before Harvey was a San Franciscan, he was a middle class Jewish kid from New York whose grandfather owned a synagogue, founded a synagogue.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
A visionary civil and human rights leader he became one of the first openly gay elected officials in the United States when he won a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors in 1977. He was proud of his Jewish identity. He lived and embodied Jewish values and felt an obligation to heal the world. He will always be remembered as a fierce advocate for gay rights but also as an advocate for all minority groups who face discrimination.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Though not religious, Milk was inspired by his own brand of Jewish values and culture. He gave his partner a gold necklace inscribed with the Hebrew word for life. He joined a Jewish fraternity in college and attended events at the Campus Hillel, a Jewish community space. And among close Jewish friends, he interspersed bits of Yiddish, a Jewish language from Europe, into conversations. Harvey Milk opened doors, broke down barriers and served as a beacon for both the LGBTQ and the Jewish community.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
His contributions to both communities and to California as a whole are worth sincere celebration and honor. I also want to say a word as a San Franciscan, you know, there is a lot that is said about the City and County of San Francisco some misleading, some politically motivated. But what I can say without any reservation is that Harvey Milk represented the best of our city for so many people, especially LGBTQ people, they've come to San Francisco because it's offered a refuge.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
It's offered a place where they can be themselves, where they can live their lives loudly with dignity and respect and lead. And it is Harvey Milk who has made that possible for so many people in our city and around our state. And we fight for a San Francisco that still honors those values, that still honors his legacy and honors his leadership. And at its best, that's what San Francisco represents and what it's represented to our state.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
So I'm very proud to stand here as the representative of that city along with my colleague Mr. Phil Ting and also to serve alongside so many people like my colleague from San Diego, like my colleague from West Hollywood who have been able to follow in the courageous footsteps of Harvey Milk. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Haney. And Assembly Member Jackson, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of HR 28. For someone who is just not an LGBTQ advocate but also just a humanist as a whole, whose message really transcends all people who struggle for the dignity and humanity of their people, the thing that strikes me the most was his message when he encouraged everyone to come out. Let your loved ones know that the people that they love is also LGBTQ.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Because when you know someone when you have a relationship with someone and you've built love for someone, it's hard for them to hate you and those like you. And that transcends all of our struggles. For all of us who continue and all the caucuses who continue to raise their mics to highlight their struggles.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
It is the same message that we need to make sure that we continue to share the struggles of our people to our friends who are not the same as us so that they can know that someone that they love someone that they respect are going through struggles that they may not understand themselves, but because hopefully because someone that they love are going through that struggle that they may also pick up the mantle to be able to join in the fight as well.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
So let us continue to share our struggles. Let us continue to share the barriers that many of our communities face. So hopefully more and more people will understand and get greater empathy for the things that our people have gone through. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Jackson. And seeing no other Members wishing to speak on the resolution, Assemblymember Zbur, anything further to close? We'd like their first roll open for co-authors. Very well. Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those wish to be a co-author, please signify by casting your vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 63 co authors. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those say nay. The ayes have it.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The resolution is adopted. Next, this is file item 218 by Ms. Schiavo, HR 34.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
House Resolution 34 by Assembly Member Schiavo relative to Period Poverty Awareness Week.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Schiavo, you may open on the resolution.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus to ask for your support of HR 34 recognizing Period Poverty Awareness Week this week, May 22 through 28. This is an issue that's integral in the lives of over 50% of our population who menstruate at some point in their lives, yet we don't really talk about it and how it impacts our lives.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Yes, it's a beautiful and natural part of life that allows us to have the wonderful children that we love so much, but we also don't touch on the stigma and the multiple aspects of life that are affected for those who are menstruating. Particularly those who struggle to afford sanitary products that are necessary to actively participate in everyday activities such as school work and sports. HR 34 seeks to highlight these issues by recognizing Period Poverty Awareness Week.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
I don't know if many of you have been down to that aisle in the grocery store lately, but a box of tampons is really pricey. And having a budget for that every month for someone who is in poverty, who struggles to get enough food to pay rent, can be debilitating it can easily be upwards of $20 or more a month. And if you're getting the minimum from Cal Fresh, that means it takes almost your whole allotment for the month, leaving nothing for food.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Furthermore, more and more girls are starting their period even earlier, at 10, and I've heard of girls even starting in second grade. That means that their families and young people are taking on this financial burden even earlier in lives and for more years over their lifetime. This can lead to missing school or work if they're older, and it may lead to alternative options.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Using alternative options that can leave them susceptible to infections. The stigma and shame that comes with an insufficient supply of sanitary products only reinforces the cycle of poverty. As an Assemblywoman, and as a mother of two girls and a Member of the California Legislative Women's Caucus, I'm proud to bring this issue to the floor and respectfully ask for your Aye vote and request that the first roll be open for co-authors. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Schiavo. And seeing no Member is wishing to be recognized on the resolution, we've requested the first roll open for co-authors. Clerk will open the roll. Members this is for co authors on HR 34. All those wishing to be a co-author, please signify by casting your vote button. Clerk will close the roll. There are 74 co-authors. Without objection, we will take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say Aye. All those post say Nay. The Ayes have it.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Resolution is adopted. And Majority Leader Reyes. You are recognized for your introduction.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I'd like to have you join me in welcoming the Executive Director of CAIR, the Council on American Islamic Relations here to Sacramento, Basim Al Qara, who is in the gallery.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Reyes. Okay, Members, we are back on file for some bills. We're going to begin with file item 150, AB 12. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 12 by Assembly Member Haney and others, an act relating to tenancy
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblymember Haney, you may open on the Bill.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 12 limits the amount that can be charged for a security deposit for a rental unit to one month's rent, making California the 12th state in the country to lower high cost barriers to housing. California has the third lowest homeownership rate in the country, which means that 17 million families and individuals are renting. California's housing shortage is causing rents to skyrocket.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
The median rent in California has increased by 35% since 2000, while median renter household income has only increased by 6%. Higher rents result in higher security deposits. Under current California law, every renter can be required to pay up to three months rent for their security deposit. This law was put in place in 1977 and hasn't been changed substantially in three decades. This is causing the average security deposit for a one bedroom in San Francisco to be as much as $10,000.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
In L.A. the average renter can pay as much as $8,000. This doesn't include the first rent payment that many rent renters must pay before securing a rental unit. This means that a security deposit can be as much as a down payment on a house in many parts of the country. A recent study showed that 53% of California renters indicated that they're able to afford their rent but are unable to get an apartment because they simply can't afford to pay the security deposit.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
This pushes many families, including those with individuals making minimum wage, to either forego necessities such as food and utilities, or acquire more debt in order to be approved for housing. In some cases, they're forced to stay in housing that is insufficient, crowded or unsafe. In 2019, this legislative body unanimously voted to support lowering security deposit to one month's rent for veterans. There's no reason not to extend this same protection to every other renter in the state.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
It doesn't take away a landlord's ability to hold their tenants accountable. They can still recover any damages in court. And it doesn't create a one size fits all approach, as landlords can still charge what they want in rent. Other states have already tackled this issue. Alabama, New York, Massachusetts, Delaware, Rhode Island all prohibit landlords from charging more than one month's rent for security deposit. It's time that California catches up and does not fall behind.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
At a time when one of our top priorities for every single Member is getting more people into housing, we have to acknowledge that this is something we can do right now to lower barriers to access and increase affordability. I lastly want to say I know there have been questions about the impact on small landlords, and I want to commit to continue to work with the opposition and on that particular issue in the Senate. And with that, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Haney. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 51, Noes 14. The Bill is passed. Next Members, we're going to take up a series of bills for purposes of amendments. Starting with Mr. Haney. We're going to move forward to file item 160. This is AB 1136 for amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1136 for amendments by Assembly Member Haney.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Now, Mr. Haney, you may open on the amendments.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, colleagues, AB 1136 is a mixed martial arts pension Bill.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
I have amendments for your consideration that address notice requirements to be made to the MMA fighters who are eligible for the fund. The notice requirement simply means that the MMA fighters will be informed of how much money they have in the process of withdrawing from the pension fund. They'll receive a letter which will be mailed annually and will detail how they can withdraw the funds. This notice requirement is an important amendment that helps the athlete be informed of the status of their pension. There's no opposition to this Bill and I respectfully request an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Haney. Seeing nobody wishing to address the amendments and without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments. All those in favor say Aye. All opposed say Nay. The Ayes have it. Amendments are adopted. The Bill is out to print and back on file. Next by Ms. Aguiar-Curry. This is file item 223, AB 659 for purpose of amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 659 with amendments by Assemblymember Aguiar-Curry.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Aguiar-Curry, you may open on the amendments.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present amendments to AB 659, the Cancer Prevention Act. The amendments will improve the parental notification in this Bill and ensure that they are communicated in a statistically prevalent languages of the school's population. The amendments will also assure notification goes to parents as part of the process chosen by each school district to communicate other school policies and processes. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on the amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Aguiar-Curry. Seeing nobody wishing to speak on the amendments, without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Amendments are adopted. The bill is out to print and back on file. Next, file item 224, AB 893 for purpose of amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 893 with amendments by Assemblymember Papan.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Papan you may open on the amendments.
- Diane Papan
Legislator
Thank you. I rise today to present amendments to AB 893, which require PBSP platforms to obtain a permit prior to facilitating transactions at an airport. Among other provisions. Among other technical changes, the amendments clarify that existing contracts between PBSPs and airports will remain valid under AB 9893. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Papan. Seeing nobody wishing to address the amendments, without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those in favor say Aye. All those who say Nay. The Ayes have it, amendments are adopted. The Bill is out to print and back on file. Next, file item 337, AB 486 for amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 486 with amendments by Assembly Member Kalra.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Kalra, you may open on the amendments.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, amendments of 486 clarify that a long-term care licensee appealing a Class B citation may seek judicial review through filing a written Superior Court to review the record from the administrative hearing to determine the process was fair. Respectfully ask for your aye vote on amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Kalra. Seeing nobody wishing to speak on these amendments without objection, we'll take a voice vote. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it, amendments are adopted. The bill is out to print and back on file. Next, over to Ms. Pellerin. This is file item 356, AB 545. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 545 with amendments by Assemblymember Pellerin.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblymember Pellerin, you may open on the amendments.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
AB 545 increases the accessibility of our voting locations for our voters with disabilities. AB 545 is up today for clarifying amendments. I respectfully ask for Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Pellerin. Seeing nobody wishing to seek on the amendments. All those without objection will take a voice vote on the amendments. All those in favor say Aye. All those opposed say Nay. The Ayes have it, amendments are adopted. The Bill is out to print and back on file. Next, back to Ms. Aguiar-Curry. This is file item 435, AB. 863 for amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 863 with amendments by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Aguiar-Curry you may again open on the amendments.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Mr. Speaker and colleagues, these amendments requested by the opposition clarify when a carpet extended producer responsibility recycling program will be decertified after several violations of the law. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Aguiar-Curry. Seeing nobody wishing to address the amendments without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it, amendments are adopted. The bill is out to print and back on file. Last, back over to Ms. Pellerin. This is file item 489, AB 1111 for amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1111 with amendments by Assemblymember Pellerin.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblember Pellerin, you may open on the amendments.
- Gail Pellerin
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, AB 1111 would provide small and equity cultivators with the opportunity to apply for a DCC license that would authorize them to vend their products at licensed state temporary cannabis events. The amendments address some concerns of the opposition. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Pellerin. And again, seeing nobody wishing to speak on the amendments, without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Amendments are adopted. The bill is out to print and back on file. We are back on top of file.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We will pass and retain on file items 147 through 149, dispense with 150, pass and retain on 151 through 157, bringing us. We'll pass temporarily on file item 158, pass and retain on 159, pass temporarily on file item 161. And if Ms. Waldron is ready, we'll present file item 162, AB 1325. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1325 by Assembly Member Waldron and others, an act relating to retail food facilities.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Waldron, you may open on the Bill.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise to present AB 1325, which would increase the current annual gross sales cap for Microenterprise Home Kitchens. There are over 230 permitted MEHKOs in the State. These are primarily small, family-owned, community-based businesses that provide important economic opportunities in oftentimes vulnerable communities. They allow Californians from all walks of life to share their vibrant cultural food traditions with their customers.
- Marie Waldron
Person
This Bill would ensure that MEHKOs can continue to grow and thrive in the State by allowing them to sell $100,000 worth of goods per year and 90 meals per week. I would like to thank my colleague from Coachella for being a champion of the original MEHKOs Bill and for being a joint author on my Bill. This Bill passed the Assembly Health Committee with bipartisan support and no No votes. I respectfully ask and Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Waldron. And Assemblymember Garcia. You're recognized.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and to my colleague from North County San Diego for bringing this Bill forward.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
I wanted just to highlight how significantly important and impactful this particular piece of legislation was during the core part of COVID where individuals with talents in the kitchen were able to pursue a license with specific counties to be able to cook, provide hot meals and sell them not only to make a living during the shutdown, but also to contribute to those who were out there working as essential employees during some of the toughest times during COVID. It was very evident that these types of policies create opportunities for many people throughout California, particularly those who were hardest hit during COVID but also those who have challenges entering into the mainstream workforce in this particular space.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you to the author for bringing this forward. It makes the policy better policy and creates greater opportunities for Californians. Respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Garcia. And seeing nobody else wishing to be recognized and Ms. Waldron, if nothing further to close, the Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Mr. Valencia? Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Ayes 70, noes zero. Bill is passed. We will go back to file item 161, AB 706. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 706, by Assemblymember Luz Rivas. An act relating to public lands.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblymember Rivas, you may open on the bill. Support. Support.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. The State Lands Commission was established in 1938 to protect and enhance public trust lands and their natural resources. The commission issues prospecting permits and leases for the extraction and removal of mineral of these lands. As California continues to make these strides in moving away from fossil fuel towards clean energy, we also need to consider the environmental impacts of securing resources. AB 706 seeks to update an outdated law to equip California with the necessary tools to ensure that decisions about the use of public lands and resources are in the State's best interest. Thank you, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Rivas. And seeing no members wishing to be recognized on the bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 70, noes zero. The bill is passed. Next, we will move back to Ms. Cervantes, file item 158, AB 832. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 832 by Assemblymember Cervantes. An act relating to the California Transportation Commission.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Cervantes, you may open on the bill.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members for the opportunity to present Assembly Bill 832 today. This is a simple follow up to my own Assembly Bill 179 from 2017, which was approved by this House and signed into law. AB 179 urged the Governor to make every effort to ensure that individuals with professional experience working in environmental justice are represented among the voting membership of the California Transportation Commission.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
While Governor Newsom has heeded this call with the CTC appointments, there's no guarantee that future governors will follow his example. As existing law does not impose an explicit requirement on future governors to do so. AB 832 will provide this guarantee by making it a requirement for the Governor to appoint at least one individual with professional experience in environmental justice as a voting member of the California Transportation Commission.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
In doing so, AB 832 would merely align the CTC with the Air Resource Board and the Coastal Commission in guaranteeing environmental justice representation amongst its voting members. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Cervantes. And seeing no Members wishing to address this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 58, Noes 15. The Bill is passed. We will pass and retain on file items 163 through 169, bringing us to file item 170, AB 1013. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1013 by Assembly Member Lowenthal and others, an act relating to alcoholic beverages.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Mr. Lowenthal, you may open on the Bill.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
This Bill is support support.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, I wish to ask permission to use props.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
Very pleased to, members, I'm very pleased to present AB 1013, which will require type 48 licensees to offer for sale to customers or for free drug testing devices such as test strips that can detect the presence of controlled substances that are commonly used to spike or lace an individual's drink. Now, drink spiking is an old term. What we know today as roofying.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
And roofiyng is a crisis going on in this state right now. It used to be used called roofying because of a drug Rufalin, but it's now ketamine and GHB, the date rape drugs that are incapacitating, primarily women and LGBTQ plus members of our community. And sexual assault is taking place throughout this state at an alarming rate, a truly alarming rate. And we have allowed this to happen. Why? Primarily because it is women and the LGBTQ plus communities that's taking place.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
If it were men that were targeted by this, it would be a holy war going on in this state right now. So why are we not putting offenders in jail? Well, there are a few reasons. First of all, because these drugs leave your body within 24 hours, it's very, very difficult to detect. Secondly, because these drugs totally and completely incapacitate, there is a lack of memory of exactly what took place. Therefore, we must be preventative to stop this in the State of California.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
It's like drunk driving. Once actually the offense has taken place, it's too late. We have to stop it before it happens. Very fortunately, these drugs are very easy to test once they're in somebody's drink. As a matter of fact, communities, universities and colleges, the US Military are already participating in providing test strips. These, for example, test coasters that any bar or restaurant or anybody can provide these where consumers can simply put a few drops of their drink on there and know if the presence of these drugs are there. By the way, these drugs have no color. They have no taste. There's no sense that that's taken place. I want to say this as well. I'm a bar and restaurant owner in California and have been for the last 20 years.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
If there is any concern about having these strips out there, I can tell you as an owner, we don't want this in our establishments. Most of the people who have opened these places have put their life savings into their establishments. The very, very last thing that they would ever, ever want is to know that their place facilitated sexual assault in any way. I'm also a father, and I'm very worried about the world which my girls are growing up into.
- Josh Lowenthal
Legislator
And I'm concerned that when they go out, they have a bullseye on their back that is not safe for them to go out. It's time that we step up in California and do something about it. This is very safe, very sensible, way for consumers to feel better about going out. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Lowenthal. And Assemblywoman Davies, you're recognized.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to thank my colleague for bringing this bill up. For those of you that were here last year, we were able to actually pass the bill that took paraphernalia and moved this into a category that we could actually have testing strips not only for the ketamine but also for fentanyl. And it's really important because if you look at the numbers of women and men that are actually being raped due to this poisoning into their drink, it's really important. And I can tell you also working in the restaurant business, this is something you want.
- Laurie Davies
Legislator
But keep in mind, this is going to help deter that person actually doing it. Knowing that if someone goes and gives you a drink and you have this testing there and you can show that it was actually them, they probably aren't going to be coming around soon. So I thank you so much for bringing this forward. I know there's a lot more we can do, but right now, we are saving lives. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Davies. And seeing no other members wishing to be recognized on the bill. Mr. Lowenthal, anything further to close? Very well. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 75, noes zero. The bill is passed. Pass and retain on file items 171 through 174, bringing us to file item 175, AB 1307.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1307 by Assemblyburg Wicks and others. An act relating to environmental quality and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Wicks, you may open on the bill.
- Buffy Wicks
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, AB 1307 is a simple but powerful bill that says, for purposes of CEQA, noise generated by the occupants of residential buildings, so human voices, should not be considered in terms of if it's going to be an impact on building that housing. The bill will reverse the bizarre people's pollution decision that was created by the recent appellate court decision at the UC Berkeley People's Park case. The UC has been trying to build housing, desperately needed housing, in and around the campus for years and has been fought by some of the local community who refuse to acknowledge that we need to build housing in our community. We have homeless students at UC Berkeley right now who desperately need this housing.
- Buffy Wicks
Legislator
Without this bill, opponents of housing would have a powerful tool to keep those people from moving into their neighborhood. And as you all know, you can see the slippery slope where this type of determining factor could lead to. We've been fighting the historic racist underpinnings of our land use policy here for quite some time in California, and we're making progress on that. Let's not let this decision that was made hinder that progress. This bill has bipartisan support, no opposition, and passed unanimously out of the Natural Resources Committee. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Wicks. And Mr. Hoover, you're recognized on the bill.
- Josh Hoover
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I just want to rise as a proud joint author of this bill. I want to thank the author for bringing it forward. I think it's a really important step in recognizing that noise by occupants cannot be considered under CEQA, but also a very important step forward in ensuring that our students and our community members have the housing that they need. Thank you. Urge an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Hoover. And if there's nothing else further to close, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 73, noes zero on the urgency.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Ayes 73, noes zero on the bill. Measure passes. Next. This is file item 176, ACR 72. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 72 by Assemblymember Wallis. Relative to California Tourism Month.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblymember Wallis, you may open on the resolution.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I have before you Assembly Concurrent Resolution 72, which declares May as California Tourism Month. As you know, the pandemic hit tourism hard. The state invested stimulus funding into this industry, and it worked. Tourism spending is back to 90% of pre-pandemic levels, and I'm pleased to share that 2023 projections show that visitor spending will exceed 2019 levels. This is good news for all of us with districts where tourism is a big economic driver.
- Greg Wallis
Legislator
The travel industry will not be back at 100% on track until we see a full return of international travel and convention business. In the meantime, we can encourage Californians to support the travel industry by staying close at home this summer. I'm asking for an aye vote on ACR 72. And, Mr. Speaker, I would like the roll to be open for co-authors, please.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Wallis. And seeing no members wishing to speak on the resolution, Clerk will first roll for co-authors. Members, all those wishing to be a co-author, please signify by casting your vote. Clerk will close roll. There are 74 co-authors. Without objection, we will take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All opposed say nay. Ayes have it. Resolution is adopted. Pass and retain on file item 177, bringing us to Mr. Bennett, file item 178.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
This is AB 676. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 676 by Assemblymember Bennett, an act relating to water.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblymember Bennett, you may open on the bill.
- Steve Bennett
Legislator
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. Members, the California Legislature identified domestic use as the highest priority use for water. But the California Legislature has never defined the definition of domestic use. As a result, you have to look at a patchwork of court cases and regulations to try to identify what domestic use of water is.
- Steve Bennett
Legislator
It simply makes good government sense and common sense for this Legislature to follow up and actually identify what we mean by the domestic use of water. A year ago, during the drought, we saw that the State Water Project ended up allocating zero water, and they ended up changing that to 5% for health and safety, putting every water district in a difficult situation of trying to decide what to do and how to prioritize their water.
- Steve Bennett
Legislator
We could have been in a situation where there were hundreds of lawsuits because people were arguing over the definition of the domestic use of water. This bill just makes common sense and tries to bring clarity to that issue before we get ourselves back into another one of those situations. In committee, I accepted many of the amendments suggested by the opposition. I think it dealt with most of those.
- Steve Bennett
Legislator
Just Friday, one more amendment came in, and as this bill moves forward, if it moves off this floor, I will continue to work with the opposition regarding their amendments and their thoughts on this bill. I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Bennett. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 48, noes 17.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The bill is passed. We will pass or retain on 179 and 180. Bring us to file item 181, AB 1445. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1445 by Assembly Member Arambula, an accolade in the public elementary schools.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Support. Support. Assembly Dr. Arambula. You may open on the bill.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Today, I rise to present AB 1445, the Neng Thao Drowning Prevention Act, which is named in honor of a young constituent from the 31st Assembly District. Neng was an 18 year old senior preparing to graduate as valedictorian of Edison High School in Fresno when he tragically drowned in a local river in 2017.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
In a year just like this, when our rivers are so full, just yesterday, two children, ages 8 and 4, were swept away in rushing waters in the King's River. By increasing awareness of swim safety and drowning prevention at an early age, AB 1445 can help save the lives of Californians. Thank you, Members, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Ambula. And seeing no other Members wish to be recognized on the bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye 73, no zero. Bill is passed. Next file item 182, AB 1214. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1214 by Assembly Member Maienschein an act relating to courts.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Maienschein, you may open on the bill.
- Brian Maienschein
Person
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker and Members. AB 1214 provides a two year sunset extension on remote adult criminal court proceedings and puts in place additional safeguards that protect the accused and preserve the integrity of the court. AB 1214 incorporates lessons learned over the last three years by establishing thoughtful procedural and technological guidelines for the use of remote technology.
- Brian Maienschein
Person
The Bill prohibits the use of remote technology in jury trials, but would allow defendants to appear remotely, if they so choose, for noncritical portions of the trial where no testimony is being taken to ensure the integrity of the judicial system and accuracy of court records the Bill prohibits the use of remote proceedings if there are technological deficiencies. AB 1214 is a measured approach to extend remote criminal court proceedings. I respectfully request your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Maienschein and seeing no Members wishing to speak on the Bill Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 74, Noes zero. Bill is passed. Next, this is file, item 183, AB 1205 Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1205 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, an act relating to water.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Bauer-Kahan, you may open on the Bill.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise to present AB 1205. This Bill seeks to address an issue we are seeing across the west, which is outside interests, hedge funds, and foreign nations coming into our state, buying up farmland, fallowing the land which hurts our economics as it relates to our agricultural industries and then selling the water at, quote unquote market rate, which you can imagine in times of drought, is extremely high. This is hurting Californians who pay the rates on water.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
It's driving the price up of water and it is going to make a veritable gold rush in the west as it relates to water. So this Bill simply ensures that folks do not come in and do this practice. We've amended the Bill to ensure that it does not relate to those farmers who are paid to use less water in times when we need them to do so.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
And we'll continue to work to ensure that those individuals are protected because we know that's an important part of our water management process. With that, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Bauer-Kahan and seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 43, Noes 17. Bill is passed. We will pass and retain on file items 184 through 186, bringing us to file item 187, AB 58. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 58 by Assembly Member Kalra, an act relating to employment.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Kalra, you may open on the Bill.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you. AB 58 would require the Department of Industrial Relations to include in its annual report on occupational injuries, diseases and fatalities, industry classification information separated by the ethnicity, race and gender of affected individuals. Collecting workplace injury data with demographic specific information helps to identify patterns and trends in workplace injuries and illnesses, which can be then used to develop targeted prevention strategies. By collecting this data, this Bill will further help to promote workplace safety, identify and address potential discriminatory practices, and ensure legal compliance. Respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Kalra. And seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on the Bill. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 56, Noes seven. The Bill is passed. Next, file item 188, AB 254. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 254 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, an act relating to privacy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan. You may open on the Bill.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
I'm proud to present AB 254, which extends the safeguards of our Medical Information Act and HIPAA to reproductive and sexual health data collected by digital services. Nearly one third of US women use reproductive and fertility tracking apps to guide them through their lives and their pregnancies. These apps currently offer little in the way of data protection. A consumer report study found that none of the leading menstrual tracking apps offer transparency about what data they share, and in fact, many sell this data.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Reproductive health information is health information and should be protected, which we all know. This bill has no opposition and no no votes. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Bauer-Kahan and CNO Members wishing to be addressed on the bill. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Aye 71, no zero. The bill is passed. Next is file item 189, AB 286. Clerk will read.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 286 by Assembly Member Wood, an act relating to communications.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Wood, you may open on the Bill.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Since 2021, I've offered a pair of bills that improve and modernize California's interactive broadband map. AB 2086 builds on those efforts by strengthening the public's input regarding broadband access at the household level. Put simply, AB 2086 will ensure public feedback is an available data set on our state's broadband map.
- Jim Wood
Person
This promotes greater transparency and gives us the tools we need to help close the digital divide. I respectfully ask for your I vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Wood. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 59, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next, this is file item 190, AB 413.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 413 by Assembly Member Lee, an act relating to vehicles.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Lee, you may open on the Bill.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
Good afternoon, Speaker, Members. California's pedestrian fatality rate is almost 25% higher than national average. AB 413 will make intersections safer by increasing visibility using a strategy called daylighting. There are 43 other states that recognize the need to prioritize safety and implement daylighting. Daylighting increases visibility for pedestrians, bicyclists and other cars by restricting on street parking at intersections.
- Alex Lee
Legislator
This is a common sense bill to stop preventable traffic collisions by increasing visibility. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Lee. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 43, no 16. The bill's passed. Next back to Ms. Bauer-Kahan. This is file item 191, AB 521.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 521 by Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan and others, an act relating to occupational safety and health.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Bauer-Kahan, you may open on this Bill.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 521 is a simple Bill that will ensure that women have access to their own restrooms on job sites.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
When we went to gender neutral bathrooms, most if not all job sites eliminated women's restrooms and it's made it harder and as we heard from our witnesses in Committee, really more dangerous on job sites for them not having access to their own private space to use the restroom. This Bill will change that dynamic and I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Bauer- Kahan. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 72, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next file, item 192, AB 678. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 678 by Assembly Member Alvarez, an act relating to energy
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Alvarez, you may open on the Bill.
- David Alvarez
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members. In 2018, the Legislature authorized the California Public Utilities Commission to consider adopting biomethane procurement targets, or goals, for utility companies, recognizing the importance that biomethane can play in the state's net zero emission goals. As you may know, biomethane is a biogas produced from biomass waste such as food waste, sludge, animal manure, landfill gas, dead trees, and others that can be used to create this type of renewable energy.
- David Alvarez
Legislator
Importantly, biomethane can be used interchangeably with conventional natural gas without the need of any changes in transmission or distribution infrastructure for the end user. AB 678 supports the state's net zero emission goals and levels the playing field by requiring the California Public Utilities Commission to also consider biomethane procurement standard goals for all gas utility suppliers, such as core transport agents. Thank you for your time, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote on AB 678.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Alvarez. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 56. Nos 8. Bill's passed. We will pass and retain on file items 193 through 196, bringing us to Ms. Ortega file item 197, AB 917. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 917 by Assembly Member Ortega, an act relating to insurance.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Ortega, you may open on the bill.
- Liz Ortega
Legislator
Thank you, Speaker and Members. Today I present AB 917. AB 917 would remove the sunset of the California Low Cost Auto Insurance Program, making the program permanent. California law requires that all drivers of vehicles within the state maintain driver's insurance. However, too many low-income drivers remain uninsured because of the high cost of standard insurance premiums. Instead of having uninsured drivers on the road, they can participate in the state's program that provides them with liability insurance at an affordable price.
- Liz Ortega
Legislator
This program has been running for over 20 years as a pilot. AB 917 will remove the sunset date to ensure that California continues to provide needed auto insurance that many low-income drivers rely upon.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Ortega. And seeing no other Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 73, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next by Mr. Gabriel.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
This is file item 198, AB 947. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 947 by Assembly Member Gabriel and others, an act relating to privacy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Gabriel. You may open on the Bill.
- Jesse Gabriel
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am pleased today to present AB 947, which would make a small but important change to the California Consumer Privacy Act by adding citizenship and immigration status to the CCPA's definition of sensitive personal information.
- Jesse Gabriel
Legislator
Among other things that are already included are a consumer's Social Security number or driver's license number, precise geolocation genetic data and union membership. But notably omitted is the consumer's citizenship and immigration status. This Bill would make this common sense change. It has received bipartisan support and has no opposition. Would respectfully request your I vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Gabriel. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 72, Noes zero. The Bill is passed, we will pass and retain on 199, bringing us to file item 200 by Ms. Petrie-Norris. This is AB 1027. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1027, by Assembly Member Petrie-Norris, an act relating to social media platforms.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Petrie-Norris, you are recognized to open.
- Cottie Petrie-Norris
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise today to present AB 1027.
- Cottie Petrie-Norris
Legislator
There are a number of bills moving through the Legislature right now to help keep our kids and communities safe online. AB 1027 is a narrow measure drafted from conversations and discussion that we've had with law enforcement, the technology industry, and other stakeholders. The bill simply requires large social media platforms that operate in California to disclose on their websites a description of policies regarding the retention of electronic communication information.
- Cottie Petrie-Norris
Legislator
By adding this additional policy statement information, AB 1027 will provide law enforcement agencies with access to additional information that could be useful to investigations into online fentanyl deaths and other tragedies. So with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Petrie-Norris. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on the bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye 71, no zero. The bill's passed. Next by Mr. Berman.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Next, by Mr. Berman. This is item 201, AB 1037. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1037 by Assembly Member Berman, an act relating to voting.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Berman, you may open on the Bill.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I rise to present AB 1037, a Bill that would authorize a county election official to offer an electronic means of correcting a missing or mismatched vote by mail ballot envelope signature. Missing or mismatched signatures on vote by mail ballot envelopes are the primary driver of rejected ballots.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
This Bill simply provides our county elections officials with an additional tool to assist California voters. Respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Berman. And seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 57, Noes 16. The Bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file item 202 bringing us to Miss Carrillo.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
This is file item 203, AB 1194. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1194 by Assembly Member Wendy Carrillo, an act relating to privacy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Carrillo. You may open on the bill.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I am proud to present Assembly Bill 1194, which will protect California's right to privacy when it comes to reproductive health care decisions, and ensure that companies cannot circumvent California's strongest in the nation privacy protections in this critical space.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
This bill is part of the Future of Abortion Council package of supported legislation, as well as a priority to the Legislative Women's Caucus. And I respectfully request an aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Carrillo. And seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 60, nos 8. The bill's passed. Next by Mr. Holden.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
This is file item 204, AB 1204. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1204 by Assembly Member Holden, an act relating to contractors.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Holden, you may open on the Bill.
- Chris Holden
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, AB 124 is a Bill aimed at addressing the issue of employees being misclassified as independent contractors in the construction industry.
- Chris Holden
Person
AB 1204 seeks to limit the number of independent contractors working under a single subcontract, helps to curb employee misclassification, ensures accurate certified payroll reports, while decreasing the likelihood of project abandonment. The Bill does not affect legitimate subcontracting relationships where employers properly classify themselves as such and their workers as employees. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Holden. And seeing no other Members wishing to be addressed on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 66, Noes three. The bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file items 25 through 29 bringing us to Mr. Valencia file item 210. AB 1483. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1483 by Assembly Member Valencia and others, an act relating to firearms.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Valencia, you may open on the Bill.
- Avelino Valencia
Legislator
Buenos tardes, Mr. Speaker and Members.
- Avelino Valencia
Legislator
AB 1483 brings parity to existing law by addressing a gap that allows bulk firearm acquisitions through private party transactions. This Bill will limit the number of firearms an individual may acquire to one per 30 days, the same restrictions that already apply for purchases made through commercial dealers. The recent Floor amendments will allow private party transferring of firearms as part of an estate settlement and or an inheritance. I appreciate your time. Respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you, Mr. Valencia.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And see no other Members wishing to be addressed on this Bill. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 59, noes 13. The Bill is passed. Pass and retain on file items 211 and 212. Bringing us to Ms. Pacheco. File item 213. This is AB 17 seven. Clerk will read Assembly Bill 17. Seven by Assembly room, Pacheco and accolade. Healthcare, Assembly and Pacheco.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1707 by Assembly room, Pacheco and accolade. Healthcare, Assembly and Pacheco.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblywoman Pacheco, you may open on the bill.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Today, I rise to present AB 1707. AB 1707 will ensure that all providers under the Healing Arts License are protected from hostile laws in other states. Other states with regard to their licensure and protects provider staff privileging in the hospital setting, abortion providers, and those who seek an abortion, or other services like gender affirming care are under attack.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
One of the most important things we can do to ensure that these services are accessible here in California is to ensure that the providers offering this care can continue to offer it without fear. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Pacheco. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 56. Noes 11. The bill's passed.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We have dispensed with file item 214. Pass and retain on 215. Dispense with 216 through 218 and 219. Pass and retain on 220, 221. Bringing us to Mr. Ting. This is file item 222, AB 480. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 480 by Assembly Member Ting and others, an act relating to local government.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open on the Bill.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you. AB 480, which is a reintroduction of my Bill, AB 2357 from last year, strengthens the Surplus Lands Act by closing enforcement loopholes for lands that are leased and lands that are sold for less than market value. AB 480 creates a ministerial process for local governments to dispose of certain types of exempt surplus land to streamline declarations of those types of land. Respectfully ask for your Aye vote on AB 480.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ting and seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 46, Noes 15. The Bill is passed. We have dispensed with file items 223 and 224 bringing us to Ms. Friedman. File item 225, AB 894. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 894 by Assembly Member Friedman and others, an act relating to land use.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Friedman, you may open on the Bill.
- Laura Friedman
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I am presenting AB 894. You all know how much I love talking about parking.
- Laura Friedman
Person
This is a much less controversial parking Bill than I've done in the past. This Bill simply allows for developers statewide to contract for unused parking spaces if they so choose, with other facilities nearby that have excess parking spaces. It's very simple, very non controversial Bill that is purely common sense, and I would request an I vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Friedman. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 56. Noes 10. The bill is passed. Next. This is file item 226, AB 918. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly vote 918 by Assembly Member Garcia, an act relating to healthcare districts.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Garcia, you may open on the bill.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. This is a district bill that attempts to consolidate healthcare districts in our region of Imperial County. We hope to set up a structure where we can improve the financial solvency of our hospitals and increase the access and delivery of healthcare services in our region. This is one measure in the midst of many other efforts that are underway to improve the circumstances up and down the State of California as it relates to hospitals.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
This measure, again, is a local bill, attempts to address a local problem, and we continue to work with our local stakeholders to evolve the language to make sure that it addresses all of the concerns that have been raised. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Garcia. And Assemblywoman Boerner on the bill.
- Tasha Boerner
Legislator
Yes. I want to thank the Assembly Member from the Coachella Valley for his leadership in saving health care in the Imperial Valley. In addition to what the assembly member said, I think it's really important that if critical care fails in Imperial Valley, residents have to drive two and a half hours to San Diego or Riverside counties to seek care. That is not the solution and will seriously compromise the health not only of his own community, but all of ours. Furthermore, it severely constrains San Diego's healthcare system and our ability to care for our residents.
- Tasha Boerner
Legislator
Federal and state financial support for healthcare in Imperial Valley is insufficient and requires the creation of a single countywide healthcare district. I appreciate the assembly member's work on this bill and very much urge an aye on this bill. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Boerner. And if there's no other Members wishing to be recognized, nothing further to close, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye 74, no zero.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The Bill is passed. Next by Mr. Carrillo. This is file item 227, AB 965. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 965 by Assembly Member Juan Carrillo, an accolade and local government.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Carrillo, you may open on the Bill.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today to present Assembly Bill 965, which seeks to help broadband permits get processed more efficiently so our constituents can more quickly benefit from high speed Internet.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
The shot clocks and dimapproved language in the Bill for batch permit processing only applies to wireless broadband projects. I want to be clear that local jurisdictions will still remain full control. AB 965, strike the right balance between efficient statewide broadband deployment and local control. I am committed to continue to work with publicly owned utilities and local governments to ensure there are no unattended consequences. This Bill has enjoyed unanimous and bipartisan support throughout the process. I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Carrillo. And seeing no other Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye's 73, no's zero. The Bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file item 228. Bringing us to file item 229. This is AB 1011. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1011 by Assembly Member Weber and accolade in the social care.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Weber
- Chris Ward
Legislator
You may open on the Bill.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise to present AB 1011, which is the first step in addressing a critical new frontier of privacy policy. In recent years, there has been a growing interest in addressing health-related social needs as a strategy for improving overall health and well being of our constituents. As a part of this movement, social care networks have become an important part of delivering the services that address these needs.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
These groups are publicly and privately funded organizations that share data and make referrals to each other to help provide care across the range of social needs. Social care information is information about the most vulnerable moments in a person's life. People who are experiencing homelessness, food insecurity, or threats to their physical safety often want to keep this information private. Because this is relatively new, there is currently no regulation of privacy in the social care information space.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Specifically, this Bill addresses social care privacy by defining a closed loop referral system. This Bill, most importantly, takes a giant step towards protecting consumers by putting a strict, do not sell standards in place for the sensitive personal information housed within the closed loop referral system. I respectfully ask for your I vote on AB 1011. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Weber. And seeing no Members wishing to be addressed on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 69, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file items 230 through 232 bringing us to file item 233, AB 1412. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1412 by Assembly Member Hart and others, an act relating to pre-trial diversion.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Hart, you may open on the Bill.
- Gregg Hart
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 1412 will allow defendants living with borderline personality disorder to become eligible for pretrial diversion programs at the discretion of the court. Defendants with borderline personality disorder have been excluded from diversion programs for too long, which exacerbates harmful stigma. This Bill will allow them to get the treatment and care they require. AB 1412 has no registered opposition, and I respectfully request an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Hart. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye's 61. No's four. The Bill is passed. We're going to pass and retain on file item 234. Bringing us to file item 235, AB 1598.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1598 by Assembly Member Berman, an act relating to gun violence.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Berman, you may open on the bill.
- Marc Berman
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. AB 1598 would expand what is covered in the Firearm Safety Certification test to explicitly include the potential consequences of bringing a firearm into the home, as well as information about restraining orders. This bill would also require that a pamphlet covering the benefits and risks of owning a firearm be given to all prospective firearm purchasers. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Berman. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye 60, noes 12. The bill is passed. We're going to pass and retain on file items 236 through 240. Bringing us to file item 241, AB 3. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill Three.
- Reading Clerk
Person
By Assembly Member Zbur and others, an act relating to energy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Zbur, you may open on the Bill.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, I'm proud to present AB 3 legislation sponsored by Environment California that is aimed at shaping the upcoming decisions the state will make regarding offshore wind while assuring that we protect our sensitive marine and coastal environments, cultural resources, and at the same time bring into California the maximum number of high wage, high skilled jobs that will be created by this emerging industry, which I believe has the potential to transform the California economy much as the aerospace industry did during World War II.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Bringing offshore wind online is critical to the state's ability to meet its climate change goals. California adopted ambitious goals for offshore wind five gigawatts by 2030, 25 gigawatts by 2045, and the Federal Government has since issued the first leases off the California coast for floating offshore wind facilities. Offshore wind also has the potential to bring tens of thousands of high paying and highly skilled jobs over 20 years to the state, including in disadvantaged communities surrounding our state's ports and shipping hubs and throughout California.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Meeting our climate and clean energy goals requires multibillion dollar investments in new and expanded port facilities and transmission, and the state will need to develop this necessary infrastructure in a very short amount of time. With thorough planning and timeline accountability, California can meet its offshore wind goals in a way that maximizes good paying and highly skilled jobs by bringing not only assembly and maintenance, but also the turbine and equipment manufacturing to California, while assuring that the strongest protections for cultural and natural resources are preserved.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
AB 3 requires the California Energy Commission to conduct a second phase analysis of port alternatives, with detailed criteria to guide their analyses to support offshore wind activities and provide specific recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor on the best next steps for port developments that minimizes impacts to the environment and cultural resources and maximizes jobs and achieves environmental justice goals.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
AB 3 also requires the CEC to assess the feasibility of imposing specific instate job requirements or targets for both manufacturing and assembly offshore wind parts and to assess the impacts on economic growth, our tax base jobs, workforce development and impacts to ratepayers and give recommendations to both the Governor and the Legislature about how to retain the maximum job benefits for Californians, especially underserved Californians.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
This Bill enjoys broad support of the key stakeholders, including a coalition of environmental groups, labor, including the California Building Trades and the California State Association of Electrical Workers, the major ports across the state, and environmental justice advocates. The Bill passed on consent in the Assembly Natural Resources Committee and has no opposition. I respectfully ask for your I vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Zbur and Assemblywoman Addis, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Dawn Addis
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I am proud to stand in support as a co-author of AB Three, and I want to thank my colleague from West Hollywood. The discussion of offshore wind is transformative, not just for California, but for my own home, my district and the entire Central Coast. The recent leases and development of offshore wind will impact our communities in ways that we cannot fully appreciate today.
- Dawn Addis
Legislator
There is no doubt that offshore wind can be a mainstay of California's transition to 100% clean energy and will benefit our economy. So I want to thank the author for bringing this essential piece of legislation forward, and I look forward to working with him and with others and respectfully ask for an Aye vote on this on Assembly Bill Three. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Addis. And seeing no other Members wish to be recognized on the Bill, there's nothing further to close. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes I 72, no/s zero. The Bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file item 242. Back to file item 243. AB Five. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill Five. By Assembly Members of her and others napoleon Educational Equity.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Zbur you may open on the Bill.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today to present AB Five the Safe and Supportive School Rules act. It feels fitting to do so on this day of significance to the LGBTQ plus community. Harvey Milk once said, quote, all young people, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, deserve a safe and supportive environment in which to achieve their full potential. This Bill moves California towards that goal.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
I'm proud that this critical Bill is sponsored by the California Federation of Teachers, CFT, California Teachers Association, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurman and Equality California.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
The Bill is the result of nearly a decade of advocacy to equip teachers and school staff with the training and tools they need to create safe and supportive learning environments for all California students, including those who are LGBTQ plus and who may be facing harassment and lack of acceptance at school, rejection at home or discrimination in the broader community.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Indeed, I recall that in 2018, in my prior role as Executive Director of Equality California, I testified in Committee as the sponsor of this effort, which was authored at that time by now State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurman. The next year, a similar Bill passed, the body once again authored by then Assembly Member, now San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
These prior efforts were delayed to give the sponsors time to engage in budget advocacy to Fund the creation of an online training program, which we succeeded in doing. In 2021, as the result of negotiations with Governor Newsom, the budget allocated 3 million to the Department of Education for the creation of an online training program which required robust content that is mirrored in this Bill.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Our teachers and school staff, including classified staff, are on the front lines of ensuring that all children, regardless of background, zip code, sexual orientation, or gender identity, have a shot at the American Dream. This often means providing a safety net against the effects of discrimination and lack of acceptance that Members of LGQ plus community, and especially our youth, face. When LGBTQ plus students that have support in school, their likelihood of overcoming disparities and succeeding in life increases.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
That's why, while I was at Equality California, I was so dedicated to improving school environments and making them safer and more inclusive. They can give LGBTQ plus kids from the Central Valley or coastal community or the desert, the mountains, or the heart of your cities a shot at a brighter success. If we are going to expect our public school teachers and other certificated staff to fulfill this critical mission, we have to give them the tools they need.
- Rick Chavez Zbur
Legislator
Again, I'm so grateful to our sponsors for joining us in advancing this critical Bill, and I gratefully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Zbur. And Assembly Member Muratsuchi, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
Thank you very much. I rise in strong support of AB Five, and I want to thank our colleague from West Hollywood for working with the Education Committee in particular on this very important measure. As chair of the Education Committee, I want to share that normally we often hear from teachers that we don't want new mandates. We already have so many curricular based training requirements that they're often very skeptical and concerned about new training mandates coming from Sacramento, coming from the state capitol.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
But in this case, as the author indicated, the teachers are the sponsors and strong supporters of this measure, especially in this time when we're seeing so much our schools becoming ground zero of attacks on LGBTQ youth. And so that is why this Bill is the exception to the General rule that we normally look with concern at new training mandates.
- Al Muratsuchi
Legislator
This is absolutely necessary, given this time that we are in in our nation's schools and all the battles that are taking place across the country so strongly in support of this measure. Urge your I vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Muratsuchi. And Assemblywoman Wilson, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to my colleague from West Hollywood for bringing this important Bill forward. As a proud parent of a Member of the LGBTQ Plus community, I am in strong support and urge my colleagues to give this an eye vote. We all know that in order for a child to thrive, they must have a safe and supportive environment, whether that is at home or at school or in their community.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
And we know that many Members of the LGBTQ Plus community do not have a strong and supportive and safe environment at home. Sometimes it is very difficult when a child comes out or even when a child is questioning the home environment that they're in. But one thing we can do as a state is ensure that our children, when they go to school, it is safe and supportive, and it's a strong, thriving environment for them. That's why this is so important.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
This Bill seeks to address that by ensuring that those responsible for educating and caring for our children at school receive cultural competency training design with our LGBTQ Plus students in mind. And with that, Members, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Wilson. And Assemblywoman Cervantes, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise in support of AB Five and thank our colleague from West Hollywood for bringing this important measure forward. I am a proud co author and a Member of the LGBTQ Caucus. Our community, our LGBTQ community, we all go through different journeys of self discovery and coming out, and we do that at different ages in our life. We must do everything we can, especially in this moment, to support our LGBTQ youth and their rights.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
The truth is, we still have so much work to do in California and across our nation. Each of us in this chamber was a teenager. And we understand that teenagers are going through difficulties and oftentimes are faced with bullying challenges that I didn't go through, what teenagers this day are going through, and what I hear even from my niece, who's only in fourth grade.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
So when you add that, along with the fear of facing discrimination or ridicule because of who you are, it is no surprise that our LGBTQ youth face disproportionate amount of bullying and a heavy mental health load. So it is essential that AB Five is passed today because this is a missing piece of the puzzle in creating a welcoming and nurturing environment for all students, regardless of how they identify. And that is why I'm proud to be a co author on this measure.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
And really, this is the embodiment of California values. And I hope that you will stand with our community in supporting this measure today. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Cervantes. And seeing no other Members wishing to be recognized. Mr. Zbur, anything further to close? Very well. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Aye's 63, no's two. The Bill is passed. We will pass and retain on file items 244 through 249. Pass temporarily on file item 250 bringing us to Mr. Valencia file item 251. AB 34.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 34 by Assembly Member Valencia and others, an act relating to elections.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Valencia, you may open on the bill.
- Avelino Valencia
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members. AB 34 will remove the inherent conflict of interests when County of Orange supervisors are involved in decisions regarding redrawing their own district lines. This bill is modeled after recent legislation and would similarly create an independent redistricting commission that would draw district boundaries for the County of Orange Board of Supervisors, the establishment of an independent Citizens Redistricting Commission, would increase transparency, equity, and accountability by prioritizing public input and ensuring that the process is conducted in an open manner. I appreciate your time. Respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Valencia. And seeing no other members wishing to be recognized on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 58, noes 14, bill is passed. We'll pass and retain on file item 252. Bring us to Mr. Ramos, file item 253 AB 44, Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 44 by Assemblymember Ramos an act relating to tribal police.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assemblymember Ramos, you may open on the bill.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. AB 44 is a continuation of our work in this house on the legislative floor on dealing with the critical issue amongst California tribes and the nation on missing and murdered indigenous people. AB 44 would grant tribal governments the ability to access the California Law Enforcement Transmittal Service, or CLETS. CLETS is a computer network that gives police departments access to national databases that provide vital information.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Currently, tribal governments and tribal police departments cannot access CLETS and have to request access to CLETS from their local sheriff's department. This may lead to long delays in tribal police officers receiving important life-saving information such as domestic violence, restraining orders, criminal records, and other vital investigation data. By providing tribal government and tribal courts the ability to access this system, we can hopefully start to make inroads on the missing and murdered indigenous persons and keep our people safe in the State of California.
- James Ramos
Legislator
All people I ask and I urge your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. And Assemblywoman Waldron, you're recognized on the bill.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Mr. Chair and members. As a member of the Native American Caucus, I rise in strong support of AB 44, permitting tribal law enforcement officers to access the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. Tribal law enforcement officers do not have access to the Department of Justice's databases. This has created significant issues with staggering amounts of missing and murdered indigenous persons cases going unsolved. AB 44 will greatly help tribes protect their citizens by sharing timesensitive information in critical situations.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Helping with the prevention, response and solving of MMIP crimes is critical for tribes as this crisis only grows. This is an important step to ensuring our Native American communities are safe and connected to nontribal law enforcement. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you. Ms. Waldron and Mr. Garcia, you're recognized on the bill.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to acknowledge the work of the author on this matter. This is a common sense b ill that integrates the communication systems between law enforcement in Indian Country and off the reservations. This issue goes back a long way. It's the 1950 policies of this government to separate their responsibilities to Native people, not just in California, but throughout the country. The irony of this issue is that there is a lot more work to be done still. I'm going to give you an example.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
In our district where we have a number of different Indian tribes that we get to represent. In the early 2000s, the law enforcement agents that work on reservations, who are certified very similarly to law enforcement outside of reservations, were being pulled over off the reservation for the impersonation of police officers for the simple reason that they had vehicles with the lights at the top of the vehicle and that they were attempting to just keep their reservations safe.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
This bill in front of us is the beginning of a long journey to be able to create greater integration between our public safety agencies on reservations and off reservations. I had the distinct pleasure to work on this issue in 2001 with a Native American tribe back home. It was my first time visiting Sacramento. This was an issue that was at the front of that agenda, that visit.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
And I just want to again acknowledge the author for this work, because this is critical, not just to the issue that's in front of us related to missing and murdered indigenous people, but just the simple integration of communication for public safety purposes in our communities, both on the reservation and off the reservation. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Garcia. And seeing no other members wishing to speak on the bill, is there anything further to close, Mr. Ramos? No. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 73, noes zero. The bill is passed. Going to pass and retain on file item 254. Bringing us to file item 255 again by Mr. Ramos. AB 46.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
46. Clerk will Read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 46 by Assembly Member Ramos and others, an act relating to taxation to take effect immediately. Tax levy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Ramos, you may open on the bill.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise in support of AB 46, which focuses on our armed services and seeks to extend a state benefit for retired veterans who usually retire after 20 years of service. Additionally, this bill also exempts survivor benefits from being taxed in the State of California. This exemption is to begin upon retirement and will last for 10 years until 2034.
- James Ramos
Legislator
AB 46 focuses on honoring those who dedicated their lives to serving their country, strengthening and attracting a skilled workforce, which in turn strengthens the state's tax revenue. This is a step in the direction to honor our military here in the State of California. I urge your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. And seeing no other Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the wall. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Tally the votes. Ayes 69, no zero. The bill is passed. Next, this is file item 256 by Ms. Aguiar-Curry. AB 48. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 48 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, an act relating to nursing facilities.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Support, support. Assembly Aguiar-Curry, you may open on the bill.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Good afternoon, Members. AB 48 is a reintroduction of a bill to protect seniors from being prescribed potentially harmful drugs without their or their representatives consent. The bill previously passed the Assembly Four last year with a 77 to zero, but it was vetoed for technical reasons, which have been addressed with amendments taken after consultation with the administration. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Aguiar-Curry. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 72, noes zero. The bill is passed. Next file, item 257, AB 51. Also support, support. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 51 by Assembly Member Bonta and others, an act relating to early childhood and education.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Bonta. You may open on the Bill.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I am pleased to present AB 51, the Childcare Stabilization Act. I introduced AB 51 to support the effective and equitable functioning of our mixed delivery childcare system in order to help stabilize early childcare opportunities for families and the providers that support them as universal transitional kindergarten is rolled out. The Bill does three key things towards that end.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
First, AB 51 increases childcare access by expanding existing resource and referral services to ensure families have information about available childcare slots and increasing eligibility for subsidized childcare for families in high-cost areas. Second, the Bill directs local educational agencies to provide developmentally appropriate expanding learning opportunities for TK students. Finally, AB 51 seeks to provide just transition for providers by requiring the Department of Social Services and the Department of Education to consider the impacts of universal TK expansion as rates are being considered.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
Early childcare is a fundamental is fundamental to healthy child development and foundational for early learning and positive educational outcomes. Our childcare system is primarily comprised of women of color doing the important and undervalued labor of caring for our children and fostering early learning and development. We must support the system which collectively bolsters every industry and serves as the backbone of our state's economy and ensures quality childcare for children and families. This Bill has bipartisan support.
- Mia Bonta
Legislator
There is no opposition and is a priority Bill for the California Legislative Women's Caucus. I respectfully request your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Bonta. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 73, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next by Mr. Grayson. This is file item 258, AB 52.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 52 by Assembly Member Grayson and others, an act relating to taxation to take effect immediately. Tax levy.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Grayson, you may open on the Bill.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Mr. Speaker and Members, AB 52 seeks to incentivize long-term investments and fuel expansion in California's manufacturing industry. The measure will accomplish this by providing a state tax credit for the local sales tax paid by manufacturers for qualified equipment purchases. Manufacturing plays a crucial role and essential role within the state's economy, supporting high wage jobs and small businesses with room for growth. It is my hope that AB 52 can be the tipping point to encourage a new invent here manufacture here reality.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
With that, I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Grayson. And seeing no Members wishing to address this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 72, Noes zero. The bill is passed. Pass and retain on file items 259 through 269 bringing us to file item 270, AB 92.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 92 by Assembly Member Connolly and others, an act relating to crimes.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Connolly, you may open on the Bill.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Mass shootings are an epidemic in the United States. The widespread availability of military grade body armor helps mass shooters and criminals kill more people and prolong their rampages. AB 92 is a solution to help protect innocent bystanders, emergency personnel and our peace officers. Under AB 92, any person who is prohibited by California statute from possessing a firearm would also be prohibited from purchasing or possessing body armor.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
California already found it prudent and good policy to stop these people from owning firearms. And we should be furthering our efforts to ensure that military grade gear is kept out of the hands of violent criminals. This Bill has enjoyed bipartisan support and I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Connolly. And seeing no Members wishing to address this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 54, Noes 11. The bill is passed. We're going to pass and retain on file item 271 bringing us to file item 272, AB 99.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 99 by Assembly Member Connolly and others, an act relating to pesticides.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblyman Connolly, you may open on this Bill.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
Thank you again, Mr. Speaker. Members, pesticides are well documented to be harmful to human health and the environment. In light of these harms, a number of local jurisdictions have adopted integrative pests management, or IPM approaches. AB 99 would bring Caltrans's roadside vegetation management in line with locals by requiring Caltrans to develop and adopt a state-wide policy that uses IPM that does not include pesticides in cities and counties that have restricted use of pesticides locally.
- Damon Connolly
Legislator
AB 99 also requires Caltrans to make publicly available their pesticide use as well as notification of when they intend to spray pesticides 24 hours in advance. This Bill would protect human health and the environment by reining in pesticide use by Caltrans and making pesticide use at Caltrans more transparent. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Connolly. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 50, Noes 16. The Bill is passed. Next, file item 273, AB 225.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 225 by Assembly Member Grayson, an act relating to property.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Grayson, you may open on the Bill.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, AB 225 seeks to better inform and educate potential homebuyers of risk associated with wildfires climate change and sea level rise by updating the state's residential environmental hazard booklet. This disclosure provides some liability protection for sellers and their agents while assuring buyers have the information they need to make the informed decision about natural hazards when purchasing property. AB 225 is a timely measure that will help consumers make what is, in many cases, the biggest purchase of their life.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Grayson. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 71, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next by Mr. Ramos. This is file item 274, AB 226.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 226 by Assembly Member Ramos and others, an act related to the University of California.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Mr. Ramos, you may open on the Bill.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Since NAGPRA and Cal NAGPRA enacted it, which was over 20 years ago, there are still issues when it comes to repatriation and return of Native American remains and cultural resources. AB 22, Six urges the University of California to report annually on the progress towards repatriations so that we can continue to hold the institution accountable as well as return remains and cultural items to California Native American tribes and tribes throughout the nation.
- James Ramos
Legislator
This Bill also urges the UC to prohibit the use of Native American remains or cultural items for the purpose of teaching or research. Again, it calls on the UCs to prohibit the use of Native American remains while teaching in the UC system. The fact that in 2023, human remains and cultural items that were stolen are still being used without proper repatriation is upsetting.
- James Ramos
Legislator
AB 22, Six is aimed at holding the UCS accountable in allowing four California Native American tribes and tribes across the nation to finally have peace and closure on an issue that has been around for generations. I urge your I vote and stand with the Indian people in the State of California and the nation.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 68, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next, file item 275, AB 230.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 230 by Assembly Reyes and others, an act relating to menstrual products.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Majority Leader Reyes, you may open on the Bill.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members. AB 230 requires schools serving third through fifth grades to stock restrooms with free and accessible menstrual products and expands on the Menstrual Equity Act of 2021 which required schools serving 6th through 12th grades to stock menstrual products in the restrooms. It's critical that when young students are in need of menstrual products they be free and accessible to them. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Reyes. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 67, Noes zero. The bill is passed. Pass and retain on file item 277 bringing us to Mr. Rodriguez file item 278, AB 250.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 250 by Assembly Member Rodriguez, an act relating to state highways.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Mr. Rodriguez, you may open on the Bill.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Thank you for allowing me to present AB 250, a district Bill. This Bill would allow the California Department of Transportation to linkish the portions of State Route 83 that lie within the City of Chino. Current law allows the California Transportation Commission to relinquish a state route to a local jurisdiction at their request and portions of this specific roadway have been already relinquished to neighboring cities.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
This Bill would grant Chino the same control of the roadway that other cities already have, so that they can make several improvements to the roadway. This Bill has no opposition, has received unanimous support. Respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Rodriguez. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 70, Noes zero. The bill is passed. Pass temporarily on file item 279 and pass and retain on 280 through 285 bringing us to Mr. Bryant's 286, AB 274.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 274 by Assembly Member Bryan and others, an act relating to public social services.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Bryan, you may open on the Bill.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present AB 274. Currently, for our college students, your need-based financial aid is not used to count against your CalFresh and your CalWORKs benefits. However, your merit-based financial aid is. It disincentivizes our poorest of students from doing well in earning merit-based financial aid. This brings parity between those two programs. It has no opposition, bipartisan support. Respectfully ask your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Bryan. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 73, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next is to file item 287, AB 278.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 278 by Assembly Member Reyes and others, an act relating to people services.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Assembly Member Reyes, you may open on the Bill.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, AB 278 will establish the Dream Resource Center Grant Program to create and support existing Dream Centers and public high schools across the state to provide students, particularly immigrant and undocumented students, with resources such as financial aid assistance, social services assistance, immigration, legal services, and guidance towards higher education opportunities. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Reyes. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 66, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. We will pass and retain on file items 288 through 322. Excuse me through 296 bringing us to file item 297, AB 325.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 325. By Assembly Member Reyes and others, an act relating to Human Services.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Majority Leader Reyes, you may open on the Bill.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 325 is a Bill that will ensure immigrants who qualify for state and local benefits that they do not go without access to critical services and resources that they need as they await approval of their federal relief applications. This is to allow asylum seekers to qualify for these benefits. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Reyes. And seeing no Members wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 64, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Next, this is file item 371, AB 596.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 596 by Assembly Member Reyes, an act relating to early learning and care.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Majority Leader Reyes, you may open on this Bill.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. AB 596 establishes a new way to pay childcare providers based on the real cost of care. The Bill also offers relief to families and the fees that they have to pay for subsidized childcare programs. For too long, California has been subsidizing the true cost of childcare by paying early educators low wages and expecting working families to pay high family fees. These fees make what is supposed to be affordable childcare unaffordable.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
AB 596 would transition providers to a single cost-based subsidy payment structure, suspend family fees until an equitable sliding scale for family fees is established, and Fund providers using an enrollment based contract earning mechanism. There is an urgent need to fix California's childcare system. I am pleased to be partnering with Senator Monique Limone, who has a similar Bill in the Senate and I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on this Women's Caucus priority Bill.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no others wishing to speak on this Bill, Clerk will open the roll. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 70, Noes zero. That Bill is passed. Moving on going back to the file item number 250, AB 30. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 30 by Assemblymember Ward an act relating to atmospheric rivers.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Ward. You may open on your bill.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. AB 30 updates and expands the Atmospheric River Research and Forecast Improvement program within the Department of Water Resources. This program will include forecast-informed reservoir operations, better known as FIRO, and integrate FIRO into DWR water supply operations and flood and hazard mitigation efforts. AB 30 will align investments in AR forecast development, support FIRO implementation, and enhance the state's ability to leverage federal agency support and funding. I ask for your aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing here no others wishing to speak on this, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. The Clerk will close the roll ayes 72, noes zero. The bill is passed. Moving on to item number 345 AB 515. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly vote 515 by Assemblymember Ward an act relating to housing.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Ward, you are recognized.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. AB 515 will require HCD to allow sales or refinancing of loans on affordable housing projects as long as the funds are contributed to other projects that will increase or improve the supply of affordable housing in California. The bill has the potential to unlock millions of dollars in loan repayments for HCD to use more quickly, increase the stock of desperately needed affordable homes without new money and without sacrificing affordability. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on AB 515.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ward. Seeing and hearing no others wishing to speak on this bill, the Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. All those vote who desire to vote to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll, ayes 69, noes zero. The bill is passed. Moving on to item number 386, AB 634.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 634 by Assembly Member Ward, an act relating to post-secondary education.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Ward, you may open on your Bill.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Career development and college preparation courses are free community college courses that lead to certificates or degrees. Currently, these courses serve the most vulnerable populations of our students. However, there is a financial disincentive for community colleges to offer them. Due to their funding structure, this Bill will accurately compensate community colleges for courses that are essential to California's workforce and minority communities. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no others wishing to speak on this item. The Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. All those votes desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 70, Noes zero. The Bill is passed. Moving on to item 279, AB 251.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 251 by Assembly Member Ward and others, an act relating to the California Transportation Commission.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Ward, you may open.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. The Governor Highway Safety Association projects the drivers struck and killed an estimated 7500 pedestrians on US. Roadways in 2021. While the rise in pedestrian fatalities has many causes, there's growing evidence that the increase in vehicle weight has played a key role. Last year, the California Transportation Commission included their 2022 report to the Legislature a recommendation requesting the authorization of a task force consisting of state agencies and local transportation agencies to analyze these trends and report to the Legislature with policy recommendations.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Specifically, the task force would study the possible merits of a weight-based registration fee on passenger vehicles similar to those already placed in other states and already in place for commercial vehicles in California. AB 251 simply codifies the Commission's recommendations, providing the Legislature with the tools needed to craft evidence-based policy to curb the growing crisis. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no there's wishing to speak on this item. The Clerk will open the roll. All those votes who desire to vote, vote. All those vote to desire to vote, vote. All those vote to desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 54, Noes 14. That Bill is passed. Moving on to item 333, AB 473.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 473 by Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry and others, an act relating to Motor Vehicles.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Assembly Member Aguiar-Curry, you may open.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
Madam Speaker and Members, I rise to present AB 473, which will update the rules governing the relationship between our local car dealers and their automaker franchisers. Under California's new motor vehicle franchise law, this Bill has passed Assembly, Judiciary and Transportation with no No votes and has bipartisan coauthors. Despite this resounding support, I have proposed compromise amendments to demonstrate my commitment to resolving differences with the opponents.
- Cecilia Aguiar-Curry
Legislator
They will literally split the difference in costs for warranty and recall between the dealers and manufacturers. While this offer was rejected without a counteroffer, I will continue to work in good faith to find a balance between what is fair for our local businesses and consumers and what is feasible for the automakers. I ask for your Aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no others wishing to speak on this item, the Clerk will open the roll. All those votes who desire to vote, vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. The Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 68, noes zero. The bill is passed. Members, without objection, the quorum cause lifted, and we will now move to adjournments in memory. Members, please give your respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on adjournments in memory. I ask that you move your conversations off the floor. Assemblymember Rubio, you are recognized.
- Blanca Rubio
Legislator
Thank you Madam Speaker and members, today I respectfully request we adjourn in memory of Teri Muse. Teri was born in 1963 and was a resident of Baldwin Park for more than 33 years. Teri was a valued Member of the Baldwin Park and San Gabriel Valley communities, serving as Commissioner of Baldwin Park's Human Services Commission and President of the City's Chamber of Commerce, City Councilor, and co-founder of the Baldwin Park Business Association.
- Blanca Rubio
Legislator
Over the years, Teri gave her time and energy to advocate not only for her own children, but for all the children and families of Baldwin Park. As a member of the Baldwin Park High School, School Site Council, and School District's Advisory Committee, she was instrumental in establishing Baldwin Park Service Center to assist the community with access to social services, now known as the Terry G. Muse Family Service Center at Morgan Park.
- Blanca Rubio
Legislator
Teri truly cared about the citizens of Baldwin Park and the community as a whole, and she has left a lasting impact on the lives of many, including myself. She is survived by her husband of 37 years, David, their four children David Paul, Ariana Gailane, Taylor Lee, and Sean Dylan and her siblings Joyce Anne, Paul Gregory and Michael Jefferson. Members, I respectfully ask that we adjourn in memory of former Council Member Teri Muse. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you. Please bring the names to the desk to be printed in a journal. All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving to announcements, the session schedule is as follows Tuesday, May 23, check-in session. Wednesday, May 24, check-in session. Thursday, May 25, floor session at 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 26 floor session at 09:00 a.m. Other items remaining will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Ms. Rayes moves Mr. Gallagher seconds that this house stands adjourned until Thursday, May 25 at 10:00 a.m. The house is adjourned.
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assemblymember Sanchez, vote change AB 124 to a support. Oh, a no to a support.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Vote change. Assemblymember Sanchez. Assembly Bill 1204, no to aye.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Stephanie Nguyen vote change AB 99 from aye to not voting.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assemblymember Nguyen, Assembly Bill 99. Aye to not voting.
Bill AB 99
Department of Transportation: state roads and highways: integrated pest management.
View Bill DetailCommittee Action:Passed
Next bill discussion: August 28, 2024
Previous bill discussion: April 24, 2023
Speakers
Legislator