Assembly Floor
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Ramos notices the absence of a quorum sergeant. Arms will prepare the chambers and bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the roll
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Roll Call]
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Members, a quorum is present. We ask our guests and our visitors in the gallery and in the rear of the chamber to please stand for the prayer and the pledge and an observance of the missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Day. Today's prayer will be offered by Assembly Member James Ramos. Assembly Member Ramos,
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you so much for this honor to be able to share opening prayer, and we're going to be opening prayer in a traditional song. This is a Serrano song from our people, and today we're going to be honoring several tribal leaders from throughout the State of California. This song talks about the world, Mara, and then it talks about the Yohavitam clan of how we're still here. The voices that we're representing here today with missing and murdered indigenous women with the Legislature is we're still carrying their voices forward. So I want to be able to sing this song for you. Mara is the world. And then you'll hear Yohavi at them, which is the clan of who we are and still asserting that we're still here. [Foreign Language]
- Chris Ward
Legislator
For the flag salute, please join Assembly Member Lou Rivas as she leads us in the nation's pledge.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Please place your right hand over your heart. Ready, begin. I pledge allegiance to the pledge which stands, one nation under God, indivisible.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. You may be seated. Reading of the previous day's journal
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Chamber of Sacramento Thursday, April 13 2023.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Daily seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions There are none. Introductions and references 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 for the day for Personal business, Assembly Member Mckinnor, Assembly Member Flora and for family Illness, Assembly Member Wicks and Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized for your procedural motions.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118 A to allow Assembly Members Ramos and Alanis to have guests and photographers on the floor today At the request of the authors, please remove the following measures from the consent calendar. Item 130 AB, 663 Haney Item 137, AB 1226 Haney and item 140 AB 137 Wicks. I request unanimous consent to withdraw AB 1445 Arambula, which is non fiscal, and ACR 7 Ramos from the Appropriations Committee and order them to the second reading file
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection. Such shall be the order. We're moving to business on the daily file. Second Reading Clerk will read Assembly Bills
- Committee Secretary
Person
[Second Reading]
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All bills will be deemed read. All amendments will be deemed adopted. Members, we will now be moving to the Assembly observance of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. Without objection, we will take up file item 70 ACR for Us 25 for the purpose of third reading. Clerk will read Assembly Concurrent Resolution 25 by Assembly Member Ramos Relative to Missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month and Assembly Member Ramos, you may open on the resolution.
- James Ramos
Legislator
I rise as chair of the Legislative Native American Caucus to present ACR 25, which designates May 2023 as California's Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Month. On your tables you will see a book that's entitled When I Remember, I see Red. This is from the Native American Legislative Caucus. Please look through the book and see the history unfold. California is the state with the largest Native American population in the United States, with the most fairly recognized tribes and tribal communities in the State of California.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Nearly half of all Native American women, 46%, have experienced physical violence or stalking by an intimate partner or those outside the tribal communities. That has led many times to fatalities. One in three Indian women will, at some point in her life, experience the violence and trauma. California was number 7th on the list of unresolved and investigations against Native American women Native American persons. Today, California has risen to the top five. The cases of missing and murder Indigenous person continues to happen.
- James Ramos
Legislator
This isn't something of the past. This continues to happen today even as we're speaking here today. California is moving in the wrong direction and we need allies in our fight to bring awareness and resources to California's first people. We have two tribes that have declared an emergency in their tribal communities, declaring an emergency and calling for help in those resources to move forward.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Last session we as a body passed AB 1314, the Feather Alert, which created an alert system similar to the AMBER Alert, but is now dedicated to Native American communities on a feather alert to be more proactive so we bring our loved ones home. We also know that there is gaps in public Law 280, a term that many Native American communities know about.
- James Ramos
Legislator
But we have to educate many here on this floor about the complexities of Public Law 280 and the gaps of why public safety is still needed on Indian reservations. Throughout this week, we had a packed week of events which last night many of you joined us in standing in solidarity as we lit the Capitol red to highlight the need of resources in the voice of California's first people, that it's not going unheard that this body has heard that voice.
- James Ramos
Legislator
The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people and persons is an issue that affects all of our tribes as we stand united. And today, in solidarity, we're calling on the State of California and this legislative body to stand with us in this fight. I ask that the first role be open for co authors as we continue to move forward as a body in standing united side by side with California's first people.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. And Assemblywoman Luz Rivas, you're recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Today I rise as a Member of the Native American Caucus in strong support of ACR 25 in making May missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. California has the largest Native American population. However, 84% of indigenous women will experience some form of violence while living on a reservation. This issue affects us all. We need to show this population of these women and all Native Americans that we care about this issue.I support my colleague from Highland for being a voice for Native Americans and for bringing awareness of this crisis to our attention. Thank you. And I respectfully ask for your support on ACR 25. Thanks.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Rivas and Assemblywoman Waldron, you're recognized.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise as a Member of the Native American Legislative Caucus in strong support of ACR 25, recognizing May 23 as missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples Month. My district, the 75th Assembly District, is home to more tribal governments than any other district in the state. Tribal issues are important, but none more important than public safety and the health of our Native American citizens.
- Marie Waldron
Person
I've served in the Legislature for over 10 years now, and it is unacceptable that we are still dealing with the missing and murdered Indigenous peoples crisis. It is time we recognize and address this crisis. California has the largest population of Indigenous persons and the fifth largest caseload of missing and murdered Indigenous people. I've made it a priority to author legislation every year that benefits the Native American community. This ACR will benefit and protect and raise awareness of this issue, which is so important.
- Marie Waldron
Person
Educating, as the author said, is so critical so that we can address this problem. Increasing awareness of this important issue and moving to end the tragedy of another lost life is the goal. I am proud that we are all gathered here to take action and honor the memories of those who are no longer here. I want to thank my colleague for being a champion for important tribal legislation and bringing this resolution forward. It's an honor to work with you on issues we both care so deeply about. And I urge an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Waldron and Assembly Member of Arambula. You're recognized on the resolution.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of the Latino Caucus in support of ACR 25 to recognize May as California's missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. For far too long, missing and murdered Indigenous people have not received the attention that they deserve. Their cases have oftentimes been ignored, and the state have failed to bring justice to the victims and to families.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
While we are proud that California has the largest Native American population in the United States, we also have the 6th highest death rate of Indigenous people in the nation. We must come together to address this crisis. We must commit to listening and to acknowledging the lived experiences of survivors as a means of centering the most vulnerable in our communities. I am proud that we passed AB 1314 last year to establish the Feather alert. But more must be done to help prevent girls, women and other people from becoming missing and murdered in our state.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Thank you, Dr. Arambula and Assembly Member Gabriel, you're recognized.
- Jesse Gabriel
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in strong support of ACR 25. And I want to applaud my colleague and thank our colleague, the chair of our Native American Caucus, who has been an incredible advocate for his community and stood in strong solidarity with so many of our communities. May is an occasion to celebrate our diversity. It is both Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month and Jewish American Heritage Month.
- Jesse Gabriel
Legislator
But this month, we must also remember the history of injustice and the atrocities committed against those who have always been here. This month, we remember the Indigenous people we have lost and those who remain missing. Today, thousands of unsolved cases of missing and murdered Native Americans continue to cry out for justice and healing. The issue of missing and murdered Indigenous people is an issue that affects all of the tribes of California and all of us as Californians.
- Jesse Gabriel
Legislator
As Jews, our own experiences with discrimination and trauma creates sensitivity and solidarity with the plight of our Indigenous population. From our own experiences with the pogroms and the Holocaust, we know the dual pain of extermination and also of loved ones forever missing, their ultimate fate uncertain. We strand in strong solidarity with all of California's tribes and with all of the California Indian people. We commit to working with tribal nations to rectify the many injustices committed against them. And in that spirit, and on behalf of the legislative Jewish Caucus, I respectfully request your aye vote on ACR 25.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Gabriel and Assembly Member Mathis, you're recognized.
- Devon Mathis
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, as one of the founding Members of the Native American Caucus, I have to urge your aye vote on ACR 25 to make May Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. As our colleagues have already rightfully highlighted, our Indigenous people are disproportionately and much more likely to fall victim to going missing or being murdered.
- Devon Mathis
Person
It's already been stated that California has the highest population and that we have the 6th highest death rate, that women of our first people are the highest to be taken victim. Our young girls, 18 years and under, are being preyed upon. For me, I represent a high tribal area. We have the Santa Rosa Tachi people, the Yokuts, and we have my family, the Tuli River Yokuts.
- Devon Mathis
Person
But I want to pause here, and I want you all to understand the brevity of this and how simple it is for our people to be preyed upon. Because we have the lack of resources, because our tribal communities are often so far away that when these things happen, there's nobody around. There's lack of cell phone service, there's lack of other things, things that we have all fought to get and do better at. But think about this. The school bell rings 03:00 in the afternoon.
- Devon Mathis
Person
Mom and dad are an hour and a half away down the hill at work. Some unknown person comes up and snatches somebody up. Thankfully, we have the feather alert system now, but that's hours away by the time they get home. Hours and hours have gone by. They don't know. Are they at a friend's house? Did they not make it home? What happened? This is the severity of what is happening on our tribal lands.
- Devon Mathis
Person
Members, I want you to think about that as we may the month to remember. I know we're not staying silent, but we can do more. We can take actions in our budget. We can make sure that these cold cases are no longer being left cold. We can step up as we approach our budget and say we are going to actually take action. This is a great step to say we are going to remember and have a month to remember.
- James Ramos
Legislator
But what we choose to do and what we choose to prioritize will speak true value to where our hearts are really at. I ask that you support this. This is the way I ask you for an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Mathis and Assembly Member Bryan, you're recognized.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I rise on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus in support of ACR 25. Last night, like several of you, I attended a candlelight vigil outside the Capitol.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
And it was a powerful and profound moment. And it struck me because missing, murdered and Indigenous people is a deep part of California's history. In fact, the first abducted and murdered people in California were operated on by state sanctioned violence. Genocide in California of Indigenous people is unlike anything else in this country. And I encourage you to read that history.
- Isaac Bryan
Legislator
There's a deep and painful irony that at this moment it's the government's inability to act because of jurisdictional boundaries and confusion that are letting these people, these Indigenous women and girls, go missing unseen and unheard of. Now's the time to stop putting California's first people's last on the priority list. And I want to thank my colleague from the Inland Empire for bringing this important resolution forward and respectfully as your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Mr. Bryan and Assembly Member Juan Carrillo. You're recognized on the resolution. Thank you.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Good morning Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today with a heavy heart to bring attention to a crisis that has long plagued Indigenous communities. The crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people. As we begin the month of May, we also recognize missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. It is a time for us to come together to honor the lives of Indigenous people who have gone missing or have been murdered, and to demand justice for them and their families.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Last night, I was humbled to participate in a candlelit vigil to honor those who have been lost. We stood together holding our candles as we remember their names and the memories they left behind. We stood with solidarity with their families, sharing their grief and calling for action from our leaders to address this crisis. The statistics surrounding missing and murdered Indigenous people are staggering.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Indigenous women and girls are disappropriately affected by this crisis, with rates of violence against them significantly higher than any other demographic group in the United States. It is an unbearable truth that we must confront with urgency and compassion. As a Member of the California Assembly, I have a responsibility to address this crisis and to stack with Indigenous people in their fight for justice. We must acknowledge the systematic inequalities and injustices that have allowed this crisis to persist and take steps to dismantle them.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
This includes ensuring that Indigenous communities have access to the resources and support they need, addressing the root cause of violence, and holding those responsible accountable. But let us remember that this crisis is not just a set of statistics. It is a painful reality for countless families who have lost loved ones. We must approach this issue with empathy and heart and listen to the stories and experiences of Indigenous people who have been impacted by this crisis. With that, I ask for your strong support of ACR 25.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Carrillo. Assembly Woman Schiavo, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of the Women's Caucus in strong support of ACR 25. And I want to thank my colleague from Highland for bringing this important issue forward and for his ongoing leadership on the pressing issues facing tribal communities. Indigenous women are more likely to have experienced physical or psychological violence in their lifetime, more likely to experience sexual violence, and almost as likely to experience stalking.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
This is heartbreaking, and our hearts continue to break knowing that there are thousands of missing and Indigenous women who may never reunite with their families, and only a fraction of the families have found any closure or justice. My first job out of college was working with tribal families through the tribe's Head Start program. And what I quickly learned is that tribal communities are tight, and when tragedy strikes, it strikes whole communities.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
We know that everyone in tribal communities are suffering loss from missing or murdered Indigenous people, either a loved one of their own, or their friend or family. The loss being suffered is truly community loss and a whole community's pain. And we saw that to be true last night at the candlelight vigil where that truth became action. It's clear that racism has allowed this to continue for so long out of the public eye.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
A person should not have to have my skin color to create a national news uproar. But every year, Native American women are taken, and these tragedies are met with silence. Instead, tribal communities have to hold vigils and events like yesterday to plead for action, where the whole wall was covered with photos of women and men and children looking for us to help them.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
And so the Women's Caucus stands in strong solidarity with my colleague from Highland, with the whole tribal community in California, and in solidarity with those families who have been devastated time and time again by these heinous crimes. And also in solidarity with Attorney General Bonta, who I know is making efforts to change the action that is taken on the part of the State of California so that we can end this nightmare for these women, children and families.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
We call for a brighter light to shine on the ongoing atrocities for those in our state, so that the state can do everything in our power to reunify families, to call out racism that underlies these dehumanizing acts, and to create a future where women, and it must include Native American women, are safe from violence. With the largest tribal community in the country, California must lead the way to ensure that these lives and this pain is brought out of the shadows.
- Pilar Schiavo
Legislator
And as we bring the support of the state, we shine a light on this crisis and bring justice and closure to families. Colleagues, I urge your support of ACR 25. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Ms. Schiavo Assembly Member Kalra, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on behalf of the API Legislative Caucus in support of ACR 25 to designate May as missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month. As many of my colleagues have already noted, California is home to the largest Native American population in the country, and yet there is little data recognizing the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people, which has disproportionately impacted Indigenous women. In the many years I've been in office.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
I have heard from my local tribal leaders and Members. I and many of you have heard from state tribal leaders and Members, and I've even heard from national tribal leaders and Members, some tribes many thousands of miles away, that have implored justice for their missing and murdered loved ones that have been found here in California or have gone missing here in California. We are witnessing the continued brutal thread of the long history of genocide of the Native people.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Kalra and Assemblywoman Cervantes, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Ash Kalra
Legislator
And it's not just a tragedy, but a failure, a failure of government and a failure of society. It's past time for all Californians to stand in solidarity with Native people and call for further awareness and more importantly, action to address this ongoing violence. Thank you. And on behalf of the API Caucus, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 25.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker and Members, today I rise on behalf of the LGBTQ caucus in support of ACR 25 to designate the month of May as missing and Murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month in California. I do want to thank our colleague from Highland for authoring this important resolution that calls upon the stolen lives of our murdered women, girls and two spirits, and many of whom are still missing. To humanize and honor the lives of Indigenous women and the two spirit individuals.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
This month we also wear red. Murder is a third leading cause of death for Indigenous women. Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people are far more likely to experience violence, be murdered or go missing compared to other demographic groups. We should all be alarmed by this public health crisis that has destroyed the lives of victims, their families and our tribal communities.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
Our country must acknowledge the forceful removal of Indigenous children from their families and their placement in boarding schools in the child welfare system, along with the abusive tactics used to ensure that children did not speak their own Indigenous language or practice their cherished cultural traditions. This has contributed to patterns of normalized violence for Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
May we not forget to recognize the multigenerational and intergenerational trauma and marginalization of Indigenous communities that permeate and trickle into housing, insecurity, homelessness, educational barriers, employment, health care and cultural support. California must do better. California is home to the most 110 federally recognized tribes and many non federally recognized tribes than any other state. We cannot stand idle. We need to provide amble resources to the Indigenous women, girls and two spirit people.
- Sabrina Cervantes
Legislator
We must improve public safety, criminal justice, support services for our tribal communities across the State of California. And that is our commitment here today from so many of the other diversity caucuses. We stand with you to deliver action, not just speak words, but this is an action item we are all fighting for on behalf of our tribal communities. For these reasons, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 25.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mc. Cervantes and Assemblywoman Carrillo. You're recognized on the resolution.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today as a proud co founder of the California Native American Caucus, and I stand in strong support to designate the month of May as missing and murdered Indigenous People Awareness Month in California. I'd like to thank our colleague and chair of the Native American Caucus, our colleague from the San Manuel Bana Mission Indians, for his steadfast leadership on these issues and issues related to recognizing the contributions of Native and Indigenous people across our state.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
Last night's vigil to bring awareness on missing and murdered Indigenous women and people was powerful for multiple reasons. Native people are not objects to be seen in museums. They are not people of our past. Native and Indigenous people are part of our present. They are with us every day. They thrive, they live, they share love and share grief. The objectification of Native and Indigenous women is real. We have often had conversations about increasing the safety of Indigenous of our Indigenous sisters, brothers and siblings.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
But the conversation that we really need to have is the continued fetish related to Indigenous and Native women. There is a reason why Indigenous people, and Native women in particular, are captured, held captive, are murdered and go missing. It is not the responsibility of Indigenous women to over care for themselves. It is our responsibility of our society to understand and teach why they go missing. To begin with, those conversations are hard and they are truthful, but they are much needed.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
And so this awareness is incredibly important as it is happening in Canada, it is happening across the United States. It is the first time. Thank you, Mr. Chair, for the work that you do that we're finally recognizing. It in the State of California to witness native and Indigenous ceremony on the steps of the Capitol.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
To have the Capitol go red, to hear and see the voices of people in our present day talk and share and show their grief and their sadness and their courage is incredibly important as we recognize how together we are one people. And it is only by standing together that we will ultimately find solutions and resolutions to address the crimes of our past, the crimes of our present, and move forward as a society.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
This is an incredibly important and historic resolution and events that are occurring here at State Capitol, and I highly encourage an aye vote on ACR 25. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Carrillo. And seeing no other Members wishing to be recognized on the resolution, Mr. Ramos, you may close.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to all the caucuses and Members who spoke on this very important topic. For every time a tribal Member goes missing and is found murdered, we lose a piece of sovereignty as a future leader that would be a leader within the tribal communities that are there.
- James Ramos
Legislator
We continue to work together in talking about historical trauma, but this is present day trauma that still is living out in Indian country here today in the State of California. We continue to work together as a tribe and as nations standing in solidarity, as you seen last night.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Now through the declarations of emergency that are going on through some of the tribal governments, we're calling on the State of California to also stand in solidarity with us to make sure that those voices are not lost in vain. I ask for your. aye vote. And for the first role to be open for co authors.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. We've asked for the first role to be open for co authors. Clerk will open the roll for co authors on ACR 25. All those wishing to be a co author, please signify by casting your vote. Clerk will close the role. There are 75 co authors. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on ACR 25. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted. The California Legislative Native American Caucus has invited several special guests to mark missing and murdered Indigenous Peoples Awareness Month. California has the largest population of Native Americans, more than any other state in the country.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Our guests today are leaders and Members of California's Native American tribal governments and tribes. I asked Speaker Anthony Rendon, Republican Leader James Gallagher, Native American Caucus Chair James Ramos, and Majority Leader Eloise Reyes to move to the front center aisle to receive our honorees. Our honorees are seated at the front of the chamber, and as each name is called, they'll move to the center aisle. We are moving to a special recognition of California Native American tribal leaders and tribe Members for 2023. The Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
From the Wilton Rancheria. Welcome Vice Chairperson Raquel Williams from the Pala Band of Mission Indians. Welcome Chairman Robert Smith from the Picker Yoon Rancheria of the Chachanski Indians. Welcome Chairperson Janet K. Bill from the tourist Martinez Desert, Korea Indians. Welcome Chairman Thomas Tortez. From the Yurok Tribe of Indians. Welcome Chairman Joe James from the Paskinta Band of Nimlaki Indians. Welcome Chairman Andrew Alejandre. Band of Lucino Indians. Welcome Chairman Isaiah Vivanko from the Northern Cheyenne and Crow Indian tribes. Welcome Tribe Member and Chicano writer and journalist Simone Moya. Smithyun Rancheria. Welcome Vice Chair Lori Ariaga.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We are joined by additional guests in the gallery from California's Native American community to honor this occasion. Welcome to the California State Assembly. We will have all of our honorees and presenters assemble for a group photo. And per Mr. Ramos, I'd like to again direct your attention to the memento on your desk. It's a book about Native American Art titled When I See Red American Indian Art and Activism in California.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
On behalf of Assemblymember Ramos and the Members of the California Legislative Native American Caucus, we thank you and our program participants. This will conclude our ceremony, and as our honorees exit the chamber, let's give them another round of applause. And Members will be back on the business of the Daily File by Assemblymember Weber. We will move to file Item 71. This is ACR 53.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will read
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 53 by Assembly Member Weber and others relative to Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Dr. Weber, you may open on the resolution.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I rise to present ACR 53, which seeks to recognize May 1st 2023 to May 5th 2023 and thereafter as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. We live in a state that prides itself as one of the country's most diverse and progressive. However, when it comes to health care, our state is plagued by disparities affecting the health and well beings of many Californians, particularly Black Californians.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Studies show that Black Californians have higher rates of chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and heart disease when compared with their white counterparts. The life expectancy for Black Californians is 76.2 years of age, five years Shorter than the statewide average. These disparities are further heightened by social determinants of health such as poverty, inadequate housing, lack of access to healthy foods, limited or no access to quality health care, and systemic racism. We must change this unacceptable and unsustainable trajectory.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
We must address the root cause of health disparities by investing in healthcare infrastructure to build hospitals and clinics in underserved areas. We must invest in diversifying the healthcare workforce that promotes culturally competent care, understands the impact of social determinants of health on their patients, and integrates that into their clinical practice. Each of us in this chamber must hold ourselves accountable for achieving high equity in California. We must evaluate our progress to ensure that they effectively reduce health disparities.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Let us renew our commitment to bringing communities, organization and individuals together to mobilize, strategize, and collaborate on ways to break down structural barriers that currently exist in California, while mapping out a framework to advance Black health equity in this Golden State. In closing, I respectfully ask for your I vote on ACR 53 in recognizing the first week of May each year as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. I also request the first role to be open for coauthors on this resolution. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Assembly Member Weber and Assembly Member Holden, you're recognized on the resolution.
- Chris Holden
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As a coauthor on this measure, I rise in strong support of ACR 53. As a Member of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I know that racism is a social determinant of health and impacts the quality of care of Black patients and what they're given. African Americans are generally at a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes and HIV AIDS. According to the Office of Minority Health, African Americans have nearly two and a half times the infant mortality rate.
- Chris Holden
Person
As non Hispanic white healthcare institutions have responsibility to recognize, understand and correct these injustices in order to support the creation of sustainable and healthy communities, we need to call out these inequities and come together to work on a policy to ensure equity in health care is not a goal, but a requirement. ACR 53 brings communities, organizations and individuals together to address the needs of our brothers and sisters so that access to health care is not a privilege, but a right. I want to thank my colleague from the 79th Assembly District for bringing this very important measure before us all. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Holden. And seeing no other Members wishing to be recognized on the resolution. Dr. Weber, anything further to close?
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
I respectfully ask for your aye vote, and I request that the first roll be open for co authors.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. The Clerk will open the roll for co authors on ACR 53. All those wishing to be a co author, please signify by casting your vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 70 co-authors. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted. And Dr. Weber, you are again recognized for guest introductions on this resolution.
- Akilah Weber
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker. I would like to welcome individuals representing the California Black Health Network. They are joining us from the gallery today. California Black Health Network is the voice and trusted resource for Black Equity in California and the only Black led statewide organization dedicated to advancing health equity for all African Americans and Black immigrants. Please give them a warm welcome.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Weber. And on motions and resolutions, Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rules 63 and 77 to allow Assemblymember Ting to take up AB 100, AB 110, and AB 111 without reference to file for the purpose of concurrence in Senate amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection. Such shall be the order. Thank.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And then without reference to file, then we will take up. Is this Assembly Bill 100? For concurrence. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 100 by Assembly Member Ting an act relating to the state budget making an appropriation, therefore, to take effect immediately. Budget Bill.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open on the Bill.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I'm proud to present AB 100 which amends the 2022-2021 Budget Acts. Has no impact on the Empire above, but the Bill is making technical changes, clarifying amendments.
- Philip Ting
Person
In particular it does include a $15.4 million in new funding for debris removal activities to the recent Mckinney Fire in Siskiyou County. Respectfully ask for I vote on AB 100.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you Mr. Ting and Assembly Member Fong, you are recognized.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker. I too also rise in support of AB 100. The projected deficit has disrupted our ability to budget as we would like and this Bill makes necessary adjustments to the current year's spending plan. Capital outlay projects, wildfire recovery and family fee waivers are all funded by this Bill and are necessary to deliver needed services and assistance. I urge an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Mr. Fong and are there any other Members it's difficult to see that want to speak on this Bill? Seeing none, Mr. Ting, anything further to close? Seeing none, Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close roll. Tally the votes. Ayes 70, Noes zero. Bill is passed. Excuse me. Amendments are concurrent. Next Mr. Ting. Next Mr. Ting without reference to file, this is Assembly Bill 110. For purposes of concurrence and Senate amendments, Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 110 by the Committee on Budget, an act relating to Early Childhood Education and making an appropriation, therefore, to take effect immediately. Bill relating to the Budget.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open on the Bill.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker. AB 110 is a very critical budget trailer Bill on childcare. It reappropriates one time federal funds from 2021 to provide an additional temporary rate supplement in the current fiscal year for all state subsidized childcare and preschool programs. It also extends, very critically, the family fee waiver from June 30, 2023 to September 30, 2023.
- Philip Ting
Person
We really hope to be discussing this family fee waiver as well as additional rate increases and slot increases in our current budget deliberations, and we hope to be able to present something when we are delivering the budget in a few weeks. With that, respectfully ask for Aye vote for AB 110.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Mr. Ting and Assembly Member Fong, you're recognized.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of AB 110. Finding childcare is very difficult for many families. While childcare reimbursements will continue to be an issue beyond the passage of this measure, this Bill will help fill the gap in care and services for struggling programs. I ask for an Aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Fong. Seeing no Members wishing to. No other additional 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.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Tally the votes. Ayes 72, Noes zero. Senate amendments are concurred in. Next, we'll take up without reference to file Assembly Bill 111. For purpose of concurrence and Senate amendments, Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 111 by the Committee on Budget, an act relating to taxation and making an appropriation, therefore, to take effect immediately. Bill relates to the Budget.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open on the Bill.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker. AB 111 is a tax conformity Bill. The Bill clarifies that the state will not tax student loan debt relief provided by the Federal Government. As part of the COVID-19 response, it will not tax relief given by the state to community college students for fees. Again, there was never intention to tax any of these items. We're just making sure this is very clear in its clarification as well as ensuring that there's tax conformity with the Federal Government. Respectfully ask for an Aye vote on AB 111.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Mr. Ting. And Assembly Member Fong you're recognized.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of AB 111. Student loan debt is on the rise and continues to climb as residents struggle to endure California's worsening affordability crisis. There are 3.8 million Californians with student loan debt, which is nearly 10% of the state's population. California has the opportunity to help protect the futures of struggling students and recent graduates battling with this affordability crisis. This is continued conformity to federal tax law and I urge an Aye vote on this Bill.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Fong. Seeing no other Members wishing to speak. 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 74, Noes zero. Senate amendments are concurred in. And Madam Majority Leader, you are again recognized for procedural motion.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rules 63 and 77 to allow Assembly Member Ting to take up AB 112 and AB 113 without reference to file for the purpose of concurrence in Senate amendments.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection, that shall be the order, Members. Then we will move without reference to file to AB 112. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 112 by the Committee on Budget, an act relating to health facilities and making an appropriation therefore to take effect immediately bear related to the budget.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open on the amendments.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. AB 112 establishes a distressed hospitals loan fund with $150 million General Fund allocation. Again, we're very aware that we have distressed hospitals all over our state, especially heavily impacted by COVID. We added a number of provisions around accountability. The bill requires hospitals applying for loans to submit a plan to the state detailing the hospital's plan to gain long-term financial stability.
- Philip Ting
Person
It also requires the state to make a determination that the long-term financial viability of the hospital is reasonably likely in order to issue the loan. It also authorizes the state to require hospital receiving the loan to provide the state with an independent financial audit of the hospital's operations. And finally, it increases the requirements on all hospitals for reporting financial data to the state.
- Philip Ting
Person
I do definitely want to acknowledge our committee health chair from Healdsburg, as well as our member from Merced for really being very active in helping shape this trailer bill and helping get this critical funding to hospitals this year. Now, this money is to be spent this year, and obviously, we're going to a new fiscal year in July. So we anticipate having further discussions on hospitals between now and when we release our budget in June.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ting and Assembly Member Fong, you're recognized on the bill.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of AB 112 California continues to face many crises. Amidst all the emergencies the state has endured, we are on the brink of a care crisis. Too many hospitals are teetering on a financial cliff. Unfortunately, Madera Hospital has closed. Other financially stressed hospitals, including two in my district, may follow. This will not only add pressure to other hospitals but also compromise the healthcare of patients.
- Vince Fong
Person
This bill is needed to start to bridge the gap for hospitals and patients. But with everything going on, $150 million will not go the distance to make meaningful relief, more needs to be done. This is a band-aid to a much larger problem. But assistance needs to go out now, and I urge an aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Fong and Assembly Woman Soria; you're recognized on the bill.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
Mr. Speaker, Today I rise in strong support of AB 112. On December 22, 2022, less than three weeks from the day I was sworn in to represent the constituents of Assembly District 27, I learned of Madera Community Hospital's intention to close its doors. This hospital closed its doors to patients in January and filed for bankruptcy in March. The closure of Madera Community Hospital has created a healthcare crisis for the people of Madera and its neighboring communities.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
Since the hospital's closure, Madera County has declared a local emergency due to the ripple effects brought on by a community without a hospital and its rural health clinics. Fresno County follows suit with its own declaration of emergency because the Fresno area hospitals are feeling the impacts of the closure as Madera community members seek health care across county lines.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
The reality today is that we find ourselves in a situation where over 160,000 people in the heart of California are without access to emergency healthcare services, labor and delivery, and preventative care in their own county; many of them having to travel 45 minutes to an hour to the nearest emergency room. Over 80% of the people who sought care in Madera Community Hospital were MediCal and Medicare patients, including patients who visited the hospital, rural health clinics in Chowchilla and Mendota.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
These patients are mostly farm workers, low-income working people, and many of them are essential workers. Some patients even rode their bicycles or walked to the hospital to seek care. Now, they have nowhere to go. I want to thank all the folks, the chair for Budget, the Governor's staff, and the assembly chair for the Health Committee, for working with us to ensure that we bring a short-term solution to the issues that hospitals across the State of California are facing, just like Madera Community Hospital.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
This gives me hope. This gives the hope to communities and families across the Central Valley that have seen this hospital close. And I know that we're going to continue to work hard because this has been my number one priority this legislative session, to ensure that we truly open the doors for Madeira Community Hospital. So, I want to ask for your support, but I know there's much more work to be done. As mentioned, this is a short-term solution that will buy us time.
- Esmeralda Soria
Legislator
But I'm looking forward to the conversations that we will have over the next couple months to ensure that we're addressing the medical reimbursements rate, to ensure that we're addressing also the healthcare workforce issue that we have in regions like the Central Valley with a shortage of doctors and nurses. That was a big impact. We have to ensure that we are stronger when we face the next pandemic and not weaker in our healthcare system. So today, I urge your aye vote on this measure. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Ms. Soria, and Assembly Member Wood, you're recognized on the bill.
- Jim Wood
Person
Thank you, Mr. Chair and members. I also, too, want to say thank you to our budget chair, to the administration, to the Senate for working with us on all this. But also, most importantly, to our member from Merced and our member from Hollister for bringing this issue to our attention so early.
- Jim Wood
Person
I think this is a really good example of how when we work together, we can do something quickly, cooperatively, and hopefully in a strong bipartisan way. As we hear from our colleague from Fresno, I believe this is a really good start. I believe the guardrails are sufficient to ensure that the hospitals that really need it the most are the ones that are going to be able to get it. The importance of this: COVID exacerbated challenges already for struggling hospitals.
- Jim Wood
Person
The hospitals that are struggling the most right now are the ones that are taking the highest numbers of Medicare and MediCal patients. Those that aren't are doing okay. They may be struggling a little bit, but not like the hospitals that take huge numbers of MediCal and Medicare. 80% in the case of the hospital in Merced. 75% in the case of the hospital represented by the member from Hollister. And that goes on and on and on throughout the state.
- Jim Wood
Person
And yes, seismic is a part of this. So we have an opportunity going forward. We're going to have a discussion about the MCO tax. And that's unfamiliar to a lot of members in here. And the word tax is a little scary. But it's unusual that the provider world would come together and tax themselves as a way to help stabilize our system. And that's what that really means. We need it to stabilize and reinforce our primary care providers.
- Jim Wood
Person
Our behavioral health and prevention that goes with that will help these struggling hospitals. But we also have to find ways to destabilize our distressed hospitals and help, I believe, maybe through the MCO tax, a way to help some of these that are struggling with seismic. Especially those small rural hospitals that take huge amounts of MediCal and serve communities. When a hospital fails, the heart of a community fails. We can't let that happen. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Wood. And Assembly Member Carillo, you're recognized.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I rise in support of AB 112 because this is a dire need for all of our hospitals. As has been mentioned by previous members, the Victor Valley Hospital is in dire need of help. They only have 12 beds, and they are in dire need to expand that by 16 additional beds. And they are the ones that are serving our most underserved communities.
- Juan Carrillo
Legislator
Same thing with the Antelope Valley Hospital, also in my district, which is struggling to comply with the retrofitting requirements. They've tried twice to go to a bond, but they just haven't been able to do that. And I appreciate all the comments from previous members, and I ask your support for AB 112. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Carrillo and Assembly Member Mathis, you're recognized on the bill.
- Devon Mathis
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. The importance of our community hospitals, we've already heard a little bit about, but what you have to realize is that in a state as vast as ours, really what we're talking about is there are only about 35 hospitals that are still small community hospitals in this state. These hospitals primarily are in disadvantaged communities, whether it be urban or rural, but they are in disadvantaged communities. You've already heard the points that they are the high MediCal and Medicaid.
- Devon Mathis
Person
We know there are reimbursement issues for keeping them afloat. I've seen this in my own communities. I've seen the effects of what happens when a hospital shuts down. We went through this with Tulare Hospital, the pain in the grueling red tape it takes to get them back up and back online to continue to serve the community.
- Devon Mathis
Person
I feel what's happening with Madera, being a Southern San Joaquin Valley Member, what we don't necessarily realize in this body is how the impact on the San Joaquin Valley is happening. As Madera is shut down, we have other hospitals in my district, in my area, in Tulare County that are on lifelines right now. And if those shutdown, this public health emergency that we have gets compacted because all of that then diverges into Fresno, and then what happens if Fresno fails? Because they can't handle it?
- Devon Mathis
Person
Because the reimbursements won't keep them upheld. You're talking entire regions, millions of people who do not have access to care because of the decisions we make. The legislation before us, this budget plan before us is a small step to rectify this. It is a lifeline to help. We clearly need to do more. We need to get these reimbursement rates correct. We need to make sure that even though it's only 35 small, disadvantaged hospitals, these are community based. These aren't the big healthcare conglomerates.
- Devon Mathis
Person
These are the ones your families go to for help because there's nothing else there. Members, I ask you to support them and give this an aye vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Mathis. And Assembly Member Garcia, you're recognized on the bill.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Much has been said already, and you're probably wondering, so why stand up and say more? Well, the fact of the matter is that in our district, we have two hospitals that are at the brink of closing.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
And I think it's important that we say this for purposes of ensuring that our constituents know that this body is taking action, steadfast action, thanks to the cooperation and collaboration of the Senate, the body here that is deliberating this at this moment, and the Governor's office, who's recognizing that we have a crisis before us. And it's a crisis that isn't just as a result of the pandemic, it's a crisis that's systematic to how we collect resources at our hospitals due to the MediCal and Medicare reimbursements.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
Rhis body will have an opportunity, although we're speaking about AB 112 now, will have an opportunity to bring further relief to our hospitals. And by the way, hospitals throughout the entire state, one out of five, are struggling hospitals in rural California as well as urban California. And so that is a significant issue to highlight before us. As I mentioned, we will be dealing with issues related to seismic retrofitting, being led by our colleague from Northern California.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
We will be dealing with the MCO tax that could potentially generate revenues for a sustainable source of revenues for hospitals to come out of the financial distress circumstance. And we will need to establish, in my opinion, and I hope you agree, a permanent distress hospital funding mechanism. Because of this problem today that we are taking on, $150 million of an investment will only go so far. And the impacts in our community, as was mentioned by our friend from the Porterville area, is the spillover effect.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Garcia. Seeing no other members wishing to speak on the bill: Mr. Ting, is there anything further to close? Very well. Clerk will open the roll.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
In Imperial County, these two hospitals that are at the brink of closing will have a significant impact on the healthcare system of San Diego County, Riverside County. And those are two areas that are not sitting in the best position, we can say, as it relates to delivering health care to those populations in those counties. So for those reasons, the action that we will be taking shortly is extremely important.
- Eduardo Garcia
Person
And I just want to recognize everyone that was part of this discussion, including our colleague from Merced, who did not waste any time to take on this issue as she arrived to this legislature. And so many kudos to her, her team, and those who have collaborated with her to get to this point. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
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: Aye's 76, No's, zero. Senate amendments are concurred in, and again, without reference to a file, we will take up AB 113. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 113 by the Committee on Budget, an act relating for employment making appropriation, therefore, to take effect immediately, bear related to the budget.
- Philip Ting
Person
Senator Ting, you may open for purpose of concurrence and wenate amendments.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you. AB 113 is our early action budget trailer Bill to streamline the process for agricultural workers to select a collective bargaining union representative. This builds upon the governor's understanding when he signed AB 2183 our Bill carried by our former colleague from Scotts Valley that this trailer Bill would amend his Bill.
- Philip Ting
Person
So what it does is it eliminates one of the two options in the Bill, eliminates the mail ballot option, providing a single alternative way for farm workers to select a union through the car check petition system. That would now be the only way to select the union. This Bill implements the understanding when the Governor signed that Bill last October. Respectfully, aye vote on SB 113.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ting. And the Senator Fong, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Vince Fong
Person
I rise in opposition to AB 113 on this floor. We have many debates on election integrity. Eliminating the protection of secret ballots exposes this narrow electoral process to abuse, intimidation and coercion that has no place in our system and certainly has no place in a budget trailer Bill. This Bill advances poor public policy through an abused process. I urge you, no vote.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Fong and Dr. Arambla, you're recognized on the Bill.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today in proud support of AB 113. And I wanted to share a story that I have never shared before on this floor. A few years ago, the former Assembly Member from Bakersfield and our current Assembly Member from Hollister were in a space celebrating Dolores Huerta's birthday, where she shared a story about my uncle Chava Salvador Arambula, who was a union organizer for the UFW.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
She shared a story about how in the middle 1960s, he organized that led to the election at De Giorgio Fruit Corporation in 1965. Now, because of that act of Defiance, my family struggled to ever again get employment in agriculture. Despite them being able to deny us employment and livelihood, we never lost our resolve to stand up for the dignity and rights of all workers.
- Joaquin Arambula
Legislator
We should be inspired by the historic march that farm workers took from Delano to our state Capitol last year to demand their seat at the table to negotiate fair wages and working standards. I am grateful to this Administration and Governor for committing to card check so that together we can stand up for a community that deserves our dignity and respect, who deserves fair wages and labor protections and who deserve to be able to organize. Thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Dr. Arambula. And Leader Gallagher, you're recognized. Yes.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
Thank you. Members. I rise in opposition. And to start with, this is a terrible process. If you vote for this Bill today, what you are saying is that it is okay for a Governor to amend a Bill after the fact. Our process that we all know very well is this. We consider bills in our committees. They move through both houses. They're vetted. There's public input. We decide, we vote. The Governor gets to say yes or no. He signs the Bill or he doesn't.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
That is his job as Governor. It is not to demand amendments after we've already gone through our legislative process. And again, I've said this many times on this floor, but it has to be said. We have to stand up for ourselves. We have to stand up for a legislative process. We have been elected to make law. Now, you all passed a Bill last year2183 on this issue, went through a lot of debate.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
It ended up in the form that it was, and it went to the Governor. And there was a lot of pressure on the Governor, a lot of people urging him to sign it. And he had said that he would not sign it. And he used that as an opportunity to say, no, I'll sign it, but I want amendments. And now we're doing it through a trailer Bill that's had no debate, no discussion, hasn't gone through committees.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
And by the way, for all of you, that's saying, this is good for farm workers, this takes away their ability to do mail in ballot. That is what this Bill, the proponents of this Bill last year said that the purpose of this Bill was to allow farm workers, when they're voting on whether or not to join a union, to have a mail in ballot, which many of you have lauded as the best way to have votes. By mail in ballots.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
This Bill takes that out, it deletes it. So farm workers will not have the right to do mail in ballots. But we haven't even been able to have that discussion. Probably many of you don't even know that that's the case, because we're doing this by trailer Bill. It's wrong. Let's have a process.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
If you want to change the Bill that you all passed last year, then let's do it through the normal process, and let's have a discussion of whether or not that's a good thing for farm workers or not. I personally believe that the choice to join a union should be your choice, the individual worker, free of coercion. Free of anybody influencing your vote and make the decision that you think is best for you as a farm worker.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
I urge your no on this vote because of the process, but also because of the policy that we should be debating and discussing in Committee and coming up with the right solution as a body, as all of the elected Members of the Assembly and the Senate. Thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Gallagher. And seeing no other Members wishing to speak on the Bill, Mr. Ting, anything further to close? All right. Very well. Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes ayes 58 and no. 17 Senate amendments are concurred in. And if there's no objection, like immediate transmittal on Assembly Bills 100, 110, 111, 112, and 113 to the Governor. Next, Mr. Lackey, we will take up for purpose of amendments file item 57. This is AB 56. Clerk will read Assembly Bill 56 with amendments by Assembly Member Lackey. Senator Lackey, you may open on the amendments.
- Tom Lackey
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These amendments clarify that the victim's compensation for emotional injury would be available for felony violations of specific crimes. They honor a commitment to work with the public defenders as the Bill moved out of public safety. They also add, my colleague from Modesto on as a co author and I ask for your support.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Lackey. And seeing no other Members wish to be recognized on the amendments without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the amendments.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
All those in favor say aye. All those opposed say nay. The Reyes have it. Amendments are adopted. The Bill is out to print and back on file. Mr. Jackson, we will take up file item 98. This is HR 31 for purpose of amendments. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
House Resolution 31 with amendments by Assenbly Member Jackson.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Assembly Member Jackson, you may open on the amendments.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Thank you. Mr. Speaker. These are amendments to HR 31 that's clarifying in nature relative to mental Health Awareness Month. Thank you, Mr. Jackson.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Seeing no Members wishing to be recognized on the 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, we will move to file item 96. This is ACR 65. Clerk will read
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly concurrent Resolution 65 by Assembly Alanis and others relative to Star Wars Day.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Obiwan Alanis, you may open on the resolution. Thank you. Thank you.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
Mr. Speaker, today I have the honor and privilege to present ACR 65 which commemorates May 4 as Star Wars Day. Members. It all began with one man, indeed, one legend in the cinematic community, Mr. George Lucas himself. Born and raised in Modesto, California, which I proudly represent in Assembly District 22, his film, Star Wars A New Hope, launched what can easily be described as the biggest Sci-Fi fantasy phenomenon in generations.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
The film won six Academy Awards, was recognized for its groundbreaking accomplishments in sound and in special effects. You all know the sound of a lightsaber if it'll work. It didn't work. Let's try this one more time. Thank you. As a lightsaber turns on, the magic of Star wars has touched every aspect of culture and even the way we talk to each other. You're all familiar with the phrase that has become synonymous with Star wars, may the fourth be with you.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
This simple yet powerful phrase has transcended generations and united fans across the world in their shared love for Star wars universe. This clever play on words has resonated with fans and has become an unofficial celebration of all things Star wars over the years. May the fourth be with you has evolved into a global phenomenon. Every year on May 4, fans around the world celebrate Star Wars Day, a day dedicated to the love and appreciation of their franchise.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
It's a day for fans to come together to share their passion, and to revel in stories of their favorite characters that may have defied their lives. It's a day when fans dress up as their favorite characters, engage in lightsaber battles, and discuss in detail their Star wars universe. The Star wars saga has brought together people from all walks of life, breaking down all barriers, and serves as a reminder that despite our differences, we can come together to celebrate a shared love for something greater than ourselves.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
This franchise has grown and evolved over the years, even more so in 2012 when Disney acquired the Star wars franchise and gave rise to a new, expanded universe with new films, television series, books and merchandise, inspiring new generations of fans. I'm honored to have my colleague from Orange County Join me on the Resolution as an author and thank her for sharing this moment with us with ACR 65. Today, we celebrate the enduring legacy of Star wars and the powerful connection it has fostered among its fans.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
As we gather today to celebrate our shared love for this incredible universe, let us remember the true essence of the phrase unity, passion, and the power of the Force. If you all notice, on your desks, my office and I have pins for May the fourth be with you. May you please wear this all day and keep this in mind. In regards to the unity, the passion, and the power of the Force, I'd also like to thank my staff for also helping make this day possible.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
And I also want to share with you something real quick that was handed to me by the Clerk staff that artificial intelligence made. And I'm only going to read a couple of them. There were seven of them. By recognizing Star Wars Day, we can show our support for the millions of fans who have been inspired by this franchise and the countless businesses that have benefited from its success. And it also has on here. May the fourth be with you.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
By passing this resolution, we can send a message of support to Star wars fans everywhere and celebrate the enduring legacy of this beloved franchise. This was from artificial intelligence. Thank you, guys. So with that, I ask you for your aye vote thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Alanis and Commander Quirksilva, you are recognized on the resolution.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today as the Chair of the Arts and Entertainment Committee to recognize ACR 65, Star Wars Day. I'd like to thank my colleague from Modesto, the birthplace of George Lucas, for introducing this resolution. Today, May 4, is a very special day for all Star wars fans around the world. It's a day that we celebrate the incredible legacy of one of the most iconic and beloved film franchises in history.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
The Star wars saga has captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of fan, transporting us to the galaxy far, far away, filled with epic battles, unforgettable characters, and timeless values of heroism, hope, and power of the human spirit. Throughout the years, the Star wars franchise has not only entertained us, but also inspired us to be our best selves, to stand up for what is right, and to fight for a better future.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
Star wars has provided people of all walks of life with role models who teach us that we can be brave pilots, daring princesses, or even powerful Jedi knights. Its impact on popular culture is undeniable, and its legacy will continue to inspire new generations for years to come. I would like to take a moment to recognize Disney for their contributions to the franchise.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
As many of you know, the 67th District is the proud home of Disneyland, and the many attractions within the park are based in Star Wars. Under their stewardship, we have been treated to new stories, new characters, and new worlds to explore in the Star wars universe. So today, on this Star Wars Day, I invite all of you, my fellow colleagues, to join me in celebrating the incredible legacy of this beloved franchise. Permission to use a Prop? Without objection.
- Sharon Quirk-Silva
Legislator
May the Force be with us all, and may we continue to be inspired by the timeless values, the enduring spirit of the Star Wars. And may the light be with you. And let us never turn to the dark. Side, I ask for your aye vote.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mrs. Quirk-Silva and Her Majesty Luz Rivas. You're recognized on the resolution.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Hello there, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of my staff, who are huge Star wars fans in strong support of ACR 65 in declaring May 4 A Star Wars Day. Star wars has captured the minds and hearts of fans, young and old alike, for generations, and some of those fans work here in the state Legislature. While we don't work at a vibrant city planet like Carrasin, our work mirrors what we see in the galaxy far, far away.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Making Bill deadlines in less than 12 parsecs, declaring that the negotiations were short when meeting with stakeholders, budget hearings being as intense as a lightsaber duel, appropriations, performing Jedi mind tricks and telling us these are not the bills you're looking for, our chiefs sharing sage advice like do or do not, there is no try. And like the loyal clone troopers of the Republic, we protect democracy and serve our state to make it a better place.
- Luz Rivas
Person
Colleagues, let's all raise a glass of blue milk and celebrate May 4 as Star Wars Day. Thank you, and may the Force be with you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Rivas and Emperor Jones-Sawyer, you are recognized.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I couldn't let this moment go without speaking on behalf of fellow USC alumni George Lucas and what he's done and accomplished with Star Wars.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
I had the pleasure of meeting him when he was deciding what to do with the Lucas Museum, which will be in the 57th Assembly District, a $1 billion museum in South Los Angeles. And he did it because of Star Wars. It's not a Star wars museum. It's a museum based on engineering, science, technology.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
And it's because of Star wars, where he learned that there's probably thousands and thousands and thousands of young people, because of this movie, have now gone into the tech field and the science field. And that was not his original intent. But as I talked to him about it and talked to him about putting that museum, which Chicago, was, in the field of people, places that it could go and other places, we were able to bring it here to Los Angeles, into California.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
And what he wanted to do was make sure that when young people came to the museum, that they kind of have a love for science that has never been done before, that they could touch all the technology and science, the things that are in the future. We're real close to completing this $1.0 billion museum. You probably would kill me if I told you they look like the Millennium Falcon, but it's probably the largest facility you've ever seen for a museum, especially on the West Coast.
- Reginald Byron Jones-Sawyer
Person
So when it's open, I invite everybody to come to the 57th Assembly District to see it. It will be one of the premier places to be. And it's all because George Lucas had the vision to create Star Wars. And so I commend my colleague on the Public Safety Committee on ACR 65 for bringing this to our attention. Thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Jones-Sawyer, and Darth Gallagher, you are recognized on the resolution.
- James Gallagher
Legislator
Mr. Speaker, as the leader of the rebel Resistance and for the restoration of the Republic, I fully endorse this Bill. Thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Gallagher. And Mr. Alanis, anything further to close on the resolution?
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
Yes, please, Mr. Speaker. I just encourage everybody on their eye and green button, you will push. Thank you.
- Timothy Grayson
Legislator
And the first roll is open for co authors? Yes, please. Very well. Clerk will open the roll. All those wish to be a co author on ACR 65, please signify by casting your vote. Yes. Clerk will close the roll. There are 70 co authors. Without objection. We'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say this is the way. All those opposed say nay. We have voted affirmatively. The resolution is adopted. NSF Member Alois, you are recognized for your guest introductions on the resolution. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
And if I may use a Prop during this, if you're okay with that, maybe without objection. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you for my colleagues who have brought their mics up to speak on behalf. Darth Gallagher. That's cool. So, as you all know, there's some people up here in the gallery.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
I'm honored today to welcome in the Gallery the Stormtroopers with the Central California Garrison of the 501 region, an all volunteer organization who, for the last 20 years, have entertained the region through community involvement and service in celebrating the Star wars franchise and is a part of the larger International 501 Legion, also known as Vader's Fist. Hold on. Somebody's telling me something real quick. Okay. He wants to make sure. I also introduce.
- Juan Alanis
Legislator
I have Chris Murphy and my own wife also representing the Jedis over there on the far right. I want to thank them also for being here. So with that, if you could all please help me welcome the mighty, menacing and esteemed stormtroopers of the Central California garrison of the 501 legion. Thank you. Thank you, Mr. Alanis. Welcome to the California State Assembly. And, Members, upon conclusion of adjournment of session today, there will be an opportunity to take photos with our guests at the rear of chambers.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Probably just a few more minutes we're going to go through consent Calendar and then we will be adjourning. So onto the second day consent calendar. We're going to first take up resolutions on the consent calendar for purpose of adding co authors. The Clerk will read the resolutions on the consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 14 by Assembly Member Luz Rivas Relative to Guan Beret Syndrome Assembly Concurrent Resolution 59 by Assembly Member Robert Rivas relative to Stuttering Awareness Week House Resolution 15 by Assembly Member Villapudua relative to necrotizing Fasciitis Awareness Month and Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 by Senator Portantino and others Relative to Arts Education Month.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will open the roll to allow any Member to add on as a co author to the resolutions. All those wishing to be co authors please signify by casting your vote. Clerk will close the roll. There are 71 co authors moving to a vote on the consent calendar. We have already dispensed with file items 13137 and 140. We're going to pass and retain on file items 162 and 163. Does any Member further wish to remove an item for the consent calendar? Seeing and hearing none. Clerk will read the second day consent calendar. Assembly Bill 373 by Assembly Member Gibson and others, and accolades to intercession programs. Clerk will open the roll on consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 373 by Assembly Member Gibson and others, and accolades to intercession programs.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will open the roll on consent calendar. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote on consent calendar. Clerk will close roll tally the votes. aye 73 no zero consent calendar is adopted. The Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 1130 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 281 Aye 73 No, 0 Assembly Bill 356 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 358 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 491 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 511Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 658Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 844 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 925 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill of 956 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1070 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1114 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1219 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1268 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1294 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1326 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1342 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1354 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1369 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1474 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1557 with urgency Aye 73 No, 0 no urgency on the bill. Assembly Bill 1651 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1686 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1696 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1706 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1740 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1173Aye 73 No, 0.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 14 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 59 Aye 73 No, 0. House Resolution 15 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1697 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1767 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1770 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1528 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1165 Aye 73 No, 0. Assembly Bill 1768 Aye 73 No, 0. and Senate Concurrent Resolution 36 Aye 73 No, 0.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We are moving to announcements. The session schedule is as follows. Friday, May 5, there's no check in session, no floor session. Monday May 8th this is Floor Session at 1 PM. I understand there is a vote change. Assembly Member Hoover.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All other items will be passed and retained. All motions shall be seeing and hearing. No further business. I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Ms. Reyes moves and Mr. Hoover seconds that this House stand adjourned until Monday, May the eigth at 01:00 p.m. We are adjourned.
- Josh Hoover
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Want to vote change on AB 100 from aye to not voting?
- Reading Clerk
Person
Vote Change Assembly Member Hoover. Assembly Bill 100 Aye to not voting.