Assembly Floor
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Time being 09:00. The Assembly is now in session. Assembly Member Wallis notices the absence of a quorum. The sergeant in arms will prepare the Chamber 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 and we ask our guests. And our visitors in the gallery and in the rear chamber to please stand for the prayer and the pledge. Today's prayer will be offered by our Assembly chaplain, Imam Yasir Khan. Imam Yasir.
- Mohammad Khan
Person
In the name of God, the most gracious, the most merciful, our holy and gracious God, we are grateful to be here today. These Assembly Members have been entrusted by the people of the state in the midst of a world of rapid change, challenge, diversity, and need. This is a solemn and daunting task. It is an extraordinary responsibility and challenge which calls for courage, conviction, integrity, honor, understanding, and commitment as these Members gather today to carry out the important work before them.
- Mohammad Khan
Person
O God, in your grace draw near. Send us your compassion, your courage, your wisdom, your strength, and your understanding. May the will and work of this Assembly be carried out so the people of the state may live in freedom and hope and share in your bountiful blessings. We pray in your holy name. Amen.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We ask that you remain standing for the flag salute. Please join Assemblywoman Bauer-Kahan as she leads us in the pledge.
- Rebecca Bauer-Kahan
Legislator
Mr. Speaker, please join me as we salute our flag. Ready? Begin. Pledge allegiance. And republic for which it stands. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
You may be seated.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Reading of the previous day's journal .
- Committee Secretary
Person
Assembly Chamber of Sacramento Tuesday, March 14, 2023. The Assembly met at 07:00 a.m. The Honorable Diane Dixon, Assembly Member, 72nd District Presiding Chief Clerk ... of the desk reading Clerk David A. Bowman reading roll call. The following were placed upon the morning roll Call 74
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Ms. Reyes moves and Mr. Gallagher 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 Mathis for illness, Assembly Member Cervantes and for family illness, Assembly Member Chen. 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 Gabriel and Ortega to have guests seated at their desks.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection. Such shall be the order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
I request unanimous consent to withdraw AB 591 Gabriel from the Appropriations Committee and order the Bill to second reading file. The Bill is non fiscal.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection. Such shall be the order.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB 1097 Luce Rivas from the Housing and Community Development Committee to the Revenue and Taxation Committee.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order. And Assembly Member Wood, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Jim Wood
Person
Hello. Oh, much better. Thank you. Thank you. Members, please join me in welcoming the AB service learning team from the Anderson Valley Unified School District and their facilitator, Noor Dawood. This is an after-school leadership group open to 7th to 12th graders where students plan and carry out projects to improve the community. They recently helped reopen a Paul Demik State campground in Navarro and the team's current focus is to open a skate park in Booneville. Please join me in welcoming these students who are up here in the gallery this morning.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Dr. Wood. Welcome and Assembly Member Rodriguez, you are recognized for your guest introductions.
- Freddie Rodriguez
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker. Members, I would like to introduce a group of 62 students from Danuba High School who are sitting in the gallery. These students are participating in the California Health Occupation Students of America Cal HOSA State Leadership Conference HOSA is a global student led organization recognized by the US Department of Education and the Department of Health and Human Services, among other federal and state agencies. HOSA's mission is to empower HOSA future health professionals to become leaders in the global health community. These dedicated students are building skills in areas such as health professions, emergency preparedness, leadership and teamwork. Considering the shortage of qualified workers for the healthcare industry, HOSA provides a valuable solution to the health industry shortage. These young leaders have bright futures ahead of them and I thank them for the interest and commitment to helping others in the future. Please join me in welcoming them on the Assembly floor. Seated to my front, standing.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you Mr. Rodriguez and we are moving to business on the daily file second reading Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 14673-69-3332 with amendments 502 with amendments 534, 801 with amendments 751, 861, 080 with amits 1064 with the amendments 912 with the minutes 494 with amendments 56 with amendments 72, 289,416, 584, 322 with amendments 2649-967821174 and Assembly Bill 1679.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
All bills will be deemed bread. All amendments will be deemed adopted. Members, we're going on to Assembly third reading.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
We will pass temporarily on File Items 25 through 31. This is File Item 32: AB 496. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 496 by Assembly Member Friedman and others, an act relating to public health.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Friedman, you may open.
- Laura Friedman
Person
Thank you Mr. Speaker and Members. I'm very proud to rise today for AB 496. Members, a lot of us, myself included, have always made the assumption that if I go to the store, I go to a grocery store and I buy a cosmetic product or I buy a hair product, that it's safe, that my government has taken care of protecting my health and safety.
- Laura Friedman
Person
But unfortunately, in the United States, very few chemical additives in personal care products are regulated by the government, as opposed to what happens in many other countries in the world.
- Laura Friedman
Person
Now, last year, most of you voted and passed a bill which I authored about PFAS contamination in cosmetics, and I was very proud that California led the nation in banning those products, those carcinogenic products, from our consumer products.
- Laura Friedman
Person
But the EU, after extensive tests on animals, on looking at chemical ingredients, out of the over 1,800 chemicals that are used in cosmetics, the EU took the top 26 most dangerous, most carcinogenic chemicals and banned them from the product stream--from the materials that you put on your face and on your hair and on your children--ban them from use in the EU. AB 496 would in California, ban the exact same chemicals from use from being put in very intimate places on the human body.
- Laura Friedman
Person
Now, we took amendments from the personal care industry and the cosmetic industry to extend some timelines to give them a chance to remove these products from their stream. And they went neutral on this bill. They didn't even try to argue that these chemicals were safe. And they also expressed an interest in having a standardized ingredient list between the EU, which is a very large market, and California, which is also a very large market.
- Laura Friedman
Person
I think it's important that we take this step to tell consumers in California that we care enough about their health to act when the federal government is not. With that, I would urge an I vote on AB 496. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Friedman, and seeing no Members wishing to discuss or debate 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 56. Nos. Zero. Measure passes. Next Members, this is file item 33, ACR 31. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 31 by Assembly Member Pacheco relative to adult education
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assemblywoman Pacheco, you may open.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise before you to present Assembly concurrent Resolution 31, which proclaims March 19 to March 25 as Adult Education Week in California. Adult education is a public education program offering free to Low cost classes for adults 18 and older in high school equivalency, basic skills, English as a second language, citizenship and career technical education training. Adult schools in California are located across the state offering classes in over 1000 different locations, which include elementary, middle and high schools, churches, shopping centers and other easily accessible locations. Adult schools are diverse places of learning that seek to support all students regardless of ethnicity, race, faith, orientation, and status where students are safe from discrimination and from bullying. For over six years, adult schools and community colleges have been part of a local consortia under the California Adult Education program as the condition for receiving state funding to provide education and training to adult learners in our communities. Adult schools provide important career training programs, including critical healthcare positions, to address both the short and long term impacts of the pandemic and to respond to Governor Newsom's change to meet the moment and address the needs of our communities. Today, adult schools continue to provide important access to programs supporting immigrant integration and job retraining that will be critical as we navigate the current economic downturn and to insulate against the potential for an actual recession. For these reasons, I am pleased to proclaim ACR 31 and its recognition of the importance of adult schools in our communities. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Pacheco and Assemblywoman Carillo, you're recognized.
- Wendy Carrillo
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm just a question for the author of ACR 31 without a jury. Curious if you can elaborate on the importance of the immigrant experience when it comes to adult education and in particular what this Bill does to ensure its success.
- Blanca Pacheco
Legislator
So I can actually speak from personal experience. This adult schools, like the one that we have in the City of Downey, is important for the immigrant community because they offer English as a second language. They also offer retraining. In Downey, we have vocational nursing program. We also offer phlebotomy. We offer the massage therapy. There's many different programs. And the beauty of our adult schools is that you don't have to worry about parking. You don't have to worry about the increase in rates compared to community colleges. This is a safe environment, and I have taught at the adult school, the paralegal program, before I was on City Council. So that's why I am proud to present this resolution. So thank you. And thank you for the question.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Carrillo and Ms. Pacheco, this is your first measure on the floor. Congratulations. Seeing no other Members wishing to discuss or debate the measure, Clerk will open the roll. Is there anything further to close? No. 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. Aye 75. No. Zero. Resolution is adopted.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, next, we're going to take up File Item Number 34: ACR 32. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 32 by Assembly Member McCarty and others, relative to Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Assembly Member McCarty, you are recognized.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, I rise to present this resolution honoring Tuskegee Airmen throughout our country. A special day in March, 81 years ago, a crew of cadets graduated from the Tuskegee Fighter Pilot School, becoming the first Black American fighter pilots in the United States during World War II. The great sacrifices of these men helped subvert racist beliefs by proving themselves capable of any military position and became quite valuable in our efforts to succeed in World War II.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
These brave pilots flew thousands of missions during the war, including a number of bombing missions. The airmen had such high success rate, they were highly sought after for missions by other groups. Their nickname, the Red Tails, stems from their success rate. 66 Tuskegee Airmen died in combat, but the remaining 842 lived out their remaining days with their family and friends. However, as we know, did not always get properly recognized. These airmen are survived by their spouses, children, grandchildren, and beyond.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
Sadly, most of them are not with us today, but some of their descendants are, including some in the back of the chambers in the gallery. Madam Speaker, permission to read?
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Without objection.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
I'd like to recognize Gloria Taylor, surviving spouse of Boyd Taylor, Nathaniel Roberts, grandson of Colonel George Roberts, Lynelle Brent and Lee Roberts, daughters of Colonel George Roberts, Roger Gray and Kathy Bryant, son and daughter of Leo Gray, Beth Davis, daughter of Herman Lawson, Howard Williams, son of James Williams.
- Kevin McCarty
Person
Cheryl Manning Taylor, daughter of Boyd Taylor, Marianne Drummond, daughter of Lieutenant Colonel Charles H. Drummond, Larry Brown III, son of Major Larry E. Brown, Jr. Lastly, Charles Chuck Hill, son of Lieutenant Charles D. Hill. Members, as we know, in this reckoning of our country, of our past, sometimes we have a chance to right wrongs, and this is one thing today, recognizing these brave men who served our country and their families who are with us today. Please join me in giving them a proper recognition and your aye vote for this measure. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, just a reminder, we are still on debate on the resolution. I'd like to go ahead and recognize Mr. Patterson.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Thank you, Madam Speaker, Members. I rise in joyful participation in the commemoration of the Tuskegee Airmen. Many of you know that I'm a private pilot. I love to fly, but I also love history. And one of the joys of my history class when I was taking my political science degree at Fresno State, was a section on the Tuskegee Airmen. It inspired me then because I knew the joy of the stick and the rudder and flying in those airplanes, and I shared in their enthusiasm.
- Jim Patterson
Person
But I also knew that they were given the chance to demonstrate their skills and to prove the racists of the times wrong. That opened all kinds of doors for other people. And so I rise to join in the commemoration. I had a joyful ride in the elevator as the Tuskegee Airmen were going up to the gallery, and I was coming to the floor, and I exchanged some conversation with the daughter of one of the airmen.
- Jim Patterson
Person
It's an honor to be in their presence, to understand the challenge that they went through. They rose to the occasion, and I can just imagine. They got the training. They sat in that seat, they grabbed the stick, they danced the rudders, and they became the scourge of the Nazis over Europe, and they were the Red Tails.
- Jim Patterson
Person
And at first, history tells us that when they were flying their first missions, there were some racists in cockpits and bombers that didn't really want them to fly because they didn't think they had what it took. But they had the right stuff, they demonstrated it, and pretty soon, the Air Force and the Eighth Air Force over Europe asked for the Red Tails to come and protect them. That's how good they were.
- Jim Patterson
Person
They stood up to the dogma of the times, proved it dead wrong, enjoyed what they did in flying, but took that skill to be one of the important tips of the spear that led to the destruction of Nazism. And so I join with you. I'm grateful to get to know you. The pages of my history books have come alive by being here to be with you. So thank you, and thank your fathers and grandfathers and all for what they did. And so we commemorate.
- Jim Patterson
Person
Grateful for what you demonstrated. And it is a lesson for us today. Everyone, if they have the grit, the determination, and the skill, they can do whatever they want to do, and it doesn't give a damn what their color is.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Patterson. Seeing and hearing no others who'd like to comment on this, Mr. McCarty, would you like to close?
- Kevin McCarty
Person
Thank you. I'd like the first roll to be open for coauthors and allow the comments from my colleague from Fresno to serve as the close. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you. The first roll call will be open for coauthors. The clerk will open the roll. This is for coauthors, Member. All those who desire to vote, please vote. All those who desire to vote, please vote. All those who desire to vote, please vote. The clerk will close the roll. We have 75 coauthors. Without objection, we will take a voice roll call. All those in favor indicate by saying 'aye.' Oppose. Abstain. The ayes have it. That resolution is adopted. Mr. Gipson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
Thank you very much, Madam Speaker and Members. I welcome representatives in the gallery of CASA Appreciation Day. CASA stands for court appointed special advocate or CASA; is a very important part of our children welfare system. Last year, 11,000 CASA volunteers served more than 12,000 youth in advocacy and dependency system. CASA volunteers contribute 440,948 hours. CASA network includes 514 staff members employed by CASA program statewide and 507 local CASA program board members.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
Every single day, local CASA program CASA volunteers provide effective compassion advocacy on behalf of young people in this state. Colleagues, I ask that you please join me in recognizing the contribution of CASA and welcome my guests in the back of the chambers, Ms. Sharon Lawrence, CEO of California CASA Association, Regan Phillips, CEO, CASA Orange County, and Judge Carol Isaacson, retired Senior Policy Advisor, California CASA Association. Members, would you please help me welcome CASA to our House?
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you. Next up, we will take file item number 35, acr 37. Mr. Jackson, you are recognized. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 37 by Assembly Member Jackson relative to racial discrimination.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Jackson, you are recognized.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to recognize March 21 as the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Every year we observe this day marking the very day when police in Sharpville, South Africa, opened fire and killed 69 people at the peaceful demonstration against apartheid in 1960. In 1969, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a program of activities to be undertaken during the second half of the decade for action to combat racism and racial discrimination.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
On that occasion, the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with the people struggling against racism and racial discrimination, beginning on March 21, would be recognized annually in all nations. 75 years ago, for the first time, the international community agreed on a set of common values and acknowledged that rights are inherent in every single human being and not granted by governments or states.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
These rights are enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, a blueprint for international human rights norms. In 2023, the theme of the International Day focuses on the urgency of combating racism and racial discrimination. 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. This declaration states that everyone is entitled to all the rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind, such as race and color, among others. However, racism and racial discrimination continue to affect people all over the world.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
The United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free, equal in their dignity rights, and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well-being of their societies. In its most recent resolution, the UN General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false, morally condemnable, socially unjust, dangerous, and must be rejected every single time. Importantly, the UN's intention is to call out the most racist of theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
It is tragic. We, in 2023, must still call these things out. This is why this day is important. So we will continue to raise our voices and be heard. We must continue to proclaim that racism is a public health crisis in California, in this nation, and around the world. The United Nations has been concerned with this issue since its foundation, and the prohibition of racial discrimination is enshrined in all core international human rights instruments.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
And with the FBI declaring violent white supremacy as the number one domestic security threat, California must lead the U.S. in completing this work. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Madam Speaker.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Jackson. Mr. Fong, you are recognized.
- Mike Fong
Legislator
Good morning, Madam Speaker and Members. Today I rise to support ACR 37, recognizing March 21 as the United Nations International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. Thank you, Mr. Jackson, for bringing this resolution forward. On behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus and as the Chair of the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia, we will continue to advocate and highlight the importance of eliminating racial discrimination and upholding the dignity and rights of all people.
- Mike Fong
Legislator
Racial discrimination is a deeply damaging and pervasive abuse of human rights and human dignity that affects every country, including our own. Systemic racism has manifested itself in different forms and continues to impact people in all aspects of life, including employment, housing and public health, transportation, and criminal justice, to name a few. The State of California is diverse, and diversity is our state's greatest asset.
- Mike Fong
Legislator
The Legislature has a critical role in speaking out against the destructive powers of racial discrimination and to make sure that our voices are being heard. I thank the author again, Mr. Jackson, for introducing this important resolution, and I respectfully ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Fong. Ms. Wilson, you are recognized.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
Madam Chair, today I rise to acknowledge ACR 37. I thank my colleague from Riverside County for introducing this resolution. I stand as the Chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus in support of ACR 37, the United Nations International Day for the Racial Discrimination to share its importance to not only myself, our caucus, but all Black Californians.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
California is the most diverse, inclusive, and progressive state in the nation, and although we set the bar in our country, we cannot settle on the status quo. People of color, at various times in our state history, have been exploited, left behind, or not provided the same opportunities as the majority. For Black Californians, this is all evident by the disparities in our UC admissions and the oversaturation of black people in our prison systems, the disproportionate and disparities of care and resources allocated to enrich our health, educational systems largely illustrate the need for truth, reconciliation, and reparations.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
The 2023 theme of the International Day focused on the urgency of combating racism and racial discrimination 75 years after the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Humans Rights. So, in closing, it is for this reason why the California Legislative Black Caucus supports ACR 37, the United Nations International Day for Racial Discrimination. We feel we should all feel impelled to get in the fight to eliminate and end racial discrimination.
- Lori Wilson
Legislator
I urge an Aye vote on ACR 37.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Wilson, Mr. Haney, you are recognized.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Thank you. Madam Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of the Jewish Caucus in support of ACR 37, recognizing the United Nations day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. As we continue to work towards a more just future, we must do more to ensure our country recognizes and confronts the ongoing crisis of systemic racism. Racism causes persistent discrimination in housing, education, employment, transportation, and criminal justice. And an emerging body of research demonstrates that racism is a social determinant of health outcomes.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Racist acts and systems have created deep and ongoing physical, emotional, and mental harm in millions of residents of California. And as always, and especially today, in light of the dangerous rise of White supremacy, anti-Black racism must be especially called out for the insidious role it continues to play in our society. For many Jews, our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents faced a repulsive degree of white supremacy during the most documented genocide in history, the Holocaust.
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Our experiences with anti-Jewish hatred and antisemitism that continue today remind us of the importance of standing with others to combat such vitriol, violence, and harm. Our community stands against racism in the face of systemic oppression and against intolerance in the face of injustice. We are here because of the support of others and to dismantle racism together. Rabbi Hillel teaches us, if I am not for others, who am I?
- Matt Haney
Legislator
Together, we hope to empower future generations to make our world more equitable to all people and to proclaim proudly that we stand together today as a Legislature, as anti-racist. I thank the Assembly Member from Riverside on behalf of our caucus for authoring this important resolution and respectfully ask for an Aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Haney. Mr. Jackson, hearing and seeing no others, Mr. Jackson, would you like to close?
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
I want to close by saying we are in the midst of yet another wave of a White Christian nationalist movement that is putting us all in danger. Therefore, history is calling upon us to ensure that this movement is defeated. We have a saying in the African American community, amongst elected officials, that says, if you're not at the table, you're on the menu. Every day, we see one of our groups on the menu.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
But we must make it clear that an attack on one of us is an attack on all of us. Therefore, when they kidnap and murder our Native American women, they are kidnapping and murdering my mother, my sister, or my daughter. When they demonize our Muslim and Sikh brothers and sisters, they are demonizing us. When they scapegoat our Latino and undocumented brothers and sisters, they are scapegoating us. When they attack our Asian brothers and sisters, they are attacking me.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
When they say that women are not worth equal pay, don't have the right to control their bodies, and that their values is tied in their age or physical appearance, they are saying that we are not valued as human, but as a commodity set to expire. When they introduce legislation to target our LGBTQ-plus community, in general, and our Trans siblings in particular, they are targeting me. And, yes, I will take it personally.
- Corey Jackson
Legislator
And finally, when they put their hands on our Jewish brothers and sisters, they will find out quickly that they might have to catch these Christian hands. So, dear colleagues, we must and will meet this historic moment we are in today to eradicate racism. Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask for an Aye vote and for the first role to be open for co-authors. Thank you.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Jackson. The Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those who desire to vote, please vote. All those who desire to vote, please vote. All those who desire to vote, please vote. Yeah. The Clerk will close the roll. We have 58 co-authors. Now we'll take a voice resolution. All those in favor say Aye. Opposed. Abstain. The resolution is adopted.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Members will be moving on to file item 36. This is AB 341. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 341 by Assembly Member Ramos and others, an act relating to gambling.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ramos, you may open.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I rise to present AB 341, a Bill that has brought together a working group consisting of co-sponsors from card clubs and tribal governments. This working group set aside differences to work on a common goal of preserving jobs and economic vitality in the State of California. This Bill would allow for mutually agreed-upon growth for card clubs with 20 tables or less, while creating a moratorium to protect the economic stream of economies that rely on the gaming industry.
- James Ramos
Legislator
The hard work of compromise by the co-sponsors of this Bill shows that when setting aside areas of disagreement and focusing on the areas of agreement, the art of give and take to reach agreement is possible and to their testament, to move in one accord to present a Bill of compromise that sits in front of this body today.
- James Ramos
Legislator
The hard work on this Bill by the working group of the bill's co-sponsors, the Kawea Band of Indians, Hawaiian Gardens, Morongo Band of Mission Indians, Commerce Casino, the Ringcon Band of Lucento Indians, King's Card Club, the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, Santa Yanez Band of Chumash Indians, and the Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians should not be taken lightly and represents a responsible and reasonable approach towards future gaming expansion in the State of California.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. Any other Members wishing to discuss or debate this Bill? Mr. Gipson, you're recognized.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise as a joint author of Assembly Bill 341 and raise my voice in support of this Bill and thank the author for bringing this Bill forward who represent the San Bernardino area. Mr. Ramos, our Native American Caucus Chair, our Rules Chair. This Bill seeks to extend the state's moratorium and expand card room gaming in the State of California.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
And let me simply say where we are today, to have his great leadership bringing all sides together, both card room and also tribes together. I'm not sure if anyone else could do what you have done, sir, and I want to applaud you for your leadership in bringing sides together. I think we stand on the cusp of creating history today in California and by and large is due to your tremendous leadership that we applaud.
- Mike Gipson
Legislator
25 years ago, the moratorium was introduced that was intended to, one, expand gaming in the State of California. This is a step in the right direction. I appreciate and just absolutely ask that my colleagues support Assembly Bill 341 and thank the author again for bringing forth through your leadership.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Gibson and Mr. Joe Patterson. For what purpose?
- Joe Patterson
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to announce that I'm recusing myself from AB 341 and won't be participating in the vote. Thank you.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you. Clerk will note. Seeing no other Members wishing to be recognized on this item. Mr. Ramos, you may close.
- James Ramos
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. At the end of session last year, I presented a Bill on this floor to extend the moratorium for one year to work in collaboration with the industry, tribes and cardrooms. The work in front of you is a result of that hard work that has taken place. The art of compromise is give and take on issues. What is in front of you is a result of that hard work. I ask for your Aye vote.
- James Ramos
Legislator
And I also ask for immediate transmittal to the Senate.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ramos. 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. Ayes 64. Noes one. Measure passes without objection, immediate transmittal of the Bill to the Senate. Next, Members file item 37. This is AB 100. Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 100 by Assembly Member Ting, an act relating to the Budget Act of 2023.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
And Assembly Member Ting, you may open.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you, Members. I'm proud to present AB 100 as it's the tradition every single year between the Assembly and the Senate, we will send 121 bills over to the Senate and they will send 121 bills to us. Over time, these bills will eventually become budget trailer bills or budget bills. You will hear from certain folks on this floor about a lack of transparency or openness. This is the beginning of the budget process, not the end of it. We are having subcommittee hearings as we speak.
- Philip Ting
Person
We have almost 100 subcommittee hearings throughout this year where we will go through every single item in every single facet of this budget. You'll hear hours and hours of public testimony. You'll hear hours of public comment. I really invite anybody who's interested in knowing any piece of this budget to either attend the subcommittee hearings or feel free to watch it on TV, because this is where we debate our budget. This is where we talk about our budget, and this is where we shape our budget.
- Philip Ting
Person
So with that, I ask for support for AB 100. It's the first again of 121 bills. After we vote on AB 100, I'm going to ask the Clerk to substitute the role for the next 120 bills, AB 101 to AB 2020, and to support and respectfully, colleagues, ask you to support AB 100.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ting. And Assembly Member Fong.
- Vince Fong
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker, Members, I rise in opposition to these empty placeholders and to the new Members. I would ask you to listen very carefully and watch this process very closely. The State of California is stuck in a cycle of crises, one after another. Homelessness is on the rise. Rising crime, an unreliable electricity grid, gasoline and natural gas prices have risen because of the lack of supply and refining capacity. California's affordability crisis continues to intensify.
- Vince Fong
Person
We now have communities who have endured years of devastating drought and wildfires, calling for water storage and flood protection. And now they are persevering through storms, atmospheric rivers, and levee-breaking floods. On top of that, Californians are struggling through persistent inflation. And now we see the second-largest bank failure in U.S. history. As we develop California's budget, Californians want real details. This attempt to move 121 empty bills just repeats another broken budget process. But these placeholders are simply that.
- Vince Fong
Person
These are not real bills, and I challenge you to look at them. They are empty shells that lack the real substance that our constituents are demanding. We are likely going to have another rushed budget with little transparency, and we literally cannot afford this type of process. The Governor opened this year with a budget that falls flat and even spends $2 billion in new funding by cutting the very priorities that this Legislature championed. That is not seen in these bills.
- Vince Fong
Person
Crime is on the rise, but he closes prisons. Gas prices are straining family budgets, but the Governor shrinks supply and production, resulting in higher prices. Instead of increasing energy supplies to lower gas prices, the Governor is seeking to create more government bureaucracy, wanting to give bureaucrats the authority to increase taxes on needed affordable energy production without any accountability. Roads and highways are still crumbling, especially stressed by the recent storms leaving Californians stranded.
- Vince Fong
Person
The Governor is seeking to spend billions of dollars on a failing and mismanaged high-speed rail project that many of us agree just needs to be stopped. From a historic surplus to a massive multi-billion dollar deficit, it is obvious that the state has a spending problem. Over the past decade, California's state budget has more than doubled. I repeat, over the past decade, California's state budget has more than doubled and our problems have gotten worse.
- Vince Fong
Person
It is our responsibility as the Legislature to rein in that spending and deliver common sense, immediate solutions for California families. Members, we can move bills with real specifics. We can have a Budget Conference Committee. We can involve all sides and stakeholders and develop real solutions. Instead, we have right now before us over 100 empty shells, a budget negotiate that will be negotiated behind closed doors with little input. This is not what a deliberative legislative body should allow, especially one that does seek to tout transparency.
- Vince Fong
Person
I urge a No vote.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Fong. And seeing no other Members wish to be recognized. Mr. Ting, you may close.
- Philip Ting
Person
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We live in the greatest state, in the greatest country in the world. That's a fact. We're the fourth largest economy. Many of us are here because our families came here from some other part of the country, some other part of the world to chase a dream. There's a California dream. There's an American dream. We are one of the only states that has a dream. We're one of the only states where people come to to chase their dreams, where their dreams come true.
- Philip Ting
Person
In fact, we have a whole industry that every day we watch in the movies, on TV, that packages dreams. Yes, we have a lot of problems. And that is what our job is. Our job is here to solve those problems. We are working every day and we'll be hearing about it very soon about how we can rein in an oil industry that's been taken advantage of.
- Philip Ting
Person
Every Californian who's had hardworking Californians who have to pay exorbitant costs to get to work, to drive their kids to school. We have the best higher education system in the entire country. It's the envy of our country and the envy of the world. And yes, we have a lot of problems. And if we didn't, none of us would need to be here. That's what our job is. And our job is to dig in and solve those problems. And where does that happen?
- Philip Ting
Person
Doesn't happen on this floor. Doesn't happen on the floor. We have five Budget Subcommittees. Come. I spend a ton of time. I'm one of the few people, myself and the Vice Chair, get to go to all five, get to see what happens, where we discuss. You go from one morning where I'm discussing childcare and preschool, to the afternoon where we're debating the film tax credit, or we're talking about MediCal, Medicare. We're talking about Cal Works, Calfresh. We're talking about our prison systems.
- Philip Ting
Person
That's where the work is. And we have to get to work because that's what Californians sent us to do. This is the beginning of our job, not the end. So I ask all of us, you want to talk, give a speech, that's fine. We have a lot of problems to solve and we have to get to work. 40 million Californians I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on AB 100.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ting 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. 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 60. Noes 14. Measure passes and Members, Assembly Member Ting has requested to substitute the roll call vote that was taken on item 37, AB 100, and apply it to the remaining budget-related measures on file. AB 101 through AB 220 inclusive, which are items 38 through 157. Without objection, the roll call vote is substituted on those items. The Clerk will read the bills.
- Reading Clerk
Person
[Assembly Bills 101-220, Aye 60. No 14.]
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Members, just a reminder that a call has not been lifted. We still have a few items of business on the daily file today. It's getting busier.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Members, we're going to go ahead and take up file item number 28. AB 223. The Clerk will read.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 223 by Assemblymember Ward and others, an act relating to vital records.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Mr. Ward, you are recognized.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Madam Speaker, members, this bill is about the privacy and safety of our transgender youth. As you know, California has provided the tools needed for persons to change their vital records to match their gender identity. However, the petition and resulting paperwork are a matter of public information discoverable with a simple Internet search. Being outed is an extremely traumatic event for any individual, especially for individuals under the 18, especially when this leads to bullying and online harassment.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
According to the Trevor Project, transgender and nonbinary youth are two and a half times as likely to experience depressive symptoms, seriously consider suicide, and attempt suicide compared to their cisgender LGBTQ peers. AB 223 protects the privacy and mental health of transgender and nonbinary youth by making common sense changes to the process for persons seeking a gender or sex identifier change by placing the petition and the resulting paperwork under seal.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
The bill makes no changes to the actual name or gender change process, nor does it change parental or familial access during that process. It simply ensures that any resulting paperwork remains private.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
I respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Ward, seeing no other members who'd like to comment on this. Mr. Ward, would you like to close?
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Respectfully ask for your aye vote.
- Stephanie Nguyen
Legislator
The Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, all those votes who desire to vote, all those vote who desire to vote, the Clerk will close the roll. Ayes 59, noes 21. Ayes 60. The noes, zero. The bill is passed.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Members, we will now recess the regular session for the purpose of convening the first extraordinary session. The regular session is recessed. Members, we're now in the first extraordinary session. Without objection. We will substitute the prayer pledge and other orders of business prior to moving to motions and resolutions. We are now under motions and resolutions. Members, we have received SB two from the Senate, and we will need to invoke rules to enable us to refer this Bill and hear it in a timely manner. Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized for your procedural motions.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I move to invoke a waiver of Article four, Section 8B1, and joint rule 37.4 to expedite SB two.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Thank you, Ms. Reyes. I see it seconded by Mr. Gibson. Members, this is a procedural motion and not debatable. 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. Majority leaders asking for an aye vote. Assembly Member floor is asking for a no vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. Eyes 58, no. 16. The waiver is adopted and Madam Majority Leader Reyes, you are recognized for your subsequent motion.
- Eloise Gómez Reyes
Legislator
Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Assembly rule 51, I move to refer SB two, Skinner to the Utilities and energy Committee.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Without objection, such shall be the order. Members, this concludes our. Members. That will conclude our business. On the first extraordinary session, Ms. Reyes moves and Mr. Flores seconds that the first extraordinary session will stand upon. Adjourned. Upon the call, speaker, first extraordinary session is adjourned. And Members, we are back in regular session real fast. Members, I know we all have district events to get to. We're going to be moving on to the second day consent calendar. Before we vote, we're going to be taking up resolutions on the consent calendar for the purpose of adding co authors. Clerk will read the resolutions on the consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Concurrent Resolution 28 by Assembly Member Reyes relative to triple negative breast cancer and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 35 by Assembly Member Calderon relative to World Behavior Analysis.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will open the roll and allow any Members to add on as co author to resolutions. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co authors. Clerk will close the roll. There are 71 co authors moving to a vote on the consent calendar. Does any Member wish to pull an item from a consent calendar? Seeing hearing none. Clerk will read the second day consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 283 by Assembly Member Jim Patterson and accolade in mental health.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Clerk will open the roll on consent calendar. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close roll tally the votes. Ayes 71 no zero consent calendar is adopted. Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.
- Reading Clerk
Person
Assembly Bill 407 aye 71 no zero Assembly Concurrent resolution 28 aye 71 Concurrent Resolution 35 aye 71 Bill 98 aye 71 no 0.
- Chris Ward
Legislator
Members removing two announcements. The session schedule is as follows. Friday, March 24 no check in session no floor session Monday, March 27, floor session at 01:00 p.m. Seeing hearing no further business ready to entertain a motion to adjourn, Mr. Zaber moves and Mr. Ta Seconds that the tow stands adjourned until Monday, March 27, at 01:00 p.m.. quorum recall is lifted.
Committee Action:Passed
Speakers
Legislator