Assembly Floor

The Assembly is now in session. Members, we have an important program today with many guests present. Please come to the floor promptly so that we may get started. Assembly Member Aguiar Curry notices the absence of a quarry. Quarry? A quarry and a quorum. There are no quarries here. Just for the record, the sergeant at arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members, please make your way to the chamber so we may begin our session today. We have a very important program today. Please make your way to the chambers, Members, a quorum is present. We asked our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for the prayer and the flag salute. Today's prayer will be offered by Assemblymember Mckinnor.

Good morning Mr. Speaker and Members and guests. Let us pray on the hills of a renaissance and heiress summer. Let us use this session of quiet darkness to remind ourselves that every season is a season to sparkle. Every season is a season to shine. Darkness fills our world, and with these current short days, it often feels like the darkness will last forever.

But fear not, for the darkness is only temporary, a brief pause between the seasons of new growth, of longer days, of sun, and of harvest that is yet to come. Let not your sequined tops and bejeweled hats go unworn during this time of darkness. Now is the time to bring them out of your closet and wear them with illuminated pride. Shine, sparkle, and be the person from whom the light dances and shines upon for all to see.

Let not our past summer of Beyonce and Taylor become just a memory collecting dust in the cavern of time. For it is upon us all, especially in the darkness of season and time, to be the light of others to see. It is upon us all to keep sparkling. It is upon us all to keep shining. It is upon us to lead our great state with courage, purpose and compassion, empathy, and, yes, at times, even a bit of sparkle.

So, Members, dig out your sparkle and dig deep within yourself to serve here every day with light and to share that light with everyone that calls California home. And let the people say amen.

Thank you very much, Assemblymember Mckinnor. Assembly Member Mike Fong will lead us in the pledge.

Please join us as we honor our nation's flag. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag, United States of America, and to the republic which stands God.

You may be seated. Reading of the previous day's journal.

Assembly Chamber Sacramento Thursday, September 14, 2023. The Assembly met at 01:00 p.m..

Mr. Gallagher seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal shall be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions there are none. Introduction in reference of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor, there are none. Messages from the Senate, there are none. Moving to motions and resolutions, the absences for the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Muratsuchi and Rubio to speak on an adjournment in memory today.

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Bill 1118 to allow Speaker Rivas Assembly Member Hart and Garcia to have guests in the rear of the chamber today and to allow Assemblymember Calderon to have a guest seated at her desk.

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

I'm giving a one day notice to remove the following items from the inactive file. File item a five, AB 1516. Cholera. At the request of the author, file item A 17, SB 551. Portantino. At the request of Assemblymember Rubio and file item a 34 AB 1770 Committee on emergency management at the request of the author.

Clerk will note. Members, let us wish Assembly Member Schiavo a happy birthday today. Assembly Member, we have several former Members with us today, including. I don't see her yet. I'll recognize her when she comes in. Then Congressman Jimmy Gomez. I see former Member of the Assembly, former speakers John Perez, Bob Hertzberg.

Former. Majority leader Chuck Calderhamority, leader Bill Leonard, and former Assembly Member Adrienne Nazarian. Moving on. Assembly Member Holden, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my honor to welcome a delegation. Here today that was joining us at a reception earlier this morning to paycrespect to the legislation that this body. Put forward to recognize the sister state relationship with the province of Sunek, Armenia. And as we know, with all of the challenges that are going on in. The area, that is important that we step forward and have these growing relationships so that our voice can be properly heard and represented with those who are part of our great state and also.

Those whose family Members are in Armenia. Today. We are honored to be joined by Mr. Arthur Karchatrian, a Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia and a representative of the Armenian National Committee of America, in the gallery. And we'd like to recognize you right now.

Thank you, Mr. Holden. Assembly Member Hart, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker. I am delighted to welcome California Polytechnic State University, also known as Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, to the California State Assembly today. Joining me on the floor are Cal Poly's President, Jeff Armstrong, and two outstanding students, Monica Navoa Diaz, an agricultural science major from Santa Maria, and Braden Grossart, a construction management major from Napomo. Monica and her team placed second in the National Collegiate Dairy Products Evaluation contest.

Braden and his team took home first place in the concrete division at the Associated Schools of Construction Region one competition in the Assembly gallery. We have 17 students who've earned individual or team awards and three ASI student leaders representing the Cal Poly student body. Consistently recognized among the world's premier universities, Cal Poly provides students with unparalleled hands on research opportunities and immediate access to the thriving tech and cultural hubs of the central coast.

The students here today are among the best and the brightest, serving as a testament to the University's learn by doing educational principle. Congratulations to all of you for your amazing accomplishments. As we applaud the outstanding students today, it is also crucial to address the pressing issues faced by our CSU faculty. This morning, thousands of faculty Members at the CSU walked off their job, demanding fair wages, smaller class sizes, and additional support from the CSU.

I urge the CSU and the Faculty Association to come to the bargaining table and find mutually beneficial terms that support the faculty and staff and ensure the CSU remains one of the best higher education systems in the world. I want to thank President Armstrong, the dedicated faculty and staff at Cal Poly for educating this remarkable group of students, many of whom will go on to lead California's vital industries. I ask my colleagues to all give a hearty round of applause and appreciation of Cal Poly and these students.

Thank you, Mr. Hart.

Also would like to recognize Senate Pro Tem Toni Atkins. Also Former Speaker Toni Atkins. Members, we will now begin recognizing a long-serving Assembly staff member. Please direct your attention to the rear center aisle of the chamber. As many of you know, my returner recently retired as a speaker's Deputy Floor Director and served the Assembly for more than 36 years. Soak in the love. You deserve it. Speaker Rivas, you are recognized for your remarks.

Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker, Pro Tem, and I want to thank everybody, guests in the gallery, family who have made the trip to our State Capitol, former speakers, former legislators. I'm very pleased this afternoon to recognize Myra Turner here in our Assembly chambers, a place that Myra knows very, very well. For 36 years, 36 years, Myra has been a dedicated public servant to the State of California, and during those years, she worked with hundreds of different legislators and with 11 different Assembly speakers.

Myra, I am grateful to you for your collaboration with so many Members of our caucus and our staff, and personally for your expertise, your professionalism, your leadership last year throughout our speaker transition and ceremony in June. Very few people can share Myra's professional accomplishments, and, Myra, I hope your next act, I hope your next act reflects the extraordinary contributions you brought for nearly four decades to this Assembly, to this Legislature, and to our incredible State of California. Myra, we wish you the best.

And as I told you, you could always stay here and come back. Four more years, reach that 40, we'll have you back. But with that, we wish you the best, and thank you so much.

I'd like to recognize Republican Leader Gallagher.

Yeah. Sabotage me already. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's truly an honor to be here this morning to celebrate the remarkable career and retirement of a truly special individual in Myra Turner. Myra's journey began in California, where she was born and raised. She had the unique opportunity to experience life not just here in the United States, but also in Germany and Italy, thanks to her parents' service in the United States Air Force.

After completing her bachelor's degree at Sac State and an associate's degree at the University of Maryland in Munich, Myra embarked on a career that would span nearly four decades and leave an indelible mark on the California State Assembly. Myra's journey first began in the Assembly in 1987 as a part time receptionist for then Assemblyman Bob Campbell. But she quickly rose through the ranks, becoming the Chief of Capitol Operations for the 11th Assembly District.

In 1996, Myra joined the Office of Speaker Cruz Bustamante, where she would then spend the next 27 years, making her the longest continuously serving speaker staff member in the history of the California State Assembly. Throughout her tenure, Myra worked tirelessly to improve the processes and procedures of the Assembly floor. She played a pivotal role in developing the pre-session document--so you can thank Myra for that--the floor process memorandum, the speaker's agenda which became the blueprint for each Assembly session.

Myra's strong and productive interactions with people were legendary. When I came in here for the first time as an Assembly fellow, everyone said--actually, Robbin Lewis-Coaxum said--but everybody said, 'you better know Myra.' She was already an institution in this place. But as I got to know Myra as a Fellow and then as a Member, what I saw is that she is a force, but she is also good. She's kind, thoughtful. She thinks about Members when families visit the floor.

She's always trying to think, 'okay, well, how do you make sure this is all taken care of?' She's thinking about other people all the time, and you see in her the fruits of the Spirit, and that's always meant a lot to me. And I know the Members of this body have all felt special in some way because of the work that Myra does running this floor, which know enough in itself and making sure everything's done right, but looking out for us as well.

So Myra's retirement marks the end of an era, but her legacy will live on in the countless lives she has touched and the countless improvements that she has made in the California State Assembly. I honestly don't know what we're going to do without you. You've been such an integral part of everything we do here.

So as we celebrate her remarkable career and wish her all the best in a well-deserved retirement, let us take a moment to reflect on the incredible impact one person can have when they lead with kindness, respect, and commitment to making the world a better place. Thank you, Myra, for your--one last thing: and may your retirement be filled with joy, love, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Thank you, Leader Gallagher. Assembly Member Wilson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, as Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus, I rise on behalf of our Members as well as Black Californians to say 'job well done' to my returner. In a commencement address to the next generation of leaders, Denzel Washington said, 'don't aspire to make a living. Aspire to make a difference.'

This has been the hallmark of Ms. Turner's tenure here, from setting up the initial systems that are so seamless today to transforming floor operations, from making every special event feel special, to making our chambers a welcoming environment for not only dignitaries, but all members of the public. In her time in the Legislature, Ms. Turner hasn't just made a living, but she's made all the difference. People's access to government has improved because Ms. Turner chose to make a living here for 36 years.

Ms. Turner has been an example of excellence, the epitome of Black Girls Rock. With the strong work ethic and an equal constitution, she has been able to accomplish close to impossible tasks while maintaining the respect of her colleagues, Members of the Legislature, and every speaker she's served under. She has done all this with grace and dignity. Former First Lady Michelle Obama said, 'when you've worked hard and done well and walk through that doorway of opportunity, you do not slam it shut behind you.'

'You reach back and you give other folks the same chance that help you succeed.' I have heard from many staffers of their Myra stories and how freely she shared her institutional knowledge. She has helped so many succeed, from staffers to legislators. For those like myself who came in on a special election, Myra was our first contact, our first scheduler, our first chief, our first everything.

She took each of us under her care and dispensed knowledge as if we were her students in a master class on the Legislature. Over my last 22 months of service, I cannot tell you the number of times Myra's wisdom has rung in my ear as I've navigated here. Ms. Turner, you will be missed. However, your legacy will last for generations. California is better because Myra Turner made a living in the Legislature. Thank you.

Now, I know we have other Members who would like to speak, but I'd like to deviate just for a moment. We have four people in the back here. I'd like to give them additional recognition. Speaker Pro Tem Toni Atkins, Assembly Former Speaker Mr. Hertzberg, Speaker Emeritus John Perez, and Former Minority Leader Bill Leonard. So if any of you would like to speak, please, I want to give you that opportunity now.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Former Speaker Hertzberg and I came back for a rare event, a floor ceremony where we weren't briefed by my returner. You see, in all of our time in the Legislature, during all of the sessions and ceremonies that we had, we welcomed people like the Dalai Lama, like Willie Mays, like Myrlie Evers, some of the most significant leaders and forces of our time.

But before all of that, there was Myra, figuring out the logistics, figuring out how we could impart California's best wishes and appreciation for that commitment. I'd like to say something I didn't say often enough on this floor, and that's that I'd like to associate myself with the comments of the Republican Leader because I think Mr. Gallagher really captured the magic that is Myra.

The impact that she's had on this institution, and as Ms. Wilson said, the impact that she's had on this state by dedicating her career to this institution and to the people that we serve. So whether it was those luminaries or kids coming on a field trip in the fourth grade, it didn't matter.

Myra treated them all with the same dignity, the same warmth, and the same respect. But she did something different from the floor. She has been an amazing mentor to countless young staffers in this building, some who aren't so young anymore. And she helped them figure out how to navigate this institution, navigate their careers, navigate their health care, because if you need to figure out how to manage your health insurance, Myra's the one to go to.

It's that same care, that same respect, that same commitment that was instilled in her by her parents and by a loving family. Myra, on behalf of all of the speakers who had the pleasure of working with you, thank you for your amazing commitment.

Speaker Hertzberg, you're recognized.

I hold this institution in the highest regard, and I want to thank the Speaker and I want to thank his leadership team and those who spoke for honoring Myra today. Each of you get in the newspaper, each of you get credit for doing things that you did and sometimes getting credit for things that you didn't do. That is being in the front of the camera. But the reality is that we have people in this institution who have devoted their lives, people who will never know their name, who impacted legislation and so many things that bring honor to this House, and that is Myra.

You heard those comments from our colleagues, from a number of you, from Mr. Speaker, and the like, and I came here today to show that level of respect, the kind of respect that you are doing today by dedicating this floor session to someone who is so important in all the ways that were articulated, to making this place a great place and to doing so many wonderful things. We love you. We love you. We love you. Thank you, Myra.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Myra, it is my pleasure on behalf as the Vice Chair of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus, to be able to honor you and thank you for your 36 fabulous years of service for the California State Assembly.

Since the days of Speaker Busamante, Myra has worked tirelessly to strengthen the work carried out on this Assembly floor, as well as to ensure that each of our Assembly offices have been supported. As you've heard, she's developed critical and streamlined tools and made it a point to ensure that we are collectively successful every legislative session. And for those participating in our floor ceremonies, you may have appreciated how the proceedings ran smoothly so that we can formally honor significant leaders and trailblazers of our communities.

And for that, we can thank none other than Myra Turner. And as a personal story to share, I had the first opportunity to meet Myra in the year 2010 as a staff member. And at that time, we were working together with the Holocaust Remembrance Ceremony to make sure that this was something that was respectable and dignified of the moment that we had to honor. And I had the chance to write script and run that by Myra's office.

And what I got back is--she prints it out and she gets all of her notes put together--and what I got back was something that was completely eviscerated and saying, 'you need to rewrite this. You need to change this up.' And as a perfectionist, I went through a couple of stages of grief. I wanted to deny my returner. I was angry with my returner. I wanted to bargain with my returner.

But she forced me then to realize that she was trying to get this right because it mattered, because it mattered for the dignity of the institution, and most importantly, because it mattered to those that we were receiving here for their special day. And now she actually helped us form our first Pride Ceremony here in the year 2002. On behalf of our caucus, we can confidently say that Members have appreciated all of the years of working with Myra.

She is somebody who is empathetic and personable, as she is hardworking and selfless. And we don't apologize. We had to push back for any of that glitter or flang clacking, but we got there together. She's helped us received high officials, she's worked on our speakers' swearing-in ceremony, she's prepared the day-to-day proceedings and any special project that was asked of her.

But she's always given this unique accommodation to the special nature of those moments, while most importantly, retaining the dignity and reverence of the House under which we all serve. Myra, your diligence and dedication, not just to the Office of the Speaker, but also to each of our individual Assembly offices and our affinity caucuses, has not gone unnoticed. And your tireless work and support of the people of California will long impact the lives of many. And we know that your successor has very big shoes to fill.

But I am sure that you have prepared great memorandum and certainly great precedent from which they can follow. And we are going to be better off because of that experience and the groundwork that you have laid. Mr. Speaker and Members, on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus, I want to thank you for allowing me to honor my returner for her invaluable service to this body, and we want to wish all of her, all of the Capitol community wants to wish you great success in your retirement.

Thank you, Mr. Ward. Just want to welcome Senator Bradford. I see him in the back of the chamber. Just recognizing you here today. Thank you. And Assembly Member Ramos, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And today I rise to congratulate my returner upon her retirement as Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus. I want to take a moment to thank you for your ability to welcome and to make people feel welcome, especially the Native American leaders and youth that have come through these chambers to take pictures on these floors. That kindness that you've showed also builds dreams, dreams of those that come onto this floor that could see themselves aspiring to be in the seats on these floors.

But also the path that you've chosen in your journey lays a path for all to see that they could follow you in aspiring the dreams that you have overcome, that you're here today. Those dreams are something that will instill those youth and those in the State of California, that if Myra can do it, we all can do it. So I want to say thank you for that, and especially on behalf of the Native American community in the State of California. Thank you for everything that you have done to make us part of this institution. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Assembly Member Ramos. Assembly Member Cervantes, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is an honor to speak on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus, congratulating my returner for their much deserved retirement. Not only have you been Floor Director to many Members, but you have been a partner to all of our diversity caucuses. You have given 36.5 years of service to the California State Assembly.

We have so much to thank you for. You started your career in the floor unit with one of the distinguished Latino Caucus alumni, Speaker Cruz Bustamante, in 1996, and were kept on board by several other Latino Caucus speakers from Speaker Antonio Villaraigosa, Speaker Fabian Nunez, Speaker John A. Perez, Speaker Anthony Rendon, to our current speaker, Robert Rivas. This is a testament to your distinguished commitment to making our floor processes and function better and sustainable throughout the years as an institution.

You have served this body and our caucus with the utmost attention and detail, comprehensively making our experiences over the decades one to remember. On behalf of the Latino Caucus, we thank you for your relentless service as one of the longest continuously serving speaker staff. Myra, you personify the nobility of public service. It has been an honor. It has been an honor for the Latino Caucus to have worked with you side by side, and we wish you all the very best. Congratulations.

Thank you, Assembly Member Cervantes. Assembly Member Gabriel, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and it's an honor for me today to rise as Co-Chair of the Legislative Jewish Caucus to add our voice to the chorus of all those who are so grateful for your incredible service and leadership in this institution. And it's amazing the common themes that are emerging here, your incredible mentorship to so many in this body and in this House, the incredible way in which you have conducted yourself here.

And I would say particularly the kindness that you have shown. I think you're well known for your intelligence and your diligence and your tenacity and all of the innovations that you made on the policy side, but I think what has struck me and struck our Jewish Caucus and struck so many is the tremendous kindness that you bring to that work. And we really saw this. And Assembly Member Ward mentioned it in particular with our elderly Holocaust survivors who came here often in very difficult circumstances.

And the incredible compassion that you showed for them, the sensitivity in which you interacted with them, I think speaks volumes about the kind of person you are. And we've all seen that in the way that you have conducted yourself here. And also what Speaker Hertzberg said, just about the essential role that our staff play, I think there are very few people that appreciate as much as the Members how essential the staff are, and the Assembly would not be the Assembly without you.

The successes of this House over the past many decades would not have been possible without the role that you have been playing. So all of the victories that a lot of politicians are taking credit for, you have had an important role in all of that with the structure and the process that you have put forward here. So congratulations on 36 years. It turns out that 36 is a very auspicious and lucky number in Judaism. If you want to know why, you can ask Speaker Perez.

He'll explain it to you. Probably better than I can. But we're so grateful for everything that you have contributed to this House, to our caucus, to the people of State of California. We wish you incredible success and fulfillment and really good health on the next stage of your journey. And on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, thank you for everything you've given to the people of the State of California.

Mr. Jones-Sawyer, you are recognized.

So as a member of the 12-year Caucus, one of the few remaining Members who served 12 years in this body, we probably know better than anyone else how important you are to us. The individuals that are here now that are now going to try to do 12 years and how hard it is are going to really, really miss not having you here, especially on the ideas that weren't really thought out. But you had the patience. You were polite.

You are professional in showing us how idiotic those ideas are. And I appreciate it because you helped us make sure that we didn't look crazy out there in the world. That's why we're going to miss you. Because that patience, that motherly patience that you had with everyone in this body, everyone here that is coming in now, I don't know how you're going to make it through the next 11 years because Myra is the one that keeps this glue--it's the glue that keeps us all together.

That makes sure that this institution observes the traditions, makes sure that we do the right thing, but most important, that we have the highest standards that this institution is supposed to have. And so I thank you. I thank you for me. I definitely thank you for the, what, six remaining of us that have done 12 years here or going to do 12 years here. It is extremely important that we honor you because you honored us all these years. Thank you very much.

Assembly Member Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you for this opportunity to say a few words for my friend, our friend, Myra Turner. I don't believe it's hyperbole to say Myra Turner has not only served this institution, but is an institution here in the California State Assembly. During her nearly four decades of service, she has brought an extraordinary skill set in serving this House. Myra has served several speakers, as was noted earlier, as a steady and organizing leader, making sure that floor is conducted in an orderly fashion.

One thing that has consistently stood out about Myra is her diligence. Similar to a detective, Myra always knows everything about everyone who may set foot on this Assembly floor. We have some great stories on that which I will keep to myself. She always gathers the information not only to support the Members of this institution, but the institution itself. We will miss the historical context and the institutional knowledge that you've always provided us.

Your attention to detail, and of course, your commitment to conducting the business of this House in a professional and equitable manner. Everyone felt special because you treated everyone as if they were a special person. You've mentored so many, as was mentioned earlier, including my Chief of Staff, Matthew Hamlett, and I thank you so much for that. But more importantly, today we recognize your service to the entire State of California and a well-deserved retirement.

Thank you, Myra, for your help to me personally and your commitment to our Members and our House. We will miss you, and we will especially miss your special sense of humor. Thank you.

Assembly Member Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise as a self-appointed co-chair of the Special Election Caucus. There's at least eight of us on this floor. You know that. Half the Black Caucus. When you come in on a special election, it's not like the traditional election season when we all sit on this floor in a ceremony that Myra helped organize and we stand up by county. When you come in on a special election, it is just you.

And you don't know when you're coming in, because not all races end at the same time. In my case, it was House of Origin. I walked in the first day. Myra took me to my seat, and then we voted on dozens and dozens of bills. And people often ask me, how did you get through House of Origin as your first week? And it's because I didn't get through House of Origin. We got through House of Origin.

Myra, that experience is one that so, so many of us share, and I just want you to know that you've done some amazing things that are going to outlive you forever in this building. I spoke with confidence for the first time ever on this floor, using talking points that you had written for me that morning. You taught me how to play nice with the Senate. Shout out to Senator Caballero.

You trained all of our offices to know the history of this building, the importance of this building, and the work that so many are counting on us to do. I remember the first day that we interacted. She kept calling me Mr. Bryan. And I got elected at 29 and thought, 'you know, that's too formal. How about just Isaac?' And I remember her looking me dead in the face. You're a Member now. It's Mr. Bryan. Thank you for building all of us up.

Thank you for building this House up. And know that even though you're leaving us today, your legacy lives in each and every one of us here and the people we will touch with the influence that you gave us.

Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry, you are recognized.

Good morning, Myra. I know you're just dying to sit down. I just know it. As Vice Chair of the Women's Caucus, it's an honor to stand before my colleagues and to wish you well, and to thank you for all the years of your service. So there's a couple words that were brought up, and one of them that really rings true is the institutional knowledge that we will be missing without my returner guiding us along our path. All of our paths are different.

Some have been here 12 years, some many only a couple of years, but they learn from you. I'll never forget when I tried to figure out when we were doing ceremonies at the back of the room and you would say, 'stand in the middle. Put your people around you. Make sure everybody can see your picture. Resolutions tilted to the front.' Believe it or not, those are important to all of us that want our picture taken. So thank you very much for doing that.

But as the Women's Caucus, we all know that we had like 80 people on the floor, plus their guests, and that you organized that so well. Nothing went wrong. And if it did, nobody knew. As you move forward on your retirement or whatever, just remember that the door is always open. We would love to see you back anytime, and thank you, Myra, for all the hard work. You gave us a soul. You gave us a soul on this floor.

And you knew the importance that we take care of the people. And whenever there's a speech made, you made sure it talked about the people that we serve. So again, bless you, have a wonderful time away, and please write a book about all the stories you know. I can see it on Amazon now. So thank you very much, Myra. God bless you.

Thank you. I want to recognize Senator Skinner who popped in here. Clap for Skinner. And now, Speaker Rivas, you are recognized for your presentation.

Well, again, we just want to thank everybody who made the time to be here, and we do have an Assembly Resolution that is signed by all former speakers, and then obviously a gift that I know Myra will appreciate is a crystal gavel. So thank you so much.

Thank you so much.

Thank you. Members and staff, you are welcome to congratulate Myra upon adjournment of session today in Room 317. Please join me once again in recognizing Myra Turner for her decades of service and dedication to the Assembly.

[Second Reading]

All bills being deemed read and all amendments will be deemed adopted. Members, your attention please. Members, please give your attention to Assembly Member Wilson who has floor amendments on Assembly Bill item number 14, AB 1588. On the second reading file, we will go to that item now. The clerk will read with amendments.

Assembly Bill 1588 with amendments by Assembly Member Wilson.

Assembly Member Wilson, you are recognized on your amendments. Members, attention. Your attention to Assembly Member Wilson, please.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good morning, Members. I rise today to present amendments on AB 1588. These amendments are a reflection of the robust conversation we had in Assembly communications and conveyance concerning the minimum speed. With the adoption of these amendments, it will raise up the minimum speed requirement in AB 1588 from a download speed of 25 megabytes per second to 100 megabytes per second. These amendments have been coordinated with the chair of communications and conveyance. I appreciate her working with my office on them. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on the amendments.

Assembly Member Flora, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. We oppose these amendments, ask for a roll call vote.

Assembly Member Flora withholds consent and is asking for a roll call vote. The Clerk will open the roll on the amendments. 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 and tally the votes. Ayes 46, noes nine. The amendments are adopted. The bill is out to print and back on file. Moving on to unfinished business. Governors vetoes pass and retain on file items 33 through 134.

Item numbers 135 and 136 are notices under reconsideration. All items shall be continued. Yeah, that's what will happen. Members, we will pass and retain Assembly third reading. We will pass and retain on file items number 139 through 143. We will now take up file item 144, ACR 120 by Assembly Member Garcia. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 120 by Assembly Member Garcia relative to positive Parenting Awareness Month.

Members, please give your respectful attention to Assembly Member Garcia. Assembly Member Garcia, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. We all know that the future health and prosperity of California depends on what we do for our children and families today. Investing in families and providing early childhood support, parenting education, and access to services can improve child development and educational achievement, allowing children to reach their highest potential.

Today, I am proud to introduce Assembly Concurrent Resolution 120, declaring January as Positive Parenting Awareness Month statewide for the fifth consecutive year in a row, and will be joined here today by parent guardian, service providers, advocates, first fives, family resource centers and many, many others who are here in support of this resolution.

I'm thankful to the service providers across California that work with Triple P America, an evidence-based parenting group that has utilized more than 40 that is utilized in more than 48 of the 50 states and counties across this state and the nation.

Positive parenting is a protective factor that can prevent and mitigate the effects of trauma and adversity that many families across the state are experiencing post Covid-19 and of course, due to the circumstances in front of us, I just wanted to say thank you, colleagues, for your attention. And once, hopefully, you all sign on to be a joint author of this resolution. We've got an introduction of some folks who are here with us today. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Assembly Member Essayli, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of ACR 120, supporting Positive Parenting Month. Nothing is as powerful as a quality education in impacting a child's future. It's only fitting, then, that this week is also National School Choice Week. It's no secret that despite investing half of California's budget each year, our public schools continue to fail California students. US News and World Report rank California 44 out of 50 for K-12 education.

I'd ask you to keep your comments to the resolution, please.

I am speaking to the resolution.

You are not speaking to the resolution.

I sure am. I'm talking about Positive Parenting and how school choice--

We are talking. Please keep your comments to the specifics of the resolution.

Well, I don't think anything is more powerful and positive than empowering parents to decide where the money gets invested for their child's education. Since we're talking about investing in children and parents and investing in their education, which is what this motion is about. I'm talking about a tool, not just having resolutions, but what actions the state could take to actually impact positive parenting. And, no, I don't think the quality of your education should depend on your zip code or where you live.

Every child should have access to equal education. So with that, I think this Legislature should do more and support school choice, and we should think about how that would impact positive parenting. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Essayli. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Would you like the first--Mr. Garcia, you may close.

Yes.

Would you like the first role to be open for co-authors? Mr. Garcia, would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors? Okay. All debate having ceased. The clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All Members, vote who desire to vote. All Members, vote who desire to the vote. All Members, vote who desire to vote. Members, this is for co-authors. Without object. Excuse me. The clerk will close the roll. There are 68 co-authors added. Without objection.

We will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All opposed say no. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Garcia, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With us on the floor is Bradley Thomas, CEO of Triple PA America. Please help me welcome him to the California State Assembly.

Thank you. Moving on. Thank you. Pass and retain on tems number 145 and 146. Senate third reading. Pass and retain on File Item 147. Members, the quorum call is still in place. Please give your respectful attention to those who have been granted prior permission to speak on an adjournment memory. If you need to have a conversation, please take it off the floor. If you need to have a conversation, please take it off the floor.

You need to have a conversation, please take your conversations off the floor. Quorum call is still in place. Assemblymember Muratsuchi, you are recognized for your adjournment memory.

Thank you very much. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart, once again, to ask that this Assembly adjourn in memory of another dear friend of mine, Lori Geittmann of Redondo Beach. Our beach cities in my district are losing too many wonderful, wonderful people that have made such a difference in our communities, people that have championed the democratic cause in the South Bay Area, in the Los Angeles County State of California, and across the country. And that is Lori Geittmann.

Lori Geittmann passed away on January 5, and I had the privilege of being able to be at her bedside the evening before she passed away. She looked peaceful, but she leaves such a big hole in the hearts of all of us in the South Bay, as I ask that you join me to recognize Lorraine Geittmann and her amazing life. She was born in Wisconsin but grew up in Illinois, received her bachelor's degree in journalism from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champagne.

Then she came out to California, where she was a reporter with our Daily Breeze Newspaper, our local newspaper. She then took a leave to be a congressional fellow going out to our nation's Capitol, and one of her favorite stories, one of her proudest moments, was being at the inauguration of President John F. Kennedy. She then devoted her life to public service, first in the Los Angeles County Probation Office, and then after her retirement, she really began her true calling, which was community service.

Starting with serving as a Commissioner on numerous Redondo Beach commissions, serving as President of the Redondo Beach Friends of the Library, five terms President of the Beach Cities Democratic Club, countless leadership positions in the Los Angeles County Democratic Central Committee, the Los Angeles County Democratic Party and the California Democratic Party, Democratic State Central Committee, Democratic National Convention, volunteering at the Beach Cities Health District, volunteering at the Torrance Memorial Hospital and an active Member of the Omnilore Senior Citizens Organization. She lived her life to serve others.

She is survived by her niece, Suzanne Laurie, nephew William Geittman, great nephew Jeffrey Geittmann and her great great nieces, Autumn Norman Grace Geittmann and niece Jody Geittmann. I respectfully ask that we adjourn in the memory of Lori Geittmann of Redondo Beach.

Thank you, Mr. Muratsuchi. Assemblymember Rubio, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. It is with great sorrow that I rise to adjourn in memory of Baldwin Park Board of Education Member Deanna Robles. Ms. Robles was known for her unwavering dedication to education, advocacy of students and community service. Elected to the Board of Education in 2018, she served with passion and distinction until her passing last December.

Prior to her tenure on the board, she demonstrated her commitment to her community through volunteer work on various school district committees, notably serving as chairperson of the Early Childhood Education Policy Committee. She was a staunch advocate for all children, particularly those with special needs. A proud wife for over 34 years and a mother of four children, all of whom attended Baldwin Park Unified School District schools.

She contributed to the community through her ownership of a local business, providing childcare services for families to the families of Baldwin park for over 16 years. Robles actively participated in various local organizations, including the Baldwin Park National Little League, the city's Parks and Recreation Commission, and was a coach for a special needs baseball team. As a longtime resident of Baldwin park and an outstanding advocate for our community, I respectfully request we adjourn in memory of Deanna Robles. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Rubio. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving on to announcements. As a reminder, you're all welcome to visit with my returner in Capitol, room 317, to congratulate her on her retirement. Session schedule is as follows: Tuesday, January 23, check in session; Wednesday, January 24, check in session; Thursday, January 25, floor session at 09:00 a.m. All other items remaining will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued. Seeing and hearing no further business, I am ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Ms. Aguiar-Curry moves, Mr. Patterson seconds that the house remained adjourned, stands adjourned until Thursday, January 25, at 09:00 a.m. Quorum call is lifted, and the house is adjourned.