Assembly Floor

Assembly is now in session. Assemblymember Aguiar Curry notices the absence of a quorum. The sergeant at arms will prepare the chamber, bring in the absent Members. The Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members, a quorum is present. We ask our visitors and guests in the gallery of the chamber and in the gallery and the rear of the gallery to please stand for the prayer and the flag salute. Today's prayer will be offered by Assemblymember Bains.

Our father, I thank you for this day. I come to you asking for your guidance and wisdom. Thank you for those who are working for a better community and state. I ask for your blessings on every individual here in this room, as well as the constituents in our districts who represent.

Soche Soch Nohove Jesochi Lakhwar Jupe Chop Nohove jalahirahalivtar Pokhyampu Jebannaburiyapar Sehesian Pa Lakhove Sachiara Hoye give Guri Totepal hokarajai Chalna Nanak Lakhana.

Thank you, Doctor Bains. Today we will ask assemblymember Low to lead us in the pledge.

Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States of America.

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

Assembly chamber Sacramento Wednesday, April 102024. The Assembly met at 07:00 a.m. Curry.

Moves and Mister Flores seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions, there are none. Introduction 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. Assemblymember Gallagher for medical leave. Assemblymember Dahle and Assembly Member Mathis. And for illness, assemblymember Hart. Moving to procedural motions. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Amy and Grayson to speak in adjournment in memory today.

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rules 118 a to the allow Assembly Members Vince, Fong and Reyes to have guests seated at their desk and to allow Assembly Members McCarty and Wood to have guests on the floor today.

Without objection such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB 3067 Gipson from the Insurance Committee, excuse me. To the Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee.

Mister Flora, for what reason do you rise?

We withhold consent. Ask for roll call vote.

The Republican floor leader is asking for a roll call vote on this. Majority leader moves, asking for an aye vote. Assemblymember Ortega Seconds. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry is asking for an aye vote. Mister Flora, asking for a no vote. The Clerk will open the roll.

All those vote who desire to vote. It's a procedural motion. Assembly Member Aguiar Curry asking for an aye vote. Mister Flora, asking for a no vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. The rules are suspended. Withdraw none. We're going to move to withdrawal of non fiscal bills from a Bill from appropriations.

I request unanimous consent to withdraw AB 3093 Ward from the Appropriations Committee and order the Bill for the second reading file. The Bill is non fiscal.

Without objection. Such shall be the order at the.

At the request of the author, please remove item 213, Valencia from the consent calendar.

Clerk will note

One day notice to remove file item a 12, SB 357 Portantino from the inactive file. At the request of Assemblymember Davies.

Clerk will note. Assemblymember Flora, for what reason do you rise?

Thank you, Mister Speaker. I move to suspend the rules and WORF the following bills out of public safety to the floor. Be taken up immediately. AB 2296. AB 2391. AB 2470. AB 260. Three. AB 2604. AB 2790. AB 2823 AB 2850. AB 2964 AB 3032. AB 3071 and AB 3231.

That requires a second. Okay, there's a motion or a motion and a second. Miss Aguiar Curry, Mister Flora is asking for an aye vote. Miss Aguiar Curry is asking for a no vote. This is not debatable. This is a procedural motion. Mister Flora asking for an aye vote. Miss Aguiar Curry asking for a no vote. The Clerk will open the roll.

All those vote who desires desire to vote? All those vote who desire to vote. Miss Aguiar Curry asking for a no vote. Mister Flora asking for an I vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. noes 48 motion fails. Moving on to guest introductions and announcements. Doctor Jackson, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Members. Thank you very much. I want I have an on the honor to recognize a group. Each year the socialite sponsors their battalion. The battalion is an opportunity for black males to participate and one is honored as Sir Knight. This year Sir Knight for the 57th annual Battalion is Solomon Moore. As part of their learning process, we want to have them spend two days in Sacramento for the purpose, touring the capitol and viewing a session of the Assembly. Members, please let's recognize this year's battalion participants up in the gallery.

Thank you Doctor Jackson. Welcome to your guests. Assemblymember Vince Fong, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you Mister speaker. On the floor with me today is my wife Amanda. Those of you who don't know, we celebrated our one year wedding anniversary last month, if that's all I can say because she'll get embarrassed. Also with me is my nephew Owen Gailey. He is turning 16 next week. Born and raised in Fresno county. He's a sophomore at Kerman High School. Very involved in FFA, which we all know. And FFA is important to agriculture and agricultural education.

He shows heifers and learns about leadership and careers in science, business and technology of agriculture. Please welcome both of my guests on the floor.

Thank you Mister Fong, welcome to your guests. We will have other guest introductions as we move along today, but for now we are going to move to business. On the daily file second reading file items one through 117.

[Second Reading]

All bills will be deemed read and all amendments will be deemed adopted under reconsideration. File items 118 through 120. All items shall be continued. Moving to guest introductions Assemblymember Wendy Carrillo, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. Good morning. It is my honor today to welcome students, teachers and parents from the Partnership for Los Angeles schools up in the gallery. Launched in 2007, the mission of the Partnership for Los Angeles schools is to transform schools to empower all students with high quality education. As an independent, nonprofit organization, the partnership serves over 13,500 students across 20 LAUSD schools in Watts, Boyle Heights and in South LA. And I know some rough riders are in the house today as well.

The partnership is here to advocate on key educational priorities and incorporate the voices of our school communities in Los Angeles. Among them are constituents from my district, Araceli Sandoval Gonzalez and CEO, a partnership for the Los Angeles schools, Guadalupe and Guerrero. Members, I ask you to please help me welcome these amazing individuals from Los Angeles who made it all the way to Sacramento to our Assembly floor. Thank you.

Thank you Assemblymember Carrillo and welcome to your guests. Enjoy the Capitol here today.

Assembly Member Joe Patterson, you are recognized for your guests introductions.

Great. Thank you Mister speaker Members, I'm honored to highlight an amazing program for my district, the Empower and Resilience project. This project was launched during last year's Crime Victims Rights Week by the Placer County District Attorney's office in partnership with inspirational survivors from Placer county who have chosen to share their stories in order to help others.

The Empower and Resilience project serves as the DA's office's supported peer to peer program, empowering survivors to connect to a current network of other survivors resources and advocacy opportunities, and extends the District Attorney's mission. The project has started a 24 hours grief line, sponsored legislation, and created an educational resource portal on issues ranging from domestic violence, teen dating violence and fentanyl crisis and more.

The Empower Resilience Project is a celebration of the human spirit, empowers survivors to use their voice to educate and advocate and pursue resilience. It's my honor to welcome Plas County District Attorney Morgan Geier and Members of the empower, also survivors of crime who are here in the gallery.

And if you wouldn't mind saying their names, we have Gina Chavez, Debbie Boyd, Laura Collinton, Annabelle Velasquez, Rachel West, Laura Didier, Lynette Van Der Chute, victim services supervisor Tamara Mussolino, supervising deputy District Attorney Lisa Botwinnick, public information officer Stephanie Herrera, and my friend Plasch County District Attorney Morgan Geier. So thank you very much everybody for being here today.

Thank you Mister Patterson, and welcome to your guests. Mister Lackey, you are recognized.

Yeah, I'd like to announce my vote change from no to yes on the motion to suspend the rules.

Clerk will note.

Vote change. Assembly Member Lackey motion to suspend the rules. No. Aye to no.

Clerk will note

Correction, no to aye.

Moving to Assembly. Third reading file item 125 AB 1853 by Assemblymember Villapudua. The Clerk will read

Assembly Bill 1853 by Assemblymember Villapudua and others, an act relating to transportation.

Mister Villapudua, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker, Members, I'm proud to present a district Bill AB 1853 that would update San Joaquin Regional Transit district governance structure. In particular, this Bill would bring parity with other transit districts and expand the investments that RTD can invest in. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing and hearing no further debate, the Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, all those who desire to vote, all those vote who desired to vote, Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 62 no zero measure passes moving to file item 139, AB 2041.

Assembly Bill 2041 by Assembly Member Bonta, an act relating to the Political Reform act of 1974 and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Thank you Assembly Member Bonta. You are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. I introduce AB 2041 in response to the alarming increase in political violence directed towards elected officials and candidates for office. As public servants, there is much we humbly and willingly sacrifice to serve, including spending time with family and maintaining our privacy. However, the one thing we should not sacrifice is our sense of safety or the safety of our families and those who work closely with us.

A 2023 study by California women's list found 42% of women face stalking while campaigning, with nearly one in five experiencing it frequently. This rate is 15 times higher than reported by men, women of color and LGBTQ plus women experience stalking at rates of nearly 55% and 53%, respectively. AB 2041 aims to protect candidates, elected officials, their families, and staff by authorizing personal security as a campaign expense and expanding eligibility for security.

In addition, it eliminates the $5,000 lifetime cap on security expenses using campaign funds, which has not been adjusted for 30 years. Lastly, AB 2041 removes the requirement for a verified threat by law enforcement to reimburse a security expense. This Bill is supported by the FCC candidate security is a nonpartisan issue and previously has received bipartisan supports. This is an urgency piece of legislation and I respectfully request your aye vote.

Seeing and hearing no further debate, 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 and tally the votes. Ayes 62, no zero on the urgency. ayes 62, no zero on the Bill. The measure passes. Moving to file item 141, AB 1779, by Assemblymember Irwin the Clerk will read.

Assembly Bill 1779 with amendments by Assembly Member Irwin.

Assemblymember Irwin, you are recognized.

Good morning Members. I'm here to present amendments to AB 1779. These amendments follow the Public Safety Committee's suggestions to improve the Bill. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Seeing and hearing no objections, we'll ask for a voice vote on these. All in favor say aye. Opposed say nay. Amendments are adopted. Out to print, back on file. Bills will be out to print and back on file. Moving to file item 143. Assembly Bill 2371 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo Mister Clerk, you may read Assembly.

Assembly Bill 2371 by Assembly Member Juan Carrillo and others an act relating to electrified security fences and declaring the urgency thereof immediately.

Assemblymember Carrillo, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. Thank you for allowing me to present Assembly Bill 2371 which builds on the track record of existing law to address the escalating incidents of property theft and damage against government agencies and businesses that store heavy equipment. This includes locations such as our ports, automotive and construction equipment, dealerships, vehicle repair centers, and numerous other kinds of sites that do not have the option of securing their inventory indoors.

Such security alarm systems are regulated by the statute that AB 2371 proposes to amend and also by licensing under the Bureau of Security and Investigative Services under the Department of Consumer affairs for the past eight years and at more than 1000 properties throughout the state, including public agencies such as fire and city public works departments, electrified security fencing, basically a fence inside a fence.

Having safely and effective securing properties and employees without incident under my Bill, local governments retain the absolute right to make local zoning decisions that dictate where these type of systems can be used. For example, you cannot put an electrified security fence on a residential property. This Bill is supported by over 100 businesses and industry associations, as well as law enforcement and first responders. Thank you for your attention and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing and hearing no further debate, the Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll and tally the vote. Ayes 63 no zero. Measure passes. Excuse me. ayes 63 no zero on the urgency. Ayes 63 no zero on the measure. Measure passes. Moving on to file item 144, ACR 118, Clerk will read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 118 by Assembly Member Ta relative to Vietnam Human Rights Day.

Assembly Member Ta, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members, I'm honored to present ACR 118 recognizing May 11 as Vietnam Human Rights Day. 30 years ago, the US Congress passed a resolution in support Vietnam Human Rights Day, marking the first official recognition by our government of human rights violations in Vietnam. This resolution commemorates the 30th anniversary of that congressional resolution passed in 1994. I came to the US from Vietnam at the age of 19 to escape communist oppression and to experience true freedom.

Hundreds of thousands of my fellow Vietnamese also fled to outreach State of California. We are now proud Americans and are deeply appreciative of the liberty and dignity that is given to everyone under our democratic ideals. But our hearts break for the people still living under tyranny in Vietnam.

I know that my colleagues in the Assembly from both parties, are committed to affirming the right of every person to be able to live in a free society where their life matters and therefore are held in a multi party system. California is now home to almost 700,000 Vietnamese who are able to live free and experience demoralizing representation. They have created vibrant and thriving communities statewide, including on Cauti, San Jose and Sacramento. ACR 118 recognized those in Vietnam who do not share our liberty.

The resolution designates May 11, 2024 as Vietnam Human Rights Day. In support of effort to achieve freedom and human rights for the people of Vietnam. I humbly ask our Californians to reflect on May 11 and to remember those who are still unable to experience the freedoms that can be so easily taken for granted. And I asked my colleague to please share in this endeavor by voting aye. I humbly ask that the role to be open to co author. Thank you.

Thank you, assemblymember Ta, Assemblymember Nguyen, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister chair. Colleagues, I rise today in support of ACR 118. I want to thank my colleague from Orange County for recognizing this as a Vietnamese American, as an Assembly Member who for the first time, get to represent a city that also includes Little Saigon. This is not just about your vote. This is not just about us.

You know, this is not just about the Vietnamese community, but this is about our freedom, our rights, and also about the, the fact that right now their voices matter, but it's not being heard. And so your vote today, your support of this today, will signify that we hear you, we see you, we understand you, and we support you. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 118.

Thank you Assemblymember. Assembly Mister Patterson, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker, Members, I don't think it's any surprise that I stand and join with others to support ACR 118, given that my oldest son, BJ, survived the Vietnam War, was picked up on the side of the road by a couple of GIs in April of 1975, flown to the United States on Operation Babylift. He's 52 years of age old. He is a plumbing contractor. He is a fresh reminder of what it means to live free in America. And so I stand in support of this ACR, but also in the shoes of my son, BJ. If he were here, he would be cheering this on as well.

He reminds me every day he says, dad, if it wasn't for the two GIs that picked me up, if it wasn't for the nuns at the orphanage where they took him and cared for him, if President Ford hadn't sent the C5a over, if you hadn't adopted me, I'd be in a communist country behind a water buffalo in a rice paddy. But he says, I'm in America, I'm free, I have my own business and I own my own home.

And so let's remember those who have suffered in Vietnam. Let's hope that there is some kind of modernization, there is some kind of restoration of some degree of democratic principles in that country. But also let's remember those who are here, who are not only our friends and neighbors, but there are kids as well. So on behalf of Brian James Patterson, I'm asking you to join with others in approving Acr 118, remembering those who are here enjoying the blessings of liberty and freedom.

And we lived with one of those for 52 odd years as our oldest son. So God bless the Vietnamese who are here. We have a big delegation in Fresno and they are wonderful friends, neighbors.

They have, you know, we ended up with Vietnamese folks coming to our community and you know, it took a little while for things to kind of settle down and all, but you know something, they were welcomed with open arms by so many of the other ethnic groups that are part of the diasporas that have found Fresno, California as a place to live. And so if BJ was here, he would say, you tell him, dad. I just did. Thank you for the support.

Thank you for the remembrance of liberty and freedom and opportunity. And I also really want to thank God for the miracle that brought BJ to us. I don't have time for the story, but it was a whole set of miracles and he's been a joy in our lives. And I would be remiss if I didn't stand in his honor to say vote for this. He's one of the reasons why we love our Vietnamese neighbors, friends, family Members. They've earned the freedom, the liberty and the opportunity. And with that, ask for your aye vote. And I'll be glad to join as a co author.

Thank you, Mister Patterson. And hearing no further debate, Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those desire to vote as a co author. All those desire to vote as a co author, Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 65 co authors with that objection. We will take a voice vote on the resolution. All in favor say aye. All opposed say no. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted.

Moving to file item 145, HR 85 by Assembly Member Cervantes. The Clerk will read

House Resolution 85 by Assembly Member Cervantes and others relative to sexual assault.

Assembly Member Cervantes, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister Speaker Members, for allowing me to present House Resolution 85 today, which is our annual Legislative Women's Caucus resolution commemorating April 24 as denim Day and April as sexual assault Awareness month, I'm also proud to be speaking in my capacity as chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus and on behalf of the Native American Caucus. I am heartened to see so many of my colleagues today in our capital community wearing jeans on the Assembly Floor as well as yesterday.

Every year on Denim Day, we commemorate the protests against a heinous 1998 italian Supreme Court ruling that vacated a rape conviction because the survivor was wearing jeans. I know our colleague, Assembly Member from Santa Cruz, will be talking about that in much greater detail. Of course, on Denim Day, we stand together to support the principle that clothing can never, ever provide consent. Any assertion to the contrary wrongly places blame on the survivor instead of the perpetrator who commits sexual assault in the first place.

But on this denim day, I want to uplift the survivors who never come forward, the survivors whose stories are never told, the survivors who are unable to secure justice. As you know, in 2021, this legislative body finally closed the denim day loophole in California by approving and enacting my Assembly Bill 939. But I cannot help but wonder how many survivors never stepped forward because they were afraid that they would be blamed for the sexual assault committed against them because of what they were wearing.

Even today, how many survivors still feel that they are unable to seek justice? We know that for every 1000 survivors in the United States, only 230 report the sexual assault perpetrated against them. Out of the 230 survivors, only 80 have criminal cases go to trial, and less than five will ever see see their perpetrator serve any jail time. We know that one of the reasons that many sexual assaults go unpunished is because the systems that supposedly exist to protect survivors are broken.

Our criminal justice system remains constructed in a manner that discourages survivors from coming forward. Just this morning, the New York Court of Appeals overturned the rape convictions of Harvey Weinstein in that state. Despite the more than 80 survivors who have come forward, and despite our best efforts, our institutions of higher learning maintain policies and structures that do too much to protect perpetrators at the expense of survivors.

When we trivialize sexual assault by maintaining these broken systems, we uphold stereotypical beliefs that survivors invite the crowd perpetrated against them. For far too long, our culture has protected perpetrators of sexual assault, perpetrated outdated notions of patriarchy, and shamed survivors into silence. We can do better. We must do better. And we will do better. So today, colleagues, I stand here to ask you to join me in doubling down on our commitment.

As Members of this Assembly, we must continue fighting to ensure that the words of this resolution do not remain mere ink pressed on a piece of paper. We must make action out of these words and use the powers that we have as Members of this Assembly to protect survivors of sexual assault. We know that there is never ever any excuse to commit sexual assault. Today, our jeans protest violence. For these reasons, colleagues, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on HR 85, and I like the first role to be open for co authors.

Thank you, assemblymember Cervantes. Assembly Member Pelerin, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister speaker. Members, today I proudly stand as a co author of HR 85, along with my colleague from Riverside, to shed light on a powerful movement that has sparked conversations globally. Denim day. It's not just about wearing denim. It's about standing in solidarity with survivors of sexual assault and raising awareness about the misconceptions surrounding this issue. Denim Day originated from a landmark case in Italy in 1992, where a young woman was raped by her driving instructor.

The perpetrator was initially convicted, but later acquitted by the Italian Supreme Court. The court deemed that because the victim wore tight jeans, she must have helped remove them, thus implying consent. Outraged by this verdict, a woman in the Italian parliament wore jeans in protests, sparking a movement that has since spread worldwide. Denim Day stands as a reminder that clothing is never an invitation for assault, and consent is non negotiable. In wearing denim today, we honor survivors who have endured the pain and stigma of sexual violence.

We show our support for those who may still be suffering in silence, letting them know they are not alone. But Denim Day is more than just a fashion statement. It's a call to action. It's a call to dismantle the harmful attitudes and beliefs that perpetrate rape culture. It's a call to educate ourselves and others about consent, boundaries and respect. By participating in Denim Day, we declare our commitment to creating a world where everyone feels safe and respected, regardless of what they wear or who they are.

We refuse to accept victim blaming or excuses for sexual violence. We demand accountability for perpetrators and support for survivors. So today, as we don our denim, let us remember the power of our collective voice. Let us stand together, united in the fight against sexual assault. Let us be the change we wish to see in the world. I respectfully ask for your. I vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Pellerin. Assemblymember Dixon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister speaker. Members, I rise today too, in support of House Resolution 85, as authored by our colleague from Riverside County to recognize April 24 as Denim Day in California. As we're just hearing, denim Day is more than just a piece of clothing. As you all know, April is sexual assault awareness month. Sadly, every 68 seconds, an American is sexually assaulted. Every nine minutes, that victim is a child. This is heartbreaking and we must do all in our power to change this for all Californians.

For the last two years, I've advocated for and supported survivors through introducing legislation and co authoring other bills. We still have much, much work to do. Sexual assault can be very isolating, with 33% of women who are raped contemplating suicide and 13% attempting suicide. Family and friends often do not know how best to support their loved ones that have gone through these traumatic experiences, and it leaves victims to navigate their journey and healing alone.

It is critical that we ensure that survivors of sexual assault are provided the space and protections they need to heal and move forward. We need to focus on policy changes that meet survivors where they are and provide the essential support they need. I look forward to being added as a co author and urge you to join me also in supporting this important resolution. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Dixon. Doctor Weber, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister speaker and Members, I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to speak in support of HR 85, which memorializes and educates us on the significance of Denim Day. The National Intimate Partner Sexual Violence Survey reports that there are over 22 million survivors of rape throughout the United States, with at least two of those survivors currently living in California. Year after year, people of color are overrepresented in the data collected about victims of sexual violence.

For every African American woman who reports sexual violence, at least 15 African American women do not report it. One in five African American women are survivors of sexual violence, and 35% of African American women have experienced some form of contact with sexual violence during their lifetime as a result of systemic oppression.

Due to racism and implicit bias, African Americans continue to remain vulnerable to sexual violence, and in this state, we have waited far too long for justice for victims and their families, and I encourage a victim centered approach that is rooted in cultural and ethnic sensitivities as we continue to support and treat victims of sexual assault. I want to thank my colleague from Riverside for championing and carrying this resolution and for all the acknowledgement and education that it provides. For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on HR 85. Thank you.

Thank you, Doctor Weber. Seeing and hearing no further debate. zero, excuse me. Doctor Bains, you are recognized.

Thank you. Members, I rise on behalf of the Asian American Pacific Islander caucus in solidarity with my colleagues in remembrance of a brutal rape case in 2012 in India of Jyoti Singh, where five Indian men brutally raped her and she passed away from that and the awareness that was created after that because the perpetrators believed she deserved to be raped because she was out past 08:00 p.m. There is a lot of work that we need to do across the world to support women and make sure that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you Doctor Bains. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Cervantes, you may close.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members, I respectfully ask that the roll be open for co authors.

All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote as a co author. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 73 co authors added without objection. We'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All in favor say aye. Opposed say no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

Members of the Women's Caucus are invited to the front of the dais here for a quick photo.

Thank you Mister speaker. I'm excited today to announce the fourth grade class of St. John's Episcopal school who came all the way from Rancho Santa Margarita. They're up here to tour the Capitol and learn all about California State government. Please join me in giving them a very warm welcome.

Thank you Assemblymember Sanchez. Welcome to your guests. Enjoy your time here in the Capitol today. Moving back to Assembly third reading file item 149, Assembly Bill 2249 by Assemblymember Pellerin. Members, your attention please to Assembly Member Pellerin.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. AB 2249 clarifies the retention requirements for election materials related to the chain of custody of ballots and the 1% manual tally of ballots. By requiring those materials to be kept with the unopened, unaltered packages that include ballots and voter identification envelopes at the end of the required retention period. This Bill would require all those materials to be destroyed. This Bill has bipartisan support and there is no opposition. I respectfully ask for your. I vote.

Mister Patterson, you are recognized. Great.

Thank you Mister speaker.

Hang on a second here, I need to back up for a second. There was a lot going on here. Assembly Bill item number 149. Assembly Bill 2249 Miss Pellerin. The Clerk will read

Assembly Bill 2249 by Assembly Member Pellerin and act relating to elections.

Yes, we will ask you to do that again, Assembly Member Pellerin.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. AB 2249 clarifies the retention requirements for election materials related to the chain of custody of ballots and the 1% manual tally of ballots by requiring those materials to be kept with the unopened, unaltered packages that include ballots and voter identification envelopes at the end of the required retention period. This Bill would require all those materials to be destroyed. The Bill has bipartisan support and there is no opposition. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Mister Patterson. You are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker. Deja Vu. I rise in opposition to this measure and I know that election integrity is of utmost importance to the author of this measure, and so I don't want to minimize that. But some concerns that I have is I think we share the importance of bringing trust into our election system, and so I joined the author in that.

But what concerns me about this Bill is it keeps under seal outside of a contested election or criminal prosecution, paper copies of cast vote records of the ballot, ballot chain of custody documents and reports and reports created for the 1% manual tally. My perspective would be that we should do everything we can to make every component of the election system public unless there is personally identifiable information or something like that.

But obviously, I'm hopeful that the author will take my comments as she moves forward with this Bill. But right now, I must regrettably oppose this measure.

Thank you Mister Patterson. Seeing and hearing no further debate, would you like to close?

Assemblymember Pellerin, I respectfully ask for your aye vote and this does protect the materials that have voter sensitive information on them only. Thank you so much.

Thank you. 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 and tally the votes. Ayes 56 noes two measure passes. Moving to file item 157. AB 2449 by Assemblymember Ta. The Clerk will read

Assembly Bill 2449 by Assembly Member Ta an act relating to healthcare coverage

Mister Ta, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister Speaker. AB 2449 would clarify that the Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Credential Board is a national entity that may certify a qualified autism service provider and authorize the certification to be accredited by the American National Standard Institute, also known as NC. The Qualified Applied Behavior Analysis Board or QABA was established in 2012 and is an agency whose mission is to establish the highest standard of care and empower all professionals who provide behavioral intervention services to individuals with autism.

QABA is a second largest certifying body and applied behavior analysis in the US and the lectures internationally. QABA certifications are integral to the provider community for individuals in state with large military population, many of which recognize QABA for the licensing of autism service provider. Our state is seen a surge in a number of children with autism resulting in a shortage of qualified autism service providers, particularly in low income and marginalized communities.

AB 2449 seek to meet this shortage of professional caregiver by adding an additional licensing organization that is recognized federally and worldwide for their high standard. This will effectively end California reliance on a single entity to provide all certification by relating competition in the field. AB 2449 would not only authorize ANSI to sit in the backfield of profession requiring say, licensure and certification, but also provide potential solution for people who report difficulty gaining employment. So I respectfully ask for your aye vote on AB 2449.

Thank you Assemblymember Ta. Seeing and hearing no further debate, the Clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote, vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Aye 63 no zero measure passes. Moving to file item 160 AB 1775 by Assemblymember Haney. Clerk will read

Assembly Bill 1775 with amendments by Assembly Member Haney.

Mister Haney, you are recognized.

Thank you Mister speaker and Members. These amendments are to AB 1775 which is the Cannabis Cafe Bill which address some of the smoke free workplace concerns. They state that non cannabis food or beverage products cannot be contaminated or co mingled with any cannabis products sold, served on the premises and they also clarify that smoking or vaporizing of any cannabis product by an employee or customer is not allowed in the food preparation, food storage or wear washing area of the consumption lounge.

We will continue to strengthen the smoke free workplace protections as this Bill moves forward and I respectfully ask for your aye vote on the amendments today.

Seeing and hearing no debate or objection, we'll take a voice vote on these amendments. All in favor say aye. Opposed say no. Amendments are adopted out to print back on Bill back on file. Moving to file item 165 HR 90 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo. The Clerk will read

House Resolution 90 by Assemblymember Juan Carrillo relative to Donate Life Month

Mister Carrillo, you are recognized.

Good morning Mister speaker and Members. Please join me in recognizing the month of April as National Donate Life Month. As many of you know, when you renew or apply for a California driver's license or identification card, you can register as an organ donor at your local California Department of Motor Vehicles office. This has been made possible through Donate Life California's partnership with the DMV, which began in 2006.

To date, over 19 million individuals have expressed their intent to donate with the registry, with the majority coming through the donors of the DMV. Last year, I had the personal honor of working with DLC to push to expand opportunities for organ and tissue donation. Donation is a life saving process. 10001991 Californians became organ donors in 2023, and a more diverse donor registry gives some Members of ethnic minority groups on the waiting list a better chance to find a good donor. Thank you and I would like to leave the roll open for co authors.

Seeing and hearing no further debate, Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote as a co author. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote as a co author, Clerk will close the roll. Tally the votes. ayes 69 no zero. Measure is adopted. Resolution is adopted. 69 co authors are added without objection. We'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All in favor say aye opposed say no. Resolution is now adopted.

Moving on to Senate third reading file item 169 SCR 96 by Mister Mccarty Clerk will read

Senate Concurrent Resolution 96 by Senator Dodd relative to a sister state relationship with Lviv region Ukraine.

Mister McCarty, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister Speaker. California has long maintained a robust relationship with Ukraine, honoring significant ukrainian community throughout California and right here in the Sacramento region. This measure represents a mutual goodwill opportunity and promotes collaboration between our state and Ukraine. Specifically, this resolution establishes a sister city sister state relationship with the Lviv region of Ukraine. Aimed at enhancing cultural exchange and driving economic development. It presents an exciting opportunity for meaningful dialogue and shared learning experiences among our citizens.

By formalizing this partnership, we unlock avenues for economic opportunity, educational initiatives, and vibrant cultural events that will mutually benefit California and the Lviv region of Ukraine. Additionally, this sister state relationship serves as a beacon of solidarity and support, particularly in these challenging times with our friends in Ukraine, reaffirming our shared values and commitment to international cooperation. I respectfully urge you to support this through an I vote and open the first roll for co authors. Thank you, Mister speaker.

Thank you, Mister McCarty. Seeing and hearing no further debate, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote as a co author. All those vote who desire to vote as a co author. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are ayes 69. No, zero. There are 69 co authors added. Without objection. We'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All in favor say aye. Opposed say no.

The resolution is adopted. And Mister McCarty, you are recognized for your guests introductions.

Yes, thank you, Mister speaker. I'd like to recognize our guests from Ukraine. We have delegation behind us here. We have elected delegates from the lviv region in Ukraine, representatives from the consul general's office in Ukraine and San Francisco and other Ukraine community leaders. Thank you for joining us here at our state capitol.

Thank you, Mister Mccarty, and welcome to your guests. Moving back to Senate third reading file item 171, SB 233 by Skinner. Clerk will read

Assembly Member Aguiar Curry. You are recognized

Senate Bill 233 with amendments by Selma Member Aguiar Curry.

Members. I rise with amendments to SB 233 by Senator Skinner. I ask for your aye vote.

Mister Flora.

We withhold consent on these amendments. Ask for a roll call vote.

Clerk will open the roll. Miss Aguilar Curry, asking for an aye vote on the amendments. All those vote who desire to vote for the amendments. All those vote who desire to vote, Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 52. Nos. 12. The amendments are adopted out to print and back. The Bill is back. Will be back on file. Members, we will now move to the second day consent calendar.

Before we vote, we will take up resolutions on the consent calendar for the purpose of adding co authors. Clerk will read the resolutions on the consent calendar.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 173 by Assembly Member mains relative to Apol one mediated kidney Disease Awareness Day and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 178 by Assembly Member Jackson relative to Child Abuse Prevention Monthly

Clerk will now open the roll to allow any Member to add on as a co author. All those vote who desire to vote Members this is for co authors for the resolutions. All those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll. There are 67 co authors added. Moving to a vote on the consent calendar. File item 213 has been removed from the consent calendar. Does any Member wish to remove any additional items from the consent consent calendar? Seeing and hearing none, the Clerk will read the second day consent calendar.

Assembly Bill 2677 by Assembly Member Chen an act relating the sureties,

Clerk will open the roll on the consent calendar. All those vote who desire to vote all those vote who desire to vote on the consent calendar. All those vote who desire to vote ayes... will close the roll and tally the vote. ayes 72 no zero the consent calendar is adopted. Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar.

[Consent Calendar]

Members, pursuant to Assembly Rule 77.2, I am rereferring item number 173, SB 233, to the business Skinner to the Business and Professions Committee Members, the quorum call is still in place. I would ask you to please give your respectful attention to those who have been granted prior permission for an adjournment in memory.

So please, any conversations please take your conversations off the floor. Please take your conversations off the floor. I ask that you please take your conversations off the floor and ask that you give your respectful attention to those who have been granted prior permission to speak on an adjournment in memory. Assembly Member Haney, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister speaker and Members, I rise today with a heavy heart to adjourn in the memory of a California San Francisco legend, Reverend Cecil Williams. There are few people who are as synonymous with the City of San Francisco or as synonymous with the fight for justice, fairness, equality and compassion as Reverend Cecil Williams as a minister, author, social activist, lecturer and community leader, Reverend Williams etched his name in history as a tireless champion for the poor and marginalized.

His ministry underscored his roots in liberation theology. As a boy growing up in segregated Texas, Reverend Williams vowed to create a church of many colors when he arrived in San Francisco in 1963. As head pastor of Glide, he grew the small congregation to over 10,000 parishioners. His vision for a 21st century church took shape through Glide's unique and powerful blend of spirituality, principled compassion and cutting edge programs for those most in need.

In an era of declining church attendance, Reverend Williams took over a dying ministry in the tenderloin and turned it into a global brand called simply Glide. The Sunday sermons at Glide are full of life, with gospel and blues from the glide ensemble backed by the change band. Among those who have taken part in the Sunday service at Glide are Oprah Winfrey, Bill Clinton, Maya Angelou, Isabel Allende, Bono and Warren Buffett. When he arrived at Glide in 1963, the congregation numbered 35 people, all white.

Reverend Williams changed that immediately and opened Glide's doors to the entire tenderloin neighborhood and accepted everyone. In 1965, Reverend Williams met Janice Marikattani, who had taken a job as a typist at Glide, tasked with transcribing people's experiences with hardship in the neighborhood.

They would go on to marry in 1982, and Miss Mira Katani would help mold the organization's values, particularly those of radical inclusivity and unconditional love in its welcoming of anyone who walked through its doors, Reverend Williams led the change in expanding glide support services to include a free health clinic, legal clinic, an HIV prevention center, and domestic violence support services. Reverend Williams served in a leadership capacity for 60 years at Glide before he stepped away from his role late last year at the age of 93.

During his tenure, he shared the pulpit with world leaders, activists, and the Black Panthers. He fought for LGBTQ rights for decades when few other allies were, and his impact on San Francisco and the world, by extension, are unmatched. Cecil was my Reverend in a community I call home, the tenderloin, he was unapologetic in his love for the people of our neighborhood. If you were sick, discarded, alone, homeless, or addicted, he looked in your eyes. He saw your humanity. He saw your potential and your greatness.

He believed in you so much that you believed in yourself. No one was outside his circle of compassion. He believed that everyone deserved food. Everyone deserves a community. Everyone deserves love, and everyone loves. And everyone deserves joy. To sing, to dance, to laugh, to celebrate. I've had the opportunity to learn from Reverend Williams for years. I remember approaching him when I first ran for office to represent the tenderloin, and he listened to my spiel, everything that I wanted to do.

And he looked me up and down. I was wearing a full suit at the time. And he said, you know, people around here, they don't dress like that. How are you going to be able to connect with people and represent people dressed like that? And I remember telling him, well, people around here dress a lot of ways. That's what I love about this place. And what I'm going to do is I'm going to listen and I'm going to fight for them.

And that's what he did in his work for decades. There's no better words to describe Reverend William's leadership and vision than his own. For decades, I have raised my voice against injustice, and I have shaked my fist at death. Sometimes I sound like a broken, soulful record that goes round and round, singing and shouting through the urban wilderness. Choose life. You have the power. Act like you are alive.

I want to thank the Members from the Glide community and the members of Reverend Williams family who are here with us today. We thank you, we celebrate you, and we continue Reverend Williams legacy of love, of compassion, of joy, and of celebration. Reverend Williams is survived by his loving children, Kim Williams, Albert Williams, Tienne Feliciano, and his five beloved grandchildren. Rest in peace.

Thank you. Mister Haney, Mister Ting. You are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mister speaker. I also want to join my Eastside San Francisco colleague and honoring Cecil Williams. I'm sorry to him for this loss. I know how much he worked with Reverend Williams and Glide. Reverend Williams embodies everything that's right about San Francisco. We are a city that people come to. We are a city that people search out. And people come because it is a place that we welcome them.

And Reverend Williams, when he entered into that neighborhood, he didn't try to bring other people into that church and ignore what was happening. He opened the doors of that church to that neighborhood. He looked at trying to bring compassion, trying to bring love, trying to bring services to all the people who needed help. Nobody in Glide is ever left behind. No one in glide doesn't get food. No one in Glide doesn't get an opportunity for housing.

And what started out as a ministry has become a full blown social service operation. A place where they build housing, a place where they serve food, a place where they run homeless shelters. Because that was the mission, that was his call to serve that neighborhood. And as my colleague said, nobody got turned away. It didn't matter who you were, what you did, what your past was. It just mattered that you were there that day, at that time, and needed help.

And that's what I believe our city stands for. Our state stands for. It is a place where we welcome everybody to come, where we want to assist people. And we're taking people at that moment, not worrying about what happened before, what happened in the past. And Reverend Williams, his embodiment of those values have been a critical piece of forming San Francisco values. So when you hear about people, talk about San Francisco values, Reverend Cecil Williams, Glide, they are at the core of that.

And they are at the core of what we stand for as a city. We follow his example, we follow his leadership. We look at his compassion, his love, and his desire to seek out and help others. And for us, it was an honor to know him, to watch him at Glide. But more importantly, we all do our part by following his example in focusing on making sure that we are offering that same compassion and that love and that opportunity for everybody we come in contact with. Thank you.

Thank you, Mister Ting. And to those with us today, we share in your loss. It's an honor to adjourn in the memory of Reverend Cecil Williams. Mister Grayson, you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you, Mister speaker. I do rise to adjourn in memory of Hazel Ruth Scales, a cherished resident of the City of Pittsburgh, who passed away at the age of 82. Miss Scales journey began in Mississippi, where she attended a segregated elementary school in Lillian, Mississippi, and at the age of 13, she moved to Pittsburgh, California to live with her aunt and uncle who raised her as their own.

There she attended Pittsburgh High School, actively participating in campus activities and proudly contributing to the Pittsburgh High School marching show band. Upon graduating in 1962, Miss Scales pursued a career in healthcare, obtaining her certificate as a nurses aide. She dedicated her service to the Martinez Community Hospital and the Pittsburgh Mainer Convalescent Hospital, embodying true compassion and dedication in her work. And in 1968, she met, fell in love with and married the late Irvin Scales, junior. Together they raised two children.

A dedicated husband and father, Irvin passed away in 2005. Miss Scales was a beacon of strength and kindness, renowned for her unwavering love as a devoted wife, mother, family Member, friend and caretaker of her aunt. Her impact extended beyond her immediate circle and as she spent nearly three decades employed by anchored glass Company, advancing from the conveyor line to the role of spot checker supervisor, all while being an active Member of the Glass Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers International Union.

A dedicated mother and grandmother, Miss Scales fiercely protected her children and found joy in gardening and cooking for her loved ones. Her home was a sanctuary of warmth and hospitality, reflecting her boundless generosity. Miss Scale's spirit of compassion touched all who crossed her path and will live on in the hearts of all who had privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her daughter Chanel, current mayor of Pittsburgh, California, son Travis, grandsons Jaden and Ashton, sisters May, Rosella and Ernestine, brother Charles, cousins Willie and Melvin and numerous other beloved family Members and friends. And as we reflect on her life and the indelible impact she made, I ask that this house adjourn in solemn remembrance of Hazel Ruth Scales.

Thank you, Mister Grayson. We adjourn in the memory of another amazing person, Hazel Scales. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn a memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving to announcements Committee hearings election meets elections meet upon adjournment in Capital Room 127. Insurance meets upon adjournment in Capitol room 444. Privacy and consumer protection meets upon adjournment in Capitol Room 447. Session schedule is as follows.

Friday, April 25 no floor session no check in session. Monday, April 29 floor session at what are we waiting for? Please note the privacy and Consumer Protection Committee room that was to meet in room capital, room 447 has been canceled. Quorum call is lifted. All items remaining will be passed and retained. All motions shall be continued seeing and hearing no further business. I'm ready to entertain a motion. Mister Lowenthal moves. Miss Reyes Seconds that the house stand adjourned until Monday, April 29, at 01:00 p.m. Quorum call is lifted and the house is adjourned.