Senate Floor

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Will the Members and the guests behind the railing please rise. Before we get started, everybody, we're going to hold a moment of silence for the tragedy and the lives lost in the plane collision in D.C. Thank you. The Senate is thinking about all the families of the loved ones that we lost.

Today, we'll be led in prayer by our wonderful sister Michelle Gorman. After which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance.

Thank you, Senator. So let us remember that we are always in God's presence. This Lunar New Year gives us the opportunity to celebrate the Year of the Snake. With celebration comes joy, and joy is a sign of enlightenment. The Buddhist monk Thich Nhat Hanh says, "Enlightenment is always there. Small enlightenment will bring great enlightenment.

If you breathe in and are aware that you are alive- thus you can touch the miracle of being alive- then that is a kind of enlightenment."

And so today we pray, may we be enlightened enough to notice the blessings of each day, to value all persons for their presence, their gifts, their contributions to the ongoing evolution of our civilization.

May we banish from our hearts fear, prejudice, arrogance, and all that would prevent us from appreciating the beauty of creation and the joy we can share in truly encountering one another. May we be open to insight, wisdom and creativity in this new year. Amen.

Please place your right hand over your heart. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. For right now, we're going to skip over privileges of the floor and come back to it. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read. Messages from the Assembly would be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read.

Under motions, resolutions and notices, we have no items to discuss. Under introduction and first reading of bills, they will also be deemed read. Moving into the meat of our session today, under consideration of daily file, we have four items. Under Senate third reading, they're going to be items 6, 7, 8, and 12.

Senator Grayson is prepared for item 6.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 13 by Senator Grayson relative to Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.

Senator Grayson, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President. And good morning colleagues. I am pleased to present SCR 13 which proclaims the month of January as Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month. Firefighters, and firefighting in particular is an ER, dangerous and physical demanding profession.

It requires the women and men of the fire service to routinely put themselves in harm's way for the good of the communities that they are out serving.

Beyond the physical demands, though California firefighters are regularly exposed to many known and suspected human carcinogens in the line of duty, tragically, cancer has become the leading cause of death among firefighters nationwide.

In clear recognition of the elevated risk of cancer faced by the firefighters, California enacted a presumption for firefighters about 40 years ago and that cancer developing or manifesting itself is presumed to be caused by the job. Additionally, firefighters have diligently worked to reduce their exposures to toxic carcinogens by advocating for numerous protections.

However, firefighting will always, always result in firefighters being exposed to cancer causing agents in the line of duty despite their best practices. Firefighters are acutely aware of these risks, yet they continue to perform their duties without hesitation, knowing that for many of them at least, the question is not really if the cancer will come, but when and what kind of cancer it is.

Despite their best practices, firefighters are acutely aware of these risks, yet they continue to perform their duties without hesitation, knowing that for many of them at least, the question is not really if the cancer will come, but when and what kind of cancer it is.

In 2023, I authored AB 700 which established the California Firefighter Prevention and Research Program to examine biomarkers for carcinogenic exposure and the effect in order to identify the biological mechanisms of the cancer that has been caused by the job and to reduce the incident of cancer among our state's firefighters.

Currently, this program is actually being conducted as health screenings for California firefighters who were among the first responders to the January 7th fires in LA County, specifically addressing their unique health impacts. Now more than ever, we must continue to support research like this to safeguard for the health and the well being of our firefighters.

And without advancing our understanding of the biological, the chemical and the social aspects of the carcinogen exposure, our state's firefighters will continue to face unacceptable high risk to cancer.

So SCR 13 provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about these significant long term health risks and to reaffirm our commitment to protecting the brave individuals who risk their lives for our communities, friends and colleagues.

I thank you for your attention in recognition of Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month and I respectfully ask for an aye vote to SCR13.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Seyarto, you're recognized on this item.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I Proudly am a co-author of this Bill.

And one of the things I'd like to point out that hasn't already been graciously pointed out is that as you go to the wall that is out in the park and you will see a lot of the on duty or the active duty firefighters that have succumbed, many of them to cancer.

What you won't see is a lot of my colleagues who have passed away since they retired. Two days ago, I celebrated 10 years of retirement. A lot of my colleagues are not celebrating that. So thank you for recognizing this as a severe problem in the fire service.

I hope we can use a lot of these incidents that we have to gather information to find out what it is that's killing us because it is like a ticking time bomb. We just don't know when. Fortunately, I am blessed so far, but a lot of my friends are not blessed.

They have their, their retirements were short lived. And so thank you all for recognizing this. And I asked for your aye vote on this CR13.

Thank you for your comments, Senator. Senator Allen.

Members, I rise in strong support. As you all know, we've been facing the terrible implications of the Palisades fire in my district and all the health implications. And we know how many of our fellow Angelenos are now getting sick just because of exposure to the air in Los Angeles in the few days after the fire.

As I mentioned last week, the lead levels were 100 times normal levels. Benzene, chlorine, I think was at 60 times normal levels that was in the air in the basin.

Now imagine what exposure our heroic firefighters faced as they were out there fighting the fires in real time in front of these homes that were burning to a crisp. This is a massive challenge. We send them out there to protect us and then they get so exposed. Homes are now filled with carcinogens when they burn.

And it's something that I've grappled with for some time. We had a Bill a few years ago that ultimately got bipartisan support on firefighting foam and carcinogens in firefighting equipment.

But we know that these exposures are so real and it's so important for us to do everything we can as we send these men and women out to defend us, that we do everything we can to defend them.

Because while the immediate risk of the fire is so awesome and challenging and there's so much focus there, we know that the long term risks are also incredibly acute. And I want to thank my colleague for bringing this item forward.

I want to thank my colleague from Murrieta for his service in this incredibly important line of work and ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Rubio, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise also to align my comments with the great Senator of Santa Monica. First of all, to take a moment to thank our firefighters who have been, you know, working around the clock to take care of our communities.

I rise as the chair of the San Gabriel Valley caucus, where we know that our air quality has been impacted greatly.

I could only imagine our brave firefighters who go in every day to these situations, not understanding the impacts to their health or understanding it, but still doing it because that's what they've chosen to do to take care of us.

It's worth noting that in the 911 tragedies, some of the firefighters didn't find out until years later that they had cancer. And it was very directly linked to the work that they did on that day. I want to just commend all the firefighters for being brave enough to step in to support us.

We also know that the toxins in the air continue to linger and there's a lot of impact in the surrounding area. So once again, I want to thank. Thank the Senators as we push forward policies to support our firefighters. And, you know, we've done a lot, but it's not enough.

We need to continue to support not only them, but their families. As I know that I've talked to many widows who've lost their significant others in fires. And so I really want to just say that we learned so many lessons from previous fires.

And I hope that this time around that we also take those lessons to ensure that we do what we can to put policies in place to take care of these firefighters who really need our support.

And as the great Senator from up north mentioned, that there is a presumption now, which it's greatly deserved, that the cancer from firefighting is innately part of their job and that they should be compensated in the event that they do have ailments later in life. And so with that, I strongly, strongly urge us to support this. Thank you, madam.

Thank you, madam.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Perez, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise in strong support of SCR13 by the good Senator from Concord. As you all have witnessed, my community and many others have been decimated by the mega fires destroying Southern California this month.

While I have always had an appreciation for our firefighters, my admiration for them has increasingly grown as I have witnessed the tremendous, selfless and dangerous work they undertake to help us in Our most vulnerable time.

I want to take this opportunity to once again thank our firefighters for their heroic efforts, continuing to answer the call to action again and again. I cannot thank them all enough on behalf of my community. And you know, I also just want to share a small story.

We had one of our firefighters out in the City of Pasadena who went fought the the Eaton fires for four days straight, rested and immediately after went out to go volunteer at Pasadena's evacuation center. Because that's the kind of work that these guys do.

Even when they're not working round the clock 247 fighting fires, they're on the front lines volunteering to give our residents resources and to make sure that their needs are being met. This resolution is a reminder of the risks and long term impacts of the life saving work that they do.

And in service to others, we must do everything that we can at every opportunity to uplift our firefighters and make sure that just as they support and protect us from peril, we must do what we can to reciprocate that care and support by recognizing and minimizing the impacts of the profession to them.

Thank you again to all the firefighters and first responders that were on the scene and brave the 2025 January fires, especially the Eaton fire in my district, I rise in strong support of this resolution and our firefighters. Thank you.

Senator Laird, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Last year the Senators that were here on the floor voted to extend the workers comp presumption for firefighters and other first responders - that's broader than just cancer-because there is a recognition of the risks and the presumption of first responders.

Two weeks ago, there was a very catastrophic battery storage fire in my district and CAL FIRE offered immediately to send people in. It was so toxic that the decision was made not to have any firefighter go in and to let the fire burn itself out, which it did over four days.

I talked to the head of the California Professional Firefighters and he said that's the right call, but they were willing to do it. If it called for it, they were willing to go in. And it just shows what they do, the risk they take, and why it is so important to pass this resolution. So I asked for an aye vote..

See no other mics up. Senator Grayson, you may close.

Thank you so much. And I want to thank my colleagues who stood in support for your passion and also your sincere passion as well as your awareness. Of course, all of my colleagues thank you for your awareness for the women and men who do risk their lives.

And it's not just about the carcinogens as they are impacted in a fire, but it's what attaches to their turnouts and they drive them back to the station and then the handling of that is even more at risk than the fire itself. So with that, I thank you for your support and respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll on file item six.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36. Noes 0. The resolution is adopted. Up next is Senator Ochoa Bogh with file item 7. She is ready.Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 7 by Senator Ochoa Bogh relative to school governance.

Senator, you may proceed.

Madam President, Members. I rise to present Senate Resolution 7, which proclaims January 2025 as School Board Recognition Month. California has nearly 1,000 school districts and county offices of education throughout the state, represented by nearly 5,000 school board Members. Accounting for the largest number of locally elected officials in our state.

As advocates for public education, school board members are responsible for communicating the needs of the schools and for understanding the interests and expectations of the communities they represent.

School board members are dedicated to carrying out the mission of public schools to meet the educational needs of all students and to empower them to become productive members of of our democratic society.

As a former school board member with the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, I know how hard school board members work to better their schools, the lives of the children they represent, and the challenges that they face as they try to navigate state mandates, natural disasters and, yes, pandemics.

I am proud to present SR7, which declares the state's appreciation to every school board and school board member in California and recognizes their dedicated commitment to serving the needs of students in our communities. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Any Member wish to speak on this speak on this item? I'm seeing none. Any objection to utilizing the unanimous roll call on this item? Also seeing none. Ayes 36. No 0. Resolution is adopted. Majority Leader Senator Gonzalez has file item 8. She is prepared. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 9 by Senator Gonzalez relative to the election of Members of the Senate Committee on Rules.

Majority Leader.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. Senate Resolution 9 would elect Senator Reyes as a member of the Senate Committee on Rules for the 2025-26 regular session. I urge an aye vote. Thank you.

Seeing no discussion on this item. Discussion on this item, Senator Umberg? Any objection to utilizing the unanimous roll call on file item number 8? Seeing none. Also, ayes 36, noes zero. Resolution is adopted. Senator Umberg is eagerly awaiting for his item. He is prepared. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 15 by Senator Umberg relative to Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month.

Senator Umberg.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I rise today to present SCR 15 which proclaims the month of January as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. You may note today is the 30th of January and we're proclaiming January as the pertinent month. We didn't want to peak too early.

Drug overdose is the leading cause of accidental death in the United States. In California alone, There are nearly 10,000 opioid-related deaths in 2023. The opioid crisis has likely touched everyone in this chamber in one form or another.

Its toll has led to the rise of thousands of treatment and rehab facilities in sober living homes across the state with promises of sobriety and lifestyle changes. Many of them are quite effective. However, unfortunately, there has become a vast proliferation of fraud and mistreatment.

Last year, the State of Oklahoma issued a consumer alert about the rampant amount of fraud abuse in California. Concerning the fraud that exists all over California, but in particular in our home county of Orange County, home to California's Rehab Riviera.

I'm here today to present SCR 15 to implore us not to only take a moment to recognize the victims of our opioid crisis, but also to use this resolution and month as a way to recommit to safe quality treatment and programming for substance users and their families.

With passage of Proposition 36, one of the clear messages is that Californians want and expect those with substance abuse disorder to have access to treatment, quality treatment. It's vitally important that this body take an active role in supporting the development of evidence-based programming and consistent regulatory oversight of substance use treatment programs and facilities.

I urge an aye vote to support January as Substance Use Disorder Treatment Month. Thank you, Madam President.

Thank you, Senator Umberg. Any Member wish to speak on this item? Any Member against utilizing the unanimous roll call? Ayes 36, noes zero, the resolution passes. Before moving onto the consent calendar, is there any Member that would like to remove any item from consent calendar? We have items 15 and 16. I'm seeing none.

Secretary, please read both items.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 810.

Secretary, please call the roll on the first item.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36, noes 0, roll call applied to both items. Consent calendar is adopted. Moving back to motions and resolutions. This is a time for the adjourn in memory. We have three members today. They're going to be doing adjourn in memories. We're going to start with Senator Arreguin.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today I rise to ask that the California State Senate adjourn our meeting in honor of Ricky Henderson, the former Oakland A's left fielder. The so-called "man of steel" who broke league records for stolen bases and leadoff home runs and helped lead the Oakland A's to a World Series in 1989.

As the representative Oakland in the California State Senate. It's with great pleasure that I ask that we recognize his career and his accomplishments in the East Bay community. Rickey Henderson served a distinct career of 25 seasons playing for nine different teams, but is best remembered for his many years playing for the Oakland Athletics.

Baseball is a sport that's graced by many legends over decades, but few have risen to the level of recognition that Henderson has rightfully received, becoming a National Baseball hall of Fame inductee the first season he could qualify for that distinction with the votes from a staggering 94.8% of electors.

A 10-time All-Star, Henderson went on to win two World Series, including the 1989 Baybridge Series with the Oakland A's. I could spend all day going over his unparalleled record where he has shattered records that still remain to this day. But I just want to highlight a few.

Henderson stole 1,406 bases during his career, almost 500 more than the second-highest on record. He ranks number one for total runs at 2,295. And at retirement, he held the record for the most walks at 2,190, only surpassed by Giants legend Barry Bonds.

But in addition to his legendary baseball career, Rickey Henderson was deeply rooted to the East Bay community. Henderson grew up in Oakland, where he became an All-American, receiving multiple sports scholarships for football. And despite his childhood dream of playing for the Oakland Raiders, his mother convinced him that he would go further by playing baseball.

And the rest is history. Not only was he known for setting a new standard in baseball athleticism, his performance invigorated crowds with a style of flamboyance that showed how much he loved America's favorite pastime. He often referred to himself in the third person, and he would fondly retell the story of his birth.

Where he was born, in the backseat of a car on the way to the hospital, he joked that he was, quote, "born fast" and that his speed certainly was a defining characteristic of his career.

It is difficult that we say goodbye to Rickey Henderson the same year that we had to say goodbye to the Oakland A's, but I know that just as he did during his career, Henderson's legacy and story continues to inspire aspiring baseball players throughout the East Bay and beyond.

I want to note that Ricky will be honored this Saturday at a public memorial in the Oakland Arena. Thank you for this opportunity to recognize the incredible life and career of Ricky Henderson, who inspired so many, not just in Oakland, but throughout California. Once again, I ask that the Senate adjourn his memory today. Thank you.

Senator, we appreciate you sharing his wonderful life with us. Please bring his name forward so that he may be properly memorialized. Senator Cortese, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise to adjourn in memory of Jaime Villarreal, a proud Bay Area native, longtime Santa Clara County leader, who left us at the young age of 68 years old just a little over a month ago. He attended Mount Pleasant High School, right smack in the middle of my district.

He later went on to attend college at the Bay Valley Technical Institute. He spent 28 years working in the tech industry. Jaime found his peace outside in nature. He worked in tech. He volunteered with the Santa Clara County Parks Department. His experiences with park management inspired him to step into public service.

Following his career in tech, Jaime worked with the Mid Peninsula Regional Open Space District at Deer Hollow Farm in the City of Cupertino. This farm is an environmental education center that attracts over 100,000 visitors every year.

After 12 years of working at the farm full-time, he continued there for several years part-time, and he also spent time serving on the Friends of Deer Hollow Farm Board. His love for working outside brought him to continue volunteering with the farms and parks throughout the region.

He was a farm livestock volunteer for the City of Mountain View at Deer Hollow Farm. His passion for this work was evident to all the visitors and volunteers he worked with. He was always a friendly face and a valuable mentor to so many.

Over 5,000 students visit the Deer Hollow Farm every year from 45 schools in 13 Bay Area cities. And Jaime inspired them and helped them understand the significance of protecting our natural resources and working lands. He had a deep appreciation for his community and for open space.

Clearly, his knowledge of sustainable agriculture, the history of farming in the region. Yes, we do have a farming history in the region, and cultural histories in the Bay Area were vital to his work on the farm. Jaime's service to his community, his impact on the Bay Area's natural lands will fondly be remembered.

He was loved deeply by his family and community, all of his friends, and his wife, Lynn. I thank you for joining me to adjourn today in the memory of Jaime Villarreal.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring their name forward so that the Senate may properly memorialize them. Our last name for the day is going to be from Senator Richardson.

Thank you, Madam President. And good morning, Senate colleagues. I rise to adjourn in memory of a local forefather of the City of Carson in my district, Mr. Gilbert "Gil" Smith. The City of Carson is located in the 35th Senate district, was once a part of the Spanish land grant known as the Rancho San Pedro.

Where herds of cattle roam the land. Yes, in LA County, herds of cattle roamed the land. Over the years, three annexations have increased the city size to 19.2 square miles. Steady and continued growth has enabled Carson to become a city of regional significance.

As the first President of the Citizens Committee for Incorporation, Gil spearheaded the effort to establish the City of Carson in 1968. In that same year, the residents of this unincorporated area voted for Independence and the City of Carson was born.

Today, the City of Carson that Gil helped build, that city is a thriving, diverse destination city located in South Bay section of Los Angeles County has grown from 61,000 to now just near 100,000 residents.

Mr. Smith served on the City Council and served as its second mayor, where he and his colleagues transformed Carson into a thriving city with popular parks, improve infrastructure and a renewed sense of pride. He was instrumental in bringing Cal State University Dominguez Hills to the area.

The University was created to provide educational opportunities to diverse students, mostly a minority population in South Los Angeles region especially needed after the Watts Rebellion in 1965. Cal State University Dominguez Hills has grown to become the home of the Carson Velodrome, which Mr. Smith spearheaded for the 1984 Olympics.

Now called the Velo Sports Center on 125 acre StubHub center where American athletes have won over 15 medals.

The site eventually expanded to becoming the Dignity Sports park consisting of a soccer stadium, a tennis stadium where Serena and her tremendous sister, also Venus, played, track and field facilities, and it is now home to the LA Galaxy, which was the site in the 2003 FIFA World Cup.

So whether it was spearheading the development of a city bringing in a Cal State University serving in the US Navy and the Marine Corps, Gilbert D. Smith will be remembered for his perseverance in carrying forward his legacy of service, dedication, and unwavering belief in the power of the community.

Our community remains in prayer for his long standing wife of over 60 years, Shirley and his family. And Madam Chair, I rise to honor Mr. Gilbert "Gil" Smith. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Please bring his name forward so that Senate may be properly memorialized in his name. We're going to be moving back to privileges of the floor. We have Senator Ashby going to be recognized for her introduction.

Thank you so much, Madam President. I am so proud and excited today to recognize the Grant Pacers varsity football team from Grant Union High School in the Twin River School District here in Senate District 8. The Grant High Pacers had one of the most successful seasons in the school's history.

And that's saying a lot because they have a long and storied history of tremendous success at Grant High. The team ended the year as the California Interscholastic Federation CIF SAC Joaquin Section Division 2 state champs.

For, get this, the third consecutive year. They ended their season with a nine game winning streak and secured the championship with a 35 to 28 victory over Pacifica High School on December 13th of last year.

The Pacers demonstrated incredible determination, skill and teamwork, finishing with a 12.3 overall record and a perfect 5-0 record in their home Metroleague Division, which I will point out your Sergeant Sid Newman played in not too long ago himself, securing the number one ranking in our region.

The Pacers faced and overcame significant challenges on and off the field related to academic eligibility, housing, nutrition and safety. A testament to their extraordinary resilience both individually and as a team. Beyond their success on the field, now here, this is my favorite part.

The team has excelled academically, achieving collectively an average 3.2 GPA, the highest in school history for the football team. I am so proud of that achievement. Their success was made possible by support of their community.

And you should see their community, by the way, the leadership of their head coach, Carl Reed, and the exceptional coaching staff, many of whom are Grant Pacer alumni themselves. The achievements of these 73 players and their coaches have brought tremendous pride to the Pacers and to the City of Sacramento. Some are standing behind me.

Many are in our gallery today. Friends and colleagues on the Senate Floor, please join me in honoring the Grant Pacers.

Senator, someone who wants to also speak on this. Senator Niello, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. We had two teams regionally go down to Southern California, Twin Bridges High School went down with Grant. They unfortunately lost their game. But we have some outstanding football programs here in the Sacramento region. Grant, Twin Bridges, Folsom High School, my son's freshman team at Vista Del Lago. Excuse me, grandson's team.

But I know or I'm quite sure that I have constituents that probably go to Grant and may even be on that football team. And you have a long tradition of an outstanding football program, not just this year, and I am quite sure going on into future years, too.

And in particular, the point about the average grade point average of your team. That is a big deal. I congratulate you and the coach who I think probably who has a lot to do with that, for that, for that achievement. Thank you.

Senator Ashby.

Madam President, I promised Senator Niello that I would not mention the final regional game against Rockland. But I think I changed my mind. All right. Again, colleagues, join me in welcoming the Grant Pacers state champions to the Senate Floor.

Welcome to the state champions. Senator Ashby is going to take the first photo with her guests. And then we'll do a group photo after. For any other Member that wishes to join a group photo, now is the time.

Continuing on the privileges of the floor, I'd like to recognize Senator Jones.

Thank you, Madam President. I would like to rise for a point of personal privilege, if that would be okay.

Please proceed.

Thank you. And I might need some direction and some help here on how to proceed because I'm not really sure this is the first time I had to do this and stand up and complain about one of our Members, one of our esteemed, honorable Members on the floor of the Senate.

You all may remember a couple of weeks ago that I announced that my grandson Vincent was born. And it's a great day in the Jones family and the Turner family. We're very excited about it and you know, weeks of celebration and happiness.

And then a package arrives at my grandson's house addressed to Vincent with a handwritten note no less. Permission to read briefly?

Permission granted.

Our esteemed colleague From Senate District 34 and Santa Ana wrote my grandson a note. Don't. No. This is not good. It says, Vincent, welcome. Dear Vincent, welcome to California. You have already improved morale, which is a true statement. I know your parents, Melina and Justin, were overjoyed with your arrival. And your grandparents as well.

Lastly, there's more blah, blah, blah. Lastly, don't forget to register to vote in 2043. And then the audacity to include a pre-registration form selecting the Democratic Party. Madam President, I'm offended, but also thankful. Well done, sir. Class act. I appreciate you. Appreciate you reaching out it. Bless my family.

We're all laughing about it and having a great time. Thank you.

Senator, the desk has noted your complaint. Continuing under privileges of the floor. Now moving into Senator Seyarto.

Yeah. Republican caucus will meet in room 215 to try to discuss this and try to get over it.

Tough topic. If there's no other business. Senator McGuire, the desk is clear.

Thank you so much. My understanding is the Senator from SC 34 has a Bill that will pre establish that as well. Is that universal? All right, yeah. Thank you so much, but incredibly sweet. And,

Mr. Pro Tem, I apologize. One more announcement.

Okay. How you doing, Senator?

I'm good. Mr. Pro Tem.

Senator Weiner, you're recognized.

Madam President. Sorry to interrupt the Pro Tem. The Budget Committee will meet immediately after adjournment, so please proceed over in room 1200.

Thank you, Mr. Pro Tem.

Thank you so much. The next floor session is scheduled for Monday, February 3rd at 2 pm. Have a really good weekend. Ladies and Gentlemen.

The Senate will be in recess until 3:30pm at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at 2 pm.