Assembly Floor

Assembly is now in session. Assemblymember Sharp Collins notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant at arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent Members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

It'S Members of quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for the prayer. Reverend Patti Oshita will offer today's prayer. Reverend Oshita.

Please join me in a moment of reflection. Today marks the beginning of spring of 2025. We have been transitioning from the cold of winter towards the heat of summer. The long winter nights have been growing Shorter. And today the day and night will be of equal length.

The weather is not too hot or too cold, not too wet or too dry. We sense nature is in a moment of balance and harmony as we see the renewing of life in the world around us.

As we experience the natural world finding comfortable harmony and balance, let us reflect upon the harmony and balance we all seek in our lives. Every flower we see blooming is manifesting the miracle of life renewing. Even the most insignificant flower in full bloom is realizing its full potential as we welcome the spring season with our wisdom.

Eyes open, we see all around us the miracle of life renewing every blossom, reminding us to realize our full potential to be true human beings living in balance and harmony. Namo Amidabasu with kindness and gratitude beyond.

Words, we ask our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assemblymember Nguyen will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Members, please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America.

You may be seated. To our guests and visitors today, state law prohibits persons in the gallery from interfering with legislative proceedings or disrupting the orderly conduct of official business. Persons disrupting legislative proceedings are subject to removal, arrest or other appropriate legal remedies. Reading of the previous day's journal.

Assembly Chamber Sacramento Thursday, March 6, 2025 the Assembly met at 9am The Honorable Josh Lowenthal, Speaker Pro Temporary Majority Leader.

Aguiar curry moves and Mr. Lackey seconds, that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions, There are none. Introductions and references of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor? There are none. Messages from the Senate? There are none.

Moving on to motions and resolutions, the absences of the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural motion.

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

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly rule 118A to allow Assembly Member Nguyen to have guests seated at her desk. And for Assemblymember Avila Farias, Kalra, Nguyen and Patterson have guests at the rear of the chamber today.

Without objection. Such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB506 Bennett from the Business of Professional Committee to the Judiciary Committee and then back to the business and professional Committee.

Without objection, Such shall be the. All right, we are moving on to guest introductions. Assemblymember Avila Farias, you are recognized for your guest introduction. Members, can I have some decorum, please?

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to proudly recognize and welcome my outgoing intern in the rear of the chamber. Sam Shekman faithfully served in the Capitol office as part of the UC Sacramento program. A rising sophomore at UC Santa Barbara, he is a tireless advocate in protecting and advancing the rights of transgender youth in our state.

During their free time. Sam is an avid reader, loves musical theater, and enjoys tutoring his three younger siblings in math. Sam, your contributions to the State Assembly have made meaningful impact and truly appreciate your commitment to public service.

We are going to miss you at the State Capitol and we are so grateful for all the talent, enthusiasm and commitment that you showed my office as a freshman Assembly Member. Members, please join me in thanking Sam for his service and offering best wishes for his future future success.

Thank you for your service, Sam. You will be missed. Assemblymember Pacheco, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Good morning, Members and Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to welcome some amazing students in my Assembly District. We have Ms. Caitlin's fifth grade students from Kirkwood Christian School, from the City of Downey. Please wave to them. They're in the gallery. Welcome to Sacramento.

Downey in the House, Assemblymember Caloza, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. Actually, good morning. Apologies, Mr. Speaker and Members. As a proud immigrant, I am honored to highlight the work of the Central American Resource center, also known as CARECEN, and its Members. They are here in the gallery today. Welcome to the Capitol. They're here on my left side.

CARECEN was founded in 1983 and is the largest Central American immigrants rights organization in the country. For over four decades, they have spent tireless efforts empowering and advocating for all immigrant communities.

And especially now, in a time when a lot of our immigrant communities are scared, they're doing tremendous work, not just in Los Angeles, but across the state. So, colleagues, please join me in welcoming the work of Members and leaders from our community. And from CARECEN in the gallery, we have Martha Arevalo, Executive Director Julie Mitchell, Alexander Morales. Lorenzepeda, Benjamin Fernandez, Hector Vazquez, and Crystal Hurtado. So welcome to Sacramento.

Okay, we're going to be moving on to business on the daily file. There are further guest introductions that we will come back to. We are going to move on to second reading.

[Second Reading]

All bills will be deemed read and all amendments will be deemed adopted. Members, today we're going to be going out of file order to expedite business and accommodate our young guests. Today. Bear with me. I will announce as possible. We are. Going to begin with file item 16, ACR 41, by Assembly Member Patterson. Clerk will read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 41 by Assembly Member Patterson relative to down syndrome awareness.

Assembly Member Patterson, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, appreciate the accommodation today. I'm honored to present ACR 41 to recognize once again this year down syndrome awareness day and week. Down syndrome is the most commonly occurring chromosomal condition affecting nearly 6,000 newborns every year.

The CDC reports that down syndrome occurs in 1 out of 640 babies. In the past 40 years, the quality of life for people living with down syndrome has significantly improved technological and medical advancements. As well as greater access to quality care and societal acceptance has allowed people living with down syndrome to flourish.

These are great steps in the right direction, but I've authored this resolution the past three years so that greater awareness would allow us to do more for those living with down syndrome. Enhanced awareness has already increased opportunities for people with down syndrome, whether in the classroom or in the workplace.

We're seeing how growth and participation of all aspects of life brings further meaning and purpose to the lives of those with down syndrome. The state is doing some really great things, but we can do more.

Last year I introduced everybody to John, who's independently worked for nearly two decades in the governor's office or programs at various universities like UC Davis, where kids learn, live, work and learn independently. Why can't more of these opportunities be made available?

Imagine more state jobs for these individuals where they get paid, have their own health care, and equally as important, continue to contribute to society. ACR 41 will proclaim the week of March 16, 2025 to March 22 as Down Syndrome Awareness Week. And March 21, 2025 is California Down Syndrome Day.

I encourage all Californians to support to first learn about down syndrome and support and participate in local activities and initiatives aimed at bringing greater acceptance and understanding to those incredible individuals living with down syndrome. Members, thank you for allowing me to share the importance of this resolution. I ask for the first roll call to be open for co authors and I'm respectfully requesting your support for ACR 41.

Thank you, Assemblymember Patterson, for this very important resolution. All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. This is for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. The Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 64.

Knows zero. There are 64 co authors added without objection. We will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Patterson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It's my honor to recognize very special group of constituents here with me today. Oftentimes I joke with people when I come into the Capitol. I'm surrounded by people with frowny faces. I promise I'm not talking badly about you.

But what's great about this day when I do this resolution is I'm surrounded by a bunch of people that are always happy, always happy. Faces make me happy.

And just the other day I had an open house at my district office, and we partnered with incredible Members from the down syndrome community and brought in Gigi's Playhouse with us at the open house. And it was. It was a great day. That's. That's what I can say is everybody was really excited to be there and happy, and I'm happy to have them with me today.

Here are the incredible groups of VIPs, not only here on the floor, we also have some more friends in the gallery, and I ask that we recognize them and Gigi's Playhouse and many of the incredible organizations that do a lot of work for individuals with down syndrome, please recognize them and welcome them today.

Welcome to the California Assembly. We're so happy that you're here. Thank you for joining us today. Welcome.

Members, if I could have your attention please. Assemblymember Kalra, you are recognized for your very special guest introduction.

Thank you very much Mr. Speaker and Members, it is my honor to introduce Consul General Rana Sarkar from the great country of Canada to the Assembly floor once again.

And he is joined by representatives of his consulate office, representatives from the province of Alberta, and as well as representatives of investment groups including pension funds that invest over $100 billion every year into California and over half $1.0 trillion to our great nation. I was gonna this is cultural attire day.

I was gonna wear my Canadian tuxedo, but decided to go a little more understated homage to my place of birth, Canada.

And as the only currently serving Canadian born Legislature, it's been wonderful to really build such a strong relationship with the Consulate office over the year and in particular with Consul General Rana Sarkar who has also built a very close relationship with our Speaker Robert Rivas.

Consul General Sarkar has served as the San Francisco based Consul General of Canada since 2017, overseeing Canada's relations with Northern California and Hawaii.

Since arriving in Sacramento, the Consul General and his delegation met with legislators, policymakers and friends of Canada in both the public and private sectors to further the collaborative Canada California partnership and exchange policies that promote our shared values around free trade, sustainable and equitable economic growth, ambitious climate action and responsible governance.

There is no doubt that this relationship is incredibly, incredibly important for both parties. And if you're ever. If you ever doubt whether you have a friend, then you probably don't have a friend. Well, there is no doubt that Canada has been a great friend to our state and nation.

And to be sure, California is and will always remain a great friend to Canada. And this friendship is more important than ever. As we navigate a shifting geopolitical landscape, to say the least, and join together to advance priorities that unite us.

The deep partnership between our two countries is a wellspring of strength, stability and progress and will be crucial as we work together to build a prosperous and equitable future for all of North America. Please join me in welcoming Consul General of Canada Rana Sarkar to our Assembly floor.

Okay, we are going to be going back to the business. On the daily file. We will be. Pass. We will. Pass and retain on items 17 and 18. Pass temporarily on file item 19. Pass and retain on file item 20. Pass temporarily on file item 21. Pass retirement and retain on file item 22. Pass temporarily file items 23 and 24. Pass and retain file item 25. File item 26 HR 24 by Assemblymember Nguyen.

House Resolution 24 by Assembly Member Nguyen relative to Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.

Members, if I could have decorum, please. Assemblymember Nguyen, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I am proud today to present to you HR 24, recognizing the month of March as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month. It is estimated. It is estimated that over 600,000 Californians have a developmental disability and that we are fortunate here in California to have developmental disability services. Who is providing services to 500,000 individuals.

But, Members, this. This hits home for me. Last year, I brought my daughter Hannah to the floor. She was nine years old. I told you that she was able to count to 100. It took some time, but she was finally able to count to 100 and that she had maybe 200 words. She's 10 this year.

I brought her to the floor again with me. She started speaking complete sentences just this year. As a matter of fact, when she walked in the room today, she said, good morning, everybody. Good morning, David, our reading Clerk. You see, Hannah is a special kid.

And I hope that each and every single one of you, in 1.0 in time, get to meet an individual with developmental disability, but especially a kiddo. And if you haven't yet, I made sure you did today because I brought Hana's classmates with her. I brought Kynello, I brought Adeline, and I also brought Milo as well.

Hana is 10 years old and she may not be able to add 10 plus 12. She may not be able to read the same book that your 10 year old can read, but she has feelings and she knows when somebody sees her different. She knows when kids are mean to her.

She knows when they don't want to play with her. As a parent, we send our kids to school hoping they make friends, hoping they never get bullied. As a parent to child with developmental disabilities, we know our kid is going to get bullied. We know they're going to be made fun of.

And so we pray every day when we drop them off that today isn't the day that they are going to get bullied. Today is the day that there's going to be a friend that wants to be their friend. Today is the day that somebody is going to stand up for them.

So I present this resolution to bring awareness to all of you because we, as legislators can make a difference. We can ensure that California is ready for these kiddos when they get older, that they too can have a life, that they too can be contributors into this world.

But that only happens with each and every single One of you. That only happens if you talk to your kiddos about it. That only happens if you accept it and you embrace it like I have. When I found out Hannah was a special need kiddo, I blamed myself. I thought, what did I do?

What did I do to this kiddo for her to have to go through this? And actually it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. The best thing. Because if it wasn't for the fact that I was a mom to a kid with special needs, I wouldn't be a part of this other world, this other community, this other family, and I wouldn't be able to come here to speak to you as raw as I am today.

Because I go to bed every night praying that when I leave this earth here that somebody is going to take care of my kid, that's going to take care of other hottest in this world because she deserves, she deserves life as well too.

I want to be able to say you can be whatever you want if you put your mind to it, but I can't. She has limitations. There are only so much that she can do.

But as legislators, we can lead the way here in California and we can say that we not only accept, not only embrace, but we support individuals with disabilities. For that I respectfully asked for your. I vote not only on my behalf, but for Canelo, for Adeline, for Hana, and for Milo as well too. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Nguyen, Assembly Member Jeff Gonzalez. You are recognized colleagues.

Today I rise in support, in strong support of my colleague, her family, her fight and for H R24. See, I'm a dad of a special needs son. I, when I married my wife, I became an insta pop, which means that family was already there. I just got added to the equation. My son is 32 years old.

He's got cerebral palsy with spastic quadriplegia, which means he doesn't have the ability to use his legs, his hands, he eats through his stomach, through a Mickey button. And he's non verbal. He requires 24 hour care, turning every two hours. When I'm home, I have the 4am shift.

But when I'm not, my wife has a 24 hour shift. You see, colleagues, I look at this and I say I'm blessed because there's two of us in this fight. But the reality of the situation is there are many Californians, mothers, fathers, uncles, aunts, brothers, sisters, abuelitas who are doing this on their own.

They're out there trying to advocate, trying to navigate through the resources the maze of resources. When we talk about the most vulnerable, we're talking about some of these families that can't even do anything. They can't go to the movies because of the high need.

So I ask you, as we're here today and moving forward, and the reason why I'm here today is to advocate for the special needs families in the special needs community. That's my reason. My son doesn't have a voice. Many sons and daughters of California don't have a voice.

So it's up to us to be the voice of those who are voiceless. It is up to us to fight for those who cannot fight. It is up to us for us to rise and make change for those who need the change. If we don't do that, then we have failed.

So, yes, I rise in support, but I also rise to challenge every single one of my colleagues from across the aisle within my party throughout California, that today is the day that we must take a stand to rise for our special needs community and the most vulnerable, because we can fix this problem.

And it takes all of us. This is not a partisan issue. This is a life and death community issue. And we can rise in support, not only to support my colleague across the aisle with what's going on in her family, but the sons and daughters and families of California. We can do that. And we can show that we can work together here in California. So today I ask strongly for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Gonzalez, Assemblymember Muratsuchi, you are recognized.

Thank you very much. I want to thank, you know, our colleague, not only from Elk Grove, but our colleague from Indio. Bipartisan support, standing up to fight for our most vulnerable kids, our most beautiful kids. You know, shared with our colleague from Elk Grove that Hana, you know, of course, in Japanese means flower.

And you know, it's not just Hana who's beautiful, but it's all of the kids that are beautiful. And I must rise to take this opportunity to highlight that our most vulnerable kids in our schools are protected by the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.

When children with disabilities are being discriminated against, when they are denied equal educational opportunity, and families have no lawyers to go to, who do they go to? They go to the United States Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights.

And so if we truly believe that we are going to stand up for all kids, because this is not a partisan, this is not a party issue. Red states, blue states, all families, all kids with disabilities are beautiful children. And we need to stand up to fight the Dismantling of the U.S.

Department of Education that is dedicated to protecting these beautiful kids. I rise in support of HR24.

Thank you, Assemblymember Muratsuchi. Assemblymember Berman, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I also rise in support of HR 24, and I want to thank my colleague from Elk Grove for bringing it. I want to thank my colleague from Indio for his wonderful remarks, my colleague from Rockland who brought the last resolution.

We as a society have come so far in the last decades to see and recognize and embrace and cherish and celebrate our Californians and all Americans, regardless of their abilities, but especially our developmentally disabled friends and neighbors and family.

And one of the things that has made me the saddest of many over the last couple of months has been seeing and reading about the proliferation of the use of slurs towards people with developmental disabilities, the proliferation of people using the R word online in social media posts.

But that stuff doesn't just stay online and with social media posts, especially when it's people who have the biggest platforms in the world who are regularly using these terms to insult others and to try to put people down, because there are millions of Americans that look up to these people and follow what they do.

And so I really appreciate the bipartisan nature of this because we all, as my colleague from India said, we all have a responsibility to defend and protect the developmentally disabled community when they're being bullied, whether it happens online, whether it happens in our homes, whether it happens at schools, whether it happens in the workplace.

And I really worry that we're going to see a proliferation of really ugly actions and insults and speaking because people will think it's okay, because people see leaders in our country doing this. And so I'm heartened to hear the strong, very, very strong bipartisan support for these resolutions.

And I hope that we all really internalize this and that we all, no matter if it's our friends or strangers, if we hear language like that, that we immediately kind of push back because society, you know, California and America, we have. There should be no place for that type of talk.

But I've seen it really blow up a lot in the last couple of months, and I'm very worried about it. So appreciate and stand up in support of HR24. Thanks.

Thank you, Assemblymember Berman. Assembly Member Rogers, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I rise today in support of HR24. My mom is actually a service provider. 26 years ago, she founded the Early Learning Institute in Sonoma County. And she dedicated her life to helping families in need.

And for me, one of the most formative moments of my life was watching her do the work. Like most nonprofits, we were voluntolds. It was family first. They started with two people in a closet providing services. And so when my mom needed our family to be there, we'd be there.

And I was tabling with her one day, and somebody walked up and they listened about the services, and then they said, well, why should my tax dollars go towards supporting kids that'll never amount to anything? And without skipping a beat, my mom said, because if it was your kids, you'd want somebody to care.

And that was the lens that I learned to look through all issues with, whether it's racial justice, social justice, environmental justice, disability rights. We have in our communities, people who are impacted, whether it's the children themselves, the families, the service providers.

And I think that the comments were well taken that we could do better to support, whether it's from this chamber when the budget comes up, whether it's online, when we see things. And I just want to commend my colleague for bringing this resolution forward. I'm very proud to stand in support, and I urge and I vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member Rogers. Assemblymember Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. I want to thank my colleague from Elk Grove for bringing this again this year. A lot of you know that my mother was a foster mother for over two decades. In the last 10 years, she was a foster mother to special needs children, in particular. The hardest to place cases.

That's what my mother always wanted to step in and do. She got a call two decades ago. A baby boy was born. Name was Dennis. Dennis had cerebral palsy. Very traumatic entry into this world. Lungs underdeveloped, could barely breathe.

Fluid in his brain that needed to be drained through a shunt and likely wasn't going to be able to make it. And they asked my mom if she would go to the hospital and spend time with him. And she did, every single day.

And then she asked if she could take him home because she didn't want this baby boy to die in the hospital, that he felt he was going to not make it, that she wanted him to not make it in a place where he was loved and surrounded by people who loved him. Dennis was adopted.

His name is Evan Bryan, and he's 22 years old this week. That is what care and support and love and compassion and humanity means. That is what I see in my colleague, and that is why I strongly support HR24.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bryan. Assemblymember Patterson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, thank you to my colleague from Elk Grove for bringing this resolution again this year and sharing personal story. Also had a great conversation with my colleague from Menlo park after the presentation of my resolution.

A lot of people have asked me, and I think to some extent, even in this body, people, I think not intentionally, have questioned why this is such a big issue to me.

And you know, for about a decade, I volunteered at one of these nonprofits to help a young lady named Catherine who was actually bit by a mosquito when she was nine months old, had swelling on her brain and basically lost. She couldn't. She couldn't use her body, essentially. And so I volunteered with the.

With an organization to help her as well as other kids who had severe developmental disabilities. And so that's why in the Legislature I've really focused on this.

Aside from the resolutions, I've also introduced the legislation along with my colleague from Elk Grove, because our state agencies honestly are impacting the ability for them to get the care that they need. Our state agencies here in California right now. Not what might happen in the future from some other thing, but right now.

I also commend this body last year for standing up against a proposed $300 million budget cut to preschool programs for kids with dis. Developmental disabilities. It was this Legislature that stopped that proposal by the Governor. Unfortunately, he also vetoed our legislation on this topic.

So hopefully I'm trying again this year and I hope I can earn your support again. But these are really important matters, and it's not just about a resolution, but it's also about the governance we have. And it's important to bring the resolution so we can see the impact that this has on families.

And we've heard some great stories, inspirational stories today. And I want to leave with one last comment from to my colleague from Elk Grove. Actually, I happen to be in the Members lounge first thing I getting a cup of coffee, and I didn't have enough coffee at that point.

But yes, your daughter walked in, greeted everybody, started talking, you know, and I was blown away at the progress over the last year. So congratulations to you, your daughter and the entire support system for making that happen. It was very inspirational first thing in the morning before I even had my coffee. So with that, I ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Patterson, Assemblymember Lackey, you are recognized.

Thank you. Members. I. I just wanted to say first of all to the Member From Elk Grove. I'm very thankful for this. I don't know if all of you are aware, but I started my career path in special education, and I've seen.

I'm a lot older than most of you in here, and I've seen society really change, and we're improving because back when I was a young person, people were terrible because society really did reject these people. Families were afraid to even admit that they had a child with this condition.

Many families didn't even expose these children to the public. This is the reality that we face. And I had a lot that I wanted to say about this issue. But I want you to know that I care deeply.

And it's not because I have a child with this condition, but I have a heart for this population, and I hope that you do, too. But here's the reality. The reality is we can talk a good game, but we need to prove it.

And I will tell you, this population, no matter what we say today on this floor, is in jeopardy. It's in jeopardy because of funding, because there's a legitimate competition for funding in this institution. And I can tell you that these are the last ones to be considered to be funded and the first ones to be cut.

That's immoral, and I'm ashamed of that. And I will tell you that even in the Governor's Budget this year, Special Olympics has been cut. It's not funded. We got to change that. These are the realities that we need to pay attention to everybody. And I'm proud to be a voice for these very worthy parts of our population. And I ask that you wake up, pay attention, because they deserve your attention. Thank you.

Thank you. Assembly Member Lackey, Assembly Member Solache, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, today I rise, full of inspiration, full of. Full of energy that we're celebrating humanity. Member from El Grove, Rockland. What a beautiful day to acknowledge our beautiful kids.

You see, as a former mayor of Lynwood and a proud school board Member, I would tell community all the time, especially our youth, doesn't matter what you look like. If you're short like me or fluffy or tall or skinny, whatever you look like, you're beautiful. Your words today, Mr. Patterson, your acknowledgement. Member Stephanie.

And bringing those beautiful kids today, it's just. Just brings this beautiful part to my heart. Today and this week, the cprs, California Parks and Rec Society, thousands of people are here in our state capitol at their state convention. I was with them last night. In fact, three of them are here.

And from my own community, Linwood and these individuals celebrate kids all the time, including our special needs kids. You see, as a former school board Member, we started in Linwood the last Sunday in February, which I invited my district to last February, Sunday in February.

Mike Gibson, Member Gibson was with me this past Sunday in February where we celebrate children with special needs in Linwood. It's a beautiful day. We bring music, we bring celebration to acknowledge them. And yeah, they get one day, but guess what? It's beautiful.

And I encourage you all to visit my district on the last Sunday of February because it's, it was our 15th year anniversary or our quinceanera, like we like to say in our Latino culture. Next year will be our sweet 16 for our American culture. And we're going to keep celebrating these beautiful children because they belong, they matter.

And it doesn't matter what they look like, including if they're short and fluffy like me or tall like Tongue Whatever you look like, right? Whatever you look like. We're all beautiful and we bring something to the society. So I just wanted to celebrate them and enjoy them.

And again, to our Parks and Rec staff throughout California that are here today, especially my Parks and Rec staff, they celebrate kids every day regardless of what they look like. And I just appreciate them all. And thank you, Members. And don't forget, let's spread more humanity and love because hate is ugly. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Solache. Assembly Member Papan, you are recognized.

Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. To my colleague from Oak Grove, I hope you don't mind that I asked your older daughter to join me at my desk. I think you know that I have always felt that your older daughter is a kindred spirit to me because I too grew up with a child, a sibling who was very, very special, who we lost at the age of 21. But he certainly makes me who I am today. Now, to my colleague from Elk Grove.

Your fear is palpable. Your fortitude is palpable. And every year when you speak, you get to me. And I just want you to know I am so honored to know you. I am so honored for your openness.

I appreciate all of my colleagues who were with such great ease get up and speak about their family situation or whatever. It's not that easy for me. And I don't know why, but get used to it because I'm laying some more on you in the future.

But I just, I am so impressed by you and I know what it's like as your child grows older. And you do wonder what's going to happen when you're gone. And to all of you that spoke about what are the services for our children, likewise for adult disabled children.

It is something we will and must keep on our radar because I know that fear. So I thank you for sharing your fear. I thank you for sharing your older daughter with us, who, as you know, I bonded with instantly. And your life is going to make you who you are. I know it made me who I am. So I wish you nothing but the best. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Papan, seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Nguyen, would you like to close?

Thank you. I want to thank everybody for getting up and speaking from both sides of the aisle, up and down California.

And I want to just make a quick comment on what my colleague said about there are still a lot of families that are ashamed and there are still a lot of families that hide their kids and their adult kids. And I didn't want to be one of those.

I did it because my daughter is special and I wanted to make sure that I came out everywhere because as she was growing up, there were things that she was doing that wasn't on par with all the other kids and I wouldn't say anything.

And finally I got brave enough to say she's special needs, she's non verbal or she's special needs. She can't respond or she can't speak.

And if anything, that's made me even stronger to talk about the issue because I have found that it's gotten more people to come out and speak about it and share that they too have a family Member that is special needs or they too have a kid that they never talk about, that they never bring anywhere and that they hide.

And I want to be that person to say, you shouldn't, don't hide your kids, don't hide your adult kids.

There is a community out here that is supporting your kids, that's supporting you and that the more you talk about it, the more you share, the more open you are about it, the more people will know and understand it.

But if we keep hiding it and we don't talk about it, then you'll continue to get people that will make fun of our kids, that will bully the kids. And so I want to thank you all for the support.

I want to thank you all for being brave enough to get up and share your personal stories because we need more people like that. We need more people in leadership position to be able to share and be brave enough to talk about, to talk about something that Maybe for the longest time you've never talked about. It helps our kids. It helps their future. And for that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you. Assemblymember Nguyen, would you like the first roll to be open for co authors? I'll debate having ceased. Members of. Excuse me. Clerk will open the roll for co authors. Members, this is for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.

The Clerk will close the roll. There are 72 CO authors added without objection. We will now take a voice vote on this resolution. All those in favor say aye. All those opposed no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Nguyen, you're recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. These kiddos wouldn't be where they're at right now. Hannah wouldn't have improved so much in that short period of time had it not been for the educators that are in her life. So I'd like to recognize Ms. Flores, Ms. Bri, Ms. Jacqueline, and Ms. Francie. And then parents of these kiddos are up there.

And then EG Speaks, which is an organization that advocates for families, and kiddos with special needs are all up there as well too. Please help me in giving them a thundering round of applause for what they.

Welcome to the California Assembly. Thank you for everything you do for our great state. Thank you.

Okay, continuing on business on the daily file, we are skipping back to file item 21, ACR 48, by Assemblymember DeMaio. The Clerk will read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 48 by Assemblymember DeMaio, relative to Women in STEM Day

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, today I'm honored to be presenting ACR 48, which will recognize March 22nd as Women in STEM Day. I'd also like to thank the Poway High School robotics team for contacting my office and asking me to carry the two resolutions I'm presenting today. I gotta say, they will make great legislative staffers someday.

Women in STEM Day honors and recognizes the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in stem. Women throughout modern history have played a key role in many STEM fields.

For example, Marie Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize for her theory of radioactivity, but was also the first woman, first person to win two Nobel Prizes, as well as two Nobels in two different scientific fields.

Rosalind Franklin played a key role in the discovery of the double helix structure of DNA and rna, but unfortunately was not Recognized properly during her life for her achievement, Katherine Johnson served a vital role during the early years of NASA. Known as the Human Computer for her extraordinary mathematical prowess and expertise while calculating space trajectories.

These women serve as powerful reminders of the great potential women in STEM have and the importance of encouraging our young women today to continue to pursue careers in STEM fields. Colleagues, I ask that you join me in recognizing Women in STEM Day. And I ask the first roll call be open for co authors.

Thank you, Assemblymember DeMaio. Assemblymember Ransom, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support of ACR 48 and I thank the gentleman from San Diego for bringing this important resolution. Supporting women in STEM is one of the most powerful ways that we can demonstrate and promote diversity, equity and inclusion. Women have long demonstrated the capacity for brilliance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

But sadly, opportunities were not always available and doors were not always open to them. And even today, some stereotypes persist and we still have work to do.

But by acknowledging the inequities and then working to provide mentorship, increase access to education, and dismantle systemic barriers, we have increased the representation of women in stem, enriched the field and drove innovation. Though we still have work to do, this approach mirrors diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives that that honor the historic treatment of people of color.

And it acknowledges past inequities and helps us work towards creating a more inclusive environment. This, my friends, is what DEI is all about. It is the practice of creating environments where people of all backgrounds, identities and experiences are valued, treated fairly and given equal opportunities to succeed.

God created us as a diverse world, diverse in many ways, and diversity focuses on a range of perspectives. Equity ensures that everyone has access to God given opportunities. And inclusion means that we make sure all individuals feel welcome and supported.

So let us continue to support women in STEM and value diversity, equity, inclusion, thereby creating an environment where everyone, regardless of gender and background, can thrive and succeed. I strongly urge a bipartisan. I vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Ransom. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry. You are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As chair of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I rise today in support of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 48, proclaiming March 22, 2025 Women in STEM Day. We dedicate this day to reflecting on the barriers women and girls face in STEM fields and celebrate their achievements.

While women represent nearly half of the global workforce, they still are underrepresented in STEM fields, making up 26% of the stem workforce. This underrepresentation results from various factors, including gender, stereotypes, lack of role models and biases in education and workplace culture and for rural areas like my own district, the lack of Internet access is another factor.

I've made it my mission to correct this shortcoming. Traditional gendered roles and stereotypes can discourage girls and women from pursuing STEM fields. I want girls to feel encouraged to pursue a STEM field. In order for that to happen, they need to see women in stem. They need role models.

The earlier in life we start, the more young women will seek these careers. Providing opportunities for the young at age, providing mentorship, fostering inclusive workplaces, addressing workplace biases, and promoting diversity and inclusion are ways that we can address the barriers of women and girls face in STEM fields.

I want to thank the Member from San Diego for bringing this resolution forward and I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 48.

Thank you madam Majority Leader. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymember Dubaio, you may close.

I want to thank my colleagues for their support for this resolution. Let's continue to send a strong message to our young women that they can do anything that a guy can do better, probably in a lot of respects. With that, I ask for the aye votes and open the first roll for co authors.

All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors on the Bill. Members. This is for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote all those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to.

The Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes there are 66 co authors added without objection we will now take a voice vote on the resolution all those in favor say aye all those opposed no the ayes have it the resolution is adopted we are now moving on to file item 27 ACR49 by Assemblymember DeMaio Clerk will read Assembly Concurrent Resolution 49 by Assemblymember DeMaio relative to California stem robotics day Assemblymember DeMaio you are recognized

So my overachieving students. At Poway high school the robotics team would also like to offer ACR 49 I'm honored to be presenting it today recognizing march 20 second also as California STEM robotics day. STEM robotics day recognizes and honors California's leadership in the steam fields especially technological advancement innovation technology and robotics California has continuously been a global leader in the steam fields with hubs such as Silicon Valley Los Angeles and San Diego being known for their influence and innovation as science and technology continue to grow and advance in California the demand for jobs in stem continues to grow particularly in engineering biotechnology and robotics it's imperative that we continue to foster a culture a state that encourages young people to pursue stem careers and strive to become science and technology leaders throughout California I ask that you join me in recognizing March 20 second as California STEM robotics day and I ask that the first roll be open for Co authors

Thank you Assemblymember DeMaio all debate having ceased the Clerk will open the roll for co authors all those vote who desire to vote Members this is for co authors all those vote who desire to vote all those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll there are 63 co authors added without objection we will now take a voice vote on the resolution all those in favor say aye let's do that again all those in favor say aye all those opposed no the ayes have it the resolution is adopted moving on skipping back actually to file item 23 hr 18 by Assemblymember Gabriel Clerk will read

House Resolution 18 by Assemblymember Gabriel and others relative to nowruz

Assemblymember Gabriel you are recognized

Thank you Mister speaker. I rise today.

To present HR18 celebrating the persian new year known as Nowroz as Reverend Oshita spoke to so beautifully this morning spring is in the air and with that comes this incredible holiday that is celebrated by over 300.0 million people. Worldwide many folks in the Persian Diaspora. In my community and across California will.

Celebrate Nowroz for the next two weeks. It is a holiday of unity of.

Reflection and of rejuvenation what I find remarkable and beautiful about this holiday it is that is not specific to one religion one country or one community it transcends borders languages and cultural differences and brings people together in a celebration of love peace and tranquility and that's something. Our world needs more of these days.

I was grateful for the chance to. Celebrate with many of you on Monday and if you missed Monday's celebration I hope you can join our colleagues from the api caucus who are proudly celebrating. The official start of of Nowroz today they will be hosting a celebration after session today in capitol room 300. And 17 I wish you all a Nowroz Mubarak and I hope you will join me in celebrating this year and. Respectfully request your support on HR 18.

Nowruz Mubarak assemblymember Gabriel would you like the first roll to be open for co authors yes please while debate having ceased the Clerk will open the roll for co authors all Members vote who desire to vote all those vote who desire to vote all those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll tally the votes there are 67 co authors added without objection we will move on to a voice vote all those in favor of the resolution signify by saying aye all those opposed no the ayes have it the resolution is adopted again happy Nowroz may this year bring you joy prosperity and endless blessings Assemblymember Caloza you are recognized thank.

You Mister speaker on behalf of the Asian American and Pacific Islander legislative caucus I would like to thank our colleague from San Fernando Valley apologize for recognizing Nowroz today and on your desk we have a box of treats as well as a poem and some some treats as well so on behalf of the AAPI legislative caucus we respectfully ask that you accept this gift and you're welcome to enjoy them after today's session so.

Happy Nowruz thank you Assemblymember Caloza. We. Are skipping on to file item 19 ACR 2 by Assemblymember Jackson the Clerk will read

Assembly Concurrent Resolution two by Assembly Member Jackson relative to racial discrimination

Mister speaker. I rise to recognize march 20 first as the international day for the elimination of racial discrimination every year we observe this day marking the very day when people in sharpville South Africa opened fire and killed 69 people at a peaceful demonstration against apartheid past laws in 1960 in 1979 the United Nations General Assembly adopted a program of activities to be Undertaken during the second half of the decade for action to combat racism and racial discrimination on that occasion the General Assembly decided that a week of solidarity with those struggling against racism and racial discrimination beginning on march 20 first would be organized annually in all nations over 75 years ago for the first time the international commUnity agreed on a set of common values and acknowledged that rights are inherent in every single human being and not granted by governments or states the Universal declaration of human rights states that everyone is entitled to all rights and freedoms without distinction of any kind such as race and color among others however racism and racial discrimination continue to affect people all over the world the United Nations General Assembly reiterates that all human beings are born free and equal in their dignity and rights and have the potential to contribute constructively to the development and well being of their societies in its most recent resolution the Un General Assembly also emphasized that any doctrine of racial superiority is scientifically false morally condemnable socially Unjust dangerous and must be rejected at all times importantly the Un's intention is to call out the most racist of theories that attempt to determine the existence of separate human races it's tragic we in 2025 must still call these things out we must continue to proclaim that racism is a public health crisis in California and throughout this nation there is a saying in commUnities of historically marginalized and oppressed populations that if you are not at the table you are on the menu for the first time in a long time we are no longer trading places every year on who's on the menu but this year we are on the menu all of us are on the menu at the same time this has caused many of our commUnities to retreat into survival mode but this can also be an opportUnity to strengthen our solidarity so let us recommit ourselves to one another thank you Very much Mister speaker.

Senator Jackson would you like the first roll to be open for co authors yes I would 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 vote this is for co authors all Members vote who desire to vote the Clerk will close the roll there are 64 co authors added without objection will now take a voice vote on the resolution all those in favor say aye all those opposed no the ayes have it the resolution is adopted summit Member Jackson you're recognized for your announcement thank you.

Very much Mister speaker let me just close for a few concrete ways we can do to defeat racism number one don't be silent when you're when you hear racism discriminatory xenophobic and dehumanizing language call it out when you see a group of people targeted based on the way god made them or how they worship come to their aid and have their back even if you believe it has nothing to do with you personally grow your own humanity by learning about and embracing your own ancestry and culture by researching your own ancestral land language food stories and music despite what we all have been taught in this country we are not just black white Latino or Asian we are igbo xhosa zulu we are Chinese Filipino Japanese Vietnamese and Indian we are inca mayan and Aztec we are Irish German Scottish Portuguese Spanish French and Danish and Swedish full of history traditions and ancestral knowledge that connects us to our lineage for thousands of years this is important because when you grow in your own humanity you make it easier to see the humanity in others and become willing to fight to ensure that they have the opportunity to access the gift you have been given on your desk today is a book to get you started on your own journey to understand who you really are and where you come from it is where you will find ancestral stories around the world that are as old as 2000 years old some of you may be familiar some of them may be familiar to you without knowing their original origin and others will be new to you for the very first time I encourage you to first read and internalize those stories that originate from your own ancestry for they are sacred messages intended to teach you what you really value what you should really value in life what it means to be healthy your responsibility to your family and community and your sacred role on this earth embrace it and read it to your children and grandchildren make sure these stories are never lost then immerse yourself in the culture wisdom and traditions of the world to truly be grounded in your humanity thank you very much Mister speaker.

Thank you so much Assemblymember Jackson this very important message and the books we're now continuing on to file item 24 AB 248 by Assembly Member Bryan the clerk will read

Assembly Bill 248 by Assembly Member Brian and others and acc relating to jails

Thank you Mister speaker and colleagues Assembly Bill 248 is a really simple Bill we have a archaic piece of state law that's been on the books for a very very very very long time and what it does is it sets a wage cap in our jails that prevents counties from paying incarcerated people more than 25 cents per hour for their labor what's frustrating about that is there's victims compensation that needs to be paid and what's more frustrating about that is I don't think the state should be setting a mandate like that on local counties local counties should have the authority and the jurisdiction to decide for themselves what the.

Dignity of work is for people in. Their jails especially given that half the people in those jails are still pretrial and haven't been convicted of any wrongdoing this Bill was non fiscal and as every Member of the Public Safety Committee can tell you not a soul showed up in opposition testimony I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you assemblymember Bryan. Assemblymember Hadwick you are recognized.

I'm sorry thank you Mister speaker today, I rise in respectful opposition to Assembly Bill 248 I represent 11 counties that have nine county jails and a transitional holding facility this Bill ignores the fundamental purpose of inmate labor programs they're not traditional employment they're part of a rehabilitation process that provides structure skill building and a sense of responsibility my rural counties cannot foot this Bill they are struggling to make their ends meet my sheriffs are currently under huge financial pressure they struggle to meet the needs of inmates in their care and provide rehabilitation opportunities my county jails are outdated undersized and at full capacity the Lassen county jail opened in 1991 and the sheriff is trying to fix the facility's Ada issues this would hurt that the Shasta county jail has built was built in the 19 seventies and the sheriff is creating a modern Corrections and Rehabilitation campus focused on rehabilitation and education my sheriffs want to meet the needs of each inmate but this Bill would hurt their ability to do that instead of funding Proposition 36 to to provide treatment and rehabilitation this Bill will put more strains on my sheriffs is the goal of this major if the goal of this major is to help inmates prepare for re reentry we should be focusing on job training and educational programs that give them a true pathway to employment after their release and not on our artificially inflating inmate wages this Bill is irresponsible and will lead to higher costs for my sheriffs less treatments for inmates and fewer rehabilitation programs I urge my colleagues to listen to California voters and Fund proven treatment and rehabilitation programs for these reasons I respectfully ask for a no vote

Thank You so much assemblymember hadwick if you continue to have any issues with the microphone please feel free and comfortable to speak from a colleague's desk you will be recognized from a colleague's desk Assemblymember DeMaio you are recognized

Thank you I rise in opposition to AB 248 to once again highlight the fact that California voters overwhelmingly sent their verdict on this issue by rejecting Proposition six in the last election overwhelmingly we can get into the whole debate about rehabilitation but the reality is when people are in jail when they're in prison there's a substantial cost to taxpayers and it's not unreasonable to expect inmates to help chip in to do a little bit of the work clean your cell do the laundry serve the food as my colleague from Northern California correctly points out we have a variety of budget shortfalls our local jails are struggling but also there's an opportunity for this to be part of rehabilitation I had to laugh last night I had dinner with the board of CCPOA and we talked about the Norwegian model and I said well the Governor likes the Norwegian model so I'm a little suspicious about this so called Norwegian model but apparently there are some really good elements to the Norwegian model which includes $8 for work oh no no not per hour per week and it's part of the rehabilitation process and so I don't think this is a time for us to be giving pay increases to people in jail or in prison but rather be looking at how we can improve the system and reduce cost to taxpayers I urge a no vote on Assembly Bill 248

Thank you, Assemblymember DeMaio. Assemblymember Krell you are recognized.

Thank you I stand respectfully in support of the Bill and urge your I vote I appreciate my colleague from Los Angeles bringing this important Bill forward I think it's important to read this Bill with precision this Bill does not require any increase in pay for incarcerated individual individuals this Bill does allow counties to use their discretion looking carefully at their budgets and their rehabilitative goals and making a determination about the amount that they feel would be appropriate for incarcerated folks in their counties I can tell you as a prosecutor that encouraging folks who are in custody to do work actually increases their chances of rehabilitation and success when they get out more importantly this money is also used to Fund victims compensation funds which go to the victims this provides a restorative opportunity for those who are incarcerated and have committed offenses to actually pay back their victims for the harms that they have caused for those reasons and for the reasons that my colleague from Los Angeles already stated I respectfully urge your I vote.

Thank you thank you Assemblymember Krell, Assemblymember Hoover you are recognized.

Thank you Mister. Speaker I rise in support of this. Bill and I want to thank the author for bringing it forward I think. If you read the actual Bill Language. There'S a lot of things going on around this issue obviously with respect to my colleague from San Diego I think. He'S right about the message that voters.

Sent on Prop six but when you. Actually read this Bill it is a very simple Bill we already have a $2 wage in the code which. Means we have already acknowledged that there should be a wage paid I think it makes sense for local governments to be able to determine what that wage. Is based upon the needs of their Community thanks

Thank you assemblymember Hoover seeing and hearing no further debate Assemblymember Bryan would you like to close?

I want to thank all of my colleagues. For this robust conversation I want to. Thank my colleague from Sacramento for reading the Bill and for being so thoughtful and my colleague also from Sacramento for her thoughtful comments and history as a prosecutor in our state I know it can be confusing when you get to the Legislature but if bills are tagged fiscal they go to the Appropriations Committee this Bill did not it came straight to the floor because it has no fiscal costs all it does is restore local control measures and I want to appreciate the colleague from San Diego who mentioned the Norwegian model because I think the Norwegian model actually has a lot to offer for California i've been to Norway i've seen it up close folks in Norway are allowed to vote in prison they go home on the weekends.

Often and during the week they work. Outside of the prison almost all of them and then come back and earn real wages in their community and store that money up there's much we can learn from Norwegian model and so I. Look forward to exploring that with my colleague from San Diego but in the meantime I respectfully ask for your aye vote on this simple no cost measure.

Thank you Assembly Member Bryan all debate having ceased 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 Kirk will close the roll and tally the votes ayes 48 no's 12 the measure passes we're going to move back to one more guest introduction Assemblymember Jackson you are recognized for your.

Thank you very much Mister speaker I extend my warm Assembly welcome to the students of vista Del lago high school in Moreno Valley and shaping some of the who are shaping some of the brightest futures in the Inland Empire here in California today we are joined by students in their junior year who have chosen to participate in the advanced via individual determination or avid program congratulations to those outstanding students for embracing this path not only representing vista delago high school and the citizens of Moreno Valley but also investing in their own future colleagues please welcome the students of vista delago high school.

Welcome Vista Delago welcome to the California Assembly okay moving on we're going to pass and retain on file items 25, 28 and 29 and we will move to file item 30 AB 100 by Assemblymember Gabriel. Clerk will read

Assembly Bill 100 by Assembly Member Gabriel and accolading to the budget act of 2025 Assemblymember Gabriel you are recognized

Thank you Mister speaker Members today we are moving 120 bills. To the Senate to facilitate the leg. Legislative budget process for the next two. Years the Senate is also in the process of sending us 120 SBs with identical Bill numbers we are. Swapping these bills early in the two year session to facilitate an efficient and. Orderly budget process following the vote on this Bill I respectfully request that we. Substitute the roll for the remaining 119 bills thank you and. I respectfully request an aye vote.

Thank You assemblymember Gabriel. Majority Leader Aguirre Curry you are recognized

Mister speaker I request unanimous consent to substitute the roll call vote on AB 100 Gabriel for. Items 31 through 100 and. 49.

Majority leader Aguiar Curry we're in the middle of debate on this item according to our Clerk and so we will need to take up that motion immediately afterwards any further debate on AB 100 seeing and hearing none 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 tally the votes ayes 51 nos 16 the measure passes majority leader aguiar curry you are now recognized for your performance procedural motion.

We'l do this twice Mister speaker I request your name's consent to substitute the roll call vote on AB 100 Gabriel for items 31 through 149.

Without objection the roll call vote on AB 100 eyes 51 no 16 will be substituted on items 31 through 149 we will now move to those items the Clerk will read the remaining bills to have the substituted roll call vote [Clerk] right our reading Clerk David bowman speaking of our reading Clerk David Bowman we will now move on 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 [Consent Calendar] Clerk will now open the roll to allow any Member to add on as co author to the resolutions Members this is for co authors all those vote who desire to vote the consent items this is for co authors all those vote who desire to vote Clerk will close the roll there are 60 co authors moving to a vote on the consent calendar does any Member wish to remove an item from the consent calendar seeing and hearing none the Clerk will read the second day consent calendar [Consent Calendar] Clerk will open the roll on consent calendar all Members 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 63 no zero consent calendar is adopted Clerk will read the remaining items on the consent calendar [Consent Calendar] Members I need to ask for decorum we are moving on to adjournments in memory the quorum call is still in place please give your respectful attention to those granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment in memory and please take your conversations off the floor please take all your conversations off the floor Members. Assemblymember Rubio you are recognized for your adjournment of memory.

Thank You Mister speaker and Members today I rise to adjourn in memory of Eric Lopez the principal of Baldwin park high school as a previous Baldwin park Unified School District board Member I am deeply saddened to lose such a dedicated educator who was instrumental in making sure our kids were supported throughout their academic journey Eric began as a social studies teacher then became an assistant principal at three different schools before his time as principal at Baldwin park high school beyond his professional achievements Eric was a man of many talents and interests he was an avid golfer an outstanding cook had a passion for music and was remarkably multilingual fluent in English Spanish and Mandarin Eric's most important role was being a loving father and a dedicated husband he had a deep passion for life his family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him Eric was a friend to everyone he met he was such an as such an amazing person he dedicated many hours mentoring our students in Baldwin park I'm sure there are many of those students that we that he impacted and their lives changed because of his caring sadly he passed unexpectedly at the beginning of the year we are incredibly grateful for his service to the 40 Eighth Assembly District and to the Baldwin park Unified School District community today I am joined by his family in the gallery we have his wife Veronica Lopez his daughters vivianne and Vienna his brother Ralph Lopez and sister in law Teresa maurici his nephews Matthew and Aaron Lopez thank you Members I would like to acknowledge the family and thank you for allowing us to have Eric for so many years and the impact that he left on our community Members and Mister speaker I respectfully asked that we adjourn in memory of Eric Lopez thank you.

Thank you assemblymember Rubio Members let us observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic californian Eric. Lopez. Assemblymember Bonta you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you Mister Speaker today I rise to celebrate the life of a friend a dear friend Johnny D Giles who passed away in January at the young age of 63 Johnny was born in Oakland in January 1961 he pursued and achieved excellence in every aspect of his personal and professional journey he was the founder and President of Jd Giles llc a firm specializing in California political strategies business consulting and private equity solutions before founding Jd Giles llc he held a prominent role as Executive Vice President for a private equity firm and also held the role during a distinguished 15 year tenure at Comcast nbcuniversal during his tenure at Comcast he championed diversity initiatives that left a lasting mark on the industry Johnny was committed to serving his community through his leadership and membership on numerous boards dedicated to advocacy and empowerment he helped uplift the voices of underserved communities a passionate advocate of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community he most recently served as the board chair of Asian Pacific Islander American votes and such an ally and board chair of the Urban League of greater San Francisco Bay Area he also served incredibly well on reproductive freedom for all and many other boards over his tenure his unwavering service earned him accolades such as the 2024 national Association of Asian pacifics and political and public affairs forward award and the Pacific Bridge arts luminary award and of course because he was a son of Oakland we have to share that he fervently loved his Oakland raiders his golden state warriors and the Oakland a's when he wasn't cheering them on we could find him in his one of his happy places on the golf green Johnny was a personal friend and most importantly he so valued mentorship to so many of us in this capital community to so many women to so many people of color I met Johnny more than 10 years ago and mostly I remember his incredible laugh that would shake your chest as you joined with him and his incredible smile that would light a room he took the time to mentor so many including my daughter in pursuing her dreams to become a filmmaker serving as Executive producer on her film lai and he always was in my ear walking for me shining for me saying mia you can do this and I know that he did that for so many others Johnny leaves behind a legacy that is bigger than him and as his friend I am beyond grateful to have had him in my life I want to acknowledge that there are others with us in this capitol community here in the gallery we have Brian Ha Ken Maxey whom nelly his wife asked to represent his family and Alberto tirico and I know that there are many in this capitol community who will miss him dearly I want to thank you all and please ask you to adjourn in the memory of our dear Johnny D Giles .

Thank you Assemblymember Bonta. Assemblymember Fong you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you so much Mister speaker I joined my colleague from Oakland in honoring the life legacy of an amazing trailblazing leader and friend Johnny Giles this is an incredible loss for California for our nation and especially for our Asian American Pacific Islander community Johnny was a friend I knew personally for nearly 20 years he truly embodied what it meant to be an advocate through his ability to empower and uplift those around him he changed so many lives through his leadership his commitment his advocacy especially in the aapi community through his leadership roles as leadership with the Cal Asian Chamber of Commerce the Asian pacific American leadership foundation and as board President of api vote for many years I would always run some admins for conferences events around California and across our country and as our colleague from Oakland mentioned he had a heart of gold led with empathy and always had the biggest smile and the biggest heart and he supported so many leaders especially those in the api community I'm so grateful for his friendship and this is an incredible loss for our community and for California and Johnny was just an amazing leader and friend and somebody I'm going to truly miss and I said my deepest condolences to Johnny's family friends and everyone who had the incredible honor and privilege of knowing him he was there for all of us and he was amazing leader for California and I asked that in the Assembly that we adjourn in his memory

Thank you thank you Assembly Member Fong Assembly Member Caloza you are recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you Mister speaker I would also like to join my colleague from Oakland adjourning in the memory of Johnny Giles he was a tireless advocate for the Asian American and Pacific Islander community and so many communities he encouraged many of us including myself to run for office he is one of the people who's really responsible for building a pipeline of so many of us to not just run but not just to win but to actually lead and to be effective in these spaces where we weren't in before and so it's a tremendous loss that he passed away from us in this past year so from myself from our Member from Oakland to so many of us across the state he helped us break so many bamboo ceilings glass ceilings and really helped break barriers especially in government for me he was somebody who also helped mentor me and even though he was I think technically retired he took a lot of great pleasure in helping so many of us behind the scenes and was incredibly generous with his time his mentorship and was also somebody who was one of the few Asian Americans who were in the c suite in the corporate world and that's something that I know is really important as many of us really work to improve representation at all levels in the public sector we also need to make sure that that representation is reflected in the private sector as well and Johnny was one of those people and so his legacy is an inspiration I'm still inspired by him today and know that we will continue to push his work forward and so colleagues I joined my colleague from Oakland and many of us on this floor in adjourning in memory of Johnny today thank you.

Thank you Assembly Member Caloza. Assembly Member Soria you're recognized for your adjournment and memory.

Thank you Mister speaker and colleagues I join my colleague from Oakland to adjourn in memory of Johnny Giles a dear friend a generous leader and a mentor whose impact will be felt for generations to come I actually had the honor of meeting Johnny when I first stepped foot in this capital in 2006 as a Richard g Polanco fellow close to 20 years ago a program that Johnny made a commitment to invest while working for Comcast so that young Latinos like myself interested in public policy had the opportunity to come to Sacramento and make a difference he not just gave money to the program but he was personally invested in each of us who were part of the program in fact he followed and supported my personal public service journey anytime I called him he always said yes and he found ways to support me Johnny was more than just a leader he was someone that worked very hard to make a difference in our state through his wisdom his kindness and his unwavering commitment to helping others he lifted those around him and made a profound difference in countless lives including mine whether it was through mentorship philanthropy or simply offering a listening ear he always was there to support his legacy is one of service generosity and love for his community while we mourn his passing we also celebrate a life well lived a life dedicated to making a world a better place to his family his friends and all those who were touched by his presence we offer our deepest condolences may we honor his memory by continuing the work he so passionately believed in I respectfully ask that we adjourn in his memory today

Thank you, Assembly Member Soria Members let's observe a moment of silence to honor the life of this historic californian Johnny Giles. Assembly. Members Zbur you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Mister speaker Members today I rise to honor and celebrate the life of a decades long friend Roger Diamond who passed away on February twentieth at the rental property in my district where he was living with his family after losing their family home in the palisades fire Roger was 81 years old and had been diagnosed with an inoperable sarcoma a rare type of cancer a native of Los Angeles Roger graduated from Hamilton high school before attending UCLA where he earned both his bachelor degree and law degree his legal career spanned 55 years and covered a wide range of fields including criminal defense and environmental protection he is best he is perhaps best known for his 20 years as the head of a community organization called no Oil Inc which successfully resisted several attempts to drill oil wells in central in central coastal zones and the palisades Roger dedicated his life to challenging authority and advocating for causes he believed were just often changing the law in the process he didn't sit back and complain when he encountered something unfair whether on a societal or a personal level he took action next time you go to the ballot box you might notice that the incumbent isn't necessarily listed first the order of the candidates is based on a lottery and that change was thanks to to Roger Diamond I could go on and on but suffice it to say that Roger was a truly distinctive voice and a remarkable person in California politics empowering outsiders to have influence that they otherwise would not have had he is survived by my friend and his incredible wife Fran diamond their two daughters four grandchildren and other family Members I respectfully request that we adjourn in his memory thank you

Thank you Assemblymember Zbur. 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 session schedule as follows Friday march 20 first no floor session no check in session Monday march 20 fourth floor session at one pm seeing and hearing no further business I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn madam majority leader Aguiar Curry moves and Mister Patterson seconds that this house stands adjourned until Monday march 20 fourth at one pm. quorum call is lifted and we are adjourned all right.