Assembly Floor

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

[Roll call]

[Roll call]

Members, a quorum is present. We ask our guests and visitors in the rear of the chamber and in the gallery to please stand for our prayer. Today's prayer will be offered by our Assembly chaplain, Reverend Oshita. Reverend Oshita.

Please join me in a moment of reflection. I'm the oldest of three. Early in our marriage, Bob commented that he likes that my family is very close. That thought never crossed my mind. He then explained, you talk with your sister five times a week, and your brother may be three. I guess we are close.

Bob and I made sure we were there in Fresno on the day my two nephews and my niece were born. He said it's important to welcome them to the world. But more than this, we immediately form bonds of love that are deep.

One day, when my niece Marissa was about four years old, she said, while we played together, you would do anything for me, huh, Auntie Patty? I could only assure her that I would, while wondering how can she voice such awareness at only 4? On Valentine's Day last month, that little girl turned 30.

And this weekend, we will be officiating her wedding in Honolulu. We were with her on the day she was born. We have been healing with her since she lost her father to Covid in 2020. And now we will be with her as she makes one of life's greatest commitments. We promised her dad that.

That we would take care of his family and we would always be there for them. It's what family does. Our deepest values are reflected in honoring the promises we make and the vows we take. It is in honoring our promises that become worthy of that trust so deep we call love. Namo mi naozu.

With kindness and gratitude beyond words.

We ask our guests and Visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assemblymember Tongipa will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Please join me in the salute. Pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of.

The United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation, under God.

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 62025 the Assembly met at 9am The Honorable Josh Lowenthal, Speaker Pro Tempore of the Assembly, presiding.

Mr. Garcia moves and Mr. Flores seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with presentations and petitions. There are none. Introduction and references of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor? There are none. Messages from the Senate? There are none.

Moving on to motions and resolutions. The absences for the day. For legislative business, Assembly Members Wicks, Ellis and Hoover. For personal business, Assemblymember Gabriel onto procedural motions. Mr. Assistant Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Mr. Speaker, I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assembly Members Garcia, Garrillo, Ramos and Lackey to speak on an adjournment in memory today without objection.

Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assembly Members Dixon and Papen to have guests in the rear of the chamber and for Assembly Members Garcia and Baines to have guests seated at their desk today.

Without objection. Such shall be the order. Mr. Essayli, you are recognized.

Thank you. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules to withdraw Assembly Bill 844 to protect girls in sports and locker rooms from the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports and Tourism Committee and have the Bill taken up immediately without reference to file.

Second.

Thank you, Assemblymember Assaili. It has been moved and seconded that we take this item without reference to file to the floor. This is a 41 vote. Just a moment, please. Excuse me, Mr. Aseli. I stand corrected. Because this has not been read three times, it is actually a 54 vote requirement. Also not debatable. Members, we will be.

The Clerk will call the roll on this. This is this motion. Excuse me. The Assistant Majority Leader is asking for a no vote. Mr. Assailee is asking for an I vote. Clerk will call the roll. All those vote who Desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote.

The Assistant Majority Leader is calling for a no vote. Mr. Assailee is calling for an I vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes, 16, no's 45. The motion fails. System Majority Leader, you are recognized for your further procedural motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB341 Arambula from the Human Services Committee to the Higher Education Committee and then back to the Human Services Committee without objection. Such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend joint rule 62A, the file notice requirement to allow the Judiciary Committee to meet on Wednesday March 26th at 9am in Capital Room 126 to hear SB26 Umberg that objection. Such shall be the order.

We'll now be moving on to guest introductions. Assemblymember Baines, you are recognized for this very significant guest introduction.

Yes. Members, today I would proudly like to introduce my dad, Mr. Baines, that is here today with me as my guest. I just wanted to take a moment, dad, and say thank you so much for raising a strong, independent daughter.

And not just to you, but to all fathers on this floor that have stood behind their daughters, have encouraged them to keep going. Especially in a world today that demonizes women. It is because of you. It's because of the many fathers on this floor that encourage their daughters to keep going.

Being the first South Asian woman on this floor is a significant step in history. And I know my friend Darshana can also attest that her father was absolutely behind her as much as you were, dad. Because behind strong, strong women today are strong fathers.

So I just want to send not just a shout out to you, but to all fathers that encourage and support their daughters. Please continue supporting them because one day they'll break history. Thank.

Welcome Mr. Baines. System Majority Leader Garcia, you are recognized for your very special guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. With me today, seated at my right, is my daughter, Lily Garcia Jr. At Los Sotos High School in our hometown of Rancho Cucamonga. She is here visiting us on our spring break, a stellar student at Rancho Cucamonga. And I know she's going to be a future leader.

And so fantastic remarks by by my colleague regarding her father and support that he provided for her and the same type of support that I love to provide to my daughter. So I know she's going to be a future leader one day and I'm glad she's here with us today.

I'd also like to recognize my family that's in the gallery. My wife, Samantha, and my son, Lucas, as well as my son Leo. If we could please join in welcoming them to the assemblies.

Welcome to the Garcia family. Welcome to the California Assembly. Assemblymember DeMaio, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And good afternoon, Members. Today I rise to welcome some amazing students from my Assembly District and from a little bit up north in Orange County. We have the Ramona Montessori Community School and the vibrant minds of Anaheim in the gallery right up there. Is that correct? Wave. There we go.

Welcome to Sacramento and hope your trip is fun, educational, and safe.

Welcome. Welcome.

Okay, moving on to Business on the Daily File, Second Reading. Clerk will read.

Assembly Bills 578, 493, 597, and Assembly Bill 621 with amendments.

All bills will be deemed read and all amendments will be deemed adopted. Now moving to the Assembly Third Reading. We are going to pass and retain on File Items Five and Six, which brings us to File Item Seven, ACR 35 by Assembly Member Papan. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 35 by Assembly Member Papan, relative to Greek Independence Day.

Assembly Member Papan, you are recognized.

Well, this is the afternoon you've been waiting for: Greek Independence Day Celebration. I'm so proud to stand before you. As you all know, I'm so proud of my Greek heritage.

So it is with tremendous pride and deep appreciation that I stand before you to celebrate Greek Independence Day, a day of profound historical significance, not only for Greeks and the Greeks in our community, but for everyone who cherishes some of the things we're known for, things like freedom--we all know about that--democracy--I think we're big on that--and the indomitable spirit of resilience.

So on March 25, 2005, we'll commemorate the 204th anniversary of Greece's courageous struggle for independence from the Ottoman Empire. You know, we were ruled for 400 years, so I think there's a lot of determination that comes into this independence.

So we honor the bravery of those who rose up in 1821 to fight for self-determination, democracy, and justice. And you know what? Those sacrifices, I think we can all agree, echo today, reminding us that the fight for freedom is both a responsibility and a privilege. So I ask you again, my colleagues, this year to stand in favor and vote in favor of Concurrent Resolution 35, recognizing March 25 as Greek Independence Day throughout our great state.

I'm deeply honored to have authored this resolution because it pays tribute to Greece's past as well as the invaluable contributions of Greek Americans that live in this state. We're a rather dynamic and loud and boisterous group. So you know when we're in the room, and I ain't gonna shy away from that part of my heritage, I got news for you.

But, you know, we have witnessed the Greek Americans that live here, how our Hellenic values have influenced this nation. We've inspired in the United States things like democracy, rule of law, and civic responsibility. They all came from our homeland, and today, these principles do continue to guide us as we strive in many of the bills we carry, if not all of them, for a more just and equitable society.

So as we commemorate Greek Independence Day, let us not only celebrate Greece's triumph over oppression, but also the deep and enduring bond between Greece and the United States.

I encourage all Californians to take part in this celebration and to draw inspiration as we go forward in this body. Draw inspiration from the courage of those who fought for freedom and may we continue to champion the principles of democracy, of liberty, and of human rights in our own time. Zito elada, which means, 'long live Greece,' and I say, long live democracy. So thank you for allowing me this opportunity. I respectfully request on the first roll for co-authors.

Thank you, Assembly Member Papan. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 71 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. We are so proud of our great community. Assembly Member Papan, you are recognized.

It's my honor, Mr. Speaker, to announce some very wonderful guests that I have here with us today. They are members of the American Hellenic Education Progressive Association, known as AHEPA, and many of them come not only from my district, but from Sacramento as well. So, without further ado, it's my honor to introduce the following folk.

Nick Alexander, Chris Frangos, Mark Halleck, George Kufasimes, George Kumis--are you getting theres a theme of Georges here? Okay. There'll be some Nicks coming up, too. Stay tuned. Katherine Kumis, Alex Malas, Evangeline Malas, Christos Papadopoulos, Dimo Papadopoulos, Vivia Papadopoulos, Peter Plessas, Vasilios Vadures, Vasilios Zarifas, and George Sulas. Welcome to each of you. I'm so honored to have you here today.

Welcome.

Okay. Continuing on to file item number 8, HR 17 by Assembly Member Dixon. The Clerk will read.

House Resolution 17 by Assembly Member Dixon, relative to women in carpentry.

Assembly Member Dixon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise today to present House Resolution 17. HR 17 recognizes the outstanding work of the Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund. Specifically, they're Bridging Outstanding Opportunities with Tradeswomen Skills, or BOOTS, their program. With women occupying just 2.6% of apprenticeships across all programs in California, opportunities such as BOOTS are invaluable to encourage and enable women to enter the trades.

In addition, according to the US Department of Commerce, women also make up just almost 14% of the construction jobs nationally. Though these numbers have risen in recent years, it is clear that we have much further to go in encouraging women to join the trades. Women's increased role in the trades helps spur industry growth and innovation, while also helping to fill critical skill gaps.

This increased role also helps encourage the growth and creation of small businesses by these very same women. Apprenticeship programs such as BOOTS also provide incredible opportunities for women to learn on the job and benefit from the transfer of institutional knowledge from those who have worked in the field.

With many finding the cost of higher education prohibitive, these programs also provide a valuable pathway to a meaningful, fulfilling, well paying, and stable career. I am proud to highlight the valuable work that the Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund is doing for women. I urge you all to join me in honoring the Southwest Mountain States Carpenters Training Fund and their BOOTS program. And thank you, Members. I ask for your aye vote. I would also like to ask that the first roll be open for co-authors.

Thank you, Assembly Member Dixon. Assembly Member Davies, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise in support, support HR 17. Our carpentry industry is one of the most diverse in the entire country and is in large part because we employ and recruit so many women. As of 2022, California employs 135,000 women in our construction and carpentry industry.

I'm proud to come from a state that chooses to make a concerted effort to expand our workforce in a way that gives women a seat at the table. Part of this effort is desired to expand apprenticeship opportunities. As we start to begin our budget and negotiations, I urge our state to continue its investment in these programs, in programs that recruit women to this industry. Thank you again, and I ask for an aye vote and HR 17.

Thank you, Assembly Member Davies. Assembly Member Dixon, all debate having ceased, would you like to close?

I would. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Appreciate your aye vote for the resolution, HR 17. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Dixon. The Clerk will close the roll. Excuse me. Clerk will open the roll for co-authors on HR 17. My mistake. All the Members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors on HR 17. All those vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.

There are 70 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll now take a voice vote on the matter. All those in favor, signify by saying aye. All Those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Dixon, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

And thank you again, Mr. Speaker. It is my honor now to rise to recognize Paula Resa and Cierra Kelly who are in the back of the chambers. Paula is the Assistant Director and Pre-Apprenticeship Coordinator with the Carpenter's Joint Apprenticeship. Cierra is a graduate of the BOOTS Program with the Western States Regional Council of Carpenters.

These two amazing women represent all of the great benefits and opportunities afforded by the trades and apprenticeship programs. They are an inspiration and show just how impactful these apprenticeship programs can be. It is truly an honor for me to recognize their work and accomplishments. Members, please join me in welcoming Paula and Cierra to the California State Assembly.

Members, we are going to pass and retain on File Item Number Nine. Before we get to File Item Number Ten, I'd like to recognize a very special guest, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. Our former Assembly speaker is here on the floor. Okay, moving on to File Item Ten: ACR 50 by Assembly Member Ahrens. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 50 by Assembly Member Ahrens and others, relative to Special Olympics Day.

Assembly Member Ahrens, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today to present ACR 50, which designates March 24, 2025 as Special Olympics Day in California. This resolution acknowledges the importance of Special Olympics Day, which celebrates the achievements of athletes with intellectual disabilities.

ACR 50 also encourages greater participation in sports programs for people of all abilities, fostering positive community engagement. This recognition also helps to combat stereotypes and shows that every person is capable of doing extraordinary accomplishments. The Special Olympics are an opportunity to unite communities around the shared goal of creating a more inclusive society, and it brings together, fostering a sense of pride and solidarity among those who support the athletes and the mission of the Special Olympics.

Today, the Special Olympics provides trainings and competitions to more than four million athletes in 177 countries. Here in California, the Special Olympics provides free year-round services and programs in sports, schools, leadership, and wellness to more than 50,000 athletes. This year, Mr. Speaker, I have the opportunity to host them in my district at Santa Clara University, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member Ahrens. Assembly Member Harabedian, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I want to first thank the member from Sunnyvale for bringing this forward. It is quite personal for me. My older sister has Down syndrome and she was a Special Olympic athlete for years, so I spent a lot of my time as a youth volunteering for Special Olympics and spending a lot of time around the athletes and the other families.

We did floor hockey and swimming, but there's a number of different sports that the athletes do, and I'll tell you, I think that we as volunteers and family members got more out of it than the athletes did. And I think this is super important, especially on the heels of what my friend from Rocklin did last week and my friend from Elk Grove.

Just bringing attention to these issues is really important, and so I would obviously urge a strong aye vote on ACR 50, but to the athletes who are here with us today, I just want to say good luck in the Summer Games coming up, good luck in the USA Games, and have a lot of fun. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I want to also thank the Sunnyvale member for allowing us to recognize Special Olympics. It was over 40 years ago when I helped establish a Special Olympics team in Idaho, and I was a coach there, and I was introduced to something very fabulous. And this whole institution is so worthwhile.

I would challenge all of you members to at least stop by, stop by and cheer, even if it's for an hour. It will change your life. It will impact you. You're not only supporting them, but you'll see, the power of volunteerism is so remarkable and the energy and the positive spirit and people that have such severe challenges can send a spirit of optimism that only they can send. And so I hope that you'll give them an opportunity to give you something to cheer for, and let me also tell you this.

One of the big discouragements of the governor's proposal in his budget is he does not fund Special Olympics. Folks, that needs to change, please. There's no greater cause that supports our funding than these great athletes and these great volunteers and the people that commit their lives with challenges that few of us can understand.

So I hope that you'll support this and not only support this measure, but go and support these athletes because they certainly deserve your support and you'll be the better for it. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Lackey. Before we continue on with this very important debate, I do just want to take a very brief moment and recognize some former members that are here: Los Angeles Council Member, former Assembly Member Bob Blumenfield is in the back, Los Angeles Council Member and former Assembly Member Adrin Nazarian is in the back, our Los Angeles Council President, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Council Member Katie Yaroslavsky. We are so happy that you are here today. Welcome.

Members, we are going to continue debate on ACR 50. Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. And I want to thank the Assembly Member from Sunnyvale for bringing this forward. I want to just acknowledge a gentleman that worked here on the floor with us for, like, six years, and he helped put together the Special Olympics competition over at UC Davis. And Jim Frazier was his name.

And I'll tell you what, that gentleman never worked harder than anyone I know to make sure that all the athletes had the opportunity to participate in one way or the other. He was there from early in the morning till late at night. And I just wanted to give a shout out to Assembly Member Jim Frazier for all his hard work.

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader. Seeing and hearing no further debate. Assembly Member Ahrens, would you like to close? Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

As a former Karen Bass intern, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member. Would you like the first roll to be open for co-authors?

Yes. That's what I meant to say. Yes. Thank you.

All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All those vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. There are 67 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll 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. Now moving on to file item 11, HR 21 by Assembly Member Zbur.

The Clerk will read.

House Resolution 21 by Assembly Members of Zbur and others. Relative to Transgender Day of Visibility.

Assembly Members of Zbur, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus to present HR21, which celebrates transgender Week of Visibility in the Capitol and proclaims March 31 as Transgender Day of Visibility.

Commemorated each year, the International Transgender Day of Visibility encompasses an expansive community of people who identify as two spirit transgender, gender, non conforming or non binary or intersex. Transgender Week of Visibility serves as an opportunity to not only highlight historical leaders of these communities, but also to honor modern day trailblazers.

The LGBTQ community is united in its pursuit of equity and equality for all people. Now more than ever, it's important that our allies stand in solidarity with our community, especially our transgender, gender, non conforming and intersex siblings, who are facing a disproportionate amount of targeted hate.

While we're proud to highlight the representation of the transgender, non conforming and intersex community and elected offices nationwide with 87 known officials. I would be remiss to not to mention that our state Legislature does not have any transgender, gender, non conforming or intersex representation. A huge absence of representation in our body.

We all know that a community does not have it, that does not have a seat at the table, that if it doesn't have a seat at the table, then that community is often on the menu.

At a time when we have already seen over 500 anti LGBTQ bills introduced in the state Legislature across the nation and targeted attacks from the Federal Administration, Transgender Weak of Visibility is one simple but important step to reaffirm our support for our transgender, gender, non conforming and intersex siblings. Transgender people are our neighbors.

Transgender people are our friends. Transgender people are our congregants and parishioners. Transgender people are humans. They deserve nothing less than to be treated as we would all want to be treated.

I've spent considerable time since the election with transgender kids and their parents and transgender people generally who are literally living in a state of acute fear given the news reports and the relentless attacks that are coming at them, attacks that whip up fear and hate against one of our most vulnerable communities, and attacks that literally endanger their safety and lives.

This resolution tells our TGI community that we see you, that we respect you, and that we stand with you. This week and always. We celebrate and further affirm our support for our Trans siblings and the right to live visibly, openly and authentically and unapologetically. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members.

I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on HR21, which simply serves as a time to acknowledge that Trans people exist, have always existed, and will not be erased from life. I respectfully ask the first roll be open for co authors.

Thank you, Assembly Members of Assemblymember Lee, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise on behalf of the AAPI and Native American Caucus in support of HR21, declaring March 31st as Transgender Day of Visibility. Now, more than ever, the value of our diversity is too frequently demeaned and diminished. We must reaffirm not only our position, but our resilience, our resolve, and our identities.

This transgender community encompasses over 1 million Americans and over 300,000 Californians who identify as gender non conforming, transgender non binary, and from the indigenous community as two Spirit. For Native Americans, the culture of protecting and respecting individuals who identify as two Spirit predates that of colonial times.

Standing up in support of Transgender Day visibility on behalf of the Native American community is not a political position, but rather, rather a position of our own humanity. Because Members in a vote like this, as important as it is today, is to reaffirm that Trans rights are human rights.

And when one segment of the LGBT community, no one segment of our community, is attacked, we must all rally together. While there are many on its face, harmless, nice sounding measures, there are those who seek to divide us and alienate Trans people who feel very real fear every single day.

So I ask my colleagues to co author and to support this resolution. Thank you.

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

Thank you. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I am proud to rise today on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus to urge your Aye vote on HR21 to recognize transgender Day of Visibility, a day that shines a bright light on the lives and contributions of two spirit, transgender, non, binary or intersex individuals.

As Members of the Legislative Women's Caucus, we stand united in celebrating the courage and resilience of those who live authentically every day, despite the challenges they may face. Visibility matters. It is not just about being seen, but about being heard and valued.

The Transgender Day of Visibility was first recognized in 2009 by Rachel Crandall Crocker, a psychotherapist and transgender activist who intentionally framed the day as a celebration of Trans joy and Trans existence. Transgender people are integral, vibrant threads in our social fabric of our communities, and our lives are all the richer for them.

Trans people are our family, our friends, our neighbors, our children, many of whom may not feel comfortable coming out to us as they are in our personal lives. It is our own responsibility to facilitate a sense of security for our loved ones and especially our children, which enables them to share if they are transgender.

While we celebrate progress, we must also acknowledge that barriers that transgender people continue to face discrimination in employment, health care, housing, attacks on their rights, and violence that disproportionately affects Trans women of color. Additionally, studies show that transgender people experience significantly higher rates of suicide than and mental health challenges, often because of societal rejection, discrimination and violence.

Trans youth in particular are often subjected to harmful rhetoric and policies that deny them the ability to live as their true selves. No child should have to fight for their right to exist. No adult should have to prove their worth to be treated with respect on a national level.

When the dialogue is fixated on excluding Trans and non binary people from restrooms, sports and identification documents, it is dehumanizing our fellow Americans. The current obsession with legislating, tracking, surveilling and banning Trans bodies comes from the same playbook of tracking, surveilling and banning women and people who seek reproductive health care.

It is dangerous to not recognize the Trans women are women, Trans men are men. Non binary and intersex people are real individuals who are deserving of acceptance and safety. Visibility is powerful. When transgender and non binary people are seen and heard, they they challenge outdated narratives and stereotypes.

Their stories of joy, struggle, love and perseverance show the world that Trans people are not just statistics or headlines, but real individuals who contribute to our families, workplaces and communities.

And if you fight for basic freedoms, including rights for privacy, safety and one's self identity, and you do not include Trans intersect and non binary people, then your fight for righteousness is limited by your inability to see and accept others as they are.

To our Trans and non binary friends who may be listening, you are seen, you are valued. You deserve joy, respect and the freedom to live fully as yourself. Your existence is an act of courage and your visibility inspires others to live authentically.

Let us all commit to a future where visibility is not an act of bravery, but a given. A world where Trans people are celebrated not just for their resilience, but for the unique and beautiful individuals they are. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on HR21.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, I rise in support of HR21. I want to thank my colleagues, my colleague from Los Angeles for bringing this forward, my colleague from Santa Cruz, for those incredibly powerful words. I rise to say, and I know that we all, I hope, can save us together.

To our transgender and gender non conforming residents, to our constituents, to our friends, to our family, we see you, we value you, and this body will protect you.

This is a time when the very question of the existence of Trans people is under attack at the highest levels and at a pace which we have not seen in our country.

And I'm very grateful to be part of a legislative body that has consistently stood against that, that has consistently not only said to Trans people that we see you, but that we are going to pass laws that acknowledge and respect you and protect you in our state.

And there is a reason why California should continue to be at the forefront of this. This has been a state where Trans people, just like they have everywhere, in every place, in every part of human history, have existed, have contributed to every part of our society, from the arts to our economy, to public service, to business leadership.

And this has also been a place where Trans people have fought for their civil Rights. Some of the earliest recorded instances of organized resistance to attacks on Trans people and rights were here in California, in my district. The Compton's Cafeteria riot in 1966. The Cooper's Donut riot in Los Angeles in 1959.

Again and again, Trans people have stood up for their rights to just exist. These were places where they were gathering with other LGBT people, where they just wanted to be, and yet they were attacked because of who they are.

And so I think today on Trans Day of Visibility, we send this message to Trans people, to gender non conforming people, to non binary people, that you do exist. You have always existed.

We see you, we value you, we appreciate you, and we understand that this time is one where it is a level of fear and anxiety and uncertainty that is bringing for all Trans people a new level of concern that they have not experienced. And so we stand with them today.

We also stand as the one body, the one state body, that has declared a Trans Month of History Month in August. And I'm very proud that we took that step as well. So thank you again to my colleague from Los Angeles.

I stand here as an ally of Trans and gender non conforming people and committed alongside all of you to continue to protect them and their rights.

Thank you, Assemblymember Haney. Assemblymember Wilson, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus and strong support of HR21. On March 31, we celebrate transgender Day of Visibility to highlight the strength and resilience of transgender, gender diverse and intersex people around the world.

Also known as tgi, this day serves to uplift Trans voices, celebrate their achievements, and to recognize the ongoing fight for equality and justice in the face of discrimination.

Reminding our neighbors, coworkers, family Members, friends, fellow colleagues that they are sorry, that they are seen and that they are safe has never been more important than it is at this moment.

Today, we stand in the face of those who try to silence or even legislatively strip away the dignity of our transgender community and say, you will not succeed. We occupy a political moment that intends to divide and instill fear in one another.

And it has too often culminated in a culture that is willing to target the most marginalized. Visibility is power. And when the federal Administration tries to erase Trans history, we rise louder, honoring Marsha P.

Johnson, a fearless black Trans woman who fought for the LGBTQ liberation and will never be forgotten, even if her picture or story is removed from a website. Today is an opportunity to remind ourselves and each other that there will never Be a world hateful enough or a policy strong enough to shake you from your truth.

The truth in these times, it's important to hold on to hope and remember that Trans joy is an act of bravery, resilience and resistance. Trans people have always existed and will continue to exist. No law, no policy, no amount of fear mongering can change that. But what we can change is the world around us.

A world where Trans people are safe, where they are afforded the same dignity and respect as anyone else in this country. Where they have the opportunity not just to survive, which that is on the line at this moment, but also to thrive. Today we lift their voices along with our own and stand proudly with them.

I say to them, keep pushing forward. Never diminish the light you share with those around you and keep living your truth. The California Legislative Black Caucus thanks our Member from Los Angeles for HR21 and we resoundedly stand with the TGI community and ask for your strong Aye vote.

Thank you Assembly Member Wilson, Assembly Member Bonta, you are recognized.

Thank you Speaker. As a Member of the Latino Caucus, it is my pleasure to rise in strong support of HR21 which recognizes transgender Week of Visibility. I rise today to save lives and then to ensure that our community Members can lead lives with dignity.

We know that when somebody comes out having a support system that celebrates and affirms their identity drastically decreases, increases the risk of the odds of substance use and suicide attempt. And we must recognize that policy intended to dehumanize isn't just rhetoric. It takes lives.

The Charter Project shares that the introduction and enactment of anti Trans laws caused up to a 72% increase in suicide attempts among our country's Trans and non binary youth. So I rise today to save lives and in recognition that the words we say in this chamber matter.

We have a responsibility to create a California that is safe and inclusive for all.

So the Transgender Week of Visibility is our week to affirm and reaffirm our commitment as a legislative body to stand against these injustices, to stand against erasure, to stand against bigotry and to advocate for the policies to protect our transgender intersects, non gender, non conforming, two spirit and non binary communities and to ensure that they have the certainty of safety and support through this body because they deserve it.

I'm grateful for the queer led community staples in my own district such as the Oakland LGBTQ Community center, the Lakeshore LGBTQ Cultural Center, Radically Fit White Horse Fluid Phi 10 that stand as the centers of advocacy of justice, of community, of laughter, of grace and of joy.

And I'm proud to stand for my district, the Latino Caucus and my family in offering my strong support. Thank you to our Legislator author from Los Angeles for HR21 and for bringing this measure forward. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Bonta. Assemblymember Essayli, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I think we can all agree that Trans people, like all people, deserve dignity. They deserve to have their rights protected, free from violence and harm, as everyone does in America. I wish we could have an intelligent conversation on this issue because I do think there's room to work together in that spirit.

But it is not helpful when efforts to protect young women and girls and other types of efforts by Republicans and potentially even our Governor are labeled as anti Trans or somehow an attack on the Trans community. That's not true. It's just not true.

Girls deserve to be able to change in a private space, in a locker room or in a bathroom without having to undress in front of a biological male. They deserve that. Girls deserve not just the ability to compete in sports, but to be a champion in their sports.

And we need to talk about these policies because they have real world impact impact on girls like Taylor Starling from my district. She's an athlete at Martin Luther King High School. She was displaced off the varsity team by a biological boy because he ran a faster time.

She will be denied opportunities for college and scholarship as the Governor said. Governor Newsom, it's an issue of fairness and I think we should be able to have that conversation without being attacked for having that position.

Another example from my community is in Harupa Valley High School where a Trans student took first place in multiple events at the Ontario Relays meet, winning the events by record breaking margins and stealing medal opportunities from female athletes. So we cannot ignore that there are real biological differences in the human body.

And again, it comes down to fairness. Of course there's opportunity for Trans students to compete. Maybe we have co ed teams or we have a third category or something else. But we have to also keep in mind the dignity and respect for young women. They deserve that too.

And the Federal Government in enforcing Title IX is not attacking Trans people, it's enforcing federal law. So we need to talk about whether California law is in conflict with Title ix, which was passed as a historic bill. So I hope we can turn down the temperature and the rhetoric and have some productive conversations on this.

I think the Governor has signaled his willingness to have this conversation and we could take them up on it. And I think that's what America is looking for. America wants common sense conversations and solutions. So with that, thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you, Mr. Essayli. Mr. Demaio, you were recognized.

I said pretty early on in my time in this body that I would never vote for an honorary resolution, the virtue signaling resolution that was inaccurate or that in any way sought to divide our community, that I would not do a disservice to the constituents I represent.

500,000 by putting their name through my vote to a resolution that would divide communities in our state. It is up to a Legislator when crafting these resolutions to take great care of, not to put intolerant, divisive, inaccurate information into a resolution.

If they really want to affirm and celebrate a community which I don't think anyone would disagree with here, don't do it in a way that seems to be carrying forward a more sinister political agenda designed to divide us. Unfortunately, this resolution falls into the category of more misinformation and division.

And the comments made in this body on this floor in support of this resolution also are divisive, also are ill informed, also are downright dishonest. I have to search because I and I would love to have one of my colleagues educate me. What do you mean by an anti Trans law? Be specific.

That's a pretty significant allegation that would strike fear in the hearts of community members. You have an obligation to specify what is an anti Trans law because I remember just a few years ago SB357 was described as a Bill to ban police officers from arresting people for walking while Trans.

It was described as a pro Trans piece of legislation. You know what? SB357 is best known as the pro pimp human trafficking bill of our time because human trafficking, sex worker abuses has skyrocketed in the name of quote unquote protecting the Trans community. You're not protecting the Trans community through that bill.

But if we were to try to repeal that, you describe that as anti Trans rather than pro protecting these young girls and boys. And what's going on with SB357? You need to talk to your district attorneys around the state. It is horrific what this body has done through that piece of legislation in the name of protecting Trans.

Or if we were to introduce bills as we have as we just tried to warfare bill from Mr. Essayli to protect the integrity of girls sports, it too is described as anti Trans.

In closing, let me say that there's nothing anti Trans about seeing bad policy that in the name of the Trans community unfortunately is being advanced and having great negative consequences in our communities, whether it's the prostitution bill or the assault on girl sports.

As a gay Republican, I've seen hate, I've seen discrimination in my life, but I've seen no more hate and discrimination than what I see purportedly happening on behalf of the Trans advocates out there. And it needs to stop. This resolution does not unite us. It divides us. It doesn't. It does not serve the Trans community well.

It doesn't serve any Californian well.

Thank you, Assemblymember Demaio. Assemblymember Addis, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. And I want to thank my colleague from West Hollywood for bringing HR21 forward. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in unwavering support of HR21 recognizing Transgender Week of Visibility.

And I start by saying that there is nothing wrong, nothing divisive, nothing scary, nothing intolerant about being transgender or supporting transgender people.

In fact, there's everything right about Trans people and about supporting Trans people, our very siblings, men, women, non binary, two spirit, intersex, that are bold and brilliant and thriving despite every effort to erase their existence and silence their voices.

For generations, as we have heard Transgender, non binary, 2 spirit, and intersex people within and beyond the Jewish community have been leading, have been creating and fighting for economic, social, and societal well being. They have been fighting for justice. They've been shaping history, and they are right now, today, shaping our future.

And thankfully, transgender people are not going anywhere. But we need to be clear that today is a day of visibility. Yet visibility is simply not enough.

It's not enough when hate is rising as it does on this floor, when slurs abound, when violence and policies of exclusion are being normalized, and when powerful work forces are working every single day to make Trans people disappear. So we must let our voices ring true.

That we won't back down, that we won't go back, that we won't be silent. Because as Jewish people and as so many of us in this body know what invisibility leads to, we know the dangers of invisibility. And we cannot let history repeat itself. And so this is why the Jewish community stands strong.

We stand with the Trans community, not just in words, but in actions. It's why I'm personally working to strengthen the Transgender, Gender, Non Conforming and Intersex Wellness and Equity Fund. And many of our Jewish colleagues in the caucus are working on other important legislation to solidify our support for the visibility and the well being of Trans people.

Because we know that Trans people belong. They should be seen in our communities, across our state, across our nations, across our world today and into the future. And so with that, I urge your Aye vote on HR21.

Thank you, Assembly Member Addis. Assembly Member Schultz, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And thank you to my colleague from West Hollywood for introducing this important measure. I wasn't Planning to speak, Mr. Speaker, but I felt moved to do so. To simply say that while I have respect for my colleagues across the aisle, I cannot agree with the statement made by my colleague from San Diego.

This resolution, HR21, is about saying to the transgender community, which right now feels more abandoned and relegated to the backbench and forgotten than they probably ever have in the history of our society. It's about saying to them, we see you, we love you, we value you.

You are just as God made you to be, and we stand with you and beside you in this moment. For that reason, I submit there is no good reason to vote no on HR21. Thank you again to my colleague.

Thank you, Assembly Member Schultz. Assembly Member Ward, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Also rise in support of HR21. Thank our colleague from West Hollywood and Los Angeles for introducing this important resolution on behalf of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus. An anti Trans measure is one that specifically or indirectly is going to disproportionately harm transgender Californians.

And that is something that we critically analyze as we think about policy or our budget support, to be able to make sure that when we talk about helping all Californians, especially those that are disproportionately attacked and hurt, that we mean it.

And to say that this is an effort to be able to turn that we want to hear, turning down the rhetoric that we want to be able to have things that are not divisive. We know exactly who is turning up the rhetoric to put this information out there to spur our debate. So we will have that debate.

We will have that debate again and again if necessary, despite the progress that we've made for the transgender community, because others want us to be able to revisit some of this conversation.

And barring new evidence, and I think barring a change in many of our guiding principles, I think that we're going to be able to stay the course and be able to set a different example than what we are seeing across this great country.

Because I know that in recent months, through conversations with community Members and others across California, people are hurting and they're scared and they want to be forced back in the closet. They want to be denied for just simply being who they are.

Even in times that have become more tolerant, more understanding, more accepting, we still have a long way to go. And by introducing this resolution, we are being able to further the conversation that makes sure that they are not forgotten. We know the disparities that exist.

Some of the most tragic, of course, is we understand the mental health, suffering and public health data that comes associated with those who are transgender, that compared to cisgender peers, they are more than two and a half likely times to hurt themselves or worse, commit suicide.

But when accepted, that rate is reduced by 50% when they have that peer network and they have loving and supporting individuals around them who care for them, just for being who they are. None of us here are transgender, at least not openly. So.

So we can't fully know what it is to be able to experience what their lives are day to day. But we trust the information and their stories because they are constituents to 300,000 Californians, are our constituents that are yet unrepresented here on this floor. And so I rise in strong support of HR21 because this day matters.

It matters to them. It matters to anybody. Who among the least among us. If you are attacked, if you are hurt, if you need somebody to have your corner and you feel threatened, marginalized and unsupported, we will have your back. And I want to thank you and respectfully request your vote on HR21.

Thank you, Assemblymember Ward seeing and hearing no further debate. Assemblymembers board, would you like to close?

Yes. I'd like to thank my colleagues from San Jose, Santa Cruz, San Francisco, Swiss City, Oakland, San Luis Obispo, Burbank and San Diego for their compelling words and their allyship. Folks spoke about this resolution as being divisive. There's nothing divisive in this resolution. A lot of what was talked about was not germane to this resolution.

All this resolution does is it basically recognizes that TGI people exist and that they're valued and that we respect them. If that is divisive, what I think my colleagues are saying is the existence of transgender people are divisive. And if that is what they're saying, then that is not. Those are not the values of California.

This bill is telling our transgender kids and their parents and transgender people generally who are under extreme attack from the federal Administration and people across California with proposals that the proposals against them are the things that are divisive and are being brought to divide our country and stoke fear.

And all that this is telling us is saying is that we value you. We know that you exist. We respect you. And as my colleague from San Francisco said that, our intention is that we will protect you.

So with that, I ask that the first roll be open for co authors and want to thank my colleagues for their allyship today. Thank you.

Thank you. Assemblymember Zbur. All debate having ceased, the Clerk will open the roll for co authors. All those vote who desire to vote. This is for co authors. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. There are 54 CO authors added. Clerk will close the roll.

There are 54 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 resolution is adopted. The ayes have it. Okay, Members, quorum call is still in place. We are moving on to the adjournments.

In memory, please give your respective respectful attention to those who are granted prior permission to speak on their adjournments and memory. Please take conversations off the floor. Assembly Member Garcia, you are recognized for your adjournment. In memory.

Colleagues, it is with profound sadness that I rise today to adjourn in memory of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr., a dedicated public servant who tragically lost his life in the line of duty on March 17th. Deputy Cuevas was courageously pursuing a suspect of an auto theft investigation when his patrol vehicle crashed and struck an electrical pole.

Despite the swift response of first responders, Deputy Cuevas succumbed to his injuries at the scene. Deputy Cuevas was just 36 years old and a resident of Fontana and a constituent of mine within District 50. He served with honor and distinction in his six years at San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

In addition to his service as a Sheriff's Deputy, he also served the Upland community as a law enforcement officer, demonstrating his dedication to protecting his community. Beyond his law enforcement duties, Deputy Cuevas was an active member of the Rialto football community and the San Bernardino Spartans Football Association.

His mentorship had a lasting impact on young athletes, teaching them the important values of teamwork, perseverance, and discipline. He is survived by his wife and two children, his parents, and his brother and sister. His passing is an unimaginable loss to his family, his colleagues, and the community.

We mourn the loss of a brave law enforcement officer whose dedication to public safety will never be forgotten. In his memory, let us recognize the sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers each day and honor the legacy of service that Deputy Cuevas leaves behind. I ask that we adjourn in solemn remembrance of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. and extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and law enforcement brothers and sisters.

Thank you, Assembly Member Garcia. Assembly Member Carrillo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. I rise with a heavy heart as I join my fellow colleagues in adjourning in memory of San Bernardino County Deputy Mr. Hector Cuevas, Jr. Deputy Cuevas was 36 when he tragically lost his life in the line of duty on Monday, March 17, while courageously serving the communities we are all privileged to represent every day here in the Assembly.

He bravely dedicated six years of his life to protecting his community as a San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputy and also served the Upland community as a law enforcement officer, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to public safety. Many knew him as a dedicated member of the Rialto football community, where his love for the game and commitment to mentorship helped shape the lives of our youth.

He spent most of his time teaching them the core values of life, and through teamwork, perseverance, and discipline, you can achieve anything. His passing is an unimaginable loss to his family, colleagues, and the community he served with dedication and heart. His life reminds us of sacrifices made by our law enforcement officers each day and the immense gratitude and respect we owe these heroes.

He is remembered by his loving wife, two children, his parents and his brother and sister, who will carry on his legacy. My sincere condolences go out to the family, friends, and the entire San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department during this difficult time. Members, I respectfully ask that we adjourn in memory of a brave and dedicated public servant, Deputy Hector Cuevas, Jr.

Thank you, Assembly Member Carrillo. Assembly Member Rodriguez, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for allowing me to speak on this adjournment in memory. I want to also, I also want to express my gratitude to my colleagues from San Bernardino County for their heartfelt words. It's with a heavy heart that I rise today to request me adjourn in memory of Deputy Sheriff Hector Cuevas, Jr. of San Bernardino County.

Hector served his community with honor and deep sense of duty. At just 36 years old, his life was taken far too soon. His loss is deeply felt by his family, friends, and the community he dedicated his life to protecting. However, his legacy of service and sacrifice will live on forever. May he rest in peace. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

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

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to request that we adjourn in the memory of San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. As I served as County Supervisor for San Bernardino County, I seen firsthand the work our law enforcement community does. And sadly, Deputy Cuevas paid the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.

A dedicated six year veteran of the department, Deputy Cuevas earned the respect of both his colleagues and the communities he served with honor and unwavering commitment. He was patrolling, out protecting our community against criminals who wreak havoc on our community. I stand in appreciation of his actions and all those who continue to protect our community.

As we mourn the loss of this courageous public servant, we remember the legacy of service, sacrifice, and selfishness he leaves behind. But we also stand behind all those law enforcement officers who continue, continue to protect our community. Our deepest condolences go out to his families, sending condolences and prayers to the Cuevas family and all who had the privilege of of knowing him. I ask that we adjourn in the memory of Deputy Cuevas Jr.

Thank you, Assembly Member Ramos. Assembly Member Lackey, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

I too stand with sadness and profound gratitude as we adjourn in memory of Deputy Hector Cuevas Jr. Although my colleagues have already shared with you a lot of the information, the level of sacrifice and service deserves a degree of repetition. His ultimate sacrifice reminds us of the bravery, dedication, and selflessness that define all law enforcement officers.

His unwavering commitment to justice ensured that the suspect, a threat to public safety, was swiftly apprehended and now faces the weight of law. As you've heard, he's only 36 years old. Hector Cuevas already built a remarkable legacy of service. He was more than just a protector.

He was an example of strength and a beacon of hope for his family and his community. He impacted many young people through the lens of being a football influence. He guided and stood for the values of discipline, perseverance, and unwavering commitment to something greater than oneself.

His impact on the lives he touched will continue to resonate for many years to come. As you've heard, he leaves behind loving family. And while their loss is immeasurable, we hope that they may find peace in the knowledge that Hector's legacy of courage, kindness, and sacrifice will forever be with those he served and inspired.

I'm hoping that we can honor his memory by recognizing the everyday sacrifices of our law enforcement officers. By striving to embody the same spirit of duty and compassion that defined Hector Cuevas Jr. I ask that we adjourn in solemn remembrance, sending our deepest condolences to his family, his friends, and his law enforcement brothers and sisters. His watch may have ended, but his legacy of courage and service will endure forever. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Lackey. 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, the following committees meet immediately upon adjournment.

Budget Subcommittee 6 on Public Safety in Capitol Room 447. Natural Resources Committee, Capitol Room 437. Revenue and Taxation Committee, Capitol Room 126. Transportation Committee in Swing Space, Room 1100. Again, immediately upon adjournment. Session schedule as follows. Tuesday, March 22. March 25, check in session. Wednesday, March 26, check in session. Thursday, March 27, check in session.

Friday, March 28, floor session, 9:00am. Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Mr. Garcia moves and Mr. Gipson seconds that this House stands adjourned until Friday, March 28th at 9am. The quorum call is lifted, and we are adjourned.