Senate Floor

Secretary, please call the roll.

Allen. Alvarado-Gil. Archuleta. Arreguin. Ashby. Becker. Blakespear. Cabaldon. Caballero. Cervantes. Choi. Cortese. Dahle. Durazo. Gonzalez. Grayson. Grove. Hurtado. Jones. Laird. Limon. McGuire. McNerney. Menjivar. Niello. Ochoa Bogh. Padilla. Perez. Reyes. Richardson. Rubio. Seyarto. Smallwood-Cuevas. Stern. Strickland. Umberg. Valladares. Wahab. Weber Pierson. Wiener.

A quorum is present. Members, if we can return to our desk and please rise. Guests beyond the gallery, please rise. This afternoon we'll be led in prayer by Senator Laird, after which, please remain standing for the Pledge of Allegiance. Senator Laird.

Thank you, Madam President. Creator God, we ask you to accompany us today as we strive to make the best possible possible decisions for the good of your people. Be with us when we are tempted to fear and doubt, when we are tempted to discouragement. Be with us in our encounters that evade success.

When we are tempted to grow weary in our debates with persons who disagree with us, when we are tempted to misunderstanding. Gracious and merciful God, strengthen us on our journey of leadership that we may witness to the value of humble service for all of those who put their trust in our work. We ask this in your name.

Amen.

Please join me in the pledge. I pledge allegiance to the flag of.

The United States of America.

Colleagues, we have a very long day with a lot on the agenda. I will ask if the floor is telling you you're up. Please return to your desk and I will note which resolution is a support support so we can be concise and get out in time before dinner.

First, I'd like to acknowledge the University of California President, Mr. James Milliken, in the back of the chambers, welcome, sir. We have another special guest with us. Senator Choi's wife has joined us today, Ms. Janie Choi. Senator Umberg, you have the next introduction.

Madam President and colleagues, I'm pleased to present the 34th Senate District Young Fellows who are joining us here today. So we have to be on our best behavior so we can show them we can model behavior for all our young Senators. They're the best and the brightest of the 34th Senate district.

So on behalf of California State Senate, please join me in welcoming our young Senators. Thank you.

Welcome to the people who will be in our positions down the line. Our next introduction will be led by Senator Grove. Senator Grove, when you're ready.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, today I rise to recognize Derek Carr, not only in celebration of his retirement in the National Football League after 11 hard fought seasons on the field, but also his incredible philanthropic work in our community.

Before I begin, I want to thank Assemblymember Tangipa for organizing Mr. Carr and his family's visit to the Capitol. As a former Fresno State Football Bulldog football player himself, Assemblymember Tangipa has firsthand knows Derek and personally, his personal role model and all that

the Bulldog players that admire Mr. Carr. Born in Bakersfield, California and raised in the great Central Valley. Actually one of my pastors is a mentor of his pastor Wendell Vincent from Canyon Hills. Derek has long been a source of great pride for our community.

At Fresno State, he followed in the footsteps of his brother and established himself as one of the greatest quarterbacks in program history, breaking records, leading the Bulldogs to back to back Mountain West championships. His time at Fresno State made him a household name and it cemented his place among many great athletes to come from our Central Valley.

In 2024, the Oakland Raiders drafted Derek Carr where he became the team's all time leader in passing yards and touchdowns. Spending over nine seasons with the Raiders and 22 more seasons with the New Orleans Saints, Derek earned four Pro bowl selections and proved himself to be a consistent, resilient leader on and off the field.

His work ethic, professionalism and commitment to his teammates set a standard for excellence that inspired countless young athletes. Beyond the field, Derek and his family have given back in very, very meaningful ways.

He and his brother David Carr have lent their voices to Valley Children's Hospital and their resources, highlighting their personal connection and commitment to our Central Valley. After Derek and Heather's son Dallas received life saving care from Valley Children's Hospital, they established the DC Kids program which helps kids with disabilities and mobility challenges play sports.

They join activities and simply just be kids. Through this initiative, Derek has also extended support to children facing serious medical challenges. And he remains consistently active in community blood drives as blood is so vitally important to our life. Grounded deeply in his Christian faith, he's lived out from his childhood between faith, worship and church.

They've always been in his life, even before football. He has used a platform to minister, inspire, healing and stand as a testament of how sports and faith can intersect for the greater good. Derek is more than a quarterback, he's a role model. He's a man of faith. He's a husband, a brother, a son and a devoted father.

Colleagues, please welcome me and welcoming. Welcoming Derek Carr, his beautiful wife Heather, along with their incredible children, Dallas, Dallas, Decker, Deacon and Brooklyn.

Welcome to the Senate to the Carr family. Senator Grove. One minute Senator.

We do have this wonderful Senate resolution to present to Derek Carr for all of his achievements.

Now is the time for a group photo. We will reconvene in 60 seconds. Senators we're going to come back to the business of the floor. Continuing with the introduction. Senators, in the gallery today we'd like to welcome the Central Region of Future Farmers of America Officers along with the California Education Administrator Jill Sperling. Please welcome them.

Looking very sharp. Moving on to Senator Ochoa Bogh. Without objection, we will move on to Senate third reading to take up a few resolutions out of order. That's going to be file item 38 first, SCR 93, file item 39 SCR95 and file item 41 SR53. Kicking us off will be Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 93 by Senator Ochoa-Bogh, relative to First Responders Day.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm pleased to present SCR 93, which recognizes October 28th as First Responders Day in California. The very first National Responders Day was declared by President Biden in 2022 to recognize the heroic men and women who make it their business to take immediate action when disaster strikes.

Every day, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, 911 dispatchers, public works professionals, and other emergency personnel work as our first line of defense, protecting our communities and ensuring California is the safest place to live, work, and visit.

While each day brings something new to the job, first responders play a pivotal role in making a positive difference under difficult circumstances. But in spite of the challenges, when you're having what could be the worst day of your life, first responders are there working hard to make a positive difference.

These professionals measure their success by their lives that are saved every day. They deserve our deepest respect and gratitude for their commitment to preserving the peace while ensuring the safety of California's residents and visitors. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator, for this support support resolution. Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam President. As a former law enforcement officer, I acknowledge today and I thank all of you who are giving us the time to acknowledge our first responders, men and women in uniform. And once again, I thank you, Madam President. I rise today as a proud co-author of SCR 93, acknowledging First Responders Day in California.

This resolution is of personal importance to me. As I mentioned, I served in law enforcement with the Montebello Police Department. First Responders Day recognizes a diverse group of public safety professionals who put their lives on the line each and every day to ensure the safety and well being of others, protecting our lives and our properties.

This includes peace officers, firefighters, medical technicians, paramedics, dispatchers, and other emergency personnel. Our first responders are public servants who protect us, serve us, and protect our communities every single day. Their work is dangerous and difficult, yet they proudly serve. And they go out each and every day to protect our greatest state.

Here in California, we are indebted to those that put themselves on the line every day. Whether responding to natural disasters, accidents, medical emergencies, public health, safety threats, California is blessed to have such high quality and high quality caring individuals who protect us. And let's not forget the businesses they protect as well.

Saving these business owners from losing their property and livelihood. It's an action that takes a lot of intestinal fortitude. And for today, we pay tribute to them. Finally, it's a great day for them. Here in California, we face some of the most significant challenges. Our natural disasters in our state.

This is exemplified by of course, we all remember the Los Angeles fires this year. It's only due to the dedication and the quality of our first responders that California is able to respond when disaster strikes. Time and time again, it's our first responders who are first on the scene, saving lives, offering comfort, and restoring law and order.

To our first responders, we thank you. We commit to you to serve and represent you whenever we can. Fighting for us, we say thank you. The tools, the training, and support that you receive is just the beginning. We will be there for you as state, as a Senate, and certainly as people who appreciate your work. So thank you once again, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 93.

Senator Ochoa-Bogh, you may close.

I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 36, noes 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator, please continue now with your introduction.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I want to extend a warm welcome to representatives from the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council, Laura Dyberg, board president and the motivation for the introduction of SCR 93, and Terisa Bonito, secretary treasurer. These women are among the many dedicated individuals at the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council who provide wildfire provision and safety education to residents in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council was formed in 1999 after the 1997 Mill Fire made it clear that residents of the wildland urban interface needed to take a more active role in making their communities more fire safe. This highly active fire safe council went on to help establish more than 14 councils throughout the Inland Empire.

They also founded the Inland Empire Fire Safe Alliance, a coalition of fire safe councils, other nonprofit stakeholders, state agencies, utility companies, and first responder partners that meet bimonthly to discuss successes and challenges and provide updates.

The Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council is one of the more than 300 fire safe councils on across California that support the mission of creating fire safe communities through education, resources, and communication. Thank you for going above and beyond to education, inform, and protect your neighbors, especially during the 2023 snowstorm that devastated the mountain communities.

Please join me in recognizing Laura Dyberg and Terisa Bonito along with the Mountain Rim Fire Safe Council for their commitment to ensuring the public safety of of the Inland Empire residents.

Welcome, and thank you so much for all you do. I'd like to now acknowledge another guest with us. Joining in the back of the chambers, Sacramento State President Mr. Luke Wood. Thank you for joining us, Mr. Wood. Senator Choi, you have file item 39 on a support support resolution. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 95 by Senator Choi, relative to Soju Day.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President and fellow Senators, thank you for welcoming my wife, Jamie, to the floor. Colleagues, today I rise to recognize September 20th as Soju Day by SCR95. Soju is about Korean heritage, culture, and community bonds.

Soju has become an emblem of unity, celebration, and tradition for Korean Americans servicing as a bridge of cultural exchange and enhancing cross-cultural understanding in our diverse society. California's Korean immigrants have contributed immensely to the economic, social and cultural fabric of our state.

Soju has the unique characteristics of bringing people together and symbolizing the sharing of joy. In 2024, Governor Gavin Newsom signed the Assembly Bill 2069 into law in 2024 which now allows California beer and wine licensees to also offer domestically produced Soju and the Soju from Japan to their customers.

Previously, those licenses were only authorized to offer imported Korean Soju and Japanese Soju. Later in today's agenda, we will be also voting on a special consent calendar that includes my resolution recognizing Korean Independence Day.

SR54 I would like to extend an invite to all of you to join me for our Soju Day festival at the Leland. Stanford mentioned later, so we can celebrate the Korean Independence Day with the traditional Korean food and beverage. The event will end by 6:30, and it would be great to see you all there.

As a proud Korean American, I am honored to stand and recognize Soju Day. Please join me in letting this day be reminder of the rich diversity that makes California stronger and of the enduring contributions of the Korean American community to our state's culture and economy. I urge you to vote on aye on SCR95.

Senator Umberg, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Okay, that's the full extent of my Korean. But I would be remiss and my colleagues from 40 years ago when we served as young soldiers in Korea if I didn't stand in recognition and also in endorsement of National Soju Day as an opportunity to build cultural awareness.

I have lived experience with Soju and I heartily recommend amended with that, I urge and aye vote.

Senator Choi, you may close.

Thank you for that comment. Senator Umberg served in Korea as a captain, very young captain, and we relate very well, and he understands the Korean culture. And then obviously he tasted the Soju as well. Okay, and then I would like to urge you to vote SCR95.

Senators, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? See none. Ayes 36, no's 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator Choi, back to you for your introduction.

Very much, Madam President. Now I would like to introduce some special guests on the floor. Originally, I wanted to have quite a few important VIPs, but because of the limited space, I could not accommodate them all on the floor.

Sorry for those who are up in the gallery, but first let me have the Consul General of Korea for stationed in San Francisco, Honorable Jung-taek Lim, right there. And next to the President of, I hope he's down here. He must be up there because of limited number.

President of Korean Association of San Francisco, Dr. Han-il Kim. The other name is Dr. Jonathan Kim. And the South Sacramento Korean American Association President was supposed to be also present, but something happened to her today, so couldn't be here. And the President of Lotte Beverage, Kyungdong Kim.

Okay, thank you very much for attending this very important day recognizing Soju Day, and we have some resolution to be presented to them. And let me present this and have a picture. And I would like to. Yeah. Why not give them round of applause, welcoming them. Yeah.

Welcome to the community, members from the Korean American community. For any member that you wish to participate in the group photo, please join.

Senator, for what purpose do you rise?

Madam, I would like to also ask all the Korean Americans who's attending at the gallery, please rise and. And thank you very much. Let's give him a big round of welcoming.

Thank you for joining us from the gallery.

Thank, thank you.

Our next file item is file item 41, SR 35, by Senator Rubio, but Senator Cortese will be doing it on her behalf. This is a support support resolution. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 53 by Senator Rubio relative to Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Senator.

Thank you. Good afternoon, colleagues. I'm pleased as a joint author of SR 53, to be presenting today a call to action that declares September as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, something that, honestly, there's been far too little attention to in terms of public awareness.

SR 53 encourages businesses, organizations and individuals to participate in activities and projects that support children and families facing the devastating effects of childhood cancer. It's estimated that over 9,500 children under 15 years of age will be diagnosed with cancer in 2025.

Cancer treatments are often geared toward adults, so children may experience heart or lung problems, slowed or delayed development, learning disabilities, and increased risk of secondary forms of cancer. It takes many kinds of professionals to help children with cancer in their families, including researchers, pediatric oncologists, psychologists, radiation oncologists, social workers, nutritionists, rehabilitation and physical therapists, nurses and educators.

Cancer takes away the dreams, the laughter and the future of too many children and families. It's the leading cause of death by disease for children in this country. These children, their families struggle with this devastating disease. They deserve our support and compassion.

And I respectfully ask, on behalf of my joint author, the Senator from Baldwin Park, respectfully ask for your vote on SR 53. Your aye vote that would be in your celebration of the amazing progress we have seen for these children. I respectfully ask. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mic's up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[roll call].

Please call them.

Please call the absent members.

[roll call].

Ayes 38, nos 0. The resolution is adopted. Senator Cortese, please introduce your guest.

Thank you again, Madam President. I would now like to recognize a few organizations that work tirelessly to raise awareness about childhood cancer every day.x

First, please join me in welcoming the following guests to the Senate for On behalf of my joint author, the Senator from Baldwin Park Misha Mehta, President of the Neave Kolty and Brave Roneel Foundation Shilpa Deshmukh, Director of Strategy for the Neve Kolty and Brave O' Neill Foundation Heidi Boynton, Executive Director of Jacob's Heart Children's Cancer Support Services Lisa Pagan, Executive Director of KOA Strong Childhood Cancer Profession Organization and I'd also like to recognize the Poetic Foundation, Mithil Prasad foundation and Live Like Bella Foundation.

The Poetic Foundation's mission is to fund the teams and institutions working toward finding new therapies and treatments for cancer and related diseases. From the Poetic foundation, we have Dr. Norman Lucayo, the Foundation's Medical Director. He's an associate Professor of Pediatrics in the division of hermatology, oncology, stem cell therapy and regenerative medicine.

His research is focused on discovering new biomarkers for children's leukemia. Dr. Atib Zamit is the Foundation's Director of Research and Operations. Using her interdisciplinary experience in visual neuroscience, clinical research, behavioral science, cancer research, and she leads research teams to find medical breakthroughs and next, I'd like to recognize Mithil Prasad Foundation.

Mithil Prasad was a voracious reader, a big Star wars fan, and loved playing with Legos, Minecraft and Clash of clans. At age 12, Mittel Prasad passed away from diffuse intrinsic pontine gyoma, or dipg. Here with us today from the Prasad foundation is his mother, Sarva Chana Rojas, co founder and President.

She's a patient advocate and speaker for Cancer Moonshot, an initiative that aims to prevent 4 million cancer deaths by 2047. She's also a board Member of the Coalition Against Childhood Cancer and has been invited to speak at the White House multiple times.

I'd also like to recognize Live Like Bella even though they were not able to join us today. This organization was established in 2013 in memory of Bella Rodriguez Torres, a young girl who struggled with cancer. Starting at the age of four, she fought for six years advocating for all children's needs.

She passed away at the age of 10. Please join me in giving a big Senate welcome to these guests and recognizing their hard work. Thank you.

We welcome the doctors and advocates to the Senate Floor. Senator Cortese, we're coming back to you for your own introduction. You did them all together. Thank you, Senator. We are now moving into a great part of our session. We will be recognizing two different sets of fellows. The first ones are going to be our Senate Fellows.

And the ceremony will be kicked off by Pro Tem.

Thank you so much, Madam President. Members, if I could have. Folks, this is really a special occasion. I rise today to recognize the California State Senate Fellows. Got to say, California has so many good things going for, but one of the best are these leaders who are with us today.

Now, the Calvin and Senate Fellow program is nationally recognized. It was started in 1973 about how old their parents are. And it's one of the oldest and most distinguished service learning programs in the United States of America.

You know, every year literally hundreds of leaders apply to the program and only 18. 18 the best of the best rise to the top to secure a fellowship. Now these proud Californians are some of the smartest, dedicated and hard working around. And this year they come from every corner of the great State of California.

From CSUs, UCs and community colleges. They staff bills, they staff committees, write analysis, floor marks, meet with stakeholders and countless constituents. And on top of that, they have been attending. They attend weekly graduate level seminars.

They are truly incredible and I gotta say, this session has thrown a lot at us and we could not have done it without them. Can't say enough about this year's class and cohort of fellows. This program is thorough, it's rigorous and it's an amazing introduction to public service. And it launches so many to successful careers.

And candidly, as Members of the Legislature, to the 18 of you who rode out the political waves with this year, it's not over yet. And you have so many opportunities ahead of you.

And I wouldn't be surprised one day, and I hope you'll agree with me that we're going to see you sitting in these decks right here in this chamber. I think we need to give it up loud and proud and say thank you for the talents, the drive and dedication.

There is no doubt, no doubt that their drive is going to improve the lives of 40 million Californians. Senators, can I please give a round of applause to our amazing Senate Fellow cohort. Let me hear you loud and proud. Thank you.

And finally, Madam President, we do want to say thank you so much to Sacramento State President Wood Stingers up, who is with us today. They are here. They help support this program. They host the program and we couldn't do it without him. Madam President, I yield the floor back to you.

And truly we are grateful for these amazing leaders and the work they do on behalf of California.

Thank you for those wonderful remarks. Mr. Pro Tem. Senator Reyes will be the first Member to introduce her fellow.

Thank You, Madam President, today I rise to recognize Mellie Ugochuko, our 2025 Senate fellow. Mellie hails from Lancaster as a graduate of UCLA and before coming to the Capitol, worked as a substitute teacher.

During her time with our team, Mellie has staffed the Judiciary Committee as well as critical issues to my district such as Health and Human Services.

Although we met in person for the first time just last week, Mellie and I have been interacting virtually throughout her entire fellowship, and I've been consistently impressed with how quickly she has taken to the work done in the Legislature during a very unique fellowship experience.

Additionally, I want to give a special thank you to Senator Dr. Aquila Weber for assisting with mentoring Mellie during my absence, ensuring that she has the best experience possible. Mellie has served the 29th Senate District with distinction and dedication, and we are fortunate to have had her as part of Team Reyes. Congratulations, Mellie.

Senator Menjivar, you are recognized from the Majority Leader's desk.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. This year was my first year that I was able to bring on a Senate Fellow. Andrea Ayala, a Sacramento native and a UC Berkeley graduate, has definitely left her mark with Team Menjivar this year.

From traveling down to the San Fernando Valley, she got firsthand insight of what Senate District 20 looked like. She helped bring successful community events to the district. From the holiday event to Pride to tackling some of the most dicey issues that I work on like public safety and education.

She has proven that she has the skills to go far in our crazy world of politics should she decide to continue in this world. As she co led one of my most important bills, I saw Andrea get pumped and passionate about bringing justice to youth in our LA juvenile halls.

As a first generation college graduate, she is passionate about removing barriers to higher education, protecting LGBT plus rights and giving back to our community. But beyond developing our policy perception, this Gen Z ER introduced me to the world of Self Sunny Angels, a collection I still need to work on.

She helped tip the balance of Super Matcha fans in the office because there are nearly not enough of my staff who are on Team Matcha because they all think it tastes like dirt. But most importantly, she added the much needed support with being assigned to the Gryffindor house.

Since I am surrounded by a bunch of slytherins working on my team. I appreciate the energy and the enthusiasm that she brought and continues to bring into my office every single day and have truly seen her grow with confidence since day one.

She never failed to keep up with my many, many, sometimes never Ending Bill questions and policy updates. And to her family and parents who are here in the gallery, you should be very proud. You have raised a really good one. Andrelle, you have been a true pleasure to have in my office.

And I hope you know that once a team manjever, you will always be team Menjivar. Great job and congratulations.

Senator Becker, you are recognized from the jury leader's desk.

Thank you. President and colleagues. Today it's my honor to recognize Senate fellow Alejandro Fisher, someone I think we will see around this building for many years to come. And you won't miss him. With his giant smile that lights up every room, Alejandro arrived in my office ready to tackle some challenging issues. Justice reform, agriculture and beyond.

And by tackling and actually running several bills of his own, he gained a keen understanding of the legislative process. From our first briefing to the final floor vote, he approached every task with a combination of intellectual curiosity, thoughtful analysis, and committed to hard work.

Now, I imagine that commitment to hard work was honed at SAC State when he was part of the rugby team that took Sacramento State to win the national championship over the Florida Seminoles in Texas. He did break his arm in the championship game against Fresno. So he learned resilience as well against Fresno State.

Needless to say, it was also very important to me. He rallied the team on our initiative to look at all my past legislation. Has it been implemented? If so, has it achieved the goals we wanted? And if it has, how do we quantify that? We've been working on that for a while.

And nevertheless, this took many, countless meetings with agencies to make sure that we figured this out. Determined to uplift others, he ran to be the fellowship representative of the California Latino Capital Association Foundation.

Hence my badge here today, my sticker, where he enables our emerging leaders to gain hands on legislative experience and build professional networks and skills and confidence. He's a constant reminder of the importance of getting joy out of every interaction and out of his public service. He made everyone better, including myself.

Alejandro, thank you for your dedication, your insights, and the examples you set for us all. I wish you the best of luck in your next chapter of public service. Thank you.

Thank you, Alejandro.

Senator Niello, take it away.

Thank you, Madam President. I could cite Adeline's background, her educational background and all that, but I knew that she would be a perfect addition to our staff when during our interview, she asked us a question. She asked us, what's your favorite Ayes cream? Now, that created an entertaining and insightful discussion.

And I thought, now there is a unique young lady and indeed she is. We demand a lot of our fellows. As I've said about this several times, we threw Adeline into the deep end and though with the mentorship of Calvin Rusch, our ledge Director. But she swam beautifully. No question about that.

She's hard working, she's proactive, and she has an intelligence that drives her very positive ambition. Perhaps most important for our office is she's got a great sense of humor and contributes to the fun that is quite frankly, mandatory and in the Niello office.

And as I leave for meetings out of the office, she always admonishes me, have fun. And certainly we do. A better fellow we could not have had than Adalynn Fowler.

Adalynn, I hope you continue to have. Up next is Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. Nicknamed Ronald Reagan by her colleagues, Mariah Frerichs graduated with a degree in psychology from UC Santa Barbara, my Alma mater, and has nearly finished or completed her Master's of Public Administration from Florida State University. Mariah is kind and passionate.

She has been doing research for us on a variety of issues that are critical to SC19. She's independent and has been eager to learn about every facet of the work that we do in the Capitol. And it's been a pleasure to have you in our office.

And I want to thank her parents here in the gallery for sharing her with us and for raising a very fine young woman. You were from the government and always there to help. Thank you very much. And I know you're going to have a great future ahead of you. Thank you, Mariah.

Senator McNerney, you're up next.

Madam President and colleagues, I rise today to honor an outstanding Senate Fellow, Aaron Gilbert o'. Neill. He is not only smart and funny as and a joy to have in my office, but he's also worked with me on one of my top priorities this year. Artificial intelligence.

Aaron worked diligently with our team and stakeholders to help guide legislation that will create common sense guardrails with one of my top priorities again, AI to make sure that it is safe and beneficial.

And I'm proud to report that as of today, thanks to Aaron's help, we have three active AI builds and one in a two year program. Aaron, in short, has exceeded expectations. But that shouldn't be a surprise. Aaron arrived in our office with considerable experience.

He was a legislative intern for Assemblymember Lowe and before that as a district intern for Assemblymember Cooley. But like me, he came from Washington. He previously interned for in D.C. for Congressman James Jimmy Gomez and worked as a district infant for Congressman AMI Bera.

Plus Aaron arrived in my office with a deep understanding of our district because he's from the District Livermore. Aaron also notes that his experience growing up in a household led by two moms exposed him to political discussions from a young age and helped shape his understanding of social and political responsibility. Aaron's moms are in the galley today.

It's only logical that I decided in my first term in the Senate to make Aaron my first Fellow in our office. And not surprisingly, Aaron brought all of his experience to bear quickly and seamlessly to become an integral part of our office. And among other things, Aaron has been so helpful with he is our District Chief Decorator.

Aaron is also the secret sauce to draw in Senate Fellows to office just to hang out with him. But perhaps the most impressive thing about Aaron is his snack game. From day one, he personally made sure that our office had plenty of snacks on hand and never went hungry, no matter how late we were worked.

Aaron has been worth his weight in gold. And I know it's your goal to become a legislative aide. You'll be a great one. Thank you, Aaron, for being such a terrific Senate Fellow.

Congratulations to the Mr. Sweet Sauce. The next three on deck are going to be Senator Laird, Senator Wiener, and Senator Umberg. Senator Laird.

thank you very much, Madam President. I would like to recognize Coruna Gillespie for outstanding work that she has done this last year in my office. She grew up in Laytonville, a small rural town in Mendocino County, and went on to study public policy and leadership at Claremont McKenna College.

During her time off, she worked in local government and policy research, and after studying abroad in Panama, she wrote her thesis on the country's policy framework for recognizing Indigenous people's land rights.

After graduating, she joined the fellowship program and was placed in my office as my fourth and best Fellow Fellow, inclusive of the one who I the former Fellow that I believe wrote these comments.

During her time here, she's worked on six bills and staffed a wide range of issue areas, including the Senate Committee on Local Government and the Senate Committee on Education. She's worked diligently to learn the ins and outs of the legislative process and has become something of an expert on gift card law. A unique skill.

She consistently steps up and supports the office without being asked, and her dedication has made her a truly wonderful Member of my team. She's passionate about policy. She brings that passion with her wherever she goes.

Her energetic and positive attitude has made her a pleasure to work with her mother is here watching and I am sure she shares in the pride we all have for this year of achievement. I look forward to seeing her continue to pursue her goals in the Legislature. Congratulations Karuna, and thank you for a great year.

Senator.

I thank you Madam President. Colleagues, today I rise to recognize and thank Ricardo Gonzalez, who we've had the pleasure of having in our office as our Senate Fellow this year. Ricardo was born in Hawthorne, down South and his upbringing and experiences have instilled in him a deep passion for public service.

He attended UC Riverside where he majored in Political Science and while at UC Riverside he was involved in a number of different studies student organizations including around pre Law and Legislative Advocacy.

He staffed four of my bills this year and as you may not know my bills are not all super easy or they're all super easy and quite non controversial and he staffed four of them.

Ricardo also staffs me on both Health Committee and Local Government Committee Committee, two really tough committees with big Bill loads and he actually took over Health midway through this year when our previous staffer on that Committee relocated back to Southern California and he stepped right in seamlessly and staffed it beautifully.

Ricardo is definitely on the more quiet, subdued, low key side, but he has fit well perfectly into my office. Despite all of the big personalities to my office. He is really fit in with our hard working and fun office environment. Ricardo is an incredibly principled young person and deeply committed to ensuring a better life for all Californians.

Please help me in thanking Ricardo for his service.

Senator Umberg, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam President. As one of the senior members here of the California State Senate, you might imagine that my staff would be concerned about my ability to relate to some of the younger staff and others. They didn't want me to be mid, so they've given me a new vocabulary.

And growing out the white beard, of course, did not help with their confidence in me being able to relate to some of the younger folks. One of the people that was incredibly helpful in helping me relate was Julia. Our fellow, Julia Hayes. She has been fantastic, and I'm here to hype her up.

Julia's been an absolute MVP in our office, handling legislation, staffing committees, and pulling up to meetings like it's nothing. She keeps it 100 with me, whatever that means. When I asked if doing a Bill on loud commercials made me seem like a Boomer, she didn't hesitate. She said, yes. No, cap. That honesty was exactly what I needed.

Julia went beast mode this year, staffing six bills, including one she fully cooked up herself. SB44, regulating brain computer interface chips, big galaxy brain vibes. You guys got that all right. She also held it down for me on Senate rev and tax and covered everything from cannabis to LGBTQ issues to animals. The range, unreal.

But Julia's impact wasn't just in my office. She's been a whole main character in the capital community. She's on the events Committee of the California Capital Latino Association foundation, and she just got appointed to the the Animal well Being Commission in Sacramento. That's a massive w. Bottom line, Julia's work ethic, curiosity, energy are unmatched.

She's been giving main character energy all year, and I know she's going to keep thriving. In fact, it's been a pleasure to see her glow up here firsthand. She is going to be a super. She is a superstar. She's going to remain a superstar.

She's going to be a leader in California for many, many, many years to come. Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for welcoming and honoring our fellow Julia Hay.

After Senator Padilla, we're going to have Senator Caballero and then Senator Grove, Senator Padilla.

Thank you very much, Madam President. Members, with great, great pride, I am rising to recognize my third fellow this year who is outstanding contributor to our team, Mithil Kalran. She was born in Minnesota, where she and her family lived until she moved here at the ripe old age of 9 years old.

She attended Cal State Northridge, where she was the Associated Student Chair of Legislative Affairs for that University. Her experience there as well as her studies helped Mithil develop the skills she has used during her time in fellowship.

She's been at the center of complex Health Committee policy discussions this year as well as instrumental in creating policy that helps certain areas of my district and Imperial Valley continue to maintain and have access to health care.

In fact, she's already in her brief time here, helped guide a Bill through the legislative process already signed by Governor Newsom. She's made a difference already in the lives of Californians. The first of many impacts that we all know she's very capable of making. Most importantly, really appreciate.

Mithil's energy and her optimism that she brings to our office every day became pretty clear to me pretty early on when we often hear rumblings in our Capitol offices with people wanting a walk in or wanting time or wanting a meeting that was usually related to most of the Fellows always dropping by our office not to see any of us, but to see Mittel.

Must be a meeting for Mithil. It's always something we enjoy doing, being around her. And let me tell you, she has an ability to accept the ironies and the crazy idiocies of the political piece of policymaking with good humor, with staying focused and calm. And that betrays a wisdom and a clarity far, far beyond her years.

Today, here to join us to celebrate Mithil are her mom Rehuti, her dad, Mulnoch and her sister Mansi. They are here with us. I don't know if you're up there somewhere, but there they are back in the corner. Welcome. Mithil has been a critical part of our team this year.

It's a pleasure to have watched her grow into the young professional and the contributor that she will no doubt continue to be. Her intelligence and her insight are going to serve her well. It's been a great joy to have her in our office. So it's my pleasure to recognize Mithyl Kalrel today.

Congratulations to a fellow matador.

Thank you. Madam President. It is with great honor that I rise to recognize our Senate Fellow Marco Martinez for his service and contributions to the 14th Senate District. Marco Martinez is a proud alumnus of the California Community College system where he began his post secondary education.

He graduated from the University of California at Berkeley with a BA in History and is a native of Button Willow in the Central Valley. A hop, skip and a jump from the Tule Elk Reserve which I know y' all know where it is, right? I mean you've gone there before. Yes.

Marco Martinez joined our office this year through the Capital Fellows program and quickly became a valued Member of our team. He brought with him not only a dedication to public service, but also a thirst for knowledge and an enthusiasm for learning that kept everyone on their toes in competition to do their best work and have ready answers.

Throughout his fellowship, Marco worked diligently to support our legislative priorities and staff an array of complex issues, including judiciary and education. His growth as a professional has been remarkable. He learned to take feedback, to apply himself, and to come back stronger, which will serve him well in every future endeavor.

Marco was also first to volunteer for any task, even before he knew what it entailed. His willingness to jump in and assist no matter the task, made him indispensable in our office. Beyond his legislative work, Marco left his own unique mark on the daily office routines.

The never ending click clack of his mechanical keyboard, which he proudly informed us was purchased on TikTok shop, became the soundtrack of our workspace. Marco has a quiet and steady personality and always a smile on his face.

He kept morale high, whether it was celebrating staff birthdays or or keeping us updated with his Dog of the Day, where the pup's featured expression told us what emotion he was feeling. And while the windows on the seventh floor don't open, Marco's optimism never failed to suggest we try.

His colleagues describe him as having an indomitable spirit, and we know that spirit will take him far in his career. On behalf of our office, I want to thank Marco Martinez for his excellent staff work and his dedicated service to the entire State of California, the Central Valley, and most especially to District 14.

We wish him the very best in his endeavors and are confident that his dedication and hard work will ensure success. Oy. Marco Martinez esta accompaniado por sus padres. El Senor Marcos Martinez y LA Senora Margherita Martinez. Muchas gracias. Osus padres por El Excelente travajo creando Un Hoven Muy buenos con Muy buenos valores y Una etica exceptional.

Muchisimas gracias. And they are up here in the gallery as well. If you could thank them very much for their hard work in creating such an incredible young man. Marco Martinez.

Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'm pleased to recognize Maximilian Nguyen or Max for his exceptional service as the 2025 Senate Republican fellow in Team Grove's office. As Max's fellowship concludes next month, we celebrate his remarkable contributions to our office.

Max is a UC San Diego graduate with dual degrees in Political Science with an emphasis on Data Analytics and Education sciences. And there is no doubt in my mind, because it's been tested and passed every time.

If he has read something on any type of number associated with anything, you can say something like, I wonder who won that election in Massachusetts in 2016. If he would rattle that person's name off. He's very, very smart. He also, during his undergrad, Max earned the honors of, like, Poly Sigma Alpha and Warren College Provost honors.

And he is, like I said, wicked smart. One of the funny things that has happened in our office is we this year got a new Pope.

And the Pope was delivering his speech after the election, and all of a sudden this Pope started speaking in Latin and we all kind of looked at each other and we said, I wonder what he's saying? And instantly Max started translating the speech.

And we were looking at him like, okay, so he's just an incredibly talented young man. His analytical skills and dedication, they strengthen my office for advocacy for small business farmers and families of the 12th Senate District. He supported key legislative priorities that we have this year.

Not only oil, but SB712, Leno's law, and SB612, which will make it easier for Members of our military to vote from overseas. He did a wonderful job using his prior experience as a policy research and constituent engagement to enhance our office's services to our constituents when they called.

Max's passion for public service and overall friendly demeanor have left a lasting impression on our office. As he moves forward, we wish him a continued success in everything that God has for this young man, knowing that he's going to make a huge difference not only in our state, but our nation.

I also want to make note that in the gallery, Max's family is here, along with several of his college friends. We have his stepfather, James Dunn, is here. His sister, Brianna Wynn, is here. And while she was unable to attend today, his mother, Kathleen Wynn, is cheering him on, watching us from home.

And it is also his mom's birthday. So happy birthday, Mom. Thank you for loaning your son to us. Thank you, Max, for your contribution and outstanding service to my office.

After Senator Cabaltan, we're going to have Senator Durazzo and then Senator Valaderas. Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. Deeply moved by the pro tems remarks about this program and how it is the best and the brightest of California. When I first was sworn in to the Senate on our swearing in day, so many people around the building said how excited they were to see me again.

And they remember from when I was a fellow. I was. I applied twice for the fellowship and never made it past round one. So I know it is for the actual best and the brightest in California. And certainly our fellow In Senate District 3 is right at the top of that list.

Maeve Parasol has served as the fellow in our office for this last year. Maeve is from just outside the eastern border of my district in Manhattan, New York. And she knew she wanted this.

Senator McNerney will acknowledge also, it's unusual for freshmen Senators to have a fellow placed in their office, but she fought to be in this, to represent, to be a fellow in the district that she comes from at UC Davis.

And although she is from New York, we, we held a little competition among our staff at our retreat, little picture game to see who in our entire staff knows the most about our district.

And of course, I thought Maeve would do the worst, not even being a native Californian, she came in second 1.0 behind the district Director, ahead of all the district staff.

And it goes to show her dedication to not just knowing the policy, but really understanding the people, the places, the hopes and the aspirations that we represent, the people whose voices when we are preparing for a Committee that we are representing as well.

Like every fellow, she came and she came in the first month and said, hey, this Bill I'm staffing all by myself, the chair of the Senate Health Committee doesn't like it. And I said to her, well, what are you going to do about that? She's tough. And Maeve, like so many fellows, rose to that moment, to everyone.

After that, I sat with her in a conversation. I brought her with me to a meeting with the chair of the Assembly Privacy Committee, actually about that same Bill. And within five minutes, I was no longer in the conversation. It was the chair of that Committee. And you know, she is a tough one.

And Maeve, our fellow, engaged in the deepest, most raucous conversation about what policies would work, what they would cost. And I was pleased and so proud to be an observer for that moment. Maeve, she does come to us from UC Davis in my district, and she staffed all sorts of health bills.

And I realized hearing the presentation on the floor today, she staffs me on education and local government. And if you're counting, that means almost all of the Members of the local government Committee have fellows.

And now, you know, House SB79 seem to have passed through, through, because this fellow intelligence network that they all know how to activate, where they pick up. You're all too young for this. Well, they pick up a bat phone and call one another when the regular channels of communication don't work.

It is an evidence that this program isn't just about the policy. It's not even just about the districts. It's about the political savvy, the emotional intelligence, the sense of team and purpose that makes this program so special. And no one has evidence as more than Maeve Parasol. She's still her own person.

She worked on our team, but she's not of us. She still insists on wearing Crocs, but I could not be more proud. And California has been deeply well served by her.

Her career goal is to also either go and be a Professor or if I can convince the secretary of the Senate, the Rules Committee and the pro tem to stay on in our office as a legislative aid. Big plug. All right. With that, please join me in congratulating May Parasol.

The desk has noted that remark. Senator Durazo, whenever you're ready.

Thank you, Madam President. I am so proud of Sunny Snell. I appreciate her time as a fellow in our office and I also congratulate all of the fellows today. From day one, Sunny has been an extraordinary member of our team. Sunny, smart, steady, always thoughtful.

Being a teacher by profession made her perfect to work here in this building. She has handled some tough assignments and she has done it with grace and composure. For example, she read a research paper about lead exposure and feminine hygiene products. A month later, she convinced me to introduce the Bill.

Three months later, the author of the paper was flying to California from Colorado to to testify. Another example of her hard work on my bills is when she searched through pages and pages of rental listings, mapped them out, and printed packets showing vacation homes on an airport Runway and inside a Whole Foods Market.

She has replied to emails at 3am with amendments sent at midnight for a hearing the next morning. What has impressed me most is is not just her talent and her dedication, but her calm under lots of pressure and her ability to listen. I thank her family very much for again, as someone said, loaning her to us.

We are so grateful for all the way she has strengthened our team this year, and I know she will continue to make a real impact in the lives of Californians. Congratulations to Sunny Snell.

Senator Valladares.

President, our office was truly blessed this year to have such a remarkable fellow, Sarah Stephan, as part of Team Belladeris. Let me just add here. She came in as the second team Member of Team Belladeris in a new office and it was amazing to see her not only excel, but thrive during that initial chaos.

Sarah is a SoCal girl like me, originally from a small town of La Crescenta. She understands the daily lives of families in our district because she and her family have lived them. Her parents even had to evacuate the recent Southern California fires. That kind of lived experience really makes her voice in this building even more powerful.

Sarah later attended California Lutheran University, where it was no surprise to anyone who knows her that she was among the top students graduating with a degree in Political Science and Legal Studies. From that start, I could see she had a work ethic and a drive that has made a true difference on Team Valladares.

This was my very first year hosting a fellow and Sarah has set the bar high from day one. She hit the ground running and never stopped. She staffed me on three committees, Rev and Tax, Transportation and our Special or our Olympics Select Committee, which is a lot for any staffer, let alone a fellow.

She took it all on with determination and perseverance. We saw her passion for helping Californians shine during our fight for more career technical education courses in our classrooms. That was a tough battle and Sarah didn't shy away. She leaned in and showed the heart of a true public servant.

It's been inspiring to watch her grow from at first a little timid fellow to a confident and brave professional. I have several nieces her age, so I immediately felt and continue like Sarah is one of them. She exemplifies the strong qualities we all want to see and in the next generation of leaders.

Her mom Melissa, father Bryant and sister Julie are in the balcony and I know they are just as proud of Sarah as I am and we are all excited to cheer her on during the next journey. Congratulations, Sarah.

Our final three fellow introductions are going to be from Senator Cortese, Senator Ashby, and Senator Limon.

Good afternoon colleagues. Today I'm proud to recognize Akali Warmsley, the Senate Fellow in our office this year. Akay's worked on vital legislation this year and advocated for fair compensation for state attorneys and administrative law judges, among many other things. She's also supported our work on a Bill to create San Jose's first public law school, SB550.

McKayle's research skills, especially around issues covering health and wellness, have been beneficial for vetting Bill ideas for my legislative package this year and next year as well. Her inquisitive nature has been valuable as she seeks to better understand the legislative process.

She's spent this year serving as a Fellow Representative for the California Legislative Black Staff Association, and I'm very proud of her for serving in that role. She's met with many stakeholders and constituents, listening intently and asking thoughtful questions. Akali has helped extensively with getting co authors on bills and resolutions.

Utilizing the relationship she's built, she secured the most co authors on bills of anyone in my office this year, by far. Akali, thank you for your service to Senate District 15 and the State of California.

Senator Ashby.

Thank you so much. First of all, congratulations to all the fellows. Really proud of all of you. Enjoyed my time getting to know you during Brown Bag lunch and in the hallways of this building, many of whom are here even when their Members are not.

So really, really happy to see all of you here being honored on the floor today. It is my extraordinary privilege to recognize our Senate District 8 fellow, Cynthia Weber, for her contributions and dedication to serving the State of California. Cynthia graduated from UC Davis summa cum laude.

And before participating in the Capital Fellows Program, she actually interned in the Assembly through the UC Center Sacramento program. She also participated in the Asian Pacific Islander Capital Association's Internship program, a program she now oversees, mentoring seven students. Giving back to the next generation of leaders. Cynthia has truly come full circle.

Not only is she a Capitol Fellow, but she now leads the very internship program that helped launch her journey to this place, demonstrating her commitment to bringing bright, diverse voices into the Capitol. Just like her. During her time in our office, Cynthia has taken on significant responsibilities.

She staffed four bills, one we thought would be a probs bait but is now making its way across the Assembly floor. So statement to her, not me. She's worked in spaces such as domestic violence prevention, traffic and pedestrian safety, flood protection and statewide literacy programs.

She's also worked across a variety of policy areas, including the Senate Committees on Human Services, Judiciary, governmental organizations, legal, local government and banking and financial institutions. Cynthia's positivity and professionalism have been an integral part of our team.

Her dedication, reliability and willingness to step up whenever needed have made a meaningful impact in our ability to represent our community. Cynthia is not only extremely intelligent, but she's also creative and willing to add her artistic and innovative skills skill set to help problem solve.

More than her talents and work ethic, though, Cynthia's dynamic personality and uplifting spirit will be the lasting impression she leaves in our office. Over the past year, I've had the privilege of watching Cynthia grow tremendously. Senator Umberg may say glow up.

She's gained confidence, she sharpened her skills, she stepped into her role and become an extremely important part of our team. Cynthia is a Member of the Sacramento community now. Through her service and her dedication to the people of Senate District 8, she's made a lasting connection with many people in the Capital Community.

Her commitment, talent and strong work ethic will take her far. I have every confidence that she will continue to do great things in service to the public. Cynthia's family is here with us today. I know they are very proud of this young woman. Congratulations to them. Congratulations to you, Cynthia.

Thank you for your service to our office, to our district, to this city that I love, and to the great State of California.

Last but not least, Senator Limon with your fellow.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I'm pleased to introduce Charles Yee. Born and raised in Fremont, California, Charles attended San Francisco State University, where he earned his Bachelor's of Science in Public health. He is passionate about public service and community building.

Prior to his fellowship, Charles played a crucial role in a local vaccination effort and educating communities about the importance of public public health. Currently, as our Senate Fellow, Charles takes the lead in a variety of policy areas, including higher education and health.

Additionally, Charles is also the lead staffer on two bills, SB412, which helps prepare home care aides to care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease, and SB386, which improves payment practices between dental providers dental plans. His dedication to the office has been instrumental to the work we do for our state and for the people of California.

Charles also quickly adapted to being a Member of Team Limon, embracing our love for sharing a meal together. Regularly. He will walk into our office with a bag filled with pastries from his hometown for us to try because to him, Fremont is the only real place to get the best egg tart and pork bow.

Charles is also one of the biggest caffeine enthusiasts in our office. Whether it be a Yerba mate energy drink or his favorite, an iced Americano, he has been a pleasure to work with and we are deeply appreciative of his activity, efforts and dedication to public service on behalf of Senate District 21 and throughout the State of California.

Thank you. We are grateful to recognize Charles Yi for his work as a fellow and a Member of Team Limon. We look forward to watching him succeed in what comes next. Thank you.

Turning it to Senator Jones for some closing remarks.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. It is an honor today to recognize the Senate Fellows and the program as a whole. And congratulations to the class of 2025 for all of your hard work and all of the great accolades that all of the Senators shared with you today.

I hope you were recording the ceremony today so you can keep that forever and maybe have it transcribed as well. So when things get hard, you can go back and read all the great things that were said about you.

For those that aren't aware of the program, every year 18 fellow Senate fellows are placed in Senate offices and serve as a full time legislative staff with strong support and mentorship in partnership with Sacramento State. Fellows also attend weekly seminars to help them better understand the theoretical and actual aspects of the job.

There's a reason the Fellowship program is highly regarded and there's an ever increasing demand for the Fellows program. The program has high standards, only accepting the best and brightest individuals from across the state.

I've been fortunate to have three Senate Fellows in my office over the past few years and all of them were very successful during the program and continue their success after the program. I know all Fellows are highly motivated with a passion for the State of California, public policy and politics.

As Senate Minority Leader, I greatly value the diversity of thought and applaud the program for continuing to seek qualified candidates from the broad spectrum of political theories here in California and political parties after the program. Fellows excel at the leadership positions in the public and private sectors at all levels of government.

In fact, today some of many people in the Senate family received a very solemn message from my Comms Director that she is leaving the Senate at the end of the week and beginning a career at an Association here in Sacramento.

And she began, I believe six years ago in my office as a Fellow, became an intern and then a leg aide and then worked her way into the Communications Director position and has done a fabulous job in that position just highlighting what is available to you as well.

If you work hard, learn fast, react intelligently and do a good job, these opportunities are there for you as well. I do not doubt that this class will follow in the footsteps of their predecessors and and excel in the next phase of all your careers.

I wish you the best of luck for you and your service to the State of California. Thank you very much.

One final round of applause for this year's Senate Fellows. We have two photos. We're going to take one with just the Fellows alone. After that, please join for a Fellow and Member photo. We will come back to the business of the floor in 30 seconds.

The second ceremony of the day is going to be to recognize our Science Fellows. Senator Gonzalez, our Majority Leader, will kick us off with some opening remarks.

Thank you, Madam President. Today we will be recognizing our amazing and very hardworking 2025 Science Fellow cohort through the California Council on Science and Technology Program.

The great partnership between the Legislature and the CCST allows for our brightest young people in various disciplines of science, medicine and technology to be afforded an opportunity to become directly involved in public policy and the legislative process of the State Senate.

Our Science Fellows have provided tremendous contributions this year by analyzing and staffing bills, engaging with constituents and stakeholders, and working with their colleagues in their respective offices to shepherd the agenda and priorities of their Member. The program provides a tremendous opportunity for Fellows to jumpstart their careers.

Many of them are now in public service with many former Science Fellows today serving in various levels of government, including my very own former Science Fellow, who you all may know, Bryn Cook, now serving as a science. As a Senate Environmental Quality Consultant. We are so very proud of them for all of their goals and accomplishments.

And a big congratulations from the California State Senate to our fellows. We can't wait to see what you do next. Next.

Thank you, Majority Leader. We have four recognitions. Senator Allen, Senator Blakespear with two, and Senator Stern. Senator Allen, please kick us off.

Well, thank you so much, Madam President. And thank you to our Majority Leader for the wonderful introduction to this really fantastic program. It is a distinct honor to recognize our CCST Fellow who's been such an invaluable Member of my policy team this year. Dr. Adam Cooper.

As the former Chair of Senate Environmental Quality Committee, I've had the privilege of working with a CCST Fellow for each of these last six years. So Adam is the seventh in a series of brilliant staffers whose talent and versatility I've gotten to witness firsthand as a testament to the quality of our incredible CCST program.

And Dr. Cooper, of course, is no exception to that high caliber service and skill. He joined my office after earning his Ph.D. in atmospheric chemistry from UC San Diego. Go Tritons. And yet his policy expertise has been anything but specialized.

He's been a central part of major policy discussions and Bill work that has happened in my office over the past year.

He served as the lead staffer for major committees, working groups, and priority district bills alike, applying his effort and environmental background to some of the most challenging policy questions that we were working on this session, including making significant contributions to the Senate's work on cap and trade, the budget process through Budget Subcommitee 2, and our legislation regarding harmful forever chemicals in products.

Adam, Dr. Cooper has been a vital resource to my constituents in the 24th district where his understanding of environmental contaminants has provided unique perspectives and expertise amid our very difficult wildfire recovery efforts, including on questions of air quality and soil testing issues.

And he quickly learned how to navigate tricky intergovernmental relations as he's helped our office explore other post fire recovery efforts. And so while my office has benefited immeasurably from his intellect and work ethic, Adam's joy, his humor, his empathy have also brought real value to our office.

We're going to miss him and his vibrant personality when his fellowship concludes. His work to move the needle on climate change has taken him to Bangladesh, to South Korea, Kenya, negotiations at the UN Global Framework on Chemicals. But we're so grateful for his work here in the capital on behalf of the people of California.

There's no telling where his work's going to take him in the coming years, but I know that he's going to be at the cutting edge of climate science and policy solutions and we will all continue to share his in the benefits of his efforts. I just want to thank you Adam.

You've been such a great addition to our office. You've brought so much to our team and I know you have so many fans in the Senate and we just wish you the very best and we thank you deeply for your dedicated and selfless service to our Senate. Thank you Adam. Dr. Adam Cooper.

Senator Blakespear on your first science medal.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm so fortunate to have been able to work with two Science Fellows this year, one in my office and one with the Environmental Quality Committee. And first I would like to recognize Ben Liu. We were grateful and fortunate to have him in our office.

He came with an impressive academic pedigree with an undergraduate degree from Princeton before moving to earn his PhD in neuroscience from New York University, where he specialized in game theory and decision making, something that is tremendously valuable in a place like this.

Ben got involved in environmental legislation in the State of New York and that led to his interest in pursuing public policy as a career and applying to be a CCST Fellow. Ben jumped right in on day one and has been highly involved developing policy and managing legislation.

Since that first day, he's been the lead staff on a number of bills in complex policy areas like energy revenue and tax, plastic reduction and recycling, and fiscal matters. He has been one of my Lead advisors on the state budget, which as you know, is immensely detailed and complicated.

Ben is a quick study, hard working and wonderful to have in my office. He has brought his quick wit, an eye for detail and a warm personality which has made us all better off. And with that, I would like to give a warm thank you to Ben. Thank you. And I'm not quite done yet.

It has been my great pleasure to work with another Science fellow, Taylor McKee. She has worked alongside our environmental quality staff. Taylor attended the Georgia Institute of Technology for undergraduate and has a PhD in environmental engineering from a University in my district, the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at UC San Diego.

In the Environmental Quality Committee, Taylor has prepared dozens of high quality analyses covering technical, contentious and impactful topics ranging from updating some of California's most complex and consequential water laws to toxic substances and pfas, as well as protecting women's health. She has not shied away from tough assignments and digging into the Committee's most controversial and dense work.

She has done a terrific job. Last week the Committee hired her to stay on as a consultant in the EQ Committee. This marks the first time in legislative history that a policy Committee has had all of its consultants be science fellows.

I know Taylor made a sacrifice by leaving the shores of San Diego's best beaches in nice weather to come up to Sacramento. But the entire State of California is made better off by her contributions to policymaking. And we'd like to give a big congratulations to Taylor.

Closing us out. Senator Stern, with your fellow.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, I'm tremendously proud to rise in recognition of Dr. Jenna Roper, aka Dr. J, who has been an all star in our office. She's a graduate of Riverside, UC Riverside with a PhD in bioengineering and studied low cost diagnostic technologies with a focus on making advanced technology available to more underserved communities.

And she's taken that empathy and that care for other people and brought it to this office and the whole capital community. She's been a huge asset.

She's dug in on issues like water and energy and the nexus between the two, looked at issues on health around hypertension through SCR 83 and also worked deeply on Senate Natural Resources and the Energy Committee issues that are facing our state at this critical juncture.

Whether it's our grid oil or lots of other very easy to digest topics, she's conducted herself with professionalism and compassion for the many constituents and advocates who stepped through our front door.

And we're really grateful for her meaningful contribution to the team and to navigating the throes of the Senate, which can be a tough place to plug in sometimes, but takes a lot of patience and fortitude and we've seen that from her.

So thank you Dr. J. Dr. Roper, and we wish you many, many, many exciting adventures in years to come.

Now, Senator Jones with his words of wisdom to the Science Fellows.

Thank you, Madam President. I wish my words of wisdom could keep up with the honorees that we're honoring today, but probably not. But anyways, I just want to say congratulations to the Senate Science Fellows Members that had a Science Fellow.

Thank you very much for sharing your stories today about their effectiveness in your office and their hope for the future. I'm always amazed to see people go through all the schooling it takes to become a PhD and then come and work here in the Capitol.

I hope it's a good use of your time and I know that it has been. We are blessed that they share their brilliance and scientific experience with us to make California policy more data based.

I am encouraged to see the success of this program and I know the fellows input has bettered the lives of not just the Members that they've worked for, the offices that they've been in, but all of us here in the Senate and the entire State of California. Thank you all very much.

May you be blessed as you move forward in your careers and life and as has been shared. Please stay in touch and use any of us as a resource as you move forward in your careers. Thank you very much.

Once again we're going to be doing two photos, once with just the Science Fellows and then the second one with Members. Messages from the Governor will be deemed read, messages from the Assembly will be deemed read. Reports of Committee will be deemed read and amendments adopted. Moving into motions, resolutions and notices.

Senators, we're going to be doing one aim out of order right now. We're going to turn to Senator Umber because he has guests in the gallery. After which please come back to the floor. We still have a lot of business to get through. We have about 10 resolutions and governor's appointments that we will be voting on.

Kindly asking for all Members to come back to the Senate Floor. Senator Umberg, on your aim.

Thank you, Madam President. Madam President, it's appropriate that we adjourn today in memory of Thomas Muns.

In particular because those of us who were here earlier will remember the resolution by our colleague from Yucaipa honoring first responders and naming a particular day after first responders because Thomas Muntz embodies exactly all the values that we cherish in first responders.

Let me honor the life and legacy of this dedicated public servant both as a retired army officer as well as a sergeant. Thank you, Madam President. As well as a sergeant in the California Highway Patrol. Tom was born in Champaign, Illinois to parents James and Doris Muntz. He was the third of seven children.

He attended Utah State where he enrolled in ROTC and graduated as a distinguished military graduate. Which is pretty amazing because I am informed his best friend was a fellow named Steve Minch. And the fact that his best friend could be Steve Minch and he could graduate as distinguished military graduate is pretty amazing.

For Those that know Mr. Minch, Tom went on to lead a decorated military career with the 101st Airborne Division where he received the Expert Infantry Badge. Very difficult to get, among many other honors.

After his service, Tom began his career with the California Highway Patrol as a State traffic officer, but quickly became a helicopter pilot for the Valley Division Air Operations where he met his wife Carrie, a nurse being trained for the UC Davis Medical Center's New Life Flight program.

Over Tom's 25 year career with CHP, he became the chief helicopter pilot and served as a Sergeant Aerial supervisor for the Valley Division Air Operations. Throughout his career, Tom trained the best professional flight crew that has ever flown a Department helicopter. He developed performance specification requirements which enabled the state to replace their entire fleet of aging helicopters.

For this he received the Division Chief's commendation for leadership, dedication and work ethic. Outside of his career with California Highway Patrol, Tom dedicated over 25 years to the National Ski Patrol at Sierra Tahoe Resort.

What he's probably most known for and what is most admirable about Tom is his character as a father, as a leader at home, as a coach, as someone who mentored his sons and so many others in sports and other life activities. We are lucky enough today to be joined by Members of Tom's family and friends.

In the gallery we have Tom's wife Carrie, his sons Curtis and Tyler, and daughter in law Lonnie. Tom's friends Steve and Donna Minch and Marian and Kurt Olin also have joined us. Please help me in welcoming Tom's family and friends of the Senate.

And I ask that the California State Senate adjourn today in the memory of Sergeant Thomas Muntz.

Thank you, Senator Umber. Please bring our brother's name forward so that he may be properly memorialized to the family here. Your loved one will forever be in the Senate Journal continuing under motions and resolutions without objection. Motion to approve motion to approve Senate journals. Without objection.

The Senate journals for August 18, 2025 through August 21, 2025 will be approved as corrected by the Minute Clerk. Pursuant to Senate Rule 2910 D, the following bills are referred to the Committee on Rules, Item 32, SB 733 Members. There are floor amendments at the desk. They will be deemed, read and adopted without objection.

ACR 30 will be added to today's special consent calendar. Number 15, Senator Wahab

Thank you. At the request of the author, please remove File item number 258, AB987, from Consent Calendar. Thank you.

Noted, Senator Durazo.

I rise to request that AB672 by Assemblymember Colossa be moved to. The inactive file at the request of the author. Thank you.

The desk has noted. Senator Cervantes

At the request of the author, please remove Assembly Bill 1513, File Item 269 from the Consent calendar for the purpose of amendments.

Desk has noted, Senator Valadez.

Thank you, Madam President. At the request of the Author, please pull AB587 from the consent calendar.

The desk has noted, Senator Niello.

Thank you, Madam President. At the request of the author, please remove file item 256, AB975, Gallagher, from the consent calendar.

Such as noted. Seeing no other mics up. Moving into the consideration of the daily file, we have items 1 and 2 on the second reading file. Secretary, please read.

Assembly Bill 4014, 15.

Second reading file has been deemed read. Moving into governor's appointments, we have three items. Senator Grove is leading all three. File item eight. Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, Today, file item 8 is the confirmation of Brett Ledeen as the Director of Financial Information Systems for California, also known as fiscal. As an attorney, Director Ledeen most recently served as the General counsel for the California Transportation Agency.

Prior to that, he was the General counsel for the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation. He was approved by the rules community unanimously on June 2nd. Respectfully asked for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call] .

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Calling all Senators back to the Senate Floor. We are voting. Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 37. No 0. The appointment is confirmed. Asking the Senate Floor team to please assist in getting all members back to the floor. We are voting. Senator Grove, file item nine.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, file Item nine is a confirmation of the following reappointments. Ellie Claus Bruckner for the Building Standards Commission. Adi Nagrai for the Housing Partnership Corporation Board of Directors and Hugh Crooks for the reappointment of the California Veterans Board. They've all been approved by the Rules Committee on June 2nd.

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[roll call].

Ayes 38 no 0. The appointment is confirmed. Senator Grove, on the last Item, file item 10.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, file item 10 is a confirmation of Karen Morrison for the appointment of Director of Department of Pesticides Regulations. Prior to this role, she served in various roles in the Department since 2018 and previously worked at the Department of, Resources, Recycling and recovery from 2014 to 2018.

Newly Governor appointee for Director of Department of Pesticides respectfully asked for an aye vote. She was approved by the Rules Committee on June 2nd is a unanimous vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

Apology apologies. June 9th on the Rules Committee.

Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call the roll.

[roll call].

Please call the absent members.

[roll call].

Ayes 38, no 0. The appointment is confirmed. Moving into Senate. Third reading. Senators, we have a lot of resolution resolutions to go through. I will let you know which one supports Support. Kicking us off is Senator Cervantes with file item 34, SCR 11. Secretary, please read the support support.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 11 by Senator Cervantes relative to Epilepsy Awareness Month.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President and Members. I rise today to present Senate Concurrent Resolution 11, which would designate November 2025 as Epilepsy Awareness Month. Drawing attention to epilepsy is a worthy cause. About 10% of Americans have either experienced an unprovoked seizure or have been formally diagnosed with epilepsy.

That amounts to more than 3.4 million Americans in the United States. Unfortunately, we know that there is still a lot of stigma attached to epilepsy caused by misunderstanding and historical misconceptions about the disease. It is important for all Californians to understand that epilepsy is a real disease and to recognize what a seizure looks like.

This kind of education is important because the more we understand about epilepsy, the more we can reduce the discrimination that people with the disease still face. Ultimately, this is about ending the isolation and fear people with epilepsy carry so that they feel more able to be open about what they are going through.

This resolution is also deeply personal to me. My brother in law, Brandon, tragically passed away from sudden unexpected death and in epilepsy, known as SUDEP. SUDEP is a leading cause of death for people with epilepsy, and yet far too few know about it.

Today, through this resolution, we honor Brandon and all those who lives have been lost to epilepsy. We lift up their families and recommit to raising awareness so that no one feels alone in this struggle. But awareness alone is not enough. We must also act by encouraging people living with epilepsy and their families to learn about SUDEP.

Promote ways people can manage their epilepsy to reduce risk. Support more research into SUDEP to help save lives, and raise public awareness to honor the lives of those we have lost while protecting those still living with the disease.

I know November is still more than two months away, but the more that we can work together to uplift the voices of people with epilepsy, the more we can make clear that California is an inclusive state where people with epilepsy are understood, heard, and celebrated. Thank you, colleagues. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on SCR 11.

While this item is eligible for unanimous roll call, I need all Senators here and present to utilize. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 38, noes 0. The resolution is adopted. Respectfully once again asking all Senators to please stay nearby. A lot of these do are eligible for unanimous roll call, unless we want to call every single name for every single resolution. Senator Archuleta, you have file item 37 with the support support.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 85 by Senator Archuleta relative to Latino Veterans Day.

Secretary, please read.

Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today as the Senate Military and Veterans Committee Chair and to present SCR85 recognizing Latino Veterans Day in California.

Today is a day to pay tribute to the Latino men and women across all branches of the military who served us past, present, and future, who have served this country with distinction, dignity, and unwavering commitment. Simply put, Latino history is American history. The Latino veteran, his communit, they always come together to say thank you for your service.

And I'm so proud of the fact that Latinos across America always remind us that they are there for us, regardless of language, race, background. And it lives in our hearts here in California because we are diversity.

Throughout our history of America, there are countless stories of Latinos volunteering to serve in our nation's military, oftentimes giving their lives during the course of their service.

Whether it be part of President Roosevelt's Rough Riders, the National Guard regiment known as the Bushmasters, or the 65th Infantry Division, Latinos have been and remain a vital part of our armed forces. Today, Latinos make up 17% of America's fighting men and women, playing crucial role in every major American conflict since the Civil War.

In fact, Latino veterans have received the Congressional Medal of Honor over 60 times for their service for above and beyond the call of duty, often giving up their lives. The distinguished military records of Latinos are a sign of their love and service to our great country.

Latino veterans have faced not only the dangers of war, but also the burdens of discrimination and unequal treatment.

Latinos fought for a nation that did not always see them as equal, often segregating them or denying them jobs that were worthy of and they were worthy of because of their skills, all because of the origin of their ancestors. Yet still they fought and served. Time and time again, Latinos have answered the call of duty.

They do this not for recognition or reward, but for the love of their country, for their families, and for our communities. But today, it's not just about the past. It's also about the present and the future.

Let us not only thank our Latino veterans today, but commit to them and to truly support them and thank them each and every day. The debt of our gratitude can never be repaid, but it can be honored. May we honor the service and dedication of those who have given so much for our freedom.

For these reasons, I respectfully asked for your support for SCR85, celebrating Latino Veterans Day here in California. Thank you, Madam President.

Senator Durazo, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise in support of SCR85, proclaiming today as Latino Veterans Day. This resolution reminds us of the courage, the sacrifice, and the patriotism of Latino veterans who, despite often facing discrimination and inequities in military service, fought with valor to defend our country.

It's a tribute to thousands of heroes who rise in service during our nation's times of great need. From the Civil War through the world wars, the wars in Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan, countless Latinos have served bravely on the front lines. I include my own family Members.

My father, two brothers, my sister, one of my brothers, Alfonso, fought in Vietnam. Recently, Narciso Barranca, the father of three U.S. Marines, was violently arrested in a federal immigration raid in Orange County. This is a stark reminder that Latino families, even those with members who serve or have served in our military, remain vulnerable under our immigration system.

Thank you. Senator Archuleta, you may close.

Today, Latinos make up nearly one in five of America's armed services. Latino veterans have earned over 60 Congressional Medals of Honor, a testament to their dedication. I respectfully ask for your support in honoring their service, their sacrifice, and their rightful place in our history.

Thank you, Madam President. I'd like to also thank my colleague from Los Angeles to bringing up the immigration situation, bringing up the fact that Latinos who serve this great country. Even today, I have gotten phone calls about the danger that's happening, the sacrifices they're making, and yet at home, they're worried about their aunts and uncles and grandparents.

It's truly a shame. But let's think about their service, their dedication to our great country. And I ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes 37, no's zero. The resolution is adopted. Senator Arreguin, you have filed item 42 and ready to go. Secretary, please read.

Ready to go. Secretary, please read.

Senate Joint Resolution 8 by Senator Arreguin, relative to immigration.

Senator.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today to present Senate Joint Resolution 8, which calls for an extension of the Federal Immigration Registry, which was originally created in 1929 to provide a pathway to legal residency for individuals who've lived in the United States for an extended period of time.

Congress has updated the registry on several occasions since 1929, most recently in 1986, stating the cutoff in which you had to live--come to the United States, that cutoff date that it set in 1986 was January 1, 1972. That date has not been updated in nearly 40 years, making the provision virtually unusable today.

SJR 8 calls on Congress to modernize the registry by establishing a rolling eligibility date, such as residency of seven years or more so long-term immigrants can apply for lawful permanent residency, and I want to call attention to two bills that have been introduced in Congress to help extend the registry: HR 1511 by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren and Senate Resolution 2606 by Senator Alex Padilla.

This simple legislative fix will restore access to a longstanding legalization mechanism that has already existed in federal law for nearly a century. More than eight million undocumented immigrants nationwide could benefit from a modernized registry.

In California alone, home to over 2.3 million undocumented residents, hundreds of thousands would become eligible for such relief. Legal status, as we know, provides life-changing protections such as work authorization, access to healthcare, and freedom from deportation and help stabilize immigrant families and communities.

A modernized registry would also generate 121 billion in wages and 83 billion in tax revenue nationally over ten years according to a study by the Center for American Progress. Many of the individuals who would benefit from an updated registry have lived in the United States and in California for decades.

They are essential workers, caregivers, small business owners, and parents of U.S. citizen children. In the absence of a comprehensive immigration reform legislation, updating the registry is the most direct and efficient way to provide status to long-term immigrants who are already contributing to our country. Now more than ever, Congress must act. SJR 8 reflects our values as a state committed to inclusion, dignity, and justice for all. I respectfully ask for your vote.

Senator Reyes.

Thank you, Madam President. I too rise in support of SJR 8. This resolution reaffirms California's commitment to protecting and uplifting our immigrant communities. Immigrants are an integral part of California's identity and prosperity. We must support federal action that honors their contributions and provides a long overdue pathway to belonging.

The Federal Registry Act of 1929, as was noted by my colleague, has not been meaningfully updated since 1986, leaving the cutoff date, as was noted, leaving that cutoff date frozen at January 1, 1972. That's 53 years that this registry has been frozen.

This outdated date makes the law effectively obsolete and excludes millions of hardworking immigrants who have lived in this country. Many for decades have raised their families, paid taxes, and contributed to our society. Truth is, we're the fourth largest economy, in large part due to our immigrants. This resolution is not just about policy.

It is about fairness and humanity. I urge my colleagues to vote aye on SJR 8 and that our congressional counterparts push forward legislation that creates a pathway to citizenship. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Ochoa Bogh.

Thank you, Madam President, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I rise with concerns about SJR 8, and I'm going to take a different angle on this issue.

First and foremost, we cannot afford to continue with the status quo of an outdated, overburdened, inefficient immigration system, a system that has neither been addressed by either party, Democrats or Republicans, when they have owned all of Congress and the presidency, neither party, Democrat or Republicans, and yet we profess to address the issue that our immigrants are--to address the system that is currently broken, and we all acknowledge that.

I agree with the whereas statements in this measure in that many undocumented people of all backgrounds have proven themselves to be upstanding members of our communities, essential workers in our most vital industries, and key contributors to the prosperity of the United States, but calling for the support of these specific registry bills that are being discussed in Congress is not a solution to this ongoing crisis. It's quite the opposite.

Allowing undocumented immigrants to live in the shadows, as you've often heard me say, at risk of exploitation--and by that I mean when our own Latino population will hold over the immigration status of workers that are undocumented here and say, 'As esto o llamo a la migra,' and I think we all have known of people that had been placed in those circumcisions, meaning, goes, 'do this or I will call the immigration.'

So allowing undocumented immigrants to live in the shadows, at risk of exploitation, in perpetual fear of deportation, and without a pathway to legal status for seven long years isn't just irresponsible, it's inhumane. If we're serious about solving the crisis and committing to the values and principles that this nation was founded upon, we cannot keep applying band aids to this issue with patchwork reform or by granting amnesty.

The only way to truly address this issue is to design a system that is transparent, accessible, equitable, efficient, most importantly, and ultimately protects our national security while also allowing immigrants who are passionate about achieving the American dream to come here with their heads held high.

I would urge all of my constituents, my fellow legislators, and our representatives in Congress to really examine the system we know is not working, pursue reform that makes meaningful long term changes, and create a practical framework that can stand the test of time to serve many generations of immigrants to come. Thank you for the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Senator Wiener, you're recognized.

Thank you very much, Madam President. I rise in strong support of SJR 8. I want to, first of all, express agreement with my colleague that I very much would like to see Congress fix our broken immigration laws. They are deeply broken. And frankly, Congress is broken for not having fixed those laws for all of these decades. And it's caused huge problems, and they need to be fixed.

Because right now, for so many people, there is no viable path to obtaining documents in this country, including people who have lived here and worked here for decades and decades and raised families here. And there is literally no path for them to become documented residents and ultimately citizens. So given that reality that despite our shared desire to have better immigration laws, we are in the situation that we're in.

And we have millions and millions of residents of this country and millions of residents of California who have no path under our broken law. And these are people who are taking care of our elders in their homes. These are people who are making sure that we have food. These are people who are building our homes.

These are people who are members of our community. And I think a lot of people don't even fully understand or appreciate that they interact with undocumented Californians pretty much every day. They may not know it, they probably don't know it, because people aren't running around announcing that.

But the people they're interacting with and working with and purchasing things from, people who are caring for their kids and for their parents may be undocumented. Often people who've lived here for decades, raised families, started businesses, paid taxes, sent their kids to school, cared for us when we're sick. And they are being treated like garbage right now. They are being terrorized.

People are scared to leave their homes, scared to go see a doctor, scared to take their kids to school, scared to go to work, scared to stand at a bus stop. Scared to be anywhere in public because some guy wearing a ski mask might grab you, throw you in a car, and take you to Uganda or El Salvador or Alligator Alcatraz. And your kids are just there at home and the parents are gone.

That's the situation that we're in right now. So, yes, let's work together to fix our immigration laws. But what's happening right now is so vile and so just dangerous and terrifying to members of our community, and it has to stop. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Arreguín, you may now close.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to thank my colleague from Yucaipa for her comments and also for her advocacy for a permanent solution to fixing our immigration system in the United States.

I just want to call attention to the fact that there was a deal, a bipartisan deal, on sweeping immigration reform in 2023, which was killed in Congress at the urging of President Trump. That aside, we do need comprehensive immigration reform. Yes. But the registry is a process that has been on the books for decades.

We're providing immediate tool for people who have lived in this country, who have contributed to our economy, who have kids who are in our schools, who are the backbone of our country to be able to get a simple process of getting lawful, permanent status. And the impacts, as Senator Wiener, my colleague from San Francisco, touched upon are very clear.

People are living in fear right now because they don't have permanent status, lawful status. So, yes, we need to pass comprehensive immigration reform, but we also need this tool until that time. And so I believe we can pass Senate Joint Resolution 8 while we continue our advocacy for long term permanent solutions. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SJR 8.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 28, noes 0. The resolution is adopted. Moving on to file item 44 by Senator Wahab.

Secretary, please read Senate Concurrent Resolution 96 by Senator Wahab relative to the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian American settlement.

Senator Wahab.

Thank you. I rise to present SCR 96. SCR 96 commemorates the 50 years since Southeast Asians began resettling in the United States. These communities valiantly fought alongside American troops serving in every capacity throughout Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. In the face of war and genocide, Southeast Asians embarked on a treacherous journey to the United States.

Taking taking them halfway across the world in search of a new home. Today, that community has grown to over 3 million strong across the country. I'm proud to represent a district that has a thriving Southeast Asian population and overall Asian population. These Americans represent everything we care about. Family, courage, dedication and much more.

And they call California home. They live in a state where over 1.1 million Southeast Asian Americans work hard every day to provide for their families. And I often bring this when we are talking about immigration and the refugee crisis in particular, that people chose to come to the United States for different reasons.

They also have a very different journey. Some people have a job lined up, have a green card ready to go, while others are escaping war, rape and trauma. These communities need more support, need advocacy and need partners that also stand in the face of hate speech and hatred towards them.

Ignorance is one of the things that we all need to fight against. We cannot ignore the challenges that immigrants and refugees continue to encounter. Many refugees endure severe poverty and language barriers, are victims of inequitable immigration system, and confront disparities in health and education.

Despite these challenges, Southeast Asian American communities have established a home in California with a vibrant cultural center throughout the state. Their resiliency is a testament to the self determination that refugees bring. The Legislature must continue to enact policies that uplift all communities and strengthen the fabric of California and and support the pursuit of the American dream.

Please join me in commemorating the 50th anniversary of Southeast Asian resettlement in the United States by supporting SCR 96. I respectfully ask for an aye.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[roll call].