Assembly Floor

The assembly is now in session. Thankfully, mister Wallace is here on time to notice the absence of a quorum. Sergeant arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Members, can you please report to the floor? Members, please report to the floor. Thank you.

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

Please join me in a moment of reflection. In 1951, seventy five years ago this month, a play opened on Broadway. It was based on a novel written in 1940 by Margaret Landon. Five years later in 1956, it was made into a movie.

In celebrating this play, one quote said, it was a revolutionary play that addressed both racism and sexism as two people from different cultures came together to learn from one another overcoming assumptions and one another to laugh, to argue, and eventually come

to a place of mutual respect, love, and understanding. The play that became a movie is The King and I. The book by Margaret Landon is Anna and the King of Siam. The quote I shared is from a actor who recently played the leading role, Daniel Dae Kim.

In addressing both racism and sexism, the play showed that we can learn from each other, laugh together, and come to a place of respect and understanding, and even friendship and love.

Daniel Day Kim added, I couldn't think of a better message for us all as we face the many challenges in the world today.

For that, thank you, Rodgers and Hammerstein. This musical continues to not just entertain us, but reminds us that if we try, we can learn from one another. It reminds us that we can respectively disagree and still laugh together.

This play gives me hope that maybe we can all come to a place of mutual respect and understanding. All we have to do is try. Let us live with kindness and gratitude beyond words.

We ask our guests and visitors to remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assembly member Papan lead us in the pledge of allegiance.

Thank you so much, Mister Speaker. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag.

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

Assembly chamber Sacramento, Tuesday, January 20, 2026. The assembly minute at 1PM. The honorable Jocelyn with all speaker votes in Poirier.

The Majority Leader, Aguiar- Curry moves, and miss Sanchez seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions, there are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred.

Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed deducted. Messages from the governor, there are none. Messages from the Senate, there are none. Moving on to motions and resolutions,

the absence of the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Onto procedural motions, Madam Majority Leader, you're recognized for your procedural motions.

Mister Speaker, thank you for the patience this morning. I request unanimous consent to suspend assembly rule 1188 to allow Assembly Members, Pellerin, Garcia, Alvarez, and Papan to have guests in the rear of the chamber.

To allow Assembly Member Patel to have a guest seated at her desk, and to allow Speaker Rivas to have guests on the floor and in the rear of the chamber for today's joint convention of the state of the judiciary address at 03:45pm.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend assembly rules 96 and 63 to withdraw AB 2156 Rivas from the committee and to allow Majority Leader, Aguiar-Curry, to take up the bill today without reference to file for the purpose of the third reading.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

Pursuant to assembly rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re refer AB 2645 Jeff Gonzales, from the education committee to the military and Veterans Affairs Committee and the transportation committee.

Without objection, such shall be the order. Okay, members. Thank you. As the majority leader pointed out, thank you all for your patience this morning. We have a tough time with TSA getting Members here to session on time.

So we are now moving on to guest introductions. Assembly Member, Jeff Garcia, you are Gonzales, you are recognized for your guest introduction. Sorry. He was a quarterback.

Yes.

For America's team.

Yeah.

Yes.

Good afternoon, colleagues. Today in the gallery, we are joined by students and leaders from the Imperial Valley's ARC experience. ARC is an after school program that provides students with opportunities to explore the arts, build leadership skills, and engage in activities that

support their academic and personal growth. It is my honor to have them as my guest today as they learn more about how state government works and see firsthand the importance of civic engagement. Colleagues, please join me in welcoming them to the assembly chambers.

Thank you, Assemblyman Jeff Garcia. Assemblymember Pellerin, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, joining us in the back of the chambers are my amazing interns, Lan Nguyen and Evelyn Chavez. Lan is an English major on transfer pathway at foot Foothill College and is currently in her second year.

She hopes to continue her studies at UC Berkeley and major in English. Evelyn is in her second year at UC Santa Cruz. She is studying politics and Latin American legal studies with a double major in legal studies.

She joins our office through the Dolores Huerta Research Center at UC Santa Cruz. Lan and Evelyn are truly an integral part of our team. They help with a variety of tasks, writing certificates for constituents, helping with constituent case work, and most recently, sitting in the warm sun

to check-in guests at my annual district woman of the year event. Thank you all so much for your support, for what you do for myself and our team, and I'm so thrilled to have you here in Sacramento. Thank you.

Okay. Continuing on, Assistant Majority Leader Garcia, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, it is my honor to introduce a true pillar of the Inland Empire, a public servant whose legacy is woven into the fabric of our community, Sam Crow. Born in Asheville, Alabama 1935, Sam's life has been defined by service, leadership, and a deep

belief in opportunity. He has served our region in many capacities, including planning commissioner, Ontario city council member and mayor Pro Tem, and city attorney for Ontario, Hesperia, and the then newly incorporated city of Rancho Cucamonga.

One notable example of his character, after serving two terms on the Ontario City Council, Sam recognized the growing Latino population and the lack of representation in city leadership. Rather than seek reelection, he chose to step aside and instead led the campaign of Gus Ramos,

who became Ontario's first Latino council member. Perhaps his greatest impact, however, has been in education. As a long time member of the Ontario Montclair School District Board, Sam was the visionary, behind transformative programs that have changed the trajectory of thousands

of students' lives. He helped create the Ontario Montclair Schools Foundation and the Promise Scholars Program, opening doors to college, especially for first generation students. On a personal note, I can say without hesitation that I would not be here today without

Sam Crowe's mentorship and support. And I am eternally grateful. He is joined today in the gallery by his high school sweetheart and wife of 69 years, missus Annette Crowe.

His associates and friends, Natalie Alvarado, Judy Jacobs, Terry Maslow, and Kristen Holland. Members, please join me in recognizing a remarkable leader, mentor, and friend, Sam Crowe.

Okay. Continuing on, Assemblymember Alvarez, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, mister speaker. Good afternoon, colleagues. I'd like you to please join me in welcoming two outstanding interns from my district office. We came up we actually made the flight this morning. Please welcome Emilia, Gioia, and Rafik Randall junior.

Emilia is a senior at San Diego State University, my alma mater, and plans to attend to head over to Washington DC to attend graduate school where she hopes to further sharpen her vision and her focus on public service.

She is a photographer and like a photographer with a clear lens, she's driven with a very, very clear goal, learning the ins and outs of policy making so she can better serve her community. She has applied her passion photography at our district events.

We have amazing pictures that she's captured, not only the images, but the spirit of the work that we do in Assembly District 80. Before heading to graduate school, she wanted to get real life experience in our office and has learned that good policy begins with careful listening

to constituents as you all do in your districts. Rafiq is a senior at Steel Canyon High School, where he serves as a leader at his school's black student union and plays on his varsity football team. He's looking forward to attending university in the 2026.

He has shown initiative in serving the community in other ways as well. He referees flag football for She Rocks, an organization empowering girls five through 17 to play football.

So whether he's strategizing on the football field or collaborating with his with our district team to tackle constituent case work, Rafiq consistently demonstrates teamwork, discipline, and perseverance that define both great athletes and good public servants.

Members, please join me in welcoming these two rising stars to the assembly today.

Members, I'm gonna be calling on Assemblymember Patel for very important guest introductions. But before we do, I think there's a Mr. Joe Aguilar in the gallery. Mr. Aguilar, can you stand, please? Not only is this the nephew of our fame favorite of all the Majority Leaders

here, our favorite Majority Leader, but I understand Mr. Aguilar, you will be graduating from Cal Poly SLO. Congratulations.

Thank you for visiting the assembly. Assemblymember Patel, you are recognized for your very important guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is my honor to welcome 12 students from California State University, San Marcos to the assembly today. They are up in the gallery. They're here on behalf of the Associated Students on their day of advocacy. CSUSM is an institution of opportunity and

upward mobility deeply rooted in the economic and cultural fabric of the district and our surrounding region. These students embody that mission. By coming here today, they're showing up, speaking up, and taking ownership of the institutions that help shape their future.

One of those that are in the gallery, Cameron Munn, has actually been an intern in my office as well. I've gotten to work with him on several projects, including food distribution in the district. Please welcome them.

And then in addition, I have my wonderful daughter, Bavani Nayak, with me today. She is on spring break from UC Irvine where she is studying to become a biochemist, possibly pharmaceutical scientist. It's a pleasure to have Bhavani with me.

She is a caretaker, a compassionate woman, and yes, she's gonna be a woman in STEM.

Okay. Time to get on to business on the daily file. We are gonna start with the second reading file items one through 13. The clerk will read.

Assembly bills 1948, 1632, 1844, 1593 with Amendments. 1838, 1586 with Amendments.1631 with Amendments. 1653 with Amendments.1822 with Amendments. 1943 with Amendments. 1809 with Amendments. 1581 with Amendments, and Assembly Bill 1861 with amendments.

All bills will be deemed read, all amendments will be deemed adopted. Concurrence and Senate amendments, file item 14, we're gonna pass and retain. Reconsideration file items 15 through 17, all items shall be continued.

Brings us to the assembly third reading, that's file items 18 through 27. We will pass and retain on file items 18,19, 20. 21, 22.

Gonna pass temporarily on file item 23 and skip to file item 24. That is ACR 151 by Assembly Member Papan. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 151 by Assembly Member Papan relative to Greek Independence Day.

Oh, Assemblymember Papan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister Speaker. We'll adopt you for today. Everybody will be Greek today, colleagues. You're lucky. That's right.

That's right. Welcome. Welcome to my heritage. Use this opportunity to really celebrate not only Greek Independence Day, but to celebrate democracy itself. So I rise to present assembly Concurrent Resolution 151 recognizing March 252 days from now, as Greek Independence Day in California.

It's an honor and a privilege to bring forward this resolution for the third consecutive year as one of the few Greek members of this legislature. Although, you're all Greek today, as I said. So I'll take you. For me, this recognition is not simply about heritage.

It's about remembering where the ideals we defend in this chamber began, and why they still matter today. Beginning of the Greek War of Independence in 1821, when the people of Greece rose up against oppression to claim their freedom and the right to self governance.

The people of Greece endured hardship and they endured sacrifice, seeds of democracy itself were planted in Greece. Accountable to the people, and that power must be restrained by law. Those ideas traveled across centuries and oceans, shaping the democratic institutions that we serve in today.

But history teaches us something else as well. Democracy is not guaranteed. It must be protected and defended, especially in moments of tension, division, and uncertainty. Across our nation and around the world, we're witnessing renewed debates about the strength of democratic institutions,

the limits of power, and the responsibilities of leadership. That is why recognizing Greek Independence Day isn't just ceremonial.

Is a reminder that democracy was born from the idea that people deserve the right to live in a society governed by laws, not by force, and by the will of the people, and not the will of the powerful.

Here in California, Greek Americans continue to contribute to our communities as educators, as entrepreneurs, public servants, and civic leaders. Their legacy reflects the broader American promise that people from every background can help strengthen democracy through service, through participation,

and faith in our institutions. So today, we recognize March 25 as Greek independence day, but let us do more than just look back. Let us look forward and ensure that the democratic principles we inherited remain strong for future generations.

Colleagues, I respectfully ask for your support of ACR 151, and I ask that the first role be open for co authors. And please know that your vote is a vote of yes for democracy.

Thank you. Assemblymember Papan. The Assemblymember has asked for the first role to be open for co authors. Seeing and hearing no further debate, clerk will open the role. Members, this is for co authors.

All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 59 co authors added.

Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say Aye. All those opposed, no. The Ayes have it.

The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Papan, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Well, I am just so honored today to have some fantastic members of the Greek community with us who patiently waited. We've got members of the AHEPA, which is a Greek men's organization, and some friends from Sacramento State in the gallery. And then down here on the floor, it is my honor to introduce

the Consul General from Greece is stationed in San Francisco. Does anybody I'm sure you all know why we have Consul Generals in San Francisco. But if you don't, let me tell you. The UN treaty was signed many many years ago in San Francisco. So most countries have an ambassador in Washington DC,

and a consul general in San Francisco. Okay. There are a few in LA, and I'll give you a few in LA. But the Greek consul general who is with us today, along with his wife, is Gregorios Tasiopoulos and Casey Tasiopoulos.

So welcome to them. We also have George Kumis from the AHEPA here in San Francisco, and Vasily Zadifis, who is also from the AHEPA. And we have a man that is very near into me. Metropolitan Gerasimos, I remember when he came to the this area. So he is like the version of our Greek Orthodox bishop for all of the Western States.

And he too happens to be stationed in San Francisco. So we our paths have crossed quite many a time. And I just feel that he is one of the most accepted gracious people that I have encountered in my life. He, was kind enough to, also, participate in my father's funeral.

And I just want to thank him from the bottom of my heart for who he is as a person, because he really keeps a lot of us going. And so I want to thank you all for being here today. And here's to create independence.

Members, let's all thank Assemblymember Papan for the items that are on our desks. If you would please make sure to keep all the items in your bag or in your desk. Thank you.

Okay. Members, we are actually gonna go backwards on the file to file item number 23.

That's ACR 146 by Assembly Member Ransom. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 146 by Assembly Member Ransom relative to Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month.

Assemblymember Ransom, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister Speaker. Colleagues, I rise to present ACR 146 to recognize the month of March 2026 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month. California is home to the largest population of individuals living with bleeding disorders anywhere in The United States.

Despite their numbers, many people living with these conditions must fight every day to be seen, recognized, and to access the care that they need. Bleeding disorders are often invisible.

People living with conditions like Hemophilia may appear healthy while managing incredible chronic pain. Multiple IV treatments per week, and the constant risk of serious bleeding episodes. This is why awareness is critically important.

Awareness can mean the difference between early diagnosis and years of pain and uncertainty. Recognizing the symptoms can be the difference between a small bruise and a visit to the emergency room.

This is an especially dangerous reality for children. Children with the undiagnosed bleeding disorders may experience life threatening complications without an accurate diagnosis or the ability to get access to the rare treatments for these conditions.

At the same time, I also need to highlight the experience of women with bleeding disorders. For decades, there was a misconception that women could not have bleeding disorders. We now know that women have always been affected, but have suffered without recognition or diagnosis.

Their symptoms were dismissed as part of their period or an overreaction. These girls live with periods that can last for two weeks or more while experiencing the same risk as bleeding men. And yet despite this pain, there are still unbelievably strong fighters for the care that they need.

In our lifetime, care for bleeding disorders has improved. Hemophilia, a condition which once had a life expectancy of under 20 years old, is now a fully treatable condition.

Although the treatments we offer today are life changing, they are not a cure. And they certainly are not easy for patients to access. But with them, people can be part of their schools, their communities, and their workplaces.

Today, people with bleeding disorders live healthy lives and aren't restricted by their diagnosis. From our schools and workplaces to small businesses and even here in my capital office, there are people living healthy lives with bleeding disorders across our state.

This month is a call to action for each of us to educate ourselves, to listen to our constituents, and to make sure that every individual living with a bleeding disorder is giving the recognition and the support that they deserve.

With that, I ask that the first role be open for co authors and I urge your Aye vote on ACR 146.

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

Good morning. Thank you, Mister Speaker. I rise today in support of ACR 146. Bleeding disorders like Hemophilia significantly impact patients and their families. And like other rare diseases, Hemophilia requires specialized care, research, and policy attention to drive medical advancements

and improve patient outcomes. As Chair of the California Legislative Rare Disease Caucus, I know that despite each rare disease's unique nature, patients struggle with common challenges like limited and expensive treatment options, difficulty accessing services, and issues with insurance reimbursement.

Designating March 2026 as bleeding disorders awareness month serves as a crucial step in advancing the unmet needs of the bleeding disorder and rare disease communities and reinforces California's commitment to advancing solutions and the care needed by those affected.

I wanna thank our colleague from Tracy for her commitment and dedicated leadership and for authoring this resolution, and I urge your Aye vote on ACR 146.

Thank you, Assemblymember Zbur. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Ransom, do you wish to close?

Thank you all. I wanna, thank the Member from Hollywood, for the support of this resolution. And I wanna thank everyone for their support. And with that, I just ask that it be open for co authors.

Thank you, Assemblymember Ransom. Assemblymember has asked for the first role to be open for co authors. I'll debate having ceased. Clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors.

All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 61 co authors added.

Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say Aye. All those opposed, no. The Ayes have it.

The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Ransom, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Alright. Thank you again. Colleagues joining us in the gallery today are high school students with the Bleeding Disorders Council of California Future Leaders program. They've come from all over our state to meet with their representatives and to learn about California government.

So please join me in welcoming them to the state assembly.

Welcome. Welcome, welcome. Okay. We have already dispensed with file item 24. We're gonna pass and retain on file items 25 and 26.

That brings us to file item 27. That's ACR 140 by Assemblymember Patel. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 140 by Assemblymember Patel relative to women in STEM day.

Assemblymember Patel, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mister Speaker and Members. Today, I am proud to present ACR 140 which proclaims March 21 as women in STEM day in California. The fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics lead us to discover the solutions for the problems that define our era and how we

discover possibilities that we haven't yet imagined. It was women in STEM who unlocked the secrets of radiology, decoded the structure of DNA, pioneered gene editing, and mapped every tectonic plate beneath our feet. These are not footnotes in history.

They are the foundations for our modern world. And yet women remain disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields, both in our universities and in our workforce. The gap is not just an inequity. It's an unanswered question. What discoveries are we missing?

What cures, what technologies, what breakthroughs remain unrealized because we have not yet fully opened those doors. We know the power of education to transform lives, lift communities, and strengthen our state.

Every woman and girl we welcome into STEM doesn't just change her life or unlock new opportunities. She changes our lives. She changes our world. I'm proud to say this resolution is personal to me. As the daughter of immigrants, STEM was our pathway to make a difference in The US.

It was a personal tragedy that led me down the path to become a biomedical research scientist, driven by the belief that knowledge and science could help prevent others from suffering in the same way I did. That career gave me more than experience and expertise.

It gave me a way of thinking, a rigorous, analytical, hypothesis driven, and focused on tangible results. I bring that same approach to my work as a legislator every day, striving to improve the quality of life for my constituents.

I'm here because of those who gave me a strong foundation in stem, and ACR 140 is an opportunity to thank those who came before me, who blazed that trail, celebrate those doing the work today, and to signal to the next generation that the future is theirs.

Mister speaker, members, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote and that the first role be open for co authors. Thank you.

Thank you. Assembly member Patel. Assembly Member has asked for the first role to be open for co authors. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the role. All members vote who desire to vote.

Members, this is for co authors. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 56 co authors added.

Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say Aye. All those opposed, no. The Ayes have it.

The resolution is adopted. Okay. That brings us to the Senate third reading file. We're gonna pass and retain on file items 28 through 32. We're moving on to a vote on the consent calendar, which is file item 33.

Does any Member wish to remove an item from the consent calendar? Seeing and hearing none. The clerk will read the second day consent calendar.

Assembly bill 1875 by Assembly Member Hart and Appellate of Marriage.

Clerk will open the roll on the consent calendar. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes.

Ayes 54, no 0. The consent calendar is adopted. Members without reference to file will now be taking up AB 2156 by Speaker Rivas presented by Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry. The clerk will read.

Assembly Bill 2156 by Assembly Speaker Robert Rivas and others an act relating to the state holidays and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Majority leader, Agar Curry, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I'm angry and I'm heartbroken. After learning about the abuse and sexual assault of women and girls by Cesar Chavez. These stories are sad and painful to hear. They demand our attention and action. So first, for the survivors, we believe you.

We're here to support you. And we're here to help bring some justice. Second, I stand here today as someone who grew up on a farm and someone who represents farm communities. Farm workers who wake up before the sun and who work through the heat and hardship to put food on our tables and their own. They are good.

They're good, upstanding people. They are the workers and families who have embodied the farm worker movement for generations. The farm worker movement, it was never about one person. It was built on a collective sacrifice of many. Many farm workers gave their time and strength for the cause.

They walked miles to march for justice. They opened their homes and they prepared meals. These quiet acts of courage and solidarity were the foundation of the farmworker movement and a reminder that real change comes from community. It was about the right of to dignity for the many thousands of people who sacrificed, who stood up, and who did whatever was necessary to provide for their families. Demands us all to be honest.

We cannot ignore wrongdoing. We cannot ignore wrongdoing, and we should not continue to celebrate a single person when the movement itself is so much bigger and so much more important. That's why in the name of speaker Rivas and with the support of Pro Tem Nimon and every member in this legislature, the holiday will now be known as Farm Workers Day. Because this is about honoring the people, the people who built the movement, the people who battle against those who don't recognize their humanity.

Safety, and respect in the fields. Farmworkers day will give California a chance to honor the struggles of the past. Acknowledge we need to improve as we move forward. And recommit ourselves to dignity and justice now and into the future. Members, I respectfully ask for your aye vote on AB 2156. Thank you.

Thank you, madam. Majority leader. Assemblymember Macedo, you are recognized.

I rise today because this isn't just about a date on a calendar or a name on a building. It's about the hands that feed this nation. It is about the men and women who are out in the orchards in the fields before the sun even touches the horizon, and who are still there long after it sets. For me, this isn't a policy debate, it's a family history. I grew up in the dirt of the Central Valley.

I come from a family of farmers and farm workers. Men who came here not able to speak English, no shoes on their feet, no resources except their work ethic, and a desire to make a better life for their families. Women who came here to make sure the men had a warm meal and clean clothes to come home to, even if it was just for moments before they had to return to the fields.

They paved the way for women like me and my mom who carry on the legacy of farming. Over the weekend, I was reminded of this legacy and why I fight so hard to protect it.

My mom and dad sat at the dinner table with me telling me stories of my ancestors incredible resilience. We looked at photos of both sides of my family, working in the fields and tending to livestock. One photo particular stood out to me. My grandfather, at just four years old, following his father picking cotton, carrying a bag that was double his size.

That is the same man who taught me how to drive a tractor, who would wake me up in the morning, put on my pink rubber boots and take me to go feed calves, who would have me hold the flashlight out in the fields while he changed water.

We had a bigger family on the farm than just our biological family. My grandfather never saw people on his payroll as employees. They were family. They lived on the farm with us. My grandmother would make meals during planting and harvest to make sure they were being fed, attend our family events.

One was even a pallbearer at his funeral. He knew the labor was hard because he had done it since he was a toddler, But he would never ask anyone to do anything he wasn't willing to do himself. He cared so much about their success that many of them went on to start their own businesses. I know the sound of the irrigation pumps at midnight. I know the grit of the dust during harvest.

And more importantly, I know the character of the people who do this work. California is the greatest agricultural powerhouse in the world. Not just because of our soil and climate, but because of the relentless, quiet heroism of the California farm worker. These are people who embody the very best of our values. Faith, family, and an unmatched work ethic.

They don't ask for a handout, they ask for a harvest. They don't look for the easy path, they look for the next row. They are the entrepreneurs of the earth, turning sweat into food that sits on every single one of our tables. By recognizing Farm Workers Day, we are making a powerful statement. We are saying that we are we see their ongoing dedication and sacrifice.

We honor their stories and the stories of those that came before them. We see the family unit. We see the thousands of workers from the Almond Groves of Tipton to the Vineyards of Napa, who have been the silent engine of our state's economy for generations. The story of California belongs to all who labor in it. It belongs to the immigrant parents working for a better life for their kids, so they can one day be doctors, lawyers, engineers, or even elected officials.

And the third generation family farm keeping fighting to keep their legacy alive, even on the days that feels impossible. This change honors the entirety of that legacy. It acknowledges that the dignity of work is universal. When we vote today, we aren't just changing a name. We are honoring the calloused hands that built California.

We are honoring families like mine, your neighbors, and the heart of this golden state. Thank you, mister speaker.

Thank you. Assembly member Macedo. Assemblymember Soria, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I rise in support of AB 2156 to recognize March 31 as Farmworker Farmworker's Day in California. Members, like many of you, I am still processing the news that came out last week. It's been difficult. Painful.

Even for many of us, especially those of us who grew up looking up to figures like Cesar Chavez as heroes. As the daughter of farm workers, this isn't just a headline for me. This is personal. My parents were immigrant farm workers from Mexico. They worked long, exhausting days in the fields.

I remember being in those fields as a little girl alongside my parents and my sisters, because we knew that helping our family meant doing whatever we could. That's what farmworker families do. We show up for each other. And even then, we understood something powerful. While we were working to survive, there were others in our community organizing, marching, and fighting to change the conditions of our lives.

The farmworker movement was never never about just one person. It was about the thousands of men and women who found their collective voice. People who stood up for dignity, for fairness, and for justice. This movement belongs to the farm workers. The people who put their bodies on the line, not just in the past, but in the present.

Who have risked everything. Who believe in a better future, not just for themselves, but for the generations to come. And I stand before you because of those brave men and women. Members, history has not been erased. With our vote today, we are correcting it.

AB 2,156 is not about diminishing the past, it's about correcting our focus. It's about ensuring that we recognize the true strength of the movement, the collective power of farm workers. And today, we send a message that goes beyond recognition. We stand with survivors. We stand for accountability.

We stand for truth. We will not look the other way. We will not protect power at the expense of people, and we will not be counted amongst those who stay silent when courage is required. Today, we choose to be courageous. Today, we honor those who toil in those fields, whose labor helped build this state, and contributed to making this country the fourth largest economy in the world.

Without farm workers, none of this would be possible. So yes, this moment for me is bittersweet. Our Latino community has so few figures that have reached the level of recognition that Chavez had. And the loss is real. But today, it's not about that individual.

It's about all of our farm workers. All those who march, who sacrifice, all those who fought for justice. And today, my yes vote is for all of my constituents who believe in accountability, integrity, and that the powerful should not be held to any lesser standard. I respectfully ask for your support on ab 2156.

Thank you. Assemblymember Soria. Assemblymember Gipson, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, mister speaker and members. I rise as a proud co author. I rise today in support of Assembly Bill twenty one fifty six designating March 31 as Farmworker Day. I want to also preface my comments by thanking our speaker for his boldness, by bringing this measure, before us today as well as the senate pro tem Limon for their leadership in advancing this important measure that's necessary today to invoke change.

I decided to, one, blend my voice with those who've already spoken today and stand in agreement and thank those who've already spoken, today in a very bold way.

And I think that we will, send a strong message today in solidarity, with necessary change today. Farm workers have long been at the forefront advancing civil rights in California. Organizing and advocating and leading the movement have shaped our, history here in the state of California. Today, we recognize not only their sacrifice, but their leadership. When we think about the importance of change, we think about the collective group of individuals coming together to achieve a common goal.

The goal today is to uplift the farm workers to ensure that they have the necessary protection they deserve. The farm worker movement is more than just an individual. It's just that, a movement of people. It is about millions of hands, millions of stories, a generation of resilient people. It is about men and women who wake up before dawn, who work long hours in the fields, and who endured harsh conditions so that we can have food on our tables, in the grocery stores, each and every day.

It is about a vision rooted in dignity and equality here in The United States, here in California. Farm workers are the backbone of our agriculture economy, and it is a part of our history here in California. They contribute to our social fabric of California. They are resilient people, passionate, and they won lead when it comes down to fair, decent wages, unionization, and promote the kind of agriculture that we have here in California.

So I'm happy to stand here today to, one, ask my colleagues to support, this important measure because we can talk about the past, but this is about the future moving forward.

So I respectfully ask for a strong I vote. And I remember when I was with justice for janitors in California, When I took janitors to Watsonville, it was about a movement. It was about solidarity and supporting the farm workers. When we, a few years ago, walked and and did the pilgrimage and joined so many others on that pilgrimage. It was about a movement in California, and it's about moving that forward.

And today, I'm proud to stand on this floor to one, declare farmworker day in the state of California. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Gipson. Assemblymember Alvarez, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I rise to express, my feelings of, first of appreciation to speaker Rivas for acting, as expeditiously as possible by bringing forward this, bill. By recognizing the harm that was done to so many people, by acknowledging the women who have come forward and the unlikely, sadly, others who have not come forward, but that are also at this moment suffering in silence as a result of the actions taken by an individual.

I had to rise to speak because over the weekend reflecting and trying to understand my own feelings as someone who never knew Cesar Chavez personally, but who spent the better part of about ten years organizing some of the largest events in San Diego to honor Cesar Chavez with the San Diego Commemorative Committee, breakfast, parades, and festivals. I needed to understand how what I was feeling in this moment.

And the best way I can describe it to you and why I think I needed to rise and speak up on this to all of you, there's a real feeling of betrayal for a lot of us. Those of us who did not know him, but who looked up to a figure who meant a lot for a lot of us in our community, especially those of us who had farmworker parents.

And so I have to rise as I did, I think, the very first time I came to this floor and uplifted the the name of my father, the remembrance of my father who was a farm worker who came to this country and harvested year after year after year as a bracero and recognize that the work that gets done here must reflect the people of California.

And I'm here, rising in support of this because farm workers have been truly the backbone of one of the most important parts of our economy that we just do not recognize. And Hollywood gets a lot of attention and certainly it's an important industry, but agriculture drives the economy of the state as well.

And the individuals who do that work, like my father did for so many years, like some of your siblings and family members and parents and grandparents probably did, I guess this is probably, as one of our colleagues already stated, of the bittersweet opportunity to put behind us something that was so unfortunate for so many of us, but uplift that that matters, and that's the individuals who do this work day in and day out.

I rise in support and, again, thank Speaker Rivas and all the coauthors of Assembly Bill 2156. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.

Thank you. Assembly member Alvarez. Assembly member De Maio, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I rise in support of ab 2156. What a difference a year makes. If we reflect back on the last time, the name of Cesar Chavez in this chamber was invoked. It was an interesting debate that brought up the divisive topic of illegal immigration.

What do Latinos want? We didn't hear a whole lot about farm workers that day. And so it seems like ab 2156 is a rush job. Oh, I understand the desire to quickly take out the trash. Because there's a controversial topic that's been thrown in the lap of a lot of folks who have marketed different political agendas based on Cesar Chavez.

Let's airbrush Cesar Chavez out, and then perhaps people won't notice that we've used him for so many years conveniently. There really are three topics today. One is California has a vibrant, amazing Latino community. And Cesar Chavez day was a a day during the year that all of our Latino community members would come together to take stock of their journey, their contributions, their needs.

I love farm workers, but I do believe we need to have an honorary day every year to celebrate Latino Californians and reflect on their needs.

Second, we do have the issue of farm workers. I've heard a lot, of of statements today about how we're standing with our farm workers. But in the last twenty years, we've made it impossible for farm workers to do their job. Bad policies by out of touch bureaucrats and politicians here in Sacramento have crushed farming in our state. We've taken water away from their farms.

We have over regulated their farms so that it no longer is cost efficient to produce. We won't even give farm workers a secret election. You gave card check to organized labor so that farm workers can be bullied, that they don't even get the decency of having a private vote on whether they want someone to take money out of their paycheck. So if we're gonna celebrate farm workers, perhaps we should also enact some policies to help their lot.

And finally, there is the issue of harassment, sexual assault. That topic today has been referenced, but still not dealt with. It seems more likely that we're gonna continue to see those victims used as political fodder, weaponizing their tragedy, when this should be an issue all of us come together on and speak with a united voice. I would encourage us in the next year when we get back together on the next March 31, that we measure ourselves against those three communities. Today's resolution symbolic, it's taken out the trash. Quickly rush.

Let's get it done. Let's expunge and and airbrush Cesar Chavez out. Fine. Let's do that. Deservedly so.

But have we made anyone's lives better if we don't address those three communities I just referenced? No. We haven't. So don't kid yourselves. You might be able to expunge Cesar Chavez's name, but the better thing to do is to make progress for the three communities I just referenced.

With that, I urge an aye vote at least on the first step towards that end.

Thank you, Assemblymember De Maio. Seeing and hearing no further debate, madam majority leader, do you wish to close?

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thank you to all our colleagues as well. This is a historic moment. This bill has been coauthored by every member of this legislature. Our state will now pause to honor those who work to feed our families, who drive our economy, and who brave the hardest of conditions to provide a better life for those they love. I proudly ask for your aye vote for AB 2156 to mark every March 31 to mark to mark Friday as Farm Workers Day.

Thank you, madam majority leader. Members, this this bill has an urgency clause to it, requires 54 votes. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Aye 67, no zero on the urgency. Aye 67, no zero on the measure. The measure passes immediate transmittal to the Senate.

Thank you, members. At this time, we are going to recess under call. We're going to recess under call until the joint convention, which is at 03:45. Senators will be joining us at 03:40. Remain under call.

Members, quick change of plans. The quorum call is lifted. We implore all members to be back here at 03:40 by 03:40, please. Quorum call is lifted. Participation in the joint convention is mandatory.

Please be back the floor by 03:40. Quorum call is lifted.

So Members of the Assembly, if you could report to the floor, we can begin our joint convention momentarily.

Members of the Assembly and the Senate, if you could please find your seats, we'd like to begin the joint convention.

And Members, before we begin the joint convention, would you please clear your desk and put away any items you may have inside your desk. Again, please clear your desktops and put all items inside your desk.

So Members and guests, we will now recess the regular session and convene the joint convention. Everyone, if I can ask, you all to please take your seats. The chief justice and the associate justices of the Supreme Court of California have arrived.

I'm now appointing a joint committee to escort the justices to the rostrum. The following Members, please retire to the rear of the chamber.

Assembly Members, Kalra, Papan, Schultz, Stefani, Senators Durazo, Seyarto, Richardson, and Umberg. Joint escort committee, please escort the chief justice and the associate justices of the Supreme Court of California to the rostrum.

Everyone, please join me in welcoming welcoming them to our assembly chamber. Once again, welcome legislators and and guests to the 2026 state of the judiciary. We'll begin by recognizing our our statewide constitutional officers who are here in attendance.

The California from the California State Board of Equalization, Sally j Lieber and Antonio Vasquez. Madam Chief Justice, we are deeply honored to welcome you here to the State Capitol Building once again. Your presence here, your leadership of our state's highest court, reflects, an unwavering commitment

to the rule of law, to public service, and to ensuring meaningful access to justice for every single person who calls California.

Under your leadership, California's judiciary, the largest in the nation, continues to serve more than 40 million residents with integrity, with wisdom, and with a steadfast, dedication to equal justice under the law.

Each year, our courts resolve hundreds of thousands of cases, shaping lives, strengthening, our state and our communities, and contributing to the broader framework of American jurisprudence.

And in doing so, they remain a cornerstone of our, government and democracy. In times of challenge and uncertainty, the strength of our courts is especially clear. It is an institution that is defined by resilience, that is guided in, by principle, and grounded in its solemn duty to administer justice fairly and impartial.

At a time when our courts across the country are increasingly drawn into public debate, the importance of an independent Judiciary and court system cannot be overstated.

That independence is essential, essential to protecting and preserving our public trust, and essential to ensuring that justice is delivered equally, fairly, and without fear or favor.

On behalf of the Members of this legislature, we extend our deep respect and appreciation to the Supreme Court of California, and to all who serve within the Judicial Branch for their vital role in safeguarding our democracy.

It is now my privilege to introduce the President Pro Tem of the California State Senate, miss Monique Lemont.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker, for that introduction, and thank you to Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero and our Associate Justice for Justices for bringing us all together. Today's State of the Judiciary is to highlight the important steps that California is taking to preserve judicial independence.

Chief Justice Guerrero and Associate Justice Corrigan, Lou, Kruger, Groban, and Evans, each of you know just how imperative your work is to ensuring our constitutional principles are upheld. Our laws are enforced and our rights are protected.

We thank you for your dedicated service and your partnership in upholding American democracy. It is my honor to introduce the twenty ninth Chief Justice of California, the first Latina to serve in this role, Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero.

Thank you all so much. Thank you, Speaker Rivas, senate president Pro Tem Limon, distinguished statewide constitutional officers, and guests. I'm proud to be joined here today by my colleagues from the California Supreme Court, and our clerk and executive officer and court staff, justices, judges, and court

executives from local courts around the state, members of our judicial council, the California Judges Association, the Bench Bar Coalition, and our justice system partners. I thought about different approaches I could take with my remarks this year.

With so much going on in our nation, so much controversy, division, uncertainty, and chaos as well, I've decided to offer you something different. If anyone is looking for controversial statements or divisive rhetoric, you will not get it.

Instead, I offer you normalcy, and a calm and measured report regarding the important work our judicial branch has undertaken over this past year, and some of the major issues facing the judiciary. First, I wanna commemorate a significant anniversary in the formation of our country.

In 1776, our founders boldly declared their independence from Britain and its King, and stated that we're endowed with unalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. With force and clarity, they set forth their list of grievances against the establishment of an absolute tyranny.

Included among their concerns was a statement that the king had obstructed the administration of justice, and made judges dependent on his will alone. They later offered a different path, establishing our constitutional republic of three separate and co equal branches of government.

We must all safeguard this structure and the fundamental principles which form the basis of our government and the promise of this country.

This year, the Judicial Branch plans to celebrate the unique role we play and the privilege we have to uphold the role of law for all who appear before us, Without fear or favor, with courage and steadfast commitment to our oath that we've taken to uphold our constitutions.

And we look forward to celebrating our respective roles alongside all of you. Our jobs are made more challenging, however, by the rise and threats against the judiciary. Something I'm not sure our founding fathers would have precisely envisioned.

The issue of judicial security is prominent in the minds of many judicial officers, and recent events have unfortunately demonstrated that service on the bench can pose significant safety risks. The Judicial Council of California has made judicial security a legislative priority.

We need sufficient resources in order to protect personnel, the public, and court systems from physical, online, and cyber threats. The council also will continue to advocate for legislation designed to protect the privacy of judges, an issue that is fundamentally intertwined with judicial security.

A marked increase in negative rhetoric surrounding judges, including from elected officials, have contributed to these concerns. We welcome public scrutiny, transparency, and accountability regarding the legal reasoning reflected in our rulings.

Public engagement, whether resulting in praise or criticism for our decisions, is commendable and should be encouraged. We do not, however, welcome divisive name calling or inaccurate and uninformed accounts about our roles.

We believe this serves only to distort the public's understanding of the judiciary and to shake their confidence in our democracy. And we should all emphatically speak out against normalizing personal attacks against judges for all of our sakes.

Fortunately, in California, we have many examples of how government should work even in challenging times, and I would like to express my appreciation for your partnership and your support in these areas.

I have spoken in the past regarding our three branch solutions, and I want to touch upon a couple of examples. First, remote proceedings. Since March 2022, over 6 million proceedings have been conducted with remote technology.

In a one year period from September 2024 to August 2025, that represented over 7,000 proceedings per day. Trends in positive experience with these services have remained consistent over time at about 95% satisfaction overall.

The data unequivocally shows great public interest in having remote options, but existing statutory authority for remote proceedings is scheduled to expire at the end of the year, or precisely, I believe, January 1, 2027, but I'll go with the end of the year if it sounds more imminent to all of you.

For the benefit of all Californians who see the advantages of technology and choose to appear remotely. I look forward to working with all of you to meet their needs and expectations in this area.

Second, the Care Act proceedings. As you know, the community assistance recovery and empowerment act, which you passed in 2022, and which has been implemented in different phases through December 2024, is now fully operational in all 58 counties.

Between October 2023 and January 2026, there have been a total of 3,810 petitions filed. During that same time, courts have ordered 925 care agreements and plans, and a further eighteen thirty five individuals are being actively engaged still in these court proceedings.

The Judicial Council publishes this Care Act data on its California courts website, providing a fuller description of the care process for anyone to see. These numbers understandably, may not be satisfactory to those whose loved ones do not qualify for care act assistance.

With the recent expansion of the program to cover bipolar disorders with psychotic features, in addition to the original criteria of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, we do hope to reach more people in need, and help redefine what justice looks like for Californians living with certain behavioral health challenges.

While this is not a panacea, we can be proud of our partnership in this area. For each person who receives assistance, whether it's through a voluntary agreement or a court order plan or other referrals for services, their lives are greatly improved because of the Care Act.

In other words, the volume of petitions filed alone does not fully capture the overall effectiveness of the program. So I would like to acknowledge the tireless work of our judges, our court staff, and our community partners, who are managing the care act petitions filed in our courts.

As you know, they are helping individuals with severe mental illness access housing, medication, and recovery services before they fall deeper into crisis. And these courts are not just legal forums.

They're bridges to stability, safety, and hope for Californians who need it most. I thank our governor. I thank all of you in the legislature, and each of our trial courts for your commitment to exploring ways to help these individuals. Thank you.

In addition to these two areas, I also look forward to partnering with you to address other ongoing and in some instances, long standing issues of concern that are facing our courts. First, starting with our trial courts.

We are updating our judicial needs assessment, but the latest report from October 2022 reflects some stark realities that I'd like to provide some context for you on.

We're grateful for the $70 million in ongoing funding that has been proposed in the governor's budget for the increasing cost associated with trial court operations. A long standing problem our courts face, however, relates to the lack of funding for judgeships in counties with the greatest need.

There are still significant ongoing challenges that remain, with the need for more judges being especially acute in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. What this means in practical terms is that justice is not served the way that it should be.

In recent years, it is true that the judicial branch has received funding for about 50 different judgeships, but those were authorized as far back as 2007. There were two positions that were funded in 2018, and they were allocated to Riverside County Superior Court.

25 positions were funded in 2019, and 23 positions were funded in 2022. Based on the October 2022 report, there was still a need even at that time for 98 additional judicial officers. So while this funding has helped to minimize the gap between the number of authorized judgeships and judicial needs.

As an example, in Riverside County Superior Court, during the period from January 9, 2023 to March 6, 2026, 437 misdemeanor cases and 57 felony cases were dismissed pursuant to penal code section 1050 subdivision J because of the condition of the court's congested calendar.

This is despite the judicial council making available temporary assigned judges when requested by the superior court to help alleviate the burden on the court. Riverside, as an example again, has the highest use of our temporary assigned judges.

Last fiscal year, the total expense that was associated with these assigned judges in Riverside County alone, was about $3 million. We will continue to make resources available to the courts through our temporary assigned judges program, and we look forward to working with all of you to find more

permanent, predictable, and sustainable solutions to these challenges. I'd also like to touch upon AI. The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence continues to present both challenges and opportunities as we work to expand access to justice and improve efficiency across the judicial branch.

In 2025, our artificial intelligence task force developed comprehensive guidance for courts on the responsible use of generative AI tools. The task force is now focusing on deep fakes and the impact of AI on the admissibility of evidence.

I think you'll agree with me that's a critical area that's necessary to maintain integrity and public trust in judicial proceedings.

The Judicial Council also approved a new rule of court and a standard of judicial administration on the use of generative AI for court related work by judges and court staff.

These guidelines emphasize accuracy, oversight, and transparency, while proactively mitigating risks related to privacy, bias, and security. They also underscore the importance of human judgement in all AI assisted processes.

Ensuring that technology complements, rather than replaces, the expertise of our judicial officers. The Judicial Branch is laying a strong foundation with its model policies, training programs, and pilot case studies that explore practical applications of AI.

We're committed to working collaboratively with all of you and our stakeholders to ensure that any requirements that are imposed protect the public without unnecessarily restricting the appropriate and beneficial use of AI tools.

Our goal is to strike the right balance between innovation and accountability, ensuring technology does not interfere with, but instead enhances justice. Last year, I also spoke about the considerable stress, anxiety, and confusion experienced by many Californians regarding federal immigration policies

and enforcement, as they intersect with our state courts. I also previously made clear that the federal government, of course, has the right and obligation to do its job, but it should conduct its operations in a way that does not interfere with ours. Unfortunately, that has not happened.

Public apprehension has continued to grow because of the way federal enforcement action has occurred, including the presence of federal officers in at least 17 of our state courthouses. These developments raise profound questions about access to justice, community trust,

and the safety of individuals seeking legal remedies. The Judicial Council has taken proactive steps to address some of these challenges. Over the past year, we have provided extensive training for our courts on federal executive orders, the legal implications of immigration activity at court houses,

and relevant California statutes that are designed to uphold the principle of equal justice under the law. We have collected data informally, so that we have a better understanding of the impact on court operations.

Next month, the Judicial Council will consider a proposed California rule of court that would formalize our information gathering regarding civil arrests at state courthouses. This will help inform next steps as we consider options for protecting against encroachments on our ability to ensure that

courts remain open and accessible to everyone. I would like again to reiterate that we can all perform our independent obligations consistent with our constitutional mandates in support of the rule of law, with our courts focusing on being available to everyone.

We will continue to do everything within our power to ensure that all members of the public can freely access our state courts, to safeguard individual rights and to promote the fair and timely administration of justice.

I also want to report back on issues I raised last year with respect to the state bar and the disastrous experience we had with the February 2025 bar exam. I can still say that in a calm and measured way. It was disastrous.

As you know, the California Supreme Court and the legislature share an important partnership concerning oversight of the state bar, with the court managing licensing and disciplinary functions, and the legislature setting the attorney licensing fee and auditing the bar's governance and finances.

For our part, the court has taken several corrective actions. We've approved scoring adjustments for the February bar and an expansion of the provisional licensing program. We've ordered a return to in person testing using the multi state bar exam provided by the National Conference of Bar Examiners.

And we've amended roles governing the exam and attorney admissions in order to strengthen and clarify the authority of the Committee of Bar Examiners and its role over attorney admissions. The amended rules address question review, validation and proctoring, subpoena authority,

oversight of the Office of Admissions Budget, fee setting, and importantly, mandated cost benefit analysis before there's any proposed changes to the exam. It's too soon to report back on the future of the California State Bar, but it's safe to say that nobody wants a repeat of what happened last year,

and we will keep this experience in mind in determining what additional steps to take when presented with the State Bar's recommendations in the near future. Through our collaborative and complimentary governance responsibilities, together we will continue to ensure that the public is

protected, and qualified new attorneys are admitted to the practice of law in our state. I know that the challenges that I have highlighted are not coming as a surprise to many of you, or at least I hope they're not. I believe the courts have been transparent in explaining the difficulties we face and the needs

we have in order to properly serve the public. In addition, we have also invited you to come see the good work that our courts do even under difficult circumstances. Thank you for accepting our invitations to visit our various courts across the state.

I know Senator Umberg thanks you too. Waving in the back. You guys must agree or I don't know. I don't know. Okay. But thank you.

We continue to work with our local trial courts to coordinate these legislative visits so that members can experience firsthand our day to day court operations. The challenges, innovation, and efficiencies, as well as the opportunity to meet with the committed public servants who provide

court services to the constituents in your district. Since I last addressed you, we have been pleased to facilitate the visits of at least 15 senators and 22 assembly members who have visited 15 local trial courts.

with growing pay differentials worsening over many years. I recognize we face a difficult financial budget this year, but I believe it's necessary to flag this now, because this level of inequity jeopardizes the Judicial Branch's ability to attract and retain the best qualified candidates for the bench.

Some of you have visited more than once, some of you more in more than one jurisdiction in your district, and some of you have worked directly with your local courts to schedule these visits. We hope that through these visits, you can see what I know to be true.

We have a strong foundation for overcoming the real challenges that we face. We have over 2,000 dedicated public servants who are committed to the fair and impartial administration of justice. These judges, I believe, are significantly underpaid.

The last judicial salary adjustment, separate from any adjustments provided under government code Section 68,203, was nineteen years ago in 2007, when judges received an 8.5 increase. Judicial salaries are significantly lower than those of certain California state and local government attorneys,

I look forward to discussing this issue too with you further in the near future. Californians rely on and deserve a judiciary that delivers the highest quality of justice and service.

We do this through not only our daily work in the courtroom, but through our commitment to upholding our ethical duties to maintain independence, integrity, and impartiality.

Our robust educational requirements and also through our outreach efforts, like our courts annual special sessions that we have with our oral argument being held in different parts of the state throughout the year, as well as my Power of Democracy Civic Learning initiative, and countless other training,

mentoring, and outreach programs that are held on a regular basis at every level throughout the state.

This year, in addition to commemorating the 250th anniversary of our declaration of independence, we also mark an important milestone for the Judicial Council of California.

The 100th year since it was founded through a vote of the people in 1926. Through the counts okay. Pause. Yes. Thank you. Thank you.

Through the council's work, we have achieved greater consistency across courts. We have built a statewide administrative infrastructure, and we've consistently sought better funding for needed systemic improvement. I'm grateful for the vision, dedication, and hard work of the judicial branch

leaders and judicial council members who have preceded me to build a strong and accountable judiciary that works collaboratively with our sister branches. Because of this foundation, stemming from the structures we have in place, and more importantly, the people who are committed to this work,

the state of the judiciary is strong, resilient, and committed to the rule of law and equal access to justice for all Californians. And I'll although my focus, of course, is on the Judiciary, I also want to acknowledge two points regarding our sister branches of government.

First, I was so honored to swear in the senate's new President Pro Tem, Monique Limon, earlier this year. In the interest of time, I will not repeat all the firsts that her selection represents, but we're so proud of her. It also has been a true privilege to work with speaker Robert Rivas since his swearing in in June 2023.

I also note that this means this is the first time that Latinos are the leaders of two branches of government, the Judiciary, and both houses of the Legislature, for the first time in California's history. Second, Governor Newsom.

As he concludes his second term as Governor of our great state at the end of this year, I wanna thank him for his thoughtful collaboration with the Legislature and the Judiciary, and for his dedicated service to the state.

I wanna acknowledge the governor for his collaboration on our three branch solutions to improve access to justice to California, his willingness to listen to the needs and concerns of the judiciary, and his efforts to provide stable ongoing funding for the Judicial Branch.

Through his outreach efforts to encourage more diverse candidates from a variety of legal backgrounds, our governor has also diversified California's Judiciary in a meaningful way. Of his 695 Judicial appointments, with one more coming soon, more than half of them have been women,

and more than half of them have been people of color. We thank the governor for his efforts in strengthening our Judiciary. And we will still have more time with him, so I look forward to our continued collaboration.

And I also look forward to the Judiciary's continued strong partnership with the legislature in our shared endeavor to serve the people of our state. In closing, I would like to again reinforce the importance of our nation's 250th celebration of our independence.

The Judiciary remains committed to the same guiding principles which are embodied in that document. Equality, unalienable rights, justice, and the rule of law.

With your help, we have made great strides in upholding these principles. And the Judiciary remains committed to navigating through the obstacles I have highlighted, and safeguarding these principles for all future generations. Thank you for the opportunity to address you.

Thank you, Chief Justice Guerrero. Without objection, the state of the Judiciary address shall be printed in the journal as a separate appendix. And the court would like to invite Members and invite a guest for a reception with the Chief Justice across the street at the third district court of

appeals from 5 to 7PM this evening. We will now adjourn the joint conventions on need I. And Members, we are back in regular session.

Members, we have the following committee hearings upon adjournment. Emergency management will be in Capital Room 444. Natural resources will be in Capital Room 437. Transportation will meet in the Swing Space Room 1100. And the session schedule is this session schedule is as follows.

Tuesday, March 24 is check-in session. Wednesday, March 25 is check-in session. And Thursday, March 26, floor session at 9am. Members, would you please take a moment to recognize our governor has joined us in the chamber. Please welcome Governor Gavin Newsom.

Seeing and hearing no further business. I'm ready to make a motion to adjourn. Majority Leader, Aguiar-Curry, moves and Mr. Garcia Seconds that this house stands adjourn until Thursday, March 26 at 9AM. The quorum call is lifted.