Senate Floor

Secretary, we'll call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Would the senators please return to their desk? Will the guests beyond the railing please rise? This morning will be led in prayer by our own Senator Durazo, after which please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance. Senator?

Thank you, Madam President. In the fifteenth century, the venerable, Thor Juana De La Cruz said, I don't study to know more, but to ignore less.

Gracious and merciful God, today we thank you that today's Latino spirit awardees have not ignored the needs of your people, but have used their education and knowledge to build up their communities and contribute to bringing justice and peace to our world.

May they continue to discover creative and daring ways to encourage thriving communities. May they continue to witness to the values of generosity and collaboration for the benefit of all.

May their struggles be occasions of growth and transformation, offering hope to our suffering world. Loving God, may the efforts of our Latino spirit awardees bring them peace and joy as they celebrate the diversity of their talents and the wonder and mystery of our common humanity.

Dear God, we ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the fly. Without objection, Senate rule 55 will be suspended to allow a videographer on the floor for today's floor session.

Moving straight into privileges of the floor, on behalf of Senator Jones, we'd like to welcome in the gallery to the right of the presiding officer, Deputy Sheriffs Association of San Diego. Oh, right in front of me.

Welcome to the state senate. Thank you for joining us today. I'd now like to turn over to two senators who will be introducing some guests. Some guests first, Senator Dr. Weber Pierson will give some remarks.

Thank you, Madam President. Senators, it is my distinguished honor to recognize today members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. This sorority was founded on the campus of Howard University by 22 dynamic women in 1913.

We are founded on sisterhood that is deeply rooted in scholarship, service, and social action. Today, we continue a legacy of empowering communities and upholding the high cultural, intellectual, and moral standards established by our founders over a century ago.

My journey into Deltaland started when I was just 19 years old on the college campus of Xavier University of Louisiana. I was honored and privileged to be initiated into the gamma alpha chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

And this year, I will be 29 members, 29 years a member of this illustrious organization. I spent more of my life as a Delta than I have as a non Delta.

And so it is my pleasure on behalf of myself, Senator Richardson, and Assembly Member Rhodesia Ransom, who is also a long term member of Delta Sigma Theta, to present our Far West region with this resolution,

which states, for its distinguished record of outstanding leadership and civic engagement, public service, youth empowerment across the Western United States, including the state of California,

the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated is deserving of special public recognition and the highest commendations.

Whereas the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated has remained deeply committed to empowering communities through advocacy, education, and action, including its participation in Delta Days in Sacramento,

which takes place in May, stands as an important expression of the sorority's long and proud legacy of social action by bringing together members to engage in the legislative process, deepen their understanding of public policy,

and advocate on issues impacting black communities and the broader public while affirming the sorority's enduring belief that informed civic participation and direct engagement with elected leaders are essential to building a stronger,

more responsive democracy and to advancing meaningful change in California and beyond. This is resolved by Senators Laura Richardson, Akila Weber Pierson, and Assembly Member Rhodesia Ransom,

that the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated be commended for its historic legacy of service, its more than a hundred years of impact in California, its leadership in convening Delta Days in Sacramento,

and its continued investment in the next generation through the return of youth state program, and extends our very best wishes on behalf of the state for continued success.

Members, please join me in welcoming members of the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta who are on the floor, and my source also in the gallery who are wearing our beautiful Crimson and Cream.

Senators, we're gonna hold off on the recognition. Madam Pro Tem would like to give some remarks as well.

Thank you, Madam President. And thank you to the Senators from Inglewood and San Diego for bringing the Delta Sigma Theta sorority to the state senate. We are proud to have you here today as an example of the power of civic engagement.

With over 30 alumni chapters extending all over our state, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority continues to focus on advocacy in a diversity of areas ranging from education to economic development, to health and social action.

I'm proud that my district is home to the Ventura County alumni chapter. Yes. And to all the chapters present today, welcome to the state Senate, your state Senate, and thank you for the work that you all do throughout our state. Thank you. Thank you.

Thank you so much for the amazing legacy. We will now turn to Senator Richardson for some additional remarks.

Well, in addition to the Far West region, we are led by a fearless leader, regional director Kimberly Usher. She has now served her full term of what's allowed, and so we're gonna be having our regional conference,

but we wanted to give it to her here officially recognizing her service. Just a few I wanna point out. Whereas during her tenure as regional director of the Far West Region, Kimberly Usher has led impactful initiatives that reflect her deep commitment to community service,

including wildfire recovery efforts in Southern California, when she and her fellow Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated members provided meals, essential supplies, and financial assistance to individuals and families affected by the devastating fires.

Also, whereas, an effective and committed leader, Kimberly has encouraged local chapters across the Far West region to execute meaningful programs aligned with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated's five point programmatic thrust of educational

development, economic development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement.

Congratulations on your term. We're very thankful for your service to the state of California. Amazing record. Congratulations. Certainly not least, we also we're taking care of all the business so we won't have to come back when we're a lot going on in the next couple weeks.

For this one, we have, I was recently some of you saw me. I looked a little tired. I took on joining a sorority, when some people they did we didn't even know there were alumni chapters, if you didn't join when you were actually a collegiate member.

So I used my Southwest points and I was going back in every night. And I chose to become a part of this chapter because of the work that they do in my district.

That they put public service as number one delivering to the constituents, which is what we do. And so our Los Angeles South Bay Alumni Chapter is celebrating our sixtieth anniversary coming up.

And just a couple points to point out, our chapter was chartered on 08/28/1966 as the two hundred and fifty third chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Incorporated.

The Los Angeles South Bay Alumni Chapter was founded during a pivotal movement in Los Angeles history following the Watts Riot, a period that underscored the deep inequities in housing, education, employment, and access to public resources that affected black communities across the region.

Whereas, as it approaches its sixtieth anniversary, the Los Angeles South Bay Alumni Chapter continues to build on its legacy of service and impact under the leadership of our current president, Sharona De Mezma Walzer, who joins with its membership in honoring the vision

of the chapter's founders while advancing meaningful change for future generations. And you should know there are deltas in every single one of your districts. So we're here to work with you, and support you, and help you. Congratulations, our president.

If you're wearing red, Senator, please join the group photo in the back. If you're not, you're still welcome to join in the group photo. 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 on to motions, resolutions, and notices. Motion to approve Senate journals.

Without objection, the Senate journals for 04/27/2026 through 04/30/2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. Does any other member wish to be recognized under motions and resolutions? We are now in consideration of the daily file.

We have five items for governor's appointments, all by Senator Groves. Senator Groves, file item three.

Thank you, Madam President. I take up all of these file items in protest. Just to let you guys know, I don't think we should confirm anyone from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation until we confirm Frank Silva for the,

overseen rehabilitation programs because he has lived experience and he is far more qualified than almost any of these other people and we have yet to see his appointment.

You may proceed with file item three.

Again, in protest, File item three is the confirmation of Kathleen Ratliff, an associate director of Region 2, and Joseph Tuggle, the associate director for Region 1 for the division of adult institutions and department of corrections and rehabilitation.

Both appointees bring, several years of experience to, these leadership roles. Miss Ratliff serves fourteen years in CDC, our women's facilities, and started her career as a correctional officer.

Mister Tuggle also, has a long career, as an as a corrections officer, and he previously served as a warden for Folsom State, prison. Based on my previous statement, vote as you so choose.

Seeing no discussion on this item, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Aye, 40. No, 0. The appointment is confirmed.

File item four, Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Again, in protest, file item four is the confirmation of Jason Johnson for appointment as Undersecretary of Operations for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prior to his role serving at CDCR as the Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations, he started his law enforcement career as a probation officer in San Bernardino County and joined CDCR's parole division in 2006. He was approved by the Rules Committee on April 15.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 31. Noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed. File item five.

Thank you, Madam President. File item five is the confirmation of Madeline MacLean for appointment as Director of the Division of Administrative Services at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Before this position, she had been serving CDCR as Assistant Deputy Director of the Division of Adult Institutions. She also previously served at the Department of Finance, General Services, and Judicial Council. She was approved by the Rules Committee on April 15 on a unanimous vote.

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up, Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 39. Noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed. File item six, Senator Grove.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, file item six is the confirmation of Brian Bishop for appointment as Director of the Division of Adult Parole Operations at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He first joined the department as a correctional officer in 2020, or excuse me, 2002. Before his appointment, he was serving as Deputy Chief Director of CDCR's Office of Correctional Safety. He also previously served our country in the United States Marine Corps as a weapons platoon sergeant.

He was approved by the Rules Committee on April 22 on a five-zero vote. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 39. Noes, 0. The appointment is confirmed.

Final appointment, Senator Grove. File item seven.

Thank you, Madam President. File item seven is the confirmation of Sarah Larson for appointment as Director of the Division of Facility Planning, Construction, and Management at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Prior to this role, she served as CDCR's Assistant Secretary for Legislative Affairs since 2021, and she served in various budget management operation roles since 2016. Again, only adding Frank Silva to this list for rehabilitation.

He's a living example with lived experience, and he can really show you how to benefit those that are formerly incarcerated to be successful in the outside world.

He should be the next appointment we take up, but for this one, respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Cabaldon on this appointment.

Thank you, Madam President. I want to join the vice chair and the Rules Committee in urging an aye vote on the appointment, and also to point out that Sarah Larson was a former employee of the State Senate. The Governor, a decade ago, reached into the Senate staff to appoint an important leader in the administration at CDCR. It's a great precedent to be repeated again. Urge an aye vote on this.

Senator Grove, you may now close.

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Please call the absent members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 39. Noes, zero. The appointment is confirmed. Moving into Senate third reading. Senators, the next handful of resolutions are going to have a guest recognition attached to them.

So we'll do the resolutions, go back to the recognition of the guests. We're going to start off with the chair of the Latino Caucus with file item 17, SR 86. Secretary, please read.

Senate Resolution 86 by Senator Gonzalez relative to Cinco de Mayo Week.

Thank you, Madam President and members. As chair of the Latino Caucus, it is my honor to rise today to present Senate Resolution 86, which memorializes Cinco de Mayo as a significant date in Mexican and Californian history. On 05/05/1862 at the Batalla de Puebla in Mexico, a small army of indigenous Mexicans, outnumbered and outgunned, formulated a strong resistance and defeated a French colonial force, a force that was larger, better trained, and very well equipped.

Despite a very severe lack of resources, the Mexican army's determination to be free from colonization carried them to a historic victory.

We recognize Cinco de Mayo because it serves as our Mexican culture, our resilience, and our Latino character. Cinco de Mayo serves to remind us that the foundation of any nation and our state is its people, in their spirit and courage in the face of adversity, in the strength of their drive to achieve self-determination, and their willingness to sacrifice even life itself in the pursuit of freedom and liberty.

Latinos in California have challenged the frontiers of social, economic, and environmental justice and have strengthened and uplifted our communities in countless ways. We are at the forefront of issues that impact our communities' livelihood and well-being, ensuring we are civically engaged and represented at the local, state, and national levels.

We continue to make real and meaningful investments in our families and our children, and ensure higher education is affordable and accessible regardless of immigration status. And we also understand the storied plight of our farm workers and those that make California the fourth largest economy, and have worked to ensure that they are recognized as the essential workers they are for our state and nation.

So on this day, when we recognize the courage, the strength, and the importance of the symbolism of the victory of the Batalla de Puebla by Mexican forces, the Latino Caucus is proud to share with you the courage, strength, and resilience that is embodied in the spirit of the 11 Latino leaders we've selected to receive our annual Latino Spirit Award.

They are an exceptional group of leaders who we feel very proud to recognize, and very proud of their dedication and very proud of their passion for each and every one of us.

Thank you.

Senator Doctor Weber Pierson, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, I rise in support of Senate Resolution 86, recognizing Cinco de Mayo as a powerful symbol of resilience, resistance, and unity. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, where the Mexican army, against overwhelming odds, stood firmly and secured a victory that echoed far beyond the battlefield. It is a story of courage in the face of adversity, a story of people refusing to be defeated.

And it was more than just a battlefield victory. It was a stand against colonialism and European supremacy in North America. And just for a little bit of historical context, this was the same time that the United States was in the midst of the Civil War, and the French were trying to establish control of Mexico. And by controlling Mexico, the French believed that they could provide weapons to the Confederacy and in return receive Southern cotton.

In doing so, the French were choosing to support the side that sought to keep Black Americans enslaved. But Mexico's victory at Puebla disrupted those plans. By holding the line, Mexico stopped France's ability to support the Confederacy, contributing to a broader fight against slavery and oppression. This is why the story of Cinco de Mayo is deeply connected to the story of Black Americans. It reflects a shared struggle, a shared resistance, and a shared commitment to freedom.

The resistance shown at Puebla mirrors the resistance Black Americans have demonstrated throughout history in the face of slavery, segregation, and systemic injustice. It is a reminder that the fight for justice has never existed in isolation and that our histories are connected. And within that history, we must also recognize the role of Afro-Mexicans whose presence and contributions are part of this legacy as well. You see, Mexico abolished slavery in 1829, making Mexico a place of refuge for people of African descent.

That refuge became infused into Mexican culture, with Afro-Mexican communities shaping the nation's culture, identity, and resistance.

Their contributions, including moments like the Battle of Puebla, reflect the depth of that shared fight for liberation. Today, there are more than a million Afro-Mexicans whose heritage continues to influence and strengthen communities across the border. And here in California, Cinco de Mayo itself was popularized in the 1860s by Mexican American communities, including Afro-Mexicans, as a celebration of resistance and a stand against oppression. So today, we do not just celebrate a victory.

We honor a shared resilience between Black and Latino communities, a resilience rooted in the belief that even in the face of overwhelming odds, we can rise, we can resist, and we can overcome.

And that when we stand together across cultures and across histories, we are stronger. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote on Senate Resolution 86. Thank you.

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

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today I rise in strong support and as a coauthor of SR 86 to honor Cinco de Mayo Week. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of people like my family who fought hard to provide a better life for their children, but also for their communities.

It's always about paying it forward and continuing to do what we can to ensure that we better the circumstances for those that come after us. Throughout fighting our own battles, the Jewish people have also welcomed others facing persecution.

We have joined the fight in so many causes, uplifting Mexican families fighting for dignity, justice, and respect. This partnership through persecution reminds me of a quote from Aesop: in union, there is strength. It's already been said by so many of our colleagues. We are stronger together.

We understand that when we band together, we are at our strongest. We cannot be torn apart by fear or by silence. Our community promised never again when we offered sanctuary to those fleeing almost one hundred years ago. We must uphold that promise now more than ever. Hispanic people are being ostracized, detained, terrorized, and assaulted simply for being who they are and looking the way they do.

So today, we want to remind everyone that, again, we are one people and together, we are strongest. It is important to remember that heritage cannot be honored without being protected. We honor the scars of those who fought before us. We honor the scars of those who joined us, and we honor the scars of those who fought for Cinco de Mayo. I urge you all to stand in solidarity today and respectfully ask for an aye vote on this very important resolution, SR 86.

Thank you.

Senator Cervantes.

Thank you, Madam President. On behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, I rise in support of Senate Resolution 86, which recognizes Cinco de Mayo. The LGBTQ+ community is proud to have a long history working with the Latino community to overcome impossible odds to fight against hate and injustice. We want to congratulate and recognize the amazing work of the recipients of the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards. Their dedication and work for the community is an inspiration to all.

Latinos within the LGBTQ+ community have long been torchbearers in our community, helping guide the way for all members of our community to move forward toward equality.

Torchbearers like Sylvia Rivera, a mother of the modern LGBTQ+ movement who stood at the forefront of the fight for trans liberation and dedicated to uplift those most often left behind, or torchbearers like Julio Sarayam, who became the first openly gay candidate to run for public office in the United States right here in California, helping to pave the way for generations of LGBTQ+ elected leaders.

Their courage and leadership live on in so many queer Latinos who remind us that progress is possible when we stand together and demand a more just and inclusive society. We look forward to continuing our partnership and to celebrating Cinco de Mayo. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Archuleta.

Thank you, Madam President. Good afternoon, colleagues. I'm honored to present a resolution to honor Cinco de Mayo. So many of us know that issues across the State of California have come to the forefront, but we have to think about the men and women in our communities that are so honored today and so happy that we're recognizing Cinco de Mayo, not only in the past, but the present and the future.

So Madam President and fellow members, I rise today to support Senate Resolution 86 recognizing the May 5 Cinco de Mayo, celebrating, of course, it's referenced by its Spanish name that we all recognize when we hear it.

Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration of Mexican heritage that commemorates the anniversary of Mexico's victory over the French Empire at the Battle of Puebla, giving Mexico and its people not just a moral boost, but a sense of national unity and pride that still lives on today through victory. Though victory was short-lived as the French Empire returned the following year, the morale booster, the sense of national unity continues every single day. Now, it's stretched across California and the nation.

Cinco de Mayo has remained for the Mexican people, and those who love the Mexican heritage and foods and festivities that we all enjoy.

It is when we come together to say thank you that these ancestors forged together their actions, their righteousness, and the pursuit of independence of national unity. For these reasons and many more, I'm proud to coauthor SR 79 and urge everyone to join me in celebrating Cinco de Mayo by honoring its heritage and history and its future. Thank you, Madam President.

Senator Valladares.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, today I rise on behalf of the California Hispanic Caucus to recognize today's Latino Caucus Spirit Award honorees as well as Cinco de Mayo. While the Hispanic Caucus and the Democratic Latino Caucus are distinct, we share a common purpose: serving our communities and expanding opportunity across California.

I also want to acknowledge that there are 12 members of this body, this Legislature, with Hispanic roots, and they contribute in different ways and through different avenues, but all are a part of the broader story of Latino leadership in our state.

Today is about unity, and it's about impact. And it's fitting that we recognize our honorees on Cinco de Mayo, a day that at its core is about resilience, is about courage, and standing strong in the face of challenge. That same spirit lives in the leaders we honor today, because these awards and this day represent more than just recognition.

It reflects a community's commitment to service, to lifting up others, and to making a real difference in people's lives. That is what brings us together, and that is what we remain committed to: ensuring that every Hispanic, every Californian, has the opportunity to pursue a great education, a good job, and a safe, thriving future. So members, I respectfully urge an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Durazo.

Thank you, Madam President. I rise today as a coauthor of SR 86. This commemorates, as my colleagues have said, the remarkable victory of Mexico's army. A small group, largely indigenous Mexican men, triumphant over French forces. They were led by Presidente Benito Juarez, the first indigenous president in North America, defender of Mexico's prohibition of slavery.

Think about that. An indigenous president who defended their position prohibiting slavery in Mexico. This unlikely victory boosted national pride for Mexicans home and abroad, especially in California. It is widely celebrated across the United States. You see ads about Cinco de Mayo sales and Cinco de Mayo, you know, drinking and go out and party.

That's okay. But beyond the festivities, we must appreciate Mexican culture, identity, and pride with respect and gratitude. After all, Cinco de Mayo is also a reminder of the profound contributions and the impacts of Latinos of Mexican descent who keep California's essential economy moving. It is also a moment to celebrate leaders who carry that legacy forward, like this year's Latino Spirit Award recipients. These reminders are especially important now.

Federal immigration authorities carry out military-style raids at homes, workplaces, and public spaces, often targeting predominantly Latino Mexican American communities with violence. We cannot pick and choose when to celebrate Mexican heritage. We must treat Latinos with the respect that they deserve every day. Let us remember the courage and the resiliency of the Mexican army displayed in the face of adversity at the Battle of Puebla. And let it guide us today as we continue the battle for our rights and our freedoms.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Madam Chair, you may now close.

Thank you. I want to just thank Madam Chair, my colleagues from San Diego, Baldwin Park, Riverside, Santa Clarita, and Los Angeles. What they all said collectively is absolutely true. The Latino Caucus, made of 38 members, even though this is about Cinco de Mayo and Mexican history, we are not a monolith, what we often say. We represent so many cultures, diverse backgrounds.

We are California, and we are what's best of California, and with that, 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 38, noes zero. The resolution is adopted. Senator Gonzalez, you may now proceed with the recognitions.

Thank you, Madam President. It's my great honor as chair of the California Latino Legislative Caucus to introduce to you some very, very special guests joining us today, our 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees. The Latino Spirit Awards were founded over twenty-four years ago by the Latino Caucus to highlight contributions made by leaders within our very diverse community.

Since its inception, we've honored over 200 influential Latino leaders in a variety of categories who've shown tremendous courage, strength, and an unwavering commitment to our Latino and immigrant communities. Our honorees are bold, as you'll see.

They are inspiring and passionate leaders that truly embody a Latino spirit. And I am proud to share their accomplishments with you all today. All honorees will receive this amazing Latino Spirit Award here, which is a bear that is made in the Huichol Chaquira art style, which is from Nayarit, Mexico. No two are the same. They're very different and unique, which makes giving these to each of our honorees very special.

And so I'd like to start with our very first honoree, Lupe Gallegos-Diaz. Lupe is currently the director of the UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx Student Development Office and co-founder of the UCB Latinx in the Environment program. She has served as a national advisor of the Mexican government in higher education, past chair of the National Association for Chicana and Chicano Studies, and currently co-chairs the ten-campus UC Chicano Latino Alumni Association of the University of California. That was a mouthful.

In the Bay Area, Mrs. Gallegos-Diaz serves as chair of the Chicana Latina Foundation, co-chair of Latinas y Latinos Unidos at Berkeley, and board member of El Concilio of San Mateo and Immigrants Rising.

Please join me, members, in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Higher Education honoree, Lupe Gallegos-Diaz. Thanks. Thank you very much. See you right here.

Okay. Next, Rosales Sisters Scholarship. The Rosales Sisters Scholarship, founded in 2019 by six daughters of Mexican immigrants, supports first generation students in pursuing higher education. Inspired by their own journeys, the sisters have awarded over $160,000 in scholarships and provide programs like financial literacy workshops, internships, and success coaching. Please join me in welcoming Olga Rosales Salinas, who is accepting the award on behalf of the 2026 Achievement in Philanthropy honoree, Rosales Sisters Scholarship. Next, we all may know this person.

My dad and his cousin are best friends, so they might be watching. Hi, Dad. David Huerta is the president of the SEIU California and SEIU United Service Workers West, known for advancing workers' rights and advocating for immigrant communities. He led major labor efforts like Justice for Janitors and helped pass protections against wage theft and workplace abuse while expanding support programs for vulnerable workers.

In 2025, his arrest while observing ICE raids sparked nationwide protests and drew attention to the government's violent and unconstitutional attack on our civil rights.

He is a champion for those without a voice and those that are essential workers and make us the fourth largest economy. Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Human Rights honoree, David Huerta. Our next honoree is Dr. Sandra Hernandez. She is the president and CEO of the California Healthcare Foundation, which works to improve health care access for all Californians.

A former public health director for the city and county of San Francisco and longtime physician at San Francisco General Hospital, she helped design Healthy San Francisco, the first local government program in the U.S. to provide health care for all residents.

Dr. Hernandez currently serves on California's Health Care Affordability Board and previously served on the Covered California Board of Directors. Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Health and Science honoree, Dr. Sandra Hernandez.

Our next honoree is Tamara Giziger. She is a college student and advocate whose work highlights the overlooked history of the Mexican repatriation during the Great Depression. As a Swiss Mexicana who moved to the U.S. at age eight, she was inspired by a high school research project examining how the Great Depression affected Mexicans in the United States.

Motivated to bring more awareness to this often untold history, she has fueled our efforts to build a memorial in Los Angeles honoring those affected by the Mexican repatriation, including testifying in favor of legislation that made the project possible. In fact, the good Senator from Silicon Valley and I are working with her on that project as we speak.

Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Advocacy honoree, Tamara Giziger. Okay. Our next honoree, Lupe De La Cruz, is vice president of government affairs and corporate citizenship at PepsiCo, where he leads public policy and Latino outreach across the western United States. Since joining PepsiCo in 2005, he has built a career in advocacy and community engagement, and is most proud of his role fostering relationships with the communities he works in.

Lupe also gives back by serving on the boards of the Getty House Foundation, the California Business Roundtable, and TheDream.US, as well as serving on the advisory boards of UnidosUS and the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute.

He's also joined by his beautiful wife and family here. Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Business honoree, Lupe De La Cruz. Our next honoree is actually a collective, the People's Collective for Environmental Justice, a community centered nonprofit advancing environmental justice in California's Inland Empire. Founded in 2020, it addresses systemic pollution and environmental racism impacting frontline communities through grassroots organizing, education, and civic engagement.

Rooted in environmental justice principles, the collective works towards clean air, safe neighborhoods, and a just transition to healthier, more resilient communities across the Inland Empire and beyond.

Please join me in welcoming Angie Balderas and Andrea Birudad, who are accepting the award on behalf of the 2026 Achievement in Environmental Justice honoree, the People's Collective for Environmental Justice. Our next honoree is Ellie Painted Crow, of Yaqui and Maya descent. Ellie is a human rights advocate whose life reflects resilience, from overcoming early hardship to serving twenty-two years in the Army. Ellie advocates passionately for women's voices and empowerment, leveraging her experience as a social worker and counselor.

She founded Turtle Woman Rising, an indigenous drum group promoting peace and healing, and co-founded the Service Women's Action Network, amplifying veteran voices.

Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Human Rights honoree, Ellie Painted Crow. Our next honoree is LA Taco, an independent LA based media company covering news, food, and culture, while amplifying underrepresented communities and holding institutions accountable. Its impactful journalism, including coverage of immigration raids, has influenced national conversations and policy.

LA Taco's mission is to document LA from the ground up through street level journalism, amplifying voices ignored by traditional media, preserving the city's stories, and proving that independent local journalism can be bold, can be sustainable, and deeply rooted in the communities it serves. Beyond reporting, it also fosters community through events and programs bringing its street level storytelling into real world spaces.

Please join me in welcoming Memo Torres, who is accepting the award on behalf of the 2026 Achievement in Journalism and Media honoree, LA Taco. Okay. Our next honoree, Claudette Zepeda, is an award winning San Diego based chef, culinary entrepreneur, and storyteller known for her fearless approach to regional Mexican cuisine and deep respect for Mexico's culinary heritage.

With more than two decades in professional kitchens and extensive travels throughout Mexico and the world, Zepeda explores the intersection of culture, history, and food through bold, ingredient driven cooking. She has appeared on major cooking competitions and is the founder and lead chef of Chispa Hospitality, where she leads the creative vision for concepts across multiple countries.

In 2026, she launched Mestiza Creative, a storytelling agency focused on amplifying first generation and immigrant voices. Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Achievement in Culinary Arts honoree, Claudette Zepeda. Okay. Many of you might know who's behind me. We have Los Tigres del Norte, hailed as Latin America's greatest musical statesmen.

By the New York Times, Los Tigres del Norte are one of the most popular and influential bands in the genre's history, widely known as the voice of the people for their storytelling corridos that speak out on issues such as immigration, political corruption, migrant rights, strength of family, and cultural tradition. Over six decades, the family band has sold millions of albums, earned over 50 number one hits, seven Grammy Awards, if you can believe it, and have been named Billboard's top regional Mexican group of all time.

With a global fan base, they have reached iconic status through numerous honors, including a lifetime achievement award, a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, a Smithsonian exhibit, and lasting cultural and philanthropic contributions worldwide. Please join me in welcoming our 2026 Legacy Award honoree, Los Tigres del Norte.

Señores, another round of applause for our 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees. We are so very proud of them. Thank you so much.

Alright. We're gonna do one group photo in the back right now with all the honorees. First, just the honorees, and then we'll get the members in there. Right now, we can get the Chair and the Pro Tem with the honorees, and then we'll get the rest of the body in there. The Senate will reconvene in thirty seconds.

That was the first item on Senate Third Reading. We have a lot more to go. Moving on to File Item 24, SCR 146. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 by Senator Laird, relative to cystic fibrosis awareness month.

Senator Laird.

Thank you very much, madam president. Senate Concurrent Resolution 146 declares May as cystic fibrosis awareness month. Cystic fibrosis or or CF is a chronic and progressive genetic disease. There is no cure for cystic fibrosis. With a median life expectancy of only thirty seven years, it is the most common fatal genetic disease in The United States.

Early diagnosis and treatment, including new emergency drug therapies, can be immensely beneficial and extend the lives of those affected by cystic fibrosis. Now fifty percent of children diagnosed with cystic fibrosis after 2020 are predicted to survive to 65 years of age. This disease affects people of every race and ethnicity, but people of color are far more likely to receive a delayed diagnosis due to disparities in health care. Raising awareness and the diversity of those impacted can lead to earlier diagnosis and care.

Since 1975, the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute has funded research to move us closer to a cure while providing education and support services to those impacted by the disease.

There is still much work to be done in addition to ensuring that all those affected receive a timely diagnosis and can access effective treatment for this disease. I respectfully request an aye vote on SCR 146.

This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes, 40. No zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving back to privileges of the floor for Senator Laird to introduce his guest.

Thank you very much. I would like to acknowledge advocates from the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute who are joining us today, led by my longtime friend and constituent, Siri Vaif. Members, please join me because they are leading the fight that has led to a lot of the progress I mentioned in my comments. Please join me in welcoming them to the Senate and thanking them for all their hard work and to raise the awareness about this important issue.

The California state Senate, thanks you for all the hard work you are doing.

We are now moving on to file item 37, SCR 154. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 154 by Senator Umberg, relative to Green Star Veterans and Families Day.

Thank you, mister president, madam president, and colleagues. I rise today to present SCR 154 in honor of Green Star Veterans and Families Day. Today, May 4, we pay homage to the families who have lost a veteran to service related suicide, established the green star as part of American service banner tradition. The tradition of honoring military families through service through banners dates back to World War one.

The blue star represents a family member serving in the military. The gold star represents a family member who died in the service of our nation, and the silver star represents a family member who was wounded in a combat zone. Families display these banners in their windows quietly showing their nation and their families the sacrifice and the cost of war. Over time, these symbols became deeply woven into American culture representing both pride and sacrifice.

However, Green Star veterans, veterans who have lost their lives to suicide in connection with their military service are not formally recognized in our state.

An estimated twenty two veterans are tragically lost to suicide every day. Six thousand four and seven veterans took their lives in 2022, and over one hundred and forty thousand veterans have died by suicide since 09/11/2001. Green Star families serve an essential role in sharing their loved ones' stories, spreading public awareness of the tolls service related mental health challenges present.

The Green Star banner service is assembled to honor veterans who've lost their lives to suicide in connection with their military service and should be recognized by our state. California will join Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and others in adopting this needed acknowledgment of veterans and their families on May 4, as well as similar legislation being introduced in our federal Congress.

Thank you to the veterans and families who carried the burden of service. I hope that by implementing the green star banner in California, green star veterans and families will finally get the recognition and the support that they deserve. I respectfully urge an aye vote.

Thank you, senators. Senator Strickland, you're recognized.

Thank you, madam president, members. I rise as a proud co author of Senate Resolution 154, marking May 4 a Green Star Veterans in Families Day. Many of you, know and I've told the story of the hero of my life is my father, sergeant first class Donald Strickland, who actually won the bronze star for valor during the Tet Offensive and served both in Korea and Vietnam. But my father returned home safely to his family.

Publicly, many of these service members appear to be doing well, but privately, too many carry invisible wounds of war, including mental health challenges tied to what we have experienced and witnesses.

Tied to what they've experienced and witnessed. The impact of military service can continue long after deployment ends. These burdens can profoundly affect the daily lives long after their service ends. Mental health conditions, including post traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury often intensify over time. And without adequate support, it can increase the risk of suicide.

As my colleague from Orange County said, twenty two veterans are lost to suicide every day. In 2022 alone, more than sixty four hundred veterans took their lives, and more than a 140,000 veterans have died by suicide since 09/11/2001. I'm part of a nonprofit organization that's working every day to provide support to veterans and their families, But Senate resolution 154 is important because it offers something equally vital, visible recognition, honor, and respect for the families who've lost loved ones due to suicide.

I respectfully ask this body to vote aye on Senate Resolution 154. And again, I thank the author for bringing this, important measure forward. Thank you.

Senator Archuleta, you're recognized

Madam chair, thank you. I, madam president, I'm sorry. Madam president, I rise as chair of the military and veterans committee, and I'm proud to stand in support of honoring the green star veterans and their families. When I stand up and think about, our veterans, I also have to think about my nephew, who's with the eighty second Airborne, who was activated and called to Iran right now. He just arrived a few days ago.

So I can imagine what his buddies are thinking. But again, I rise and support this bill because so many men and women who are serving, God knows what they'll come back with. So this resolution honors veterans whose lives were lost due to suicide connected with their military service. It also recognizes the families that they leave behind, families who carry both the memory of their loved ones and the weight of their loss. Our veterans serve this great country with loyalty, duty, self-service, honor, and courage.

We have to honor them. Memorial Day, around the corner. But for today, the wounds of service do not end when they come home. Post traumatic stress disorder, known to a lot of us as PTSD, brain injuries, wounds, mental, that all affect our veterans long after the military service has ended. The numbers are heartbreaking.

Thousands, as we've just heard, day after day, face that possibility, and some actually take their own lives. Behind every one of those numbers, there's a person, a family, a story, and a service record that deserves to be remembered. SR 100 and fifty four recognizes green star veterans as veterans who lost their lives to suicide in connection with their military service. It also officially recognized the Green Star service banner as a symbol of remembrance for those veterans and their families.

This recognition matters because families should know that their loved one's service is not forgotten simply because of wounds of war, and the fact that they took their lives.

Green Star families play an important role in telling those stories, raising awareness, and advocating for better prevention, treatment, and support. This resolution is not just about remembrance. It's about making sure that we continue to talk openly about suicide openly, of their mental health and the suicide prevention that we should all be working for. We are we owe our veterans more than gratitude. We owe them recognition, support, and a commitment to keep working towards a better way of receiving them, treating them, loving them, and honoring them. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Senator Choi, you're recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I rise in support of SCR 154, recognizing Green Star veterans and families. Thank you to my fellows, senators from Orange County, for introducing and co authoring this important resolution. Today, I honor those who served our nation with the courage, but whose battles did not end when they returned home. Too many veterans carry invisible wounds, including PTSD, depression, and traumatic brain injury.

These challenges can have devastating consequences. No one knows how many US soldiers who fought in the Korean War suffer the same challenges. SCR 154 establishes Green Star Veterans and Families Day Families Day to recognize those who lost to serve service related suicide and to honor the families who carry their memories forward. It also acknowledges the Green Star service banner as a symbol of that sacrifice and resilience. Every veteran's service matters, and their stories must not be forgotten. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other mics up, Senator Umberg, you may now close.

Thank you, madam president. Thank you to my colleagues for standing in support of SCR 154. It has another purpose besides recognizing those who have committed suicide as a consequence of the military service and their families. The other purpose is to highlight the fact that, historically, there's been a stigma attached to seeking assistance for mental illness. And it's so important that we remove that stigma.

Mental illness is like other illnesses that can be treated. And it's important that we send that message that this can be treated and we will support you. I I served, nearly a year in Afghanistan, and I served among heroes. Sadly, two of those heroes, when they came home, lost their lives to suicide. And so I was pleased when I was asked by Adan Chao to author this initiative, so that we could establish a green, green start banner here in California. With that, I urge an aye vote.

This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes. 40? Nos, zero.

The resolution is adopted. You have file item 67, SCR 123. Secretary, please read.

Thank you. And madam president, I did wanna

Yes. You are correct. I you are correct. We're gonna move be moving back to privileges of the floor so you can recognize the guests you have here today.

I did wanna recognize Dan Chow, a student at university at Pennsylvania University, University of Pennsylvania, and an advocate for all veterans who wrote to me and suggested that we in California adopt the green star banner. So thank you very much, and thank you for joining us today.

Thank you for coming to the state senate. Now with my apologies again, Senator, we will be moving on to file item 37, S C R file item 67, SCR 123. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 123 by Senator Umberg relative to peace officers.

Thank you, madam president. College, today is a solemn day here in Sacramento. It's a solemn day because it's the day we recognize those who have those police officers, those in law enforcement who have died and given their lives in the line of duty and their families. Several of us observed last night the capitol was lighted with a blue light to recognize their sacrifice.

And today, we also had a memorial ceremony where we recognized the 13 families who have lost loved ones, leaving 27 children behind. I wanna also recognize the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. We have two of their leaders here today. Juan Viramante is the president, as well as Mark Nichols, the, executive director who are responsible for putting that together, also responsible for supporting those families who have lost loved ones, along with sergeant Brownlee from Huntington Beach.

We in California, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to those who sign a blank check.

They sign a blank check when they sign when they when they swear an oath to serve and protect us. And sometimes that check is cashed. And those who pay the price are their families. And so it is so important that we, as a state, recognize them. I mean, here we make the laws, they execute the laws.

They have their lives on the line, and it is incredibly important that we hold them up for all Californians as heroes. What I'd like to do, madam president, is I'd like to read those the names of those who have lost their lives in the line of duty here in the last year. Deputy

Deputy Timothy Corlew, Riverside County Sheriff's Office. End of watch, 01/08/2025. Detective Joshua r Kelly Eglin, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department. End of watch, 07/18/2025.

Without objection.

Deputy Hector Cuevas, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, end of watch 03/17/2025. Detective Victor m Lemus, Los Angeles County Sheriff's, end of watch, 07/18/2025. Officer As Asmar Rodarte Rodarte, Marysville Police Department, end of watch, 03/26/2025. Detective William c Osborne, Los Angeles County Sheriff's, end of watch, 07/18/2025. Officer Samuel S.

Riveros, Baldwin Park Police Department. End of watch, 05/31/2025. Officer Lauren A. Craven, La Mesa Police Department, end of watch, 10/20/2025. Sergeant Shay Ling Dang, Los Angeles Police Department.

End of watch, 06/23/2025. Deputy Andrew Nunez, San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. End of watch, 10/27/2025. Parole agent Joshua L Byrd, California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. End of watch, 07/17/2025.

Officer Alec j Sanders, Alhambra Police Department. End of watch, 11/20/2025. Thank you for allowing me this privilege to recognize those officers and their families. I ask that we all adjourn in recognition of their sacrifice.

Senator Padilla, you're recognized on this item.

Thank you, madam chair and colleagues. Certainly being appropriate for me not to rise and add a comment. I had the distinguished privilege and honor to serve alongside many, some in this year and years past whose names have been called on this floor and to wear the uniform as a very young man, long before I went to college or went to study law or engaged other opportunities for public service.

But every day, no matter how old I am, every year, when we think about those who have fallen in the line of duty and in service to our community to keep us safe, It all comes flooding back. And I think of each and every one of them again as if it were yesterday.

And I'm thinking of them today, and it is beyond appropriate that we think of them today, all of them, and honor them for their service and sacrifice to keep us safe. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator Padilla. Senator Rubio.

Thank you, madam president, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. I also rise in support of SCR 123. Today, I'm also I stand here not only, in remembrance of all those that we lost, and I thank, the great Senator from from, Anaheim from bringing out the name of all the officers that that have passed. But today, in particular, I want to highlight one officer from my community.

I know that each name etched in that memorial represents the best of those in uniform, and it represents purpose in their life and commitment to public safety, And family is forever changed, and one family in particular was changed in my community.

Today, I especially remember officer Samuel Riveros, a nine year veteran of the Baldwin Park Police Department. Not only my city, but my family for twenty two years. And I pay tribute to his mother who I know has felt this very deeply, his stepfather, his two brothers, and his sister.

And I know what happened was a tragedy, but I just wanna highlight the fact that when gunfire was being shot at him, he instead of running away, he ran into the fire line of fire to try and save his colleagues. Another officer was also shot, and I think that's only a testament of how brave these men and women are who wear the uniform.

He knew he was in danger, but he still cared enough to try and save his fellow officer. Officer Rivera's commitment to excellence led to his selection to be in the sweat SWAT team in 2019. In 2024, he was appointed as a field training officer. Again, a testament to his leadership and his mentorship to others, and he always loved what he did. I got to hear so much about him, and it's one of those human beings that you just wish you had more time to be with.

His loss was felt very deeply in my, police department in Bowen Park, our police department, but more importantly with his family. And so today, when we honor officer Rivera's, we also renew our commitment to support those who continue to serve, to wear the uniform, and to put their lives on the line for us. Their sacrifices should be front and center even after all the headlines fade.

And for him, I just wanted to make sure that everyone knew how much he was cared for and, honored in our in our city. But California Peace Officers Memorial is not only a place of remembrance, but of responsibility.

So I just wanna remind us to continue to advocate to support police officers with resources to ensure that their sacrifices are never forgotten, and just to remember how dangerous their jobs are. To officer Rivera Rivera's family, we see you. We wanna honor you, and we stand with you. I wanna thank the again, the Senator from Anaheim for bringing this resolution forward, and I ask for an aye vote. Vote.

Thank you.

Senator Archuleta, you're recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I rise today in support of Senate SCR 123, proclaiming Monday, May 4, as California Peace Officers Memorial Day. The resolution is personally important to me because of the fact that, I served with the Montebello Police Department, and I think of Officer Acuna, who was killed at a liquor store on the main drag of Montebello. And, every year we get together, all the guys, their families. We sit, we break bread at the station, but his memory goes on.

Our peace officers protect our communities every day. Their work is dangerous and difficult. They proudly go out there every day and protect our great state and our cities and our districts throughout California. Police officers are public servants who protect us, serve us, keep us safe, and generally care about their communities. They serve and each and every one of us represent.

Our officers join the force because they have a strong desire to help to help people and they often go above and beyond what is required of them and their daily duties. Their families await each and every day hoping they come home safely. The dedication to keep our communities safe by law enforcement is impossible to overstate. We are indebted to those that put themselves on the line each and every day for their fellow Californians. Tragically, some paid the ultimate price.

They were honored today. Their families cried, and we honored them, each and every one of us who was there. These fallen officers are heroes of California. Today, we honor their memory and their legacy they leave behind. We stand alongside their families who bear the weight of their loss, and offer our deepest gratitude and support.

Carried with them in their hearts for their communities, this country, our state, their families, and their colleagues, as we call them buddies and partners. Their hometowns, and they gave their lives in their hometowns. It was an honor to witness to hundreds of law enforcement officers, men and women, this morning at the Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, from small departments to the largest. The common bond and badges these officers wear in service to God and country is an inspiration.

Their families, they came together today to lay the flowers at the foot of the memorial statue, brought sadness to the tears of everyone who was there to witness this, small children, teenagers, wives, which are now widows.

Moms and dads, they will never forget we will never forget their grief, those of us that were there. As we reflect on their lives, that lives that were lost. Let us find strength in their example. Let us honor their memory by striving every single day to honor them with our vote, with our support, to remember their integrity, their courage, their selflessness, and continue working together to build California where peace, safety, and justice will prevail for everyone equally, fairly across the board.

No matter where they come from, where they were born, their religion, their love, whatever, they serve and represent equally across the board.

Let's love them. Let's remember them. Let's honor them with our support. For these reasons, I ask you to support SCR 123. Thank you, madam president.

Thank you, Senator Archuleta. Senator Umberg, you may no now close.

Thank you. Madam president, each of us is privileged to serve here, and I've been privileged to serve in the legislature for several years. But one of the greatest honors and privileges has been to be the liaison to the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation. We have an obligation to remember those who have made that sacrifice. And as as part of that duty, responsibility, privilege, I've had a chance to interact with the families over the last seven years.

And the one thing that is a common thread through all of them is that they want their loved one remembered. They want their loved one remembered. So it's our collective responsibility to do that. And and fortunately, the the California Peace Officers Memorial Foundation, they take that up as their responsibility to remember and support. So I'm grateful for Juan Viermontez and Mark Nichols and Sergeant Bradley for being here today and for organizing this ceremony.

I wanna conclude by by reading a verse that I think is apropos for all those who have given their lives, and that's from John 15 verse 12. So this is my command.

Without objection you may read.

Love each other deeply as much as I have loved you, for the greatest love of all is the love that sacrifices all. Greater love hath no man than this, than a man lay down his life for his friends. Urge an aye vote.

Any objection to applying the unanimous roll call to this item? Seeing none, ayes 39, no zero. The resolution is adopted. Secretary, if you could put that resolution back on the board, please. If we get the final one second, Senator.

Ayes, 39. No zero. The resolution is adopted. Moving back to privileges of the floor, Senator Umberg, if you want to adequately recognize

Thank you. Yes. We have recognized them, and and I appreciate their service for all of us. Thank you, Juan. Thank you, Mark. Thank you, Dean Brown. Thank you.

We are now on for item 72 by Senator doctor Weber Pearson. Secretary, please read SCR 164.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 164 by Senator Weber Pierson related to Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

Senator.

Thank you, madam speaker, colleagues. I rise today to present SCR 165, which recognizes May 4 to May 8 as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. We are at a critical moment where we must confront the undeniable truth. Black health in this country is still shaped by inequity. During Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, we are reminded that access to quality care is not equal, but the consequences are deadly.

Today, black Americans continue to face higher rates of chronic disease, shorter life expectancy, and significant barriers to care. Nowhere is this more alarming than in maternal health. According to the CDC, black women are nearly three times more likely to die from pregnancy related causes when compared to white women. These disparities are not about biology. They are about access, bias, and systems that have failed to serve all communities equally.

As a physician, I have seen firsthand how inequalities in our healthcare system impact outcomes. I have seen how delayed diagnosis, limited access to preventative care, and implicit bias can change the trajectory of a patient's life. This is not just about one issue. It is about ensuring access to culturally competent care, expanding coverage, investing in community based solutions, and addressing social determinants of health that too often go ignored. When we talk about equity, we're talking about fairness.

We're talking about how making sure that your ZIP code, the color of your skin, or how much you have in your bank does not determine whether you live a healthy life. Black Health Equity Advocacy Week is not just a moment of reflection, it is a call to action. We must commit to building a health care system that works for everyone because when we improve health equity for black communities, we strengthen the health of our entire nation. And I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 164.

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

Thank you, madam president. I rise on behalf of the Jewish caucus in support of SCR 164. I wanna thank, my colleague from San Diego for bringing this forward. The Jewish caucus stands in strong solidarity recognizing black health equity advocacy week. This resolution highlights a troubling reality that black Californians have a life expectancy five years shorter than the state average.

That is unacceptable. These disparities are result of long standing structural inequities that we as a state and nation have responsibility to address. The Jewish community understands the import the consequences of discrimination and exclusion and the importance of standing together to confront injustice. This week is not only about recognition, it is a call to action. So as we commemorate Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, let us call for solutions that close these gaps and ensure a better outcomes for all. I respectfully urge an aye vote.

Senator Gomez Reyes.

Thank you, madam president. It is my honor to rise on behalf of the California Latino Legislative Caucus in strong support of SCR 164 that recognizes Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. Systemic barriers to good health like poverty, discrimination, homelessness, pay gaps, lack of health care, and so much more, cruelly cut short our life expectancy. This is particularly true for black Californians. For example, while the state has done great work to lower maternal mortality as a whole, our black mothers still represent a disproportionate number of deaths during childbirth.

Although they account for only five percent of births, black mothers represent roughly twenty one percent of maternal deaths, most of which are preventable preventable.

These outcomes are driven by implicit bias, health inequities, and persistent structural racism. This issue is deeply important to me. I've worked with advocates in my community to expand access to culturally competent care, which led to the legislature expanding doula care for pregnant and postpartum medical enrollees in counties with the highest birth disparities. Addressing this generational crisis requires our attention, our prior prioritization, and our funding of programs like black infant health programs that dismantle the the many systemic health inequities that disproportionately impact black Californians.

Recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week and elevating the work of critical organizations like the California Black Health Network is an important step in this work.

Thank you to the author and to the Black Caucus for your leadership and work on this important resolution. Members, please join me in supporting SCR 164.

Thank you, madam president. I rise in support of SCR 164 on behalf of the California LGBTQ caucus, recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. Black Californians continue to face significant health disparities driven by systemic inequities that impact access, quality of care, and health outcomes. These disparities are why here in California, we have not turned our back on diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The only way to address these problems is by recognizing and embracing the unique experiences of all our communities and not turn a blind eye to them.

In the LGBTQ plus community, we know that black LGBTQ plus individuals face intersecting barriers and discrimination, not just in the doctor's office, but in every healthcare setting. Advancing health equity requires us to center culturally competent inclusive care and address the root cause of these inequities. California has made important progress, but there is more work ahead to ensure that every person has the opportunity to live a healthy life. The LGBTQ caucus wants to thank healthy life.

The LGBTQ caucus wants to thank all of the advocates, the author on the work to advance equity and justice in our health care system. We respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Wahab, you're recognized.

Thank you. I rise today as the vice chair of the AAPI Legislative Caucus in strong support of SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. Access to health care is a human right, yet for communities of color, that right is not fully realized. In fact, for black Californians, this means a life expectancy five years shorter than the state average, the lowest of any racial or ethnic group, but access to health care is the floor, not the ceiling. Health equity is not simply about greater access to hospitals.

It's about racial, social, and environmental justice, treating every human being with dignity. In the fourth largest economy in the world, where you live, work, and grow should not determine whether you have asthma, skip a doctor's visit, or have access to fresh, healthy food. These disparities are not inevitable, but result of policy choices rooted in values that do not reflect what California stands for.

I wanna thank the Black Legislative Caucus members for bringing this forward and highlighting the need to just, again, speak up for communities that are still left behind. It is our responsibility as policymakers to recognize that solutions that expand access to health care must also build healthy, inclusive, and thriving communities. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Doctor Weber Pierson, you may now close.

Thank you, madam president. You know, right now, black health advocacy and health equity initiatives are experiencing significant pressure from our current Federal Government. They are dismantling equity focused research funding, removing racial data from public health datasets as if not recognizing it is gonna make it go away. I'm extremely proud to live in a state where we are not bearing our heads in the sand.

I wanna thank all of the members from the sister diversity caucuses who stood up in support of this resolution, because if we don't recognize it, we can't fix it.

And as I stated before in my introduction, if we improve the health and the health outcomes for black Californians, then that's the only way that we're gonna be able to improve the health and health outcomes for every Californian. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote on SCR 164.

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

[Roll Call]

Senator doctor Weber Pierson moves the call. Moving on to file item 75. Senator Blakesphere is ready. Secretary, please read s c r SR 103.

Senator Resolution 103 by Senator Blakespear relative to Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week.

Senator.

Thank you, madam president and colleagues. I rise today as author of SR 103, which proclaims the May 2026 as Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. As vice chair of the California Rare Disease Caucus and a representative of a major biotech and life sciences hub in San Diego. Today, I'm helping bring focus to some of the lesser known disorders that people endure. Having a rare disease can be deeply difficult and it can even provoke discrimination or stigma when people around them are unfamiliar with their condition.

Tardive Dyskinesia is a motor condition that can arise as a side effect of antipsychotic medications used to treat serious illnesses like bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. As prescribing rates for these medications rise, so too does the importance of awareness and screening. The condition is recognizable by uncontrollable repetitive movements of the face, torso, limbs, or extremities.

Some communities and populations are at higher risk of developing TD, including older individuals, people with mood or substance use disorders, people with intellectual disabilities, people of African descent, and women. Many people are unaware that they have the condition.

About sixty percent of the estimated eight hundred thousand adults in The United States living with TD remain undiagnosed, and even mild symptoms can have serious impacts on a person's physical, social, and emotional well-being. As part of this mental health awareness month, I wanna recognize those seeking treatment and working to reduce the stigma around mental health and its associated conditions.

And recognizing tardive Dyskinesia awareness week, we reaffirm our commitment to early detection, compassionate care, and ensuring all Californians receive the support they need to live healthy, dignified lives. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Seeing no mic's up, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Blakespear moves a call. Moving back to privileges of the floor, Senator, you may now introduce your guests.

Thank you. Alongside this resolution, I'm honored to recognize a guest in the gallery whose work has made a meaningful difference in advancing awareness, screening, and access to care for those living with tardive Dyskinesia. Doctor Lee Andra Clark Harvey is a nationally recognized psychologist and policy leader who has dedicated her career to improving access to high quality behavioral health services for Californians.

As CEO of the California Behavioral Health Association and through her leadership with the California Access Coalition, she represents providers serving approximately 1,000,000 Californians and has advanced policies that improve access to care and strengthen outcomes across the behavioral health system. Doctor Clark Harvey has played a critical role in ensuring the timely adoption of statewide guidelines for tardive dyskinesia screening, work that has directly impacted patients, providers, and the quality of care delivered across our state.

Doctor Clark Harvey, we thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and your continued dedication to improving the lives of those affected by behavioral health conditions. Thank you.

Thank you for joining us, doctor. Thank you. If we can give a round of applause to the doctor. Thank you. Colleagues, we're gonna take a quick pause.

Alright. Yeah. We're we are just preparing y'all for House of Origin long session hearings, ramping you up. This is why we're gonna be here a little longer today. We have seven more items under third Senate third reading.

These are all bills, not resolutions. We're moving on to our bills. Most of them are support support, and only two require a roll call. So if all members are on the floor, five of them will have unanimous roll call, but we do need all members on the floor to accomplish that. We are starting with file item 26 with Senator Cabaldon. Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 1159 by Senator Cabaldon an act relating to artificial intelligence.

Thank you, madam president. Artificial intelligence is is, capable of many, many, many things, but what it cannot be is a human being. This bill simply declares that for purposes of the Brown Act, the Bagley Keene Act, the Public Records Act, and other critical opportunities for members of the public to be able to participate and hold their government accountable, that artificial intelligence agents are not themselves human.

It in no way prohibits the use by humans of artificial intelligence to craft their letters or what have you, but an agent an artificial intelligence agent is not a person.

This is an important measure both to avoid local governments and state agencies from being overwhelmed by tens of thousands of AI generated messages, public comments, synthetic human beings during, public meetings, but most importantly to protect actual human, communications with our local governments and state agencies. This measure has received wide support. This has already turned out to be a problem in two public agencies in California as well as in the in The UK.

This is an attempt to get ahead of it by making sure the fundamental legal principle is clear. AI agents are not humans. I ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no mics up, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 37, no zero. Senate bill passes. Moving on to file item 30, Senator Wahab. Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 1416 by Senator Wahab an act relating to healing arts.

Good morning. Sorry. Afternoon. SB 1416 will reduce the time frame from thirty days to twenty-one days for a consumer to receive a refund from their physician or dentist in the event of a duplicate payment.

This is a small but meaningful affordability assistance measure ensuring that money that belongs to the patient returns to them quickly. A twenty one day refund window reflects the realities of modern billing systems and is a reasonable update to a statute written in the nineteen nineties in a much less digitized healthcare environment. I respectfully ask for a nigh vote.

This item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Any objection? Ayes, 39. Nos, zero. The Senate Bill Passes.

Senator Cabaldon, you're back up with file item 32. Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 1273 by Senator Cabaldon an act related to alcoholic beverages.

Senator.

Thank you, madam president. This bill merely changes one element of the tide house advertising restrictions. Under current law, vintners and wineries can participate in instructional act instructional events that occur at retailers' operations. One thing they're not allowed to do is include video in any promotion. Video and short form video on social media in particular is the primary means by which many people receive now their advertising content.

This bill simply allows for that video content to include a mention featuring of the winery in the instructional event marketing. I ask for an aye vote.

No, Mic. So if any objection to utilizing the unanimous roll call? Aye is 40, no zero. Senate bill passes. Senator Padilla, you have file item 39.

Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 941 by Senator Padilla, an act relating to detention facilities.

Senator.

Thank you, madam president and colleagues who rise to present this bill. It would prohibit the sale of commissary items in private detention facilities at prices that exceed 35% markup above vendor cost. In the state of California, every ICE detainee is held in a private detention facility operated by a private corporation on private property and under contract with the Federal Government.

In these facilities, detention authority, of course, rests with the Federal Government, but day to day conditions of confinement and commercial practices are controlled by private entities operating under license in the state. One major concern is the operation of such commissaries in detention centers, which sells essential items like food, drinking water, high drink hygiene products, and clothing.

They are often operated by third party vendors without any meaningful oversight. Markups sometimes exceed 300% above cost. ThiS Bill mirrors mirrors the framework of SB 474, which address state facilities. It does not alter federal immigration enforcement priorities, detention decisions, or custodial authority. Has the support as a cosponsor of the attorney general, no opposition. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. No mics up. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 38. No zero. The Senate Bill Passes. Senator Grove, you have file item 43. Secretary, please read SB 990.

Senate Bill 990 by Senator Grove, an act relating to highways.

Senator Grove.

Thank you. Madam president, colleagues, this is a district bill. SB, 990 allows Caltrans to permit the placement of a highway information sign along a key stretch of State Route 395 near Ridgecrest, California, ensuring that travelers had advanced notice of essential services just as they do in any other parts of our rural state. SB 990 follows a proven model of already used responsibly, already used responsibly in other parts of the state.

The program is fee supported, meaning that businesses who choose to participate on the signage will cover the cost of the signage.

S B 990 is narrowly tailored, as a solution aimed at strengthening local public safety, promoting economic opportunities, improving travel experiences for all who pass through the area, and the important corridor near Ridgecrest on their way to, ski up in the, Valley area, and I would respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Ma'am. Any objection to applying the unanimous roll call to this item? Seeing none, Ayes 39. No. Zero.

Senate bill passes. Senator Reyes, you have file item 50. Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 1099 by Senator Reyes an act relating to public social services.

Thank you, madam president and members. I rise to present SB 1099, which clarifies California local government's authority to serve all residents. Historically, California has relied on a statutory exemption under the federal personal responsibility and work opportunity reconciliation act of 1996, also known as pro warra, that allows local governments to provide state and local public benefits to all residents.

Thanks to this exemption, our local governments have been able to provide critical services such as health care and safety net programs to all residents without worrying that they are in violation of federal law.

Unfortunately, the California statute that provides this pro warra exemption is too vague and is not directly tied to how local and state public benefits are defined at the federal level. This creates risks because if the federal definition changes or

is it reinterpreted, our California exemption may fall out of alignment, potentially exposing local governments to compliance issues. SD ten ninety nine addresses this by explicitly tying state law to the federal definition, ensuring clarity and consistency with federal requirements. It is a technical but high impact bill that has received bipartisan support. I respectfully request your aye vote on this important measure.

Seeing no discussion on this item, any objection to applying the unanimous roll call? I see none. Ayes, 39. No zero. The Senate Bill Passes.

Senator Rubio, file item 60, you're ready to go. Secretary, please read SB 1195.

Senate bill 1195 by Senator Rubio an act relating to alcoholic beverages.

Thank you, madam president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise to present SB 1195, an important bill that will provide additional revenue options for entertainment, convention, centers, and sporting venues. This bill will add planned facilities to a list of third tied house exemptions located in the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and San Diego.

The goal of SB 1195 is simple, to promote fairness, consistency, and economic opportunity for the specified facilities while preserving the core protections of California's tight house laws.

This bill does not create a new policy concept, rather it extends an existing and familiar concept to additional venues. And to to many already granted the authority under state law, there are 11 new venues under consideration, Long Beach Convention Centre, Complex, Long Long Beach Full Amphitheatre, Ontario Convention Centre, Ontario Ballpark, Granada Theatre, Stage Theatre, Lancaster Municipal Stadium, Greek Theater, The Hangar, Los Angeles Equestrian Center, Patranga Arena, and Toyota Arena.

By enabling these large venues to host concerts, sports, cultural events, the exemptions generate much needed jobs, meaningful local economy activity through hotel stays, restaurant spending, activities such as parking, retail activity, tax revenue will ripple down past those venues that will support services and programs for our local families. With that, I ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

Senator Seyart... No. Just kidding. Any objection to utilizing the unanimous roll call? Ayes 39, no zero. Senate bill passes.

We're going to be lift We see an objection here.

Opportunity to reconsider granted.

Senator Rubio is making a motion for reconsideration of file item six c SB 1195. See no objections. Motion is motion is approved. Ayes, 39, no zero on the motion. Secretary, please call the roll on File item 60.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, if you can open the roll call on file item 72, please.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 39. No. Zero. The resolution is adopted. Please open the roll call on file item 75.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 39. No. Zero. The resolution is adopted. Now I'm gonna be returning to motions and resolutions.

We have two adjourned memories for today. Senator Durazo, you have the first one.

Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, today I rise to adjourn in the memory of a good friend, Kent Wong. Kent Douglas Wong. He was our beloved labor leader, educator, and a dear friend. For nearly three decades, Kent shaped the mission and impact of the UCLA Labor Center, transforming it into a nationally respected hub where research, organizing, and leadership development converged in the service of working people.

His work through the center deepened community partnerships and launched pioneering programs that amplified the voices of workers, and immigrants. With his leadership, initiatives like the Dream Resource Center and the Los Angeles Black Worker Center became vital spaces for empowerment, for advocacy, for policy. Kent's work ensured that the University of California Los Angeles, UCLA, is not only an outstanding academic institution, but also an active partner in the struggles and aspirations of the communities that surround it.

Kent was most widely known at UCLA's labor studies department where he taught and mentored thousands of students, grounding them in the principles of social justice and collective action. His collaboration with civil rights leader, Reverend James Lawson Junior on non violence helped shape generations of organizers, scholars, and advocates.

Kent also helped open nine UC labor centers at all UC campuses, and two labor occupational safety and health programs at UCLA and UC Berkeley. He worked as an attorney advocating for Asian Americans and later founded on the national AFL CAO. He founded the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance, Apollo. He served as staff attorney for Los Angeles SCIU public sector and vice president of the State California Federation of Teachers. He consistently advanced a vision of inclusion and solidarity.

He understood that the strength of the labor movement depended on embracing those too often excluded, especially undocumented. He understood that international labor solidarity was key to building worker dignity in a global economy. So he deepened relations with, with unions and labor educators in China, Vietnam, Mexico, The Philippines, and Japan. I had the privilege and a lot of fun going with him to China, where we established a Sister City Solidarity agreement.

Kent created spaces where undocumented students could learn, organize and lead, like dream summer, which he helped to launch.

He built institutions, but always centered people. His legacy lives on in the movements he strengthened, and on the countless individuals he inspired. The last movement that he worked so passionately to trigger was the opportunity for all campaign. A student led campaign focused on giving students job opportunities at the UC campuses regardless of immigration status, giving them a fair chance and the opportunity with the full student experience. I asked myself, how could a person possibly know as much as Kent did?

And the answer is embodied in over the dozen books he wrote and coauthored, particularly in one of his books titled, Nonviolence and Social Movements, the teachings of Reverend James Lawson. Yes. Kent, the teacher, learned from the leader of black America's civil rights movement, and in his honor, named the UCLA Labor Center, the James Lawson Junior Worker Justice Center. In 2014, he wrote, Dreams Deported with the subtitle, Immigrant Youth and Families Resist Deportation. That was 2014.

Kent's life and commitment and organizing taught him to see the curve, not just to see the danger, but to see what we could all do if we had the determination to do it. And days before he became ill, he kicked off a non violent training, campaign. Because of what was happening in our communities with so much violence, He trained 1,400 people at the Los Angeles Convention Center. It was to be the start of much more to come.

Kent Wong was a great humanitarian who believed in the labor movement and collective action to his core.

Aye, we deeply miss him. Today, we have, and I'm privileged to introduce Kent's family, his wife, Jay Wong, and his son, Ryan, and all of the labor and community friends that were here with celebrating his life with us. So, thank you for allowing me to join in his memory. God bless Kent Wong. Kent Wong, presente.

Thank you.

Senator Smallwood-Cuevas, you're recognized on this item.

Well, thank you, madam president. I wanna thank my good colleague, from Los Angeles for that very touching tribute. I had the honor to work with Kent Wong at the UCLA Labor Center. And when I joined Kent, I was coming from the labor movement. But what I loved about the labor center is that it was labor unions, but it was about workers.

And so we were working to form the Los Angeles Black Workers Center on the 2nd Floor. The day laborers were organizing on the 1st Floor. In the back room was the United We Dream students who were organizing around DACA. It really was what I call the original DreamWorks.

It's a place the center that he created was a place where dreams took on new life, built new power, created relationships, all in the name and for the sake of working people coming together with a shared vision, shared strategy, and a shared love for their communities, and understanding that when workers do well in their communities, the whole community does well.

Kent was a fierce leader. He was a fierce speaker. I never met an Asian man who could give such a powerful speech in the way that he delivered it.

And what I appreciated about that is that no matter who you were and where you were from, Kent knew that your voice mattered, and that you could be a staunch leader on justice no matter who you were, where you were from, because standing up for nonviolence, standing up for the freedom of communities to live with dignity and respect, to allow, investment in young people that would build the next generation of activists in the labor movement, in the workers' right movement, in the black freedom movement, in the immigrant rights movement, that is really what Kent Wong was all about.

I wanna say to his family, our prayers are with them as we all continue to live and practice what Kent stood for. That is justice and freedom and dignity for all.

Senator Girozzo, please bring this huge legend's name forward so that he may forever be memorialized in our state Senate. Senator Blakesphere, you are now recognized.

Thank you. Colleagues, I rise today to adjourn in memory of an extraordinary Californian, a sailor, an artist, and a bridge between the worlds of military service and artistic endeavor. Vitiliano Victor Velar, who passed away in February. His story was brought to my attention by my constituent, Nestor Velar, one of Vitiliano's four sons. Vitiliano was born in The Philippines and served proudly under the flag of The United States.

He devoted twenty two years to the US Navy from 1945 to 1967. His career spanned great arts of American history, the post World War two era, the Korean War, and decades of the Early Cold War. He was part of a generation of service members who built a foundation for peace and stability that we still enjoy today. But what truly sets Stuart first class Vilar apart was his rare gift as an artist.

With his oils and brushes, he documented the faces and spirits of America's senior military leaders.

Among them, admiral Thomas Hayward, admiral Arthur Radford, admiral Roy t Cowdrey, major general Lucius R Holbrook, who commanded the first American artillery regiment to enter France in world war one, and captain John a Holbrook, who first recognized and nurtured Velar's talent aboard the USS Anderson. He even painted a young lieutenant commander Douglas Fairbanks junior. The Hollywood actor turned highly decorated US naval reserve officer during World War II. His works were not merely likenesses. They were living records of leadership, courage, and the quiet weight of command.

Several of Velar's portraits, including those of vice admiral Charles McMorris and commander Virgil Cowart are preserved in the official collections of the US Naval History and Heritage Command in Washington, DC. There, his signature Velar stands as both Velar, stands as both an artist's mark and a sailor's legacy. After his naval career, Vitagliano continued to paint, shifting his focus to Philippine landscapes, Filipino daily life, and religious themes.

Last year, the Benita Museum and Cultural Center hosted an exhibition of his rediscovered paintings, many of which were hidden from public view for as long as seventy years. When those works of arts became public, Californians learned the remarkable story of a Filipino American veteran who nurtured his artistic spark through war, duty, and decades of service.

The exhibit drew the attention of local media and inspired moving tributes from across our region, including from San Diego mayor, Todd Gloria. Vitagliano Vilar's life reminds us that service takes many forms. In him, we see the Navy's discipline and the artist's vision, the immigrant's determination, and the Patriot's devotion. His paintings endure as silent witnesses, capturing the humanity behind the uniform, the faces behind history's decisions.

As we adjourn today in his memory, we should remember Stuart first class, Vitagliano Victor Velar as a true sailor artist, one who served his adopted country with both a steady hand at work and a visionary hand on canvas.

Thank you.

Senator, please bring the talented veteran's name forward so that he may be properly memorialized. There is no other business. Pro Tem, the desk is clear.

Thank you, madam president. I wanna take a moment to congratulate our Latino spirit awardees and thank each and every one of them for their contribution. Latinos make up about 40% of the state of California population and bring us incredible contributions in so many areas, including the areas we heard today. Additionally, they play a crucial role in our economy as they contribute over $1,000,000,000,000 to California's GDP. With that, our next four session is scheduled for Thursday, May 7 at 9AM.

The Senate is adjourned. We will reconvene Thursday, 05/07/2026 at 9AM. Have a great week.