Assembly Floor

The Assembly is now in session. Assemblymember Johnson notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant at Arms will prepare the chamber and bring in the absent members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

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

Well, thank you, and it's an honor to be able to offer prayer and traditional song from our area, Serrano and Cahuilla, down in San Bernardino County, and legislators representing the area. But it's only fitting that we're able to do this for the, as a Latino Caucus, and a member of the Latino Caucus and the honorees that are coming forward.

And it's also an honor to be able to share these songs freely in these chambers, because back when the state was created, we wouldn't be having these types of songs and award ceremonies like we are today in 2026. So give yourselves a round of applause for that. We're going to open up in prayer with a traditional Serrano bighorn sheep song, and what you'll hear is the bighorn sheep in Serrano.

Is searching for the bighorn sheep, continuing to search for the voices of California's first people and all of our people here in the state of California.

We ask our guests and visitors who remain standing to join us in the flag salute. Assembly Member... Excuse me. Assembly Member Elhawary will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Let us celebrate our diversity and our roots as we honor our flag. Place your right hand over your heart. Ready? Begin. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

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

Assembly Chamber Sacramento, Tuesday, April 28th, 2026. The Assembly met at 7am. Jeff Gonzalez, Assembly Member 36th District presiding...

Assistant Majority Leader Garcia moves and Ms. Sanchez seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentation of petitions, there are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the governor, there are none.

Messages from the Senate, there are none. Moving on to motions and resolutions, the absences of the day are as follows. For illness, Assembly Members Arambula and Bennett. For legislative business, Assembly Members Caloza and Chen. Onto our procedural motions, Assistant Majority Leader Garcia, you are recognized for your procedural motion.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assembly Members Addis, Bryan, Flora, Jeff Gonzalez, Kalra, Ortega, and Ransom to have guests in the rear of chamber, and Assembly Member Carrillo to have guests on the floor for the Latino Spirit Award Ceremony.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 97, I request unanimous consent to re-refer file items 23, AB 2690, Davies, and 72, AB 1863, DeMaio, to the Appropriations Committee.

That is seconded by Assembly Member Ortega. Assembly Member Sanchez, you are recognized.

We withhold consent and ask for a roll call vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member Sanchez. Members, Republicans are withholding unanimous consent. Mr. Garcia's motion has been seconded by Ms. Ortega. Clerk will open the roll. All Members vote who desire to vote. The Majority Leader is asking for an aye vote.

Ms. Sanchez is asking for a no vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. Ayes 41, noes 17. The motion carries.

Members, we will now move to the Assembly's Latino Spirit Award ceremony. Without objection, we will take up file item 70, House Resolution 92 by Assembly Member Carrillo. The Clerk will read.

House Resolution 92 by Assembly Member Carrillo, relative to Cinco de Mayo Week.

Thank you. Assembly Member Carrillo, you may proceed.

Thank you, Madam Pro Tem. Good afternoon, fellow Members. I rise today to present House Resolution 92, which recognizes the Cinco de Mayo Week from May 3 through May 10, 2026. This week marks the legacy of the Batalla de Puebla, a powerful reminder of resiliency, determination, and the pursuit of self determination.

As most of you know, Cinco de Mayo marks a patriotic turning point in the history of Mexico as the young republic secured decisive victory over the second French empire at the first battle of Puebla. Against all odds and a strong opponent, the success of Mexican forces rallied the country in ways that reverberate to this day in Mexico, the United States, and beyond.

In the time since Mexican Americans first celebrated that victory in 1862 to President FDR's good neighbor policy that began promoting today in the 1930s as a holiday here in the United States, it has evolved to celebrate Latino culture, heritage, and accomplishments.

Those accomplishments are evident everywhere in California from academia, the arts, music, and storytelling to the cultural traditions that bring people together. That's why today's resolution is the appropriate platform for sharing what the Latino Spirit Awards are all about.

Since 2001, the Latino Legislative Caucus has recognized individuals whose talent and dedication have strengthened California's culture and civic life. Today's honorees represent creativity, perseverance, and a deep commitment to community.

They are representative of not just where we come from, but where we are going. Despite historical and contemporary attempts to undercut our cultural contributions and continuous attempts to target our communities, Latino culture is California culture.

Today's honorees and events on both sides of the legislature reflect our reality while celebrating the richness and diversity we are celebrating today. Thank you, everyone, for being a part of today's events. I'm happy to open up House Resolution 92 for co-authors at this time as we kick the 2026 Latino Spirit Awards. Thank you.

Assembly Member Zbur.

Madam Chair, Members. Today I rise in support of HR 92 on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus. Cinco de Mayo commemorates more than a military victory. It honors the determination of the Mexican people to defend their sovereignty, dignity, and future in the face of overwhelming adversity and against tyranny and oppression.

The story of the Battle of Puebla continues to resonate because it reflects something deeply familiar to many of our communities, the belief that courage and collective action is necessary to protect our democracy and human rights. Proudly standing as a Member of both the LGBTQ and Latino Caucuses, I know how powerful that spirit of perseverance and solidarity can be.

The legacy of those who fought at Puebla and the of the Latino leaders, workers, organizers, and service members who have helped shape this nation ever since reminds us that progress has always depended on ordinary people refusing to give up on justice. That legacy calls on all of us to keep building a California where every person is treated with dignity, respected for who they are, and given the opportunity to thrive.

While today is a celebration, it is also a reminder that many families and communities continue to face fear, discrimination, economic hardship, and attacks on their basic rights and humanity. Families are currently living in fear of being separated from one another. Workers are being exploited in silence, and people are being treated as threats rather than as neighbors, friends, and fellow human beings.

This holiday reminds us that resistance to injustice is part of our heritage and culture. We cannot truly celebrate culture without standing up for the people behind that culture, especially at moments when their humanity and contributions are too often ignored or politicized.

Today, as we honor modern Latino trailblazers, individuals whose leadership, service, and advocacy continue to strengthen our communities and move California forward, we must always remember our core values of resiliency, courage, and intersectionality.

Standing here on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus and joining my fellow Members of the Latino Caucus, let us use the same spirit that stood up to colonial forces in 1862, guide us in unity and solidarity as we stand up to modern day oppression. Thank you to the Co-Vice Chair of the Latino Caucus for bringing forward this measure today celebrating Cinco de Mayo Week. I respectfully ask for your support of HR 92.

Thank you. Assemblywoman Rubio, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Chair and Speakers. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in celebration of Cinco de Mayo to honor the strength, resilience, and pride of our Latino community. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla, a powerful story of courage against the odds, and serves as an opportunity to reflect on the enduring contributions of our Latino communities here in California.

Our state would not be what it is today without the leadership, culture, and hard work of Latino families. The Jewish community stands in proud solidarity with our Latino peers, grounded in shared values, shared experiences, and even shared histories, exemplified by Mexico's first Jewish president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

We feel a deep sense of kinship, especially at a time when many seek to sow fear and division among immigrant communities who have helped build and strengthen this state. General Ignacio Zaragoza once said, a nation, however weak, which defends its liberty, deserves the respect of the world. That message continues to resonate as we reflect on the importance of protecting our communities and our democratic values.

Our strength lies in standing together against intolerance, against fear, and in defense of the rule of law and the diverse communities that define California. California will always stand with and fight alongside our Latino communities. In that spirit and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully request an aye vote on HR 92. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblywoman Rubio. Assembly Member Lee, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise on behalf of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus in support of HR 16 to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. It is a day to honor Mexican history, culture, and heritage. Together, we recognize that California is richer and stronger because of the contributions of Mexican Americans.

Mexican Americans are the driving force of business that define our communities, global companies that shape our economy, and the agriculture industry that feeds our nation. This is a day we recognize their resilience and remember the courage of those who fought and won against all odds in Puebla, Mexico against imperialist forces of France.

We all have a common vision, to live in a country free from tyranny, rich with opportunities, where every family can build a better future. On Cinco de Mayo, we reaffirmed the ideals we share as a nation of immigrants and embrace diversity that makes this country great.

Opening the doors of opportunities means investing in our schools, strengthening safety nets, and supporting immigrants who come in search of the California dream. It is our openness to embracing immigrants that has led to California's growth and economic power.

Now more than ever, we must live up to California's values of equity and inclusion. Not only does Cinco de Mayo celebrate the vast achievements of Mexican Americans, but also reminds us of all of our duty as legislators to realize the California dream for all. Thank you, and happy Cinco de Mayo.

Thank you, Assembly Member Lee. Assemblywoman Calderon, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Women's Caucus in proud support of HR 92 in recognition of Cinco de Mayo. Cinco de Mayo is more than a historical victory. It is a living celebration of culture, community, and identity that resonates deeply here in California, home to one of the largest Latino populations in the nation.

Latino entrepreneurs are the fastest growing group of business owners in our economy, and their contributions strengthen California's workforce, communities, and economic vitality every single day. I wanna take a moment to recognize the women behind this culture, the mothers, grandmothers, daughters, and community leaders who have carried these traditions forward across generations.

From the food on our tables to the music in our streets, Mexican and Latina women are the heartbeat of this culture and the backbone of our communities. Latina women in California are educators, small business owners, farm workers, health care providers, and elected leaders.

They are raising families, building businesses, and shaping the future of our state, often while facing significant economic and social barriers. HR 92 declares May 3 through May 10 as Cinco de Mayo Week here in California, a fitting recognition of the history, culture, and people that make our state extraordinary.

On behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I am proud to honor the women who keep this culture alive, the families who carry it forward, and the community that continues to make California stronger. Thank you, and I respectfully request your support on HR 92.

Thank you, Assemblywoman Calderon. Assemblywoman Elhawary, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Madam Speaker and Members. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in support of HR 92. It is so important as we do this work together on the Assembly floor and in the state legislature that we are always thoughtful of how we remain united and in solidarity as we continue to support and uplift our communities.

Today, as we talk about and memorialize Cinco de Mayo, we know that it's so much bigger than that in this country. We know the importance of the ways that we've shown up for one another, the ways that we have continued to push and uplift the type of legislation, the type of values, the type of opportunities that our communities need.

We know here in California and across the country that our struggles are linked. We know that united, we win. We are able to truly, truly make a huge impact in our communities. We also know that oftentimes, what we don't talk about is the Afro-Latinidad in our communities as well.

And the opportunities to uplift the ways that not only are our communities linked, but they also, in so many ways, in the identities that we know many of us have, even as a black and Latina woman myself, it's important that we always talk about and understand those linkages.

[Translated] And we know that our struggle, your struggle is our struggle. And we know that. In everything that we do together, we have to fight hard together. Thank you so much. And on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus, we ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblywoman Elhawary. Assembly Member Ramos, you are recognized.

Well, thank you, Madam Speaker. And today, I rise as Chair of the California Native American Legislative Caucus and urging your aye vote on this resolution. Cinco de Mayo celebrates the courage of the greatly outnumbered Mexicans at the in 1862 Battle of the Puebla in a courageous fight for freedom and to prevent the empire building of the French in Mexico. And this is important.

This is an important victory for us here today also because if it wasn't for the Mexican forces, things might have been different. As some historians have said that if the French would have continued to move forward, we would have had a battle with them here in California.

So we owe a great gratitude and honor to the Latino community and the fight and making sure that the Battle of Puebla was won. That's why we're sitting here today getting ready to honor some people. But it goes deeper into history, history of the land that we're on, history of those that call this California now.

It was all of our territories in the beginning. That's why it's so fitting that we're standing here side by side together as we're gonna honor notable Latinos that have given of their time and accomplishments in the corporations and in their areas in the state of California.

It's time that we come together and honor, honor the achievements of Latinos in the state of California because this land was always our land. And today, we stand united to make sure that voice resonates here on this chamber and in the legislative floors. Thank you. I urge an aye vote on this resolution.

Thank you, Assembly Member Ramos. Assembly Member Carrillo, seeing and seeing and hearing no further debate, you may close.

Thank you, Madam Chair. I wanna thank all the Members that spoke in support of HR 92 from all the diversity caucuses. Thank you for the support, and I simply do ask for the roll to be open for co-authors and an aye vote. Thank you.

All debate being ceased. The Clerk will open the roll for co-authors. All Members who vote who desire to vote. All Members who vote who desire to vote. All Members who vote who desire to vote. Members, again, this is for co-authors.

The clerk will close the roll, and there are 60 votes, or 60 co authors added. Without objection, we will now take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say Aye. Opposed, say no.

The ayes have it. This resolution is adopted. Great. Twenty four years ago, the Latino caucus created the Latino spirit awards to celebrate individuals who exemplify the true spirit of our Latino culture and heritage. Today, we recognize 11 honorees who represent a wide range of talents found across our state.

I am appointing an escort committee to bring our honorees onto the floor for our ceremony. Members should retire to the rear of the chambers as I call your name. Assembly Members, Celestia Rodriguez, and welcome back.

Assembly Member Elhawary, Solache, Ávila Farías, Michelle Rodriguez, Calderon, Alvarez, Pacheco, Quirk-Silva, Bonta, Mark Gonzalez, Aguiar-Curry, Zbur, Garcia, Ramos, Rubio, and Valencia.

And Senators, Senator Pro Tem Limon, Archuleta, Arreguín, Reyes, Perez, Caballero, Hurtado, Padilla, Rubio, and Cervantes. I ask the speaker Rivas, Republican Leader, Flora, Chair Lina Gonzalez, and Vice Chairs Ortega and Carrillo move to the front center aisle to receive our honorees, please.

Members, it is now time to introduce and welcome our 2026 Latino spirit award honorees. The clerk will read.

Escorted by Assembly Member Avila Farias and Senators Arreguín and Limon is Lupe Gallegos Diaz. She is receiving the award for achievement in higher education.

Lupe Gallegos Diaz is currently the director of the UC Berkeley Chicanx Latinx student development office and cofounder of the Latinx and the environment program.

She has served in various leadership and advisory roles for a number of state and national organizations in higher education. Please welcome Lupe Gallegos Diaz.

Escorted by Assembly Member Rubio and Senator Archuleta is Olga Rosales Salinas on behalf of the Rosales Sisters Scholarship, also known as RSS. RSS is receiving the award for achievement in philanthropy.

The Rosales Sisters Scholarship begin in 2019 created by the six daughters of Abel and Maria Rosales, immigrants from Zacatecas, Mexico who valued hard work, family, and tradition. Since its founding, RSS has awarded over a $160,000 in unrestricted college scholarships. Please welcome Olga Rosales Salinas.

Escorted by Assembly Members Celeste Rodriguez and Aguiar-Curry and board of equalization member Tony Vasquez is David Huerta. He is receiving the award for achievement in human rights. David Huerta is the president of SEIU California and SEIU United Service Workers West.

Since joining SEIU in 1996, David's focus has been improving the lives of working families and being an advocate for Californians California's immigrant population. Please welcome David Huerta.

Escorted by Assembly Member Bonta and Senator Cervantes is doctor Sandra Hernandez. She is receiving the award for achievement in health and science.

Doctor Hernandez is president and CEO of the California Health Care Foundation, which works to improve health care for all Californians. She practiced medicine for more than three decades and serves as an assistant clinical professor at the USF School of Medicine,

which awarded her its highest honor, the UCSF medal in 2024. Please welcome doctor Sandra Hernandez.

Escorted by Assembly Members Alvarez and Elhawary is Tamara Romo Geisinger. She is receiving the award for achievement in advocacy. Tamara Romo Geisinger is a sophomore at Bowdoin College.

In her studies, she uncovered the history of Mexican repatriation during which around 1,000,000 Mexicans, including US citizens, were illegally deported. She is now involved in the efforts to build a memorial in Los Angeles honoring those affected following legislation that made that project possible.

Please welcome Tamara Romo Keisinger. Escorted by Assembly Members Calderon, Michelle Rodriguez, and Valencia is Lupe de LA Cruz the third. He is receiving the award for achievement in business as vice president of government affairs and corporate citizenship.

Lupe represents PepsiCo's diverse convenient food and beverages portfolio with policymakers and community leaders. Currently, Lupe serves on the board of the Getty House Foundation, the California Business Roundtable, and the dream.US. Please welcome Lupe Dela Cruz the third.

Escorted by Assembly Members, Garcia, Pacheco and Senator Reyes is Angie Balderas on behalf of the People's Collective for Environmental Justice, also known as PC4EJ. PC4EJ is receiving the award of for achievement in environmental justice.

PC4EJ is a community centered nonprofit organization that advances environmental justice across California's inland empire. Rooted in EJ principles, the collective works towards clean air, safe neighborhoods, and a just transition to healthier, more resilient communities. Please welcome Angie Balderas.

Escorted by Assembly Member Ramos and Senators Caballero and Hurtado is Ellie Painted Crow. She is receiving the award for achievement in human rights. Ellie Painted crow of Yaqui and Maya descent, exemplifies resilience and advocacy. She served in the army for twenty two years.

Ellie advocates passionately for women's voices and empowerment. Ellie founded Turtle Woman Rising, an indigenous drum group promoting peace and healing, and cofounded the Service Women's Action Network, amplifying veterans voices. Please welcome Ellie Painted Crow.

Escorted by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez and Senator Perez, Esmejmo Torres on behalf of LA Taco LA. LA Taco is receiving the award for achievement in journalism and media. LA Taco is an independent publication based in Los Angeles that covers news, food, culture, and the people shaping the city.

As a media company, LA Taco celebrates the creativity and flavor of Los Angeles while holding institutions accountable and highlighting underrepresented communities. Please welcome, Memo Torres.

Escorted by assembly members Zbur and Quirk-Silva is Claudette Cepeda. Claudette is receiving the award for achievement in culinary arts.

Claudette Cepeda 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.

Her latest project, in participation with Tony Hawk, celebrates the spirit of border and skate culture through vibrant Mexican cuisine. Please welcome Claudette Zepeda.

Escorted by Assembly Member Solache and Senator Rubio are Los Figueres del Norte.

They are receiving the legacy award held as Latin music's greatest statement by the New York Times, Los Figueres del Norte are one of the most popular and influential bands in the genre's music, widely known for their storytelling corridos that speak out on issues such as immigration, family, and politics.

The family band from Sinaloa, Mexico and now long time citizens of San Jose have sold millions of albums, charted over 50 number one singles, and won more Grammys than any other Spanish language recording artist. Please welcome, Los Figueres del Norte.

Felicidades, congratulations, and thank you to all our honorees. If you can all please move to the center for a group photo.

On behalf of Chair Lina Gonzalez, Vice Chairs Ortega and Carrillo, and the members of the California Latino caucus, thank you for helping us celebrate this year's outstanding Latino spirit award honorees.

As they exit the chamber, please join me in another round of applause for our distinguished guests. This concludes our celebration.

One minute members, we will be continuing our business in one minute.

Okay, Members. On to guest introductions, and then we actually have a full book of business to do today. With that, Assemblymember Boerner, you are recognized from the Majority Leader's desk for your guest introduction.

Dear mister speaker and members, I'm very excited to introduce some guests from my district today. As you know, we're in the farthest, almost the farthest south, part of the state, so it's very hard to get here for my people. The Evans School fourth grade class is here to tour the Capitol.

These students have been learning about California politics and the legislative process this year, and I'm excited to welcome them for for a full tour of the Capitol.

I'm encouraged to see these bright kids becoming involved in the legislative process so early that they can be active and engaged citizens for their entire lives.

Thank you to the teachers and parents for making today's trip possible and for being so committed to our children's education. Have fun and welcome to The Capitol everyone.

Welcome. Welcome. Okay. We're moving on to business on the daily file. We may go back to guest introductions if they are ready.

We're gonna start with the second reading, file items one through eight. The clerk will read.

Assembly Bills 2689 with amendments, 1768 with amendments, 2568, 1658, 2415, 2033 with amendments, 2134 with amendments, and Assembly Bill 2263 with amendments.

All bills will be deemed read. All amendments will be deemed adopted. Concurrence and send amendments. File item nine, we will pass and retain. Reconsideration, file items 10 through 12.

All items shall be continued. That brings us to the assembly third reading file. File items 13 through 95. We're gonna pass and retain on file items 13 and 14. That brings us to File item 15.

That's AB 1657 by Assemblymember Rogers. Clerk will read.

Assembly Bill 1657 by Assembly Member Rogers and others, an act relating to domestic violence.

Assembly member Rogers, you are recognized.

Thank you so much, Mr. Speaker. We are here today to present AB 1657. What the data shows is that at a time when a domestic violence survivor leaves or alters the conditions of their relationship is a time where they are most at risk.

We know that these relationships are built on power and on control, and anytime that that's threatened, there's a harm or potential harm that could occur to the domestic violence survivor.

In California law, currently, you can file for a temporary restraining order to try to get through the legal process, even as a judge necessary. Unfortunately, ambiguity in the law allows for each jurisdiction to adopt different procedures along with that.

And it has actually resulted in some places like Sonoma County, where the courts will require a domestic violence survivor to actually notify their abuser before they're even allowed to file the temporary restraining order paperwork.

This creates an unnecessary delay, unfortunately, puts victims at risk, and doesn't further justice.

This bill was brought to us by attorneys at the Sonoma County Family Justice Center late last year after they saw it having a chilling effect on domestic violence survivors actually seeking justice. This vote bill has no no votes through committee, and I just respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Rogers. All debate having ceased. Clerk will open the roll. All Mmbers vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote.

All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll tally, though it's I 64, no zero, the measure passes. Gonna pass and retain on file items sixteen, seventeen, eighteen, nineteen, twenty, 21. File item 22 is AB 2042 by Assemblymember Kalra. The clerk will read.

Assembly bill 2042 by Assemblymember Kalra, an act relating to civil actions.

Assemblymember Kalra, you were recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and members. I rise to present AB 2042, a follow-up bill to last year's AB 747, which modernized and standardized service of process. Since AB 747's passage, input from various stakeholders has suggested that further adjustments are needed before it goes into effect on 01/01/2027.

As such, AB 2042 makes clear that AB 747 does not create a new basis for dismissal upon the vacating or setting aside of a default judgment, does not alter a court's existing authority with respect to cases filed before 01/01/2027, and does not alter the Fair Debt Buying Practices Act with respect to lawsuits that were lawfully served. In doing so, this bill will provide clearer guidance to the courts as it relates to implementation.

AB 2042 has no opposition and enjoys bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Kalra. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Clerk will close the roll tally votes. Aye 66, no zero. The measure passes. We have already re referred file item number 23. File item number 24 is AB 1660 by Assemblymember Schiavo.

The clerk will read.

Assembly Bill 1660 by Assemblymember Schiavo, an act relating to probate.

Assemblymember Schiavo, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and members. I rise to present AB 1660, which is a straightforward measure to ensure that financial institutions are responsive to public guardians and public conservators that California relies on. The bill gives the courts flexibility to consider the facts of each case ensuring that accountability for bad actors while protecting institutions acting in good faith.

AB 1660 does not create any new duties for financial institutions, rather it establishes an appropriate enforcement mechanism to ensure compliance with obligations that already required under law. We know that there are some cases where public guardians cannot get resources for the people that they are supposed to be paying for care for even up to as long as a year.

And so in those cases, when it's really egregious, this is a really important bill that will come in and make sure that financial institutions are turning over those to the public guardians as is required by law. The financial services groups that remain opposed to the bill in print, I can convey that my office, the sponsors, and the opponents are working productively on amendments, and we expect to be able to resolve the issues in time for the bill to be heard in Senate committees. And with that, I respectfully request an aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Schiavo. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll tally votes, ayes 45, noes 10, the measure passes. Pass and retain on file items 25, 26, 27, 28. File item number 29, that's AB1917 by Assembly Member Schulz. Clerk will read.

Assembly bill 1917by Assemblymember Schultz an act relating to criminal procedure.

Assemblymember Schultz, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, mister speaker and members. Today, I proudly rise to present AB 1917, the Respect Judicial Decisions Act, which strengthens judicial efficiency and transparency by ensuring that charges brought against the defendant are always evidence based. AB 1917 accomplishes this by requiring prosecutors to file a motion to request the reinstatement of charges that a judge has already dismissed at a preliminary hearing rather than allowing them to simply add those charges back without explanation.

To be extraordinarily clear, this bill explicitly allows for dismissed charges to be reinstated when a judge deems it appropriate. This bill not only fortifies basic fairness and trust in the credibility of criminal charges, it but it also optimizes court resilience, court resource allocation, and efficiency by avoiding unnecessary and lengthy motions.

I'll simply note that my office and I look forward to continuing to work with all of the involved stakeholders and strengthen the bill as it makes its way through the through the Senate, hopefully. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Schultz. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. Ayes 43, nose 15, the measure passes. We will pass and retain on file items thirty, thirty one, 32, 33. Brings us to file item 34. That's AB 2148 by Assembly member Muratsuchi.

The clerk will read.

Assembly vote twenty one forty eight by Assemblymember Muratsuchi and others, an act relating to elementary and secondary education.

Assemblymember Muratsuchi, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, mister speaker. I'm presenting Assembly bill twenty one forty eight, which is a very simple bill. And it's text. It just reads that a a public school employee shall be a human being. Now we, unfortunately, have arrived at a point in the history of humankind where we need to define educators as human beings.

But we know that with the dramatic rise with artificial intelligence, and its related technologies, that we have a bipartisan measure before you that simply seeks to clarify and recognize the fact that as long as our children are human beings, that we need to have teachers, educators being human beings, and to continue to recognize that in in our laws, that the the importance of that human connection. This bill has received bipartisan support with amendments taken in the committee. All opposition has been removed. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Muratsuchi. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. Ayes 69, no zero. The measure passes. Okay.

Where are you gonna pass and retain? File items 35, 36, 37, 38. File item 39 is AB 1647 by Assembly member Brian. The clerk will read.

Assembly bill 1647by Assembly member Bryan and others, an act relating to juveniles.

Assembly member Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and colleagues. I'm proud to present AB 1647, which codifies existing California case law to protect statements made by young people during their transfer hearings. Under current California case law, young person's statements at a transfer hearing or to their probation officer cannot be used against them in later prosecution, but that protection is not clearly written in state statute.

Without clear statutory protections, young people and their attorneys still feel unable to speak freely, fearing that their words can later be used against them. If you don't know what a transfer hearing is, a transfer hearing is the most important moment in a young person's life who's come into conflict with the law.

It's that moment where it's decided whether you go to an adult penal system to be prosecuted or stay prosecuted in the juvenile justice system. And the fact that our young people are afraid to speak in that pivotal moment, I think, is something that we can rectify. This bill is a product of the select committee on the status of boys and men of color.

It also comes directly from the thoughts, ideas, and experiences of the young people currently incarcerated in the R 1 unit of Los Padrinos juvenile hall. It also had bipartisan unanimous support in the Assembly Public Safety Committee, and I respectfully ask your aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Bryan. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes, Aye 63, no zero, the measure passes. We're gonna stop here for a moment, pause for a moment for a guest introduction. Assembly member Jackson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you very much, mister speaker. Joining us from Washington, DC are representatives from the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation who are here visiting Sacramento to meet with President Luke Wood and learn about the amazing initiatives at the Black Honors College at Sac State and the Capital Fellows Program. Joining us here today, senior vice president for the CBC Leadership Institute, miss Donna Fisher Lewis, and the director, miss Nadia Monroe.

They are joined by representatives from the office of SAC state president Luke Wood, vice president for external affairs, Michelle Willard, and external relations specialist, Karen Carrillo. Members, please join me in welcoming our guests here to the assembly.

Assembly member Gonzalez, Jeff Gonzalez, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, mister speaker. Colleagues, today I rise to recognize a very special member of team Jeff Gonzalez as she wraps up her time interning in our office. Savannah Vela. Savannah is a proud daughter of the 36th District, born and raised in Indio, and a graduate of Shadow Hills High School. She is currently a freshman at UC Davis where she is studying political science and communications.

Savannah joined her office through a local Rotarian connection. And from day one, she hit the ground running. She quickly became an integral part of our team from helping manage our social media, drafting press releases, and contributing to our weekly newsletter. But more than that, Savannah brought something you can't teach. She brought the perspective of the district.

In legislative meetings and conversations, she reminded us who we serve and why this work matters. That kind of voice is powerful, and it made our team it made our team better. Savannah, we have watched you grow. Over these past five months, you've gained a deeper understanding of how this building works behind the scenes. And more importantly, you've stepped into your own as a leader.

We're gonna miss your energy, your collaboration, and yes, your sassiness around the office. On behalf of Ashley, Frank, Creighton, Alex, the entire district team and myself, and all of team Gonzales, thank you for your hard work, your dedication, and for serving our community at the state level. We are incredibly proud of you. We know you're gonna do go on to do big things, and just know you'll always have a home with team Gonzalez. Congratulations, Savannah.

And as they say in Davis, go Aggies. And as they say in Indio, Knights do it right. Help me thank my intern, Savannah Vela.

Okay. Alright. Continuing on. We are going to pass through intent on file item forty, forty one, 42, 43. File item 44, that's AB 1555 by Assembly member Hadwick.

Clerk will read.

Assembly bill fifteen fifty five by Assemblymember Hadwick and others, an act relating to community colleges.

Assemblymember Hadwick, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Today, I rise to present AB 1555. This bill addresses higher education access in Siskiyou County. The college of Siskiyou sits on the California Oregon border and serves community college students across the region. Many of these students live in one state and work in another.

By expanding access for students in the cross border community, AB 1555 will address critical workforce shortages and help fill jobs in wildland firefighting, law enforcement, nursing, EMS, and paramedicine. Members, this bill has enjoyed unanimous support and has no opposition. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Hadwick. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Clerk will close the roll tally votes. Aye 66, no zero. The measure passes.

Miss Ransom, we're still awaiting guests from the Senate, so it's just gonna be a moment. Okay? Miss Wilson. Okay. We are on to file item number 45.

That's AB 168 by Assemblymember Wilson. The clerk will read.

Assemblymember 1608 by Assemblymember Wilson, an act relating to transportation.

Assemblymember Wilson, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, mister speaker and members. I am a strong supporter of the California high speed rail project because it's a potential transformative value it can bring to the state by simultaneously improving mobility and reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Currently, the construction of the project is having a strong positive economic impact in the Central Valley, and I'm confident it will ultimately bring these benefits statewide.

This project has faced many challenges during its construction, including lack of funding to complete the project, challenges acquiring right of way and moving utilities. And these challenges have resulted in project delays and unnecessary cost increases.

Every single dollar on this project counts because we have lost a federal funding partner. And at this time, we are completely reliant on state funding to deliver this significant infrastructure project. Independent, effective oversight is critical to the success of any large infrastructure project and ensuring that every single dollar is spent wisely. The legislature created the office of inspector general in 2022. The inspector general is the legislator's and the public's eyes and ears into the inner workings of this project.

The inspector general has already proven its value in the short time it's been in operation. However, the office has faced challenges hiring necessary staff because it does not have access to the position classifications and contract authority it needs to hire those staff with the appropriate qualifications and acquire specialized services in a timely manner.

When the office was created, the legislature did not include provisions requiring the office to make its reports public or protections to ensure that the inspector general could keep confidential for a period of time information that could harm the state and jeopardize whistleblowers. Concerns were initially raised that this bill would keep information confidential. In fact, this bill does the exact opposite by requiring the inspector general to make its reports public, which is not required under current law.

Moreover, this bill does not go beyond providing any protections for the independent inspector general that are in excess of the current protections that the state auditor and inspector generals within the state have. My office and the inspector general have worked closely with the First Amendment Coalition to make as much information as possible available to the public without jeopardizing the safety of our constituents or state infrastructure.

In response to our amendments, the First Amendment Coalition is now in support of this bill and provided testimony to two separate committees. They call the amended bill, and I quote, a model framework for how independent offices of inspector general can balance legitimate confidentiality needs with the public's right to know about government activities. I appreciate their contributions to help us draft legislation that appropriately balances legitimate confidentiality needs with the public's absolute right to know.

I ask for your support on this important bill that will improve transparency and accountability and oversight. Thank you.

Thank you. Assembly member Wilson. Assembly member Tangipa, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Permission to read? Paragraph 11 of this bill states, the inspector general may hold a report or a portion of a report confidential for a period of time described in paragraph three if the inspector general determines that the report or a portion of the report would describe or otherwise reveal weaknesses, including those involving information security, physical security, fraud detection controls, or pending litigation.

Colleagues, I read this portion to the bill because as we've heard, this is a bill that is actual anti transparency bill, painted as a transparency bill.

The main reason why I bring this up is we've received reports just this last week that high speed rail is now $231,000,000,000 Could that be considered a weakness that a project that was sold to the people of California at $33,000,000,000 is 500% over cost estimates. This project is the most expensive infrastructure project happening in the entire world. The only thing California High Speed Rail is on track for is to become the third most expensive infrastructure project in the history of the world.

Number one is the interstate project of the 1950s. Number two is the International Space Station.

Number three is California high speed rail. And I think that the public deserve maximum transparency. Some of the things that were brought up in the presentation of this bill was that it would do very limited scope accounting measures or reporting measures. It does not state in Sec in paragraph 11 that it is specifically limited to. It would say that as we've seen in other bills, limited to.

It does not say that in this bill. It actually codifies language that is already available in all of the GAO auditing standards. Something that's unnecessary.

If you read the last paragraph in this bill, it states the legislature finds and declares that Section eleven and twelve of this act, which adds sections eighteen seventy thirty five and eighteen seventy thirty seven to the public utilities code, imposes a limitation on the public's right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and the agencies within the meaning of Section three of Article one of the California constitution.

Pursuant to the constitutional provisions, the legislature makes the following findings to demonstrate the interest protected by this limitation and to and the need for protecting that interest.

I am simply just reading you, reading to you the bill itself. Right now, people are asking for accountability and transparency. This bill is not that. This bill would allow secrets as we're trying to secure funding. What project needs to diminish transparency in order to secure funding in the future.

That is what's being asked. I respectfully ask for your no vote as we find other ways to make sure that the public know what is exactly going on, not only in this body, but also under the inspector general's office. Thank you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Tangipa. Assemblymember Carrillo, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker, and good afternoon, members. Today, I rise in strong support of assembly bill 16 o eight offered by my by my colleague from CSU City as it relates to strengthening the independence and oversight capabilities of the office of inspector general for high speed rail. Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to meet with the office of inspector general where they laid out the need for the provisions of this bill to be implemented in their scope of operations.

The purpose of the office of inspector general is to act as an independent value of the high speed rail authority to provide accountability and ensure the effective management of the state's high speed rail project. As the only assembly member serving on the California High Speed Rail Authority Board, I have unique role in representing the project's needs to the legislature and helping ensure it carried out with a strong oversight and transparency.

AB 1608 will allow the office of inspector general to expand their workforce by creating job classifications that will attract a broad and qualified range of applicants to their organization, as well as to allow the office of the inspector general to to publish public reports on their reviews and findings to ensure that this project is meeting the needs of the state and its constituents.

This piece of legislation will be critical to ensuring that the California Hasbro Rail project is being carried out to the will of the Californian voters and the bodies that have invested in their resources and its success. I respect the Espanaye vote on a B1608. Thank you.

Thank you. Assemblymember Carrillo. Assemblymember Dixon, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister chair. I legislature thank you, and members. The legislature originally created the high speed rail office of the inspector general to explicitly provide dedicated oversight for the California high speed rail project. This seemed like a prudent decision considering that the project now is projected, as we've heard, to be at least $230,000,000,000, about any range between 500 or 700% over its original $33,000,000,000 budget. And of course, we know it's decades behind schedule.

Now we have this bill that would give the Office of Inspector General the authority and discretion to keep any audit confidential if they feel feel it would pose a risk to the project. If the state is spending billions upon billions of taxpayer dollars on a project that is significantly behind schedule, I think the taxpayers are entitled to know how their money is being spent.

I also think that if an audit of the high speed rail is so poor that it may pose a risk to the project, that is information that both the public and their representatives should be, by all means, made aware of. Instead, this legislation seeks to hide that information to save face and ensure that the project continues uninterrupted.

This bill also makes sure that certain reports are shared with the chairs of both the the assembly and Senate transportation committees, but makes no mention of the vice chairs, ensuring that only one political party is privy to information about the high speed rail by failure to mention, so therefore, it's excluded.

It's not intentionally included to include vice chairs. I read that to be excluding the vice chairs, which is problematic. This legislation is nothing more than an effort to protect a failing project from public and legislative scrutiny. I will be an emphatic no vote on this bill and encourage members to oppose this legislation. Thank you, mister chair.

Thank you, Assemblymember Dixon. Assemblymember De Maio, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I rise in opposition to AB 168. The only legislation that should be coming to this floor regarding the high speed rail boondoggle project is a law that would cancel the project as quickly as possible and to try to mitigate the massive financial losses that taxpayers have suffered. Instead, this majority brings a bill forward to keep secrets on high speed rail. That's exactly what this bill does.

Now there's a pattern of behavior in this legislature of saying, oh, no. No. We're not trying to keep secrets. We're trying to protect people's security. There are threats being made, and we need this bill.

We need to keep secrets because threats are being made. The bill language actually plays that game. My colleague from the Central Valley quoted the language in its totality, section one eight seven zero three seven b one that allows the inspector general to keep these secrets. But I'm going to extract some of the words so you can hear what I believe is the intent of keeping secrets.

Again, all I'm doing is taking out the fluff, the window dressing, oh, physical security information threats, and instead just giving you what I believe the majority of this body is trying to keep hidden from the public.

Again, the same language from my colleague in Central Valley, but we're just gonna cut to the chase. The inspector general may hold a report confidential. If the report

Mister De Maio, you do wish to ask the chair if you may read?

Yes. Permission to read.

Is there an objection? Not objection.

The inspector general may hold a report confidential if the report would describe or reveal a weakness of fraud detection controls. There it is in black and white. One of the most, sensational and alarming conversations going on in this country today is the fraud industry that has embedded itself in government across this country. And it is particularly bad here in the state of California. Hundreds of billions of dollars of fraud since this governor took office in 2018 with no revelation and no mitigation.

Why? Because we continue to see bureaucracies keep secrets, and this bill would authorize that in the high speed rail project. Now my colleague in promoting this bill said the reason why we need to keep secrets is that, golly, it's costing us too much money to give the public the truth. The bill's needed because we need these cost saving measures. This this project went from $8,000,000,000

Excuse me, mister DeMaio. Assembly member Wilson, you are recognized.

My colleague just misrepresented what I said on the floor. I would like to know that I did not say that it need to be kept public for cost saving measures. My public my testimony is recorded and can be played back. And I would just like to note as he completes his comments, most of it has not been true, but I would ask as you relate to me, your colleague on the floor, that you do not disparage me by spewing lies.

Thank you, Assembly Member Wilson. Just a moment, mister DeMaio. Okay. Your point is well taken, Assemblymember. Although it is quite important, mister Demaio is trying to make a particular point as you're doing so. Mr. Demaio , please do not impugn the motive of your colleagues.

As my colleague knows, there's always an opportunity for the author of a bill to have a closing statement. And I'd appreciate in the future, my comments not being interrupted.

Thank you, members. Thank you, members.

The author absolutely invoked cost savings as to why we needed to pass the bill. Your comments are recorded on video. You invoked cost savings as to why this bill was needed, that the inspector general was asking you for these flexibilities to save money, and that's why the project is behind budget, behind scale, and and scope, and timeline. The reason why the project is so over budget and behind schedule is that it is a boondoggle.

It was sold to voters as $8,000,000,000 was needed by taxpayers in 2008.

Only $8,000,000,000, but the private sector would come up with all the remaining $30,000,000,000. Private sector didn't put up a penny. Instead, taxpayers are on the hook. It went from a $30,000,000,000 project to a $130,000,000,000. Now it is projected to be 230 doll $30,000,000,000.

She said the reason why the project is, you know, having some problems is, quote, we lost a federal funding partner. That's like saying the Titanic sank because of a leaky toilet.

It's not right.

that's a direct quote from your comments, my colleague. We lost a federal funding partner. The Federal Government pulled its money because the project violated the terms and conditions of federal funding.

Thirty seconds.

We have violated the terms and conditions that the voters approved, but we're just skating by. And now we're trying to keep secrets. There's a pattern of behavior here, hiding fraud and invoking the threat of public safety. The language here takes the fraud and sandwiches it around what we're just trying to make sure we don't reveal information that might threaten the public. No more secrets. No more boondoggles. Cancel the high speed rail project.

Thank you, Assemblymember De Maio. Assemblymember Ahrens, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I'm glad my colleagues are bringing up transparency and the need for truth and not spread disparaging and spreading lies about the high speed rail project because that allows me the opportunity to talk more point pointedly about how it was the Trump administration who canceled $4,000,000,000 of our taxpayer dollars that was rightfully supposed to be given to the high speed road project. It was the Trump administration who has caused billions of dollars in delays who helped spike the cost increases for high speed rail.

Mister Ahrens. Mr Flora, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Let's just keep it to the merit of the bill. I understand where we're going with this. Let's keep it to the merit of the bill.

bill specific the merits of the bill specifically talk about the law of the federal funding.

Okay. Okay. Okay. We're gonna allow this to happen.

We understand what mister Flora is saying. Members, we do not we need to stay to the merits. There's a lot of personal feelings that are coming out on the floor right now. Let's stay to the merits of the legislation itself. Thank you.

Thank you, mister speaker. The merits of the bill, we can talk about the high speed rail project that's delivered over 50 major railway structures, including bridges and overpasses, over a 171 active miles being built. And while Trump wants to hand China the future, California won't let it, and I urge your aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Ahrens. Assemblymember Jackson, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. You know, in the transportation committee, we were, very clear on what the intent of this bill was, and I wanna thank the chair for, her thoughtfulness in doing so. We all know if you've served in public office at the local level, you know that there are certain infrastructure projects. There are certain projects in which you know the public is going to engage in that if certain information is made to the public, can actually put the public in danger.

But the true intent of this bill is to do something that right now doesn't even exist.

And that is right now, the inspector general does not have to make the reports public. So this bill simply says that we that we believe that, yes, these reports should be public. And the only things that should not be until they are resolved, it never says that it'll never will not be public.

But it says that if information is out there, particular security protocols, the way things are built, what are its weaknesses, And if there are mechanisms that are meant to detect fraud, we don't want people to know what those methods are, so we have an opportunity to detect the fraud. So at the end of the day, I am one who has been skeptical of this project.

And I am actually glad that now I that we will actually be able to get more information than we have been able to get before so that we can make sure that we do as much as we can to be good stewards of the public's dollar, but we won't do that if we don't know more.

And so I thank the chair for your thoughtfulness and being willing to step into this messy stuff, so that we can actually continue to move forward, and that is making sure that more and more information is available to the public. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on AB 168.

Thank you. Assembly member Jackson. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Wilson, do you wish to close?

I do. Thank you, mister speaker, and thank you to my colleagues who rose on to speak about this bill and debate about this bill no matter which side of the aisle they were on, whether they were proponents to AB 168 or in opposition. But I would like to address some misinformation that was brought up.

Some some of my colleagues are misinformed, and I understand that, how they could be misinformed when you read the bill language, talk about it being in its totality and what you read, and don't read in its totality. So I would like to note, and I'll ask, mister speaker permission to read as a part of my close.

Without objection.

Thank you. The my colleague from the city of Clovis noted a particular section that was found on page 12, Section 14. He's or sorry. Section I'm sorry. Page 12 on Section 14.

And he noted at the end the need for protecting that interest. And my colleague from San Diego noted that he said that in totality, but I will note that it ended in colon, which mean it is not the end of the section. It is not the end of the conversation.

And it says keeping certain records and reports of the office of inspector general high speed rail confidential is necessary to enable the inspector general to fully conduct audits and investigations and may be necessary under certain circumstances to ensure the security of the high speed rail project. Under these circumstances, keeping these records and reports confidential outweighs the interest in public disclosure of the information contained in these records and reports.

That is the totality. As my colleague said, that right now, none of this information is public. And as I noted in my testimony that in 2022, this legislature created the office of inspector general to be the public's eyes and ears, to be the legislature's eyes and ears to hold them accountable. And even my colleague from Newport Beach noted that it was created by the legislature. However, when it was created, none of the information was allowed to be made public.

But given the level of cost overruns, given the level of need for oversight, because it is an expensive project, I'm not sure it rises to the level of my colleague from Clovis, but doesn't matter. Any dollar we spend in this state should be held in the highest esteem and be held accountable. And as they gave testimony, they noted lots of issues with the high speed rail authority, but the subject of this bill is not about the high speed rail authority.

It's about the office of inspector general, which is an independent body that needs the resources they need to hold the high speed rail authority accountable, which means the right positions, which we did not give them that authority in 2022, which means the ability to procure the special needs, the the investigations that that we did not give them in 2022. It also means that every single report that they issue needs to make made public, which we did not do in 2022.

And now we're saying it does. It does need to be made public. And if it's gonna be made public, you get to hold it closed for a period of time, confidential for a period of time. We're given the authority of the Ispeed Rail I'm sorry, the inspector general. And as I've said from, the coalition for the first amendment coalition, they noted and applauded the work that we did to ensure it was done in a temporary manner.

And they have to justify why they're keeping it confidential. And eventually, it will be made public with a review every single four months. And to my colleague from Newport Beach, you noted that there's a section that talks about people who could receive who could receive a, notification of what's been made confidential. It's it's centered around who has authority to make a decision. The chairs have an authority over their committee to make a decision and to take action.

So they are included as potentially receiving, not absolutely receiving. My colleague from San Diego talked about keeping secrets keeping secrets. This bill is not about keeping secrets. It's about maximum transparency, maximum, thank you, accountability. And that's why I read in totality the bill's language, and I would encourage my colleagues from across the aisle to read and prepare before they get on the floor, spew lies, misinform the public, and say things that they shouldn't say.

With that, I respectfully ask for an eye on AB 168, which will give our office of inspector general exactly what they need to be the eyes and ears to the public in this legislature. Thank you.

All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. The clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. Ayes 45, noes 18. The measure passes. Assembly member Bryan, you're recognized.

Is it within the bounds of a parliamentary inquiry to ask if we can cheer very loudly for our assistant pro tem who just came back after giving birth to her child?

Thank you all. It's lovely to be back with all of you. Assemblymember Ransom, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, madam speaker. Welcome back. And colleagues, today, it is my distinct and personal honor to introduce my sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated. Founded on 01/13/1913 by 22 visionary young college women at Howard University, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has been grounded in sisterhood, scholarship, service, and social action. Principles that continue to guide generations of women from its earliest days marching in the women's suffrage march in Washington DC to present day.

Impact Delta has remained steadfast in in its mission to advance equity, opportunity, and justice. As a proud member for the past twenty eight years, I can share firsthand that Delta's values are demonstrated in our actions consistently and with purpose. At its core, our organization works to close gaps in our communities, those that are faced in education, health, economic opportunities, and civic access. For more than a century, Delta women have been woven into the fabric of progress in our communities and across this nation.

Through social action and direct services, we use our voices and collective strength to advocate for justice and meaningful change.

Guided by a five point programmatic thrust of educational development, economic development, international awareness and involvement, physical and mental health, and political awareness and involvement, Deltas continue to translate purpose into action. That impact is on full display in this capital at our forty eighth Delta Days in Sacramento, where members come together to engage directly in the process. This year or this weekend, we had 70 members 70 young people through our youth state and over 200 members of the organization.

We have been investing in the next generation, equipping the young leaders with knowledge, confidence, and courage to participate fully in our democracy. It is an honor to have with me here today members representing the Far West Region, which spans Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Japan, Korea, Nevada, Oregon, Utah, and Washington.

But here from the California, from our Far West Region, in the rear of the chambers, we have our regional director, Kimberly Usher. We have our Northern California state coordinator, Tracy Williams. We have our Northern California state social action coordinator, Anya Long. We have our Southern California social action coordinator, Janitra Iguilar. We have our commissioner from the National Social Action Commission, Kristin McGuire.

And our California Collegiate Social Action coordinator, Arianna Herring. They are joined by deltas in the gallery. Members, please join me in welcoming the distinguished and illustrious sisters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.

Members, please take your seats as we continue. Up next, we have item 49, AB 1803 by Assemblymember Lowenthal. Assemblymember Lowenthal, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, welcome back. Madam Speaker, welcome back. I am so pleased to present AB 18

Can you hold on one moment? Assembly member Lowenthal. I apologize. The clerk will read. I'm a little bit rusty.

Assembly vote 1803 by Assembly member Lowenthal and others an act relating to employment.

I will welcome you back again. Welcome back.

Thank you. You are recognized.

I am pleased to present AB 183 that's developed in partnership with the Select Committee on Racism, Hate, and Xenophobia that's chaired by Assemblymember Corey Jackson.

Members, this is a Jewish caucus priority bill. It's a priority bill as we are 3% of the state's population and the recipient of 18% of the documented hate.

AB 183 requires California businesses with five or more employees to include anti hate speech training as a component of their existing workplace harassment prevention training. So much of that is already happening.

It's already included in the harassment training that's taking place right now. And this bill comes as a critical time with reported hate crimes in California rising by nearly a 160%.

Over the last decade, it is critical employees can recognize hate speech, understand their rights, and feel empowered to report it. And for these reasons, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on AB 183.

Thank you, Assemblymember Lowenthal. Assemblymember Jackson, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, Madam Speaker. I really wanna thank the speaker pro tem for, number one, be willing to serve on the select committee on racism, hate, and xenophobia, and being able to carry one of our central bills.

The fact is evident every time the California Department of Justice comes out with this annual hate crimes report. And the fact is clear, the data is clear, that the last five years have been the highest rates of hate crimes in California's history.

Now anyone who studies issues of racism and hate understand that just waiting for it to go away does nothing but continues to allow the flames to continue to spread.

So we must redouble our efforts to educate, to train, and to reestablish new narratives that reaffirms the humanity population that makes up this great state.

And many of these hate crimes we see are happening there in the workplace, are happening in places where most people don't know what to do or even don't even recognize what they see or what they hear.

And so we want to educate as many people as we can in the state of California to understand, we have to be careful with our words. Now not everything we say rises to the category of hate speech or even hate crimes.

Just because you don't agree with something does not mean that it is hate speech. Just because it may be offensive to you, doesn't necessarily mean that it could be hate speech.

But as soon as people start to dehumanize others and starts to put a target on a population and starts to make people feel like they should be targeted in some way, then we have a problem. And we need to arm everyone we can in California to know what to do whenever such speech occurs.

So I thank the member from Long Beach for being a partner and an ally in this effort, and continue to look forward to the journey that we continue to take together. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

You. Assembly Member Jackson. Assembly Member Bryan, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I stand in strong support of my colleague from Long Beach and my colleague from Moreno Valley. I saw this bill in committee once already, and there was some debate about what hate speech is.

And I and it made me pretty sad because it was a reminder for why this bill is so important. You would think we wouldn't have to teach that using antisemitic tropes as a part of hate speech or that depicting black people as primates is hate speech.

But clearly, we need that education. Folks need and deserve that education, and that is why this bill matters. I think this bill should have resounding unanimous support, but it certainly has mine today.

Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Lowenthal, would you like to close?

I just wanna thank the member from Los Angeles. I especially wanna thank the Member from Moreno Valley who came to me as our community is going through an unprecedented difficult time and thought it would be important to connect with other Members of the legislature by carrying this bill forward.

And I think the Member from Los Angeles is absolutely true right. That this should be an issue that unites us. It is very straightforward.

It is simply reminding all of us in a workplace environment not to use hate. And that's really all it does. And with that, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. All those vote who desire to vote. The clerk will close the roll and tally the vote.

Ayes, 50. Noes, 9. The measure passes. We'll pass and retain on items 50 through 56. Item 57, ACR 159 by Assembly Member Kalra. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 159 by Assemblymember Kalra relative to indigent defense.

Assemblymember Kalra, you're recognized.

Thank you, Madam Speaker, and welcome back. I rise to present ACR 159, which declares the importance of indigent defense to due process, equal justice, and democratic governance, and recognizes the critical role of public defenders in protecting constitutional rights.

In 1963, the United States Supreme Court unanimously decided in Gideon v Wainwright that the sixth and fourteenth amendments of The United States constitution guarantee the right to counsel for criminal defendants who cannot afford an attorney.

Public defenders play a critical role in fulfilling this obligation. And in doing so, preserve due process, protect the constitutional rights for not just their clients, but for everyone.

However, the right to counsel cannot be satisfied by the mere appointment of counsel if public defense attorneys are without adequate time and resources. The fact is that California is facing an escalating recruitment and retention crisis in public defense.

This comes at precisely the moment when workloads are increasing beyond ethical limits and the constitutional stakes are higher than ever. Without intervention, these pressures will continue to hollow out indigent defense systems that leave offices without with vacancies they cannot fill,

increase attorney turnover, and delay case resolution. In light of this crisis, ACR 159 affirms the fundamental importance of public defenders to due process and calls for more statewide support for indigent defense, particularly to address chronic underfunding and recruitment issues.

As a former deputy public defender of eleven years, I have seen the impact of indigent defense firsthand and the critical role of public defenders in protecting the constitutional rights of everyone, especially at a time when those rights are repeatedly being attacked.

Now more than ever, we must strengthen our indigent defense system and resolve the disparity in resources that undermines the integrity of our criminal legal system.

California has had a long standing commitment to the principle that justice must not depend on wealth, status, or access to private resources.

And it is time we act on not just this constitutional obligation, but our moral responsibility to ensure that public defender offices are adequately funded, appropriately staffed, and capable of providing effective representation. Respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 159.

Thank you, Assemblymember Kalra. Assemblymember, do you wish for the first roll to be open for co authors? Thank you. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors.

All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. The clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 59 co authors added without objection.

We'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, no. The Ayes have it. The resolution is adopted.

Assemblymember Kalra, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'm truly honored to introduce chief public defenders from 18 different counties who are joining us today as we recognize the importance of indigent defense.

With us today in the rear of the chamber are Alameda County chief public defender, Brendan Woods, Los Angeles County chief public defender, Ricardo Garcia, Sacramento County chief public defender, Amanda Benson, San Francisco City and County chief public defender, Mano Raju.

Santa Cruz County chief public defender, Heather Rogers, and a former colleague of mine and my home county, Santa Clara County chief public defender Damon Silver.

And in the gallery, if you look to my left, we have Contra Costa County chief public defender Ellen McDonnell, El Dorado County chief public defender Terry Monterosso, El Dorado County chief alternate public defender Elvira Lua, Humboldt County chief public defender Luke Brownfield.

Marin County chief public defender David Joseph Sutton, Napa County chief public defender Kristen Keeley, San Joaquin County chief public defender Judianne Bellato, San Mateo County chief of private defender program, Lisa McGuire. Shasta County chief public defender, Ashley Jones.

Siskiyou County chief public defender, Lael Capetz. Stanislaus County chief public defender, Jennifer Jenison, and YOLO County chief public defender, Tracy Olsen. Please join me in welcoming these incredible public servants to the California State Assembly.

Okay. Members, we are going to continue on. We are gonna pass through and take on file items 58, 59, and 60. That brings us to file item 61, AB 2128 by Assembly member Haney. The clerk will read.

Assembly bill 2128 by Assembly member Haney and others, an act relating to housing.

Assembly member Haney, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Members, AB 2128 will protect tenants in public and federally subsidized housing from losing their homes due to ineffective work requirements or arbitrary time limits. For decades, federal housing assistance has been based on need, not on whether someone can meet rigid work mandates or arbitrary deadlines. Proposed changes from the Federal Government upend that foundation and put more than 1,000,000 Californians who rely on HUD assistance at risk of losing their homes.

Even though the policies from the Federal Government are being framed as optional, housing providers will face pressure to adopt them, putting vulnerable Californians at greater risk of eviction and homelessness.

AB 2028 will ensure that does not happen in California at a time when only when one in four eligible households receive federal housing assistance. We should not be creating new barriers for those who already have it. AB 2128 is about protecting housing stability and preventing unnecessary displacement, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Haney. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes, ayes 44, no 16. The measure passes. And do another guest introduction now. Assembly member Ortega, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, speaker and members. I am honored to welcome Sean Fain, president of the United Auto Workers to the California State Assembly today. Sean is a fearless and steadfast fighter for the working class. Elected president of UAW in 2023, president Fain led a historic stand up strike against the big three US automakers in which a 150,000 UAW members won back many of the gains they had lost during the great recession, including good raises, faster career progression, and the rights to organize electric vehicle battery plants.

Under President Fain's leadership, UAW continues to organize auto workers and expand the ranks of their historic union.

Sean's determination and innovative strategy have empowered tens of thousands of workers to hold the multibillion dollar corporations they work for accountable. President Fain, thank you for your dedication to fighting the good fight and strengthening the American working class. And many thanks as well to Mike Miller, director of UAW region six, who is with him here in the back of the chamber. Members, please join me in welcoming UAW international president, Sean Fain, and Mike Miller, director of UAW, to the floor.

Okay, members. While that photography is taking place, we are going to recognize our majority leader for her guest introduction.

Good afternoon. Mister speaker members, I'm honored to recognize our California Women in Agriculture in the gallery today. California Women Agriculture is the state's most active volunteer agricultural organization. They're dedicated to promoting and educating the public about California's agriculture industry. Founded in 19,000 members, including farmers, ranchers, bankers, and professionals across 20 plus chapters to support the industry's economic sustainability.

They are here in Sacramento for their statewide legislative days event, advocating for a strong, sustainable and profitable agricultural industry in California. Let's welcome them to the California State Assembly.

Okay. Welcome. We're gonna pass through intent on file item 62. That brings us to file item 63. That's AB 2576 by Assemblymember Harabedian.

The clerk will read.

Assembly bill 2576 by Assemblymember Harbidian, an act relating to land use.

Assemblymember Harabedian, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. This is a simple SB 79 cleanup bill to protect historic resources. It has a support support recommendation. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Harabedian. All debate having ceased clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes, Aye 61, no zero. The measure passes by item 64, that's AB 2601 by Assemblymember Lee. The clerk will read.

Assembly bill 2601 by Assemblymember Lee, an act relating to land use.

Assemblymember Lee, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I rise to present AB 2601, which allows housing developers to apply for concurrent review of projects that involve specific streamline projects and lot splitting. Allowing concurrent review of parcel map splits and these housing projects can create efficiency in the development of new housing units. That efficiency can make project financing more certain, projects deliver faster, all to benefit of providing more homes for more people. Respectfully ask your aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember Lee. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the vote. Excuse me. Excuse me. Excuse me, madam clerk. All members vote who desire to vote.

Somebody member Lee has moved the call. File item number 65, that's AB 2764 by Assemblymember Ahrens. Clerk will read.

Assembly bill 2764 by Assemblymember Ahrens, an act relating to Foster Care.

Assembly member Ahrens, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, colleagues. I rise today to present AB 2764, which will ensure the eligibility for extended foster care programs and how they may not be denied or terminated due to education or employment requirements that exceed those specified in state law. Under current state law, youth are eligible for extended foster care if they meet one of five participation conditions.

However, certain counties, caseworkers, and judges have created requirements for extended foster care, which exceed those specified in state law, including mandated full time productivity, which entails thirty two hours of work or school per week. By ensuring that county eligibility requirements for extended foster care remain consistent with statewide standards, AB 2764 will reduce confusion and prevent vulnerable individuals from losing access to housing for questionable reasons. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Ahrens. Assemblymember Bryan, you were recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and colleagues. I think anytime our colleague from Silicon Valley brings up bill on foster care, we should all vote for it, and I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Assemblymember Bryan. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzales, you were recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. I'll be I rise on behalf of AB 2764. Thoughtful bill. Yes. We need consistency across the board. So with that, I rise in support.

Thank you. Assembly member Gonzales. All debate having ceased excuse me. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly member Ahrens, do you wish to close?

Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Assemblymember. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. Ayes, 60. Nos, zero. The measure passes. We're gonna pass and retain on file item 66.

File item 67, that's ACR 179 by leader Flora. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 179 by Assembly member Flora relative to wildland urban interface preparedness and resilience day.

Leader Flora, you are recognized. What?

Thank you, mister speaker. Colleagues, I rise to ACR 179 recognizing May 1 as Wildland Urban Interface Preparedness and Resilience Day. As California continues to face devastating wildfires, it is clear that fire is no longer a seasonal, but rather a year long reality. The wild land urban interface is where homes and communities meet fire prone fire prone wildlands, creating significant risk of rapid fire spread and catastrophic loss. Today, there are three.

One in three Californians live in high risk areas making preparedness and resilience important now more than ever. ACR 179 aims to re rise public awareness and promote coordinating efforts to protect lives, property, and natural resources. And I respect your respect lives for I vote. And the first rule will be open for co authors.

Thank you. Assembly member. Assembly member Hadwick, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. Today, I rise in support of ACR 179 brought forward by my colleague from Rippin. This resolution recognizes the real danger facing countless communities and the need for residents to mitigate countless communities and the need for residents to mitigate risks at their home. We should be honest about how we got here. California has not been managing our forests for decades.

We stopped doing any kind of active common sense stewardship that keeps forests healthy and communities safe. We restricted timber harvest, closed mills, made it impossible to do California do business in California. We've shut down the timber industry. We've neglected thinning, grazing, and fire prevention, and we let fuel loads build build up. Rural Californians have been paying the price for years.

The Dixie, the Caldor Fire, the Park Fire, the Carr Fire, and the list goes on and on. All of these have resulted in higher insurance premiums, higher utility bills, and devastations to my communities. Now, all Californians are paying the price for the risk we have ignored far too long. It doesn't have to be this way. We could allow districts like mine to build bills, bioenergy facilities, and wood product factories to thin our forests, produce clean energy, and provide home building materials.

Thinning and reducing fuel load will protect the environment, prevent an ignition, and reduce the spread of intensity of wildfire. This will reduce insurance premiums, lower utility bills, and wood byproducts can create cheap energy and cheap homes for all Californians. We could take control of our economic future and help all of California members. It's important to encourage communities to do their part to reduce wildfire risk, but this state and this body have their part too.

I ask you to help me realize this future for my district and all of California. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 179.

Thank you. Assemblymember Hadwick. Seeing and hearing no further debate, leader Flora, do you wish to close?

Just respectfully. First, I'll be open for co authors.

Thank you, assembly member. All debate having ceased, Clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 65 co authors added. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say aye.

Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Leader Flora, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, mister speaker. It's my honor to present three guests at the back of the chamber who I actually consider personal friends as well. Tim Edwards, the president of both CAL FIRE Local twenty eight eighty one, as well as the fire or the Wildland Conservancy. Doctor Matt Rom, the director or research director of the Wildfire Conservancy. And Morgan Gray, the is the strategic communications director for wildland for Wildfire Conservancy.

Thanks you both for being here, all three of you, and just, appreciate your service. Thank you very much.

Okay. Members, continuing on, we're gonna pass and retain on file item 68. File item 69, that's ACR 183 by doctor Sharp Collins. The clerk will read.

Assembly concurrent solution one eighty three by Assembly member Sharp Collins relative to Black Health Equity Advocacy Week.

Doctor Sharp Collins, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and members. Today, I rise to present ACR 183 and to begin an important and necessary dialogue. A dialogue on black health in California and how we have been neglected throughout the state. Black California's health hasn't been prioritized nor have we had access to the necessary resources to curb health care inequities. We have been failed by systems that were never designed with our well-being in mind.

This isn't just anecdotal. Because when we talk about black health, we are talking about policy decisions. We're talking about generations of of purposeful neglect at worst and oblivious at best. We're talking about communities forced to fight for access to the most basic human right, the right to live healthy and dignified lives. And the evidence is undeniable.

Black Californians have the shortest life expectancy of any racial group in our state, living on average five years less than the statewide average. Black Californians have the highest prevalence of diabetes at sixteen percent. Black men are forty four percent more likely than white men to be diagnosed with prostate cancer and twice as likely to die from it. Black infants are nearly three times more likely to die before the first birthday than white infants.

Black women are more actually, three times more likely to die in childbirth than white birthing mothers regardless of income level.

These are not isolated stats. Just this past year in June, my own father was misdiagnosed. He was told that he had muscle spasms and was given pain medication and muscle relaxers. All the while, he had blood clots, multiple blood clots in both lungs, and he was told that if he did not get to the hospital when he did, my father was dead. And just this past week, we're gonna talk about celebrities.

Actor Samuel Monroe junior was misdiagnosed for eight months. He's on life support. Now he's off life support. Actress Halle Berry, she was diagnosed with the wrong stage of diabetes. She they was told her she had stage one, but ended up being stage two.

Just recently, actress Tatiana Ali, she talked about the birth of her son and how her son was pushed back in. And as a result of what happened, he suffered complications and it had to be held in ICU, including her. And then there was Serena Williams who experienced a near fatal pulmonary in embolism, which was overlooked by staff who suggested that her pain medication was the cause causing confusion despite her history with blood clots.

I'm sharing this with you because these are celebrities, people who have the financial means. So imagine what happens to those who do not have the financial means.

These are the consequences of generations of disparities in health access, environmental justice, maternal health care, economic opportunity, and systemic racism. And while we are still fighting to close these gaps, we are now facing federal action that threatened to widen them even further. The passage of HR 1 and the implementation of it is its burdensome work requirements and six month medical redetermination will put health care further out of reach for vulnerable communities. 20% of medical recipients are black Californians. These policies will not create healthier communities.

They will create more barriers and more preventable suffering. This week is not symbolic. This week for me and for all of us here and for the black caucus, it is a call to action. It is a declaration that black health must no longer be treated as an afterthought in the richest state in this nation. It is a demand that we comfort these disparities with investment and accountability.

Because behind every member is a family. Actually, behind every number is a family. A mother, a child, a life was cut short. And California cannot claim to lead on equity while the black community continue to experience some of the worst health outcomes in this state. So this is why today I'm honored to present ACR 183, asserting May 4 through May 8 as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus.

The story of black health equity in California is still being written. And today, through this resolution, through our votes on health bills and our budget our budget decisions, we have the opportunity to decide how history will judge us. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, doctor Sharp Collins. Assembly member Wilson, you are recognized.

Good afternoon, mister speaker and colleagues. I rise today on in support of ACR 183, and I appreciate my colleague from San Diego for introducing this important resolution. My comments today are on behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus to recognize this Concurrent Resolution which formally proclaims May 4 through 05/08/2026 and every week of May thereafter as black health equity advocacy week. Health equity and access look different for everyone, and it does not have the same impact across all communities.

The life expectancy at birth for black Californians is 76 years of age, five years shorter than the state average, and the lowest life expectancy of all racial and ethnic groups.

The facts don't stop there. When considering birth, black people in California are six times more likely to die from pregnancy related complications and experience higher rates of prenatal depressive symptoms, including lower use of first partum counseling treatments and services compared to their white counterparts. As a mother and grandmother, these inequities hit way too close to home. These numbers aren't just numbers. They are startling statistics that showcase the strong disproportionate gaps in our health system.

Inequities inequalities in health care often result in preventable physical death and require active direct action to correct. Doctor Martin Luther King Junior said of all the forms of inequality, injustice and health is the most shocking and inhumane. ACR 183 is one piece of the larger puzzle that sheds light on the continued work that needs to be done in order to advance black health equity across the golden state.

On behalf of the Legislative Women Caucus, we strongly urge an aye vote on ACR 183.

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

Thank you, mister speaker. On behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I rise in strong support of ACR 183, which rightfully shines a light to the health disparities and shorter life expectancies that have for far too long plagued black Californians. While these statistics are revealing, they're also a result of systemic failures in our discriminatory socioeconomic policies and health care system decades in the making. We also know black Californians experience higher rates of poverty and as a result are also experiencing greater medical debt.

In fact, fifty three percent of black Californians reported having medical debt compared to thirty eight percent of the overall population.

Let's use Black Health Equity Advocacy Week to not only confront these worsening disparities of Black Californians, but also as a call to action to push for real systemic changes and break down barriers in our health care so that all Californians can live a healthful life in the Golden State and black Californians can start to receive the care and respect they deserve. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 183.

Thank you. Assemblymember Kalra. Assemblymember Mark Gonzales, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker. On behalf of Latino caucus, it's my pleasure to rise in support of ACR 183, which recognizes 05/04/2026 through 05/08/2026 as Black Health Equity Advocacy Week. This resolution about raising awareness to the inequities of black Californians their health care represents a call to action for all of us to find solutions that will save lives. Black Californians face shorter life expectancy, higher cancer death rates, and significantly higher risk during pregnancy.

These outcomes are reflective of long standing discriminatory barriers that have led to worse access to care and underinvestment in black communities.

ACR 183 uplifts these realities and creates space for all of us to move on this issue on meaningful ways. I would like to thank my sister from San Diego for bringing this resolution forward. And on behalf of Latino caucus, know that we strongly support any and all efforts improving health outcomes for black Californians. I respectfully join you in asking for an aye vote.

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

Thank you very much, mister speaker. On behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus in support of ACR 183. This resolution calls our attention to a stark and unacceptable reality in California and across our nation. Black residents have some of the lowest life expectancy rates along with our Native American brothers and sisters and some of the poorest health outcomes of any racial or ethnic group. That disparity is not acceptable.

It is the result of long standing structural inequities that continue to shape health outcomes across our state. Black Californians face higher death rates from major cancers, higher rates of serious psychological distress, and devastating disparities in maternal health. These are not just the statistics. They are lives cut short, families left devastated, and communities burdened with the weight of preventable loss.

At its core, this resolution is about a fundamental principle of ensuring that every person can access the highest quality of health care free from discrimination, bias, or barriers.

Because health care is not a privilege, it is a basic human right. No one's health outcome should be determined by their race, their zip code, their income, or who they are. Health equity means more than access.

It means access to culturally competent, affirming care that treats every individual with dignity and respect, as well as recognizing that no algorithm or one size fits all model can replace individualized patient centered care, especially when many of these tools were developed without the unique health needs of black communities in mind. Black health equity advocacy, we create space for communities, advocates, and leaders to come together to mobilize, strategize, and push for meaningful systemic change.

As members of the LGBTQ caucus, we know that the discrimination in health care is not theoretical. It is real, and it has consequences. That is why this resolution and the work behind it and the work behind it matters so deeply. Because the fight for health equity is inseparable from the fight to ensure that every person can seek care without fear, stigma, or discrimination.

On behalf of the LGBTQ caucus, I'm proud to stand alongside my colleague from San Diego in bringing forward this important resolution and recommitting ourselves to building a health care system that truly serves every individual. Respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 183.

Thank you, doctor Jackson. Hearing no further debate, doctor Sharp Collins, do you wish to close?

Yes. I do. Thank you. Thank you to my colleagues for rising to speak in support of ACR 183. So many black Californians have been treated unfairly when it comes down to our health.

I think about my daughter who it took over three years to diagnose her from the time she was three months old with a condition. If I did not advocate for her, she probably would not be here to this very day. When you think about the training that is given to our doctors and the type of cadavers that they use, they don't look like me. That body doesn't look like mine or nor does it look like a black man.

It makes it difficult for folks to understand the dynamics of our bodies.

Because as my colleagues have said, there's no one size fit our motto approach. This resolution to me is a reminder that black lives truly matter. When we look at health equity, I need folks to understand that health equity is achieved when everyone has a fair and just opportunity to be healthy, removing obstacles like poverty and also racism. I'm a daughter of parents who were both diagnosed with cancer three months apart from each other. My mother had it twice.

Actually three times. And it took a it took a while for that diagnosis on that third one to come. By listening to my story and hearing all of the data that was spilled out today, I truly hope that you understand that's how important that my life is, our black California lives is, but at the same time, all of our lives.

It's important that we are treated fair, equally, and as we've been continuously saying through our progressive themes, not just surviving, we're doing everything we can to thrive in this country. With that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote and ask that the first rule be left open for co authors. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor Sharp Collins. All debate having ceased, the clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co authors.

All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 68 co authors added without objection. We'll take a voice vote on the resolution.

All those in favor, say aye. Aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. Resolution is adopted.

File item number 70. That's HR 92 by assembly member Carrillo. Excuse me. We have already dispensed with file item number 70. Happy Cinco De Mayo Week.

However, we have not dispensed with file item number 71. Assemblymember Alanis, that's HR 101 by assemblymember Alanis. The clerk will read.

House Resolution 101 by Assembly member Alanis relative to Star Wars Day.

Assembly member Alanis, may the fourth be with you.

May the fourth be with you, mister speaker and members. I rise today to present HR 101 recognizing 05/04/2026 as Star Wars Day in California. What began as the imagination of George Lucas, a Modesto native from my district, has grown into one of the most influential storytelling legacies in modern history. From the Central Valley to all corners of the globe, Star Wars has become a global cultural force, one that continues to shape film, technology, and the stories we tell.

The original film, Star Wars, A New Hope, did more than entertain. It fundamentally changed the film industry. Innovations from industry, light magic, and Skywalker sound helped establish the modern standards for visual effects and sounds and design that we still rely on today. Since then, the franchise has grown into a global phenomenon with an economic impact exceeding 70,000,000,000, reaching audiences in nearly every corner of the world. It has introduced generations to timeless themes, responsibility responsibility, resilience, and the ongoing struggles between good and evil.

And while the technology and scale are impressive, what truly sets Star Wars apart is its ability to bring people together across generations, across backgrounds, and across communities.

It remains a sharp shared experience, one that continues to evolve through new stories like the Mandalorian and Grogu. Right here. Members, in a world that can often feel divided, Star Wars reminds us that there is still value in a common story. One that encourages us to choose the light, to stand up for others, and when necessary, to resist the pull of the dark side. So today, on May 4, we recognize more than a film franchise.

We recognize a California success story. A driver of innovation, and a cultural touch touchstone that continues to unite people around the world. In other words, Star Wars uniquely is California. Members, please join me in supporting HR 101 Star Wars Day 2026, and I ask for your aye vote. May the fourth be with you.

May the fourth be with you. Assemblymember Quirk Silva, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and members. I rise today in proud support of HR 101 recognizing Star Wars Day in California. As the member of the 67th District, I'm especially proud to represent the home of Disneyland Resort where Star Wars Galaxy Edge has become a world renowned destination for visitors from across California and beyond. In my district, we see firsthand how storytelling, imagination, and innovation can inspire generations. Star Wars is more than an entertainment movie collection.

It's a cultural phenomena that has encouraged creativity, hope, and the belief that ordinary individuals can make an extraordinary difference. From iconic characters and unforgettable stories to groundbreaking technology and tourism. Star Wars continues to have a lasting impact on our economy, arts, and communities. Disneyland Star Wars Galaxy Edge has also strengthened California's tourism, California creating jobs, and drawing millions of visitors to our state. This resolution recognizes not only an iconic franchise, but also the power of creativity and innovation that California proudly helps bring to life.

Who can forget these memorable quotes? You can answer quietly by yourself. Rebellions are built on hope. Never tell me the odds. I find your lack of faith disturbing. Once you still start down the dark path forever, will it dominate your destiny. May the force be with all of you.

Thank you, Assemblymember Quirk Silva. Assemblymember Patel, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister speaker and esteemed colleagues. I rise today in support of HR 101 to recognize May 4. While widely known as Star Wars day, this date offers a unique opportunity to celebrate how modern storytelling can honor ancient spiritual traditions. Also, we are in a API heritage month, so I'll focus my comments on the intersection of Star Wars and ancient texts from the lands now part of India.

In creating a Star Wars universe, George Lucas consciously set out to recreate myths and classic motifs to address contemporary issues.

His vision was profoundly shaped by the mythologist Joseph Campbell, whose understanding of the hero's journey was itself sparked in 1924 by a meeting with Hindu philosopher Jiddu Krishnamurti, who introduced him to Eastern mysticism and the sacred texts of India. The Star Wars universe offers a new way of telling these old myths.

Its narrative its narratives are mirrored in the Ramayana, where a young hero, Luke Skywalker, the Ramayana's prince Rama, embarks on a quest to rescue a princess, Leia or Sita, from a warlord endowed with superhuman powers, Darth Vader or Ravana. Rama is aided in this quest by the mighty Hanuman, a devoted warrior of immense strength and unwavering loyalty. And it's difficult not to see his echo in Chewbacca, Han Solo's towering and ferociously devoted companion.

Luke's internal struggle equally echoes from the Mahabharata just as the divine Krishna guided warrior Arjuna through the doubt on the battlefield, mentors like Obi wan Kenobi guide Luke past unbelief and toward trust in a power greater than himself. At the center of this universe is the force. A concept that mirrors the Brahman, the all pervasive reality that Hindu traditions teach is the source of all power. The character's journey involves stripping away Maya, the illusion that prevents us from from perceiving true reality.

We see this most clearly in Yoda, whom George Lucas himself said he modeled on the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

As a higher priest of the force, yoga teaches that we do not come from crude matter, but are defined by the spiritual spark within. A direct echo of the Bhagavad Gita, which describes the soul as an indestructible light that illuminates the body. Mister speaker, by recognizing May 4, we honor a story that tells an old myth in a new way by reminding us of our shared obligation to one another and our place within a greater whole.

On a personal note, this cultural resonance made Star Wars a beloved fixture of my childhood and my family. As an immigrant family seeking to bridge our roots with the storytelling of our new home, this saga offered a familiar language of Dharma, heroism, and spirit, and made us feel at home in a galaxy far, far away.

Colleagues, I urge you to support this resolution and may the force be with you. Thank you.

Thank you, doctor Patel. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Alanis, do you wish to close?

Thank you, mister speaker. Thank you to my colleagues for supporting this We were pretty involved with Star Wars here in in the capital when it comes to my office. To get a history lesson out of it, as well as it's great to hear as well. Day because it brings us away from everything else. We just get to be kids again in a sense, and get away from the debates and everything else that we usually do.