Senate Floor

Secretary will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

A quorum is present. Would the members and our guests beyond the rail and in the gallery please rise? We will be led in prayer this morning by Senator Archuleta, after which please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the flag. Senator Archuleta, you are recognized for the prayer.

Thank you, mister president. Members, for expanding the grandeur of creation. We give thanks this day. For the fragile planet, our planet Earth, we give thanks this day. For the joy of human life, it wonders and surprises, we give thanks this day.

For our human community, our oneness transcending all separation, we give thanks this day. And we pray for faith without feminism, for understanding of views not shared. We pray for all who labor and suffer for a fair world. We pray that we live not by fears, but by hopes, not by words, but by our deeds. And also, let us pray for our mothers and grandmothers on this Mother's Day. Amen.

Amen. Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance to the flag of The United States Of America, and pledge Members, we do have business today, so please make it to your desk. If you have conversations, please take them off the floor. Members, without objection, we will move to assembly third reading to take up file item 97, assembly bill one zero eight. Secretary, please read.

Assembly bill 108 by Assembly member Gabriel, an act relating to the state budget and making an appropriation therefore to take effect immediately. Budget bill.

Senator Laird, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, mister president. And if I could have everybody's attention I know it's hard, but if I could have everybody's attention. AB108 is a budget bill junior that amends that amends the budget act to provide funding for severely distressed hospitals. We are considering this first because the assembly is waiting for immediate transmittal. If you're in my earshot, you're not in the floor yet, get here.

And so what this bill does is establishes a one time 25,000,000 grant program at the Department of Healthcare Access and Information, otherwise known as HCAI, to support grants to hospitals in immediate and significant financial distress. Eligible non profit or public hospitals must have less than ten days cash on hand, exhausted other financial options, and have more than 50% of patients on public programs In short, hospitals that can't make it to July 1 without the action that is in this bill.

The program will provide a critical lifeline. Keeping struggling hospitals open and helping them transition is essential to maintaining access to health care in our communities. This bill should be viewed as a down payment on what we expect to be a broader effort as part of the budget that begins July 1.

And it's been suggested in the letter by the Senate Republicans that we should pay attention to distressed hospitals. In the Senate Democratic plan, there is a line item for distressed hospitals after July 1. I wanna thank the governor and the Department of Finance for stepping up and responding to the legislature on this critical issue. This is a complicated issue, and the long hours that the staff of the Department of Finance put into this bill are very much appreciated.

This bill also includes a technical fix to ensure all seniors or disabled citizens who meet program eligibility are able to participate in the property tax postponement program in the current budget year.

This bill passed out of the budget committee 18 to zero. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Jones, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister president. I rise in support of AB 108, and, happy to vote for this today. But I think, throughout this year, this body is gonna have to get serious about the underlying challenges for the hospitals that got us to this point and, start solving those issues as well. I ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no other mics up for discussion or debate, Senator Laird, would you like to close?

I appreciate the comments of of leader Jones, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll call]

Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll call]

Aye 36. Noes zero. The measure passes with immediate transmittal.

I was gonna request immediate transmittal, so thank you very much, Mister President.

Thank you, Senator Laird, for that request. Immediate transmittal is granted, and we are moving back members to privileges of the floor. And I see no mics up. Messages from the governor will be deemed read. Messages from the assembly will be deemed read.

Reports of committees will be deemed read, and amendments Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted. Motions, resolutions, and notices. Again, no mics up on the floor. Members, we're moving to consideration of the daily file. Before us is item number 54, SCR162.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 162 by Senator Umberg, relative to CASA Appreciation Day.

Senator Umberg, you are recognized from the Majority Leader's Desk.

Well, thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I'm privileged and honored today to recognize May 7 as CASA Appreciation Day. CASA stands for Court Appointed Special Advocates. They're an important part of our child welfare system. They're community volunteers who are screened, well trained, and supported by staff at local CASA programs.

A CASA volunteer is assigned by a juvenile court judge to a foster child. Working one on one, they get to know the child, become familiar with their families and caregivers, review official records, interview anyone with information about the child, and ultimately provide powerful in-depth recommendations to judges about the child's best interest.

Most important to the child, a CASA is by their side during traumatic, chaotic, challenging, and often difficult times. A CASA volunteer is the only consistent adult in a foster child's life. Perhaps the most powerful thing a CASA does for a child for a foster child is to simply listen, encourage, and reassure.

In 2025, over 7,000 CASA volunteers supported nearly 11,000 young people in the dependency system. CASA volunteers contributed nearly 400,000 hours. The CASA network includes about 500 staff members employed by CASA programs statewide, and another approximately 500 local CASA program board members.

Every single day, local CASA programs and CASA volunteers provide effective and compassionate advocacy. CASA volunteers provide immeasurable support to our young people. It is an incredibly smart investment in an organization that is a force multiplier. And so, with that, I would urge an aye vote on SCR 162.

Thank you, Senators. Seeing no mics up for discussion or debate, this item is eligible for unanimous roll call. Without objection. Seeing no objection, ayes 36, noes zero. The resolution is adopted. And we will move back to privileges of the floor. Senator Umberg, you have guests with you today.

I do. We're privileged to have CASA volunteers as well as those who are engaged in the leadership of CASA here with us. And I would ask that you join me in recognizing them. In the back of the chamber is Vince Hall. Some of you may know Vince from his service in a prior administration, chief executive officer of the California CASA Association.

Marie Kennedy, chair, California CASA board of directors. Thank you. Kathryn Mathews, chief program officer. Erika Pedersen, chief growth and development officer. Jenny Leon, chief program officer, and Todd Smith, board member, and most importantly, a partner at Umberg Zipser LLP.

In the gallery, there are additional representatives from Orange County and nearby CASA programs, including Sacramento, Placer, and Yolo County CASA programs. And so, colleagues, I ask you join me in welcoming and congratulating them for their very fine work. Thank you.

Any other Members wish to join for the photo? This would be the appropriate time. Alright. Members, continuing with business on the daily file, we'll proceed to item 56 by Senator Grayson. Secretary... Alright. I'll ask our Members and guests to please take their conversations out of the chambers. Members, we're now gonna proceed to item 56 by Senator Grayson. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 165 by Senator Grayson, relative to California Wildfire Preparedness Week.

Senator Grayson, you're recognized.

Thank you, mister president. I am pleased to present SCR165, which proclaims the week of May 3 through May 9 as wildfire preparedness week. In the last decade, California has experienced some of the largest, most devastating wildfires in our state's history. The reality is that we are no longer dealing with fire seasons, but year round fire wildfire risk.

As legislators, we have a responsibility as a state to craft smart, science backed policies to bolster mitigation efforts, assist affected communities, support our firefighters, and work to overall reduce our wildfire risk.

And collectively, as individuals, we each have a responsibility to promote and practice wildfire safety. Residents, businesses, community organizations, local governments, fire agencies, and land management partners each play a vital role in strengthening community resilience and reducing wildfire impacts. Measures such as creating and maintaining defensible space, reducing hazardous vegetation, and hardening homes improve firefighters' ability to safely defend structures, slow fire spread, and reduce wildfire intensity as they move through our communities.

At home, we each have a responsibility to get ready, stay informed, and help protect our loved ones' properties and communities. This means making an evacuee evacuation plan, preparing emergency kits, hardening our homes, and staying informed through local alerts.

This proactive planning can give individuals and families the time, the clarity, and confidence needed to evacuate early and safely when wildfires threaten. Wildfire preparedness is especially important in the East Bay Area, which is among among the most wildfire prone regions in California. In January, January 25, analysis identified Moraga and Orinda, both within my district, District S D 9, as the most at risk cities in the Bay Area for an urban firestorm similar to the tragic fires that ravaged Pacific Palisades.

In response to this high fire risk, last year I worked to establish the East Bay Regional Wildfire Task Force, which is singularly focused on reducing risk of and preparing for wildfire. Preparing and responding to wildfire will require all of us to act, and SCR 165 provides an important opportunity to raise awareness about wildfire preparedness and encourage our communities and its members to take steps to prepare for wildfire season and to help prevent loss of life and homes.

With that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Arreguin.

Thank you, mister president. I wanna thank my colleague, the Senator from Concord, who represents the other side of the East Bay Ridgeline, for bringing this important resolution forward. As a representative of the other side of the hill, representing West Contra Costa County, we have many communities that are along the East Bay Hills. This is extremely important. Colleagues, we know that our year last year started with the catastrophic wildfires that ravaged Los Angeles.

And that really focused our work in the legislature around fraud prevention, including an unprecedented investment through Prop four and through our general fund in increasing funding for vegetation management fuel reduction, making our cow fire crews year round. And we know that despite that, the risks that our communities face throughout the state is significant. This can't be done just by the state alone. It requires partnerships with local communities, and that's why this resolution is so important recognizing that everyone has a role to play.

And I wanna lift up the work that's being done in the East Bay, both sides of the hill in creating, fire wise communities, and cities are taking proactive steps to implement their own zone zero policies.

And it's important that we not only recognize and honor this work, but that we reaffirm our commitment to keep California safe. I respectfully ask for a nigh vote.

Seeing no other senators wishing to be recognized. Senator Grayson, you may close.

Thank you. I wanna thank my colleague from Berkeley as well as all my colleagues from the East Bay area for their strong partnership and the local, municipalities and government special districts for their partnership as well. I respectfully ask for a nigh vote.

I'll debate having seat secretary please call the roll.

[Roll call]

Senator Grayson, you're recognized at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, mister president. I have with me some guests today from the East Bay Wildfire Regional Task Force.

We have Latika Makani, council member of city from the city of Orinda, deputy chief Joe Bradley from San Ramon Valley Fire Protection District, James a Conley, emergency services coordinator for Lafayette Police, Jennifer Allen from Contra Costa Water District, Ernie Avila, board president of Contra Costa Water, Joe Ray, deputy chief of staff for the office of supervisor Candace Anderson, Carahili, Haley, assistant fire chief of the East Bay Regional Park District, and deputy fire marshal Steve Albert from Contra Costa, County Fire Protection District.

They are all partners on the task force. Welcome.

Alright. Welcome to center integration's guests.

Alright. Welcome to center integration's guests.

Alright. Returning to business on the daily file, we're gonna proceed to item 13. Senator Blakespear is ready. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 84 by Senator Blakespear relative to California Rail Month.

Members, please take your conversations to the rear of the chambers or out of chamber. Senator Blakespear, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr President and colleagues. I rise today as author of SCR 84, which proclaims the month of May as California Rail Month.

Rail is a critical component of California's transportation system, moving millions of people and billions of dollars of goods across the state each year.

You cannot write the history of California without understanding the important role that rail has played in its development and growth from statehood through today.

In many ways, rail reflects the California spirit of innovation, resilience, and progress that has defined our state.

Rail, however, is not just a relic of California's past. It remains absolutely vital today and essential to our future as we work toward meeting climate goals and ensuring people have options at getting around.

But the truth is after years of sustained growth in ridership and services, our statewide passenger rail network is is at an inflection point. Many rail operators face a very uncertain future.

Ridership hasn't fully recovered from the pandemic, travel patterns are changing, and now the finances are so bleak that many agencies are making cuts to service and staring at the possibility of financial insolvency.

We need to respond to these big challenges and find a way for operators to succeed. The future of a world class rail network in California relies on our collective action. Rail can and should remain a cornerstone of mobility for all.

We are making historic investments to state supported inner city rail services including the Pacific Surfliner, Capitol Corridor and Goldrunner. And regional achievements like the electrification of Caltrain services in the Bay Area show us what progress can look like.

The California State Rail Plan establishes a long term vision for passenger and freight rail services across the state. It recognizes the urgency of developing a rail network by 2050 that is zero emission, provides reliable and frequent service,

and is integrated as part of a multimodal transportation ecosystem. The plan envisions a North Store star goal of a statewide rail network moving nearly 200,000,000 daily passenger miles, significantly reducing traffic and vehicle emissions.

We have to stay on course here, stick to the plan, and commit to meeting this goal. We know the history.

We know what rail has already done for California. Rail operators may be struggling right now, but we must step up and turn rail into the success we know it can be.

In my role as Chair of the of the subcommittee on low sand rail corridor resiliency, I'm sometimes asked if we can create a statewide vision for passenger rail that rivals the Northeast Corridor, and I say absolutely yes, we can. We have not finished writing the history of rail in California.

The best is yet to come, and I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up for discussion or debate. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call

Senator Blakespear moves the call. We will move on to item 26, SCR 153. Item 26, SCR 153. Senator Grove Senator Jones will be presenting on behalf of Senator Grove. Item 26, secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 153 by Senator Grove, but it's a national day of prayer.

Senator Jones, you're recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and Members, and, thank you for the honor and privilege for presenting for Senator Grove this morning. I rise today in recognition of the national day of prayer.

The National Day of Prayer observed each year on the May is a reminder that Americans have long turned to God for guidance in times of both challenge and opportunity.

Here in California, our faith communities play a vital role in supporting families, caring for the vulnerable, and fostering hope across the state.

Regardless of the political or policy debates we engage in on this floor, we must continue to seek wisdom and guidance as we work to serve the people of California.

The National Day of Prayer is an opportunity to pray for those in positions of leadership and public trust, and they may be guided by wisdom, humility, and the commitment to serve.

This is a moment for all Californians to pause, reflect, and seek God's direction for the future of our state and nation. On behalf of myself and Senator Grove, I ask for an Aye vote on SCR 153.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise in support of SCR 153, and I wanna thank my colleague from Bakersfield for introducing it.

Prayer has been a deeply meaningful part of my life, and I believe profoundly in its power for comfort, guide, and uplift us in times of both joy and hardship.

Around the world, people turn to prayer in moments of uncertainty and hope, seeking not only guidance and strength, but also a sense of peace, understanding, and connection to something greater than ourselves.

When we pray together, we open our hearts and minds, creating space for healing, compassion, and unity. It's one of the things that I recognize and acknowledge in my town halls at home about how we here in the Senate always open with a prayer.

Through shared prayer, communities can find hope, resilience, and courage to face challenges together. The National Day of Prayer has a long history in our country.

The Continental Congress held a day of prayer in this nation in 1775, and president George Washington celebrated his inauguration with a prayer service.

In 1952, the National Day of Prayer was officially established, and a committee was formed to plan events.

Every sitting US president since then has issued an official proclamation on this day, and individuals from many different religions, interfaith, and community groups have come together to recognize the day.

This tradition has been a part of our nation for centuries. Personally, prayer has been my companion during some of life's most important crossroads, including the moment I decided to run for Senate.

In those quiet moments, prayer brought me comfort, clarity, and reassuring that I was not alone in my journey. Prayer connects us to God and to each other, reminding us that we're never alone in facing the struggles of our modern world.

It gives us strength and reminds us of the hope that binds us as a community. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote for SCR 153.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other mics oh, Senator Choi, you are recognized.

Thank you, President and the Members. I rise in support of SCR 153. It is an honor to stand when we celebrate the the National Day of Prayer.

At a time when our nation faces a division, uncertainty, and the many challenges, this special day of day reminds us of the enduring power of faith, humility, and unity.

Regardless of denomination or background, prayer has always been a source of strength for families, communities, and then our country. Today, we pray for wisdom for our leaders, peace for our communities, courage for those serving others, and hope for future generations.

We also give thanks for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy in The United States and for the many people who work every day to make our nation stronger.

As Americans, we come from different cultures and traditions, but the moments like this bring us together with a shared purpose to seek compassion, understanding, and God's guidance for our nation.

May this National Day of Prayer renew our commitment to service, kindness, and unity. Thank you, and may God bless you all, and may God bless The United States America.

I urge you to vote Aye, SCR 153.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other mics up for discussion for further discussion or debate. Secretary plea or Senator Jones, you may wish to close.

Thank you, Mr. President. I ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you so very much. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call]

Jones moves the call. We will move to item 90, SCR 167. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 167 by Senator Ochoa Bogh relative to Mother's Day.

Senator Ochoa Bogh, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm pleased to present SCR 167, which recognizes May 10 as the 119th Mother's Day in California.

Mother's Day is the day we gather every year to honor the women who shape our families and communities. It's also a time to honor those who have lost their mothers, those who are trying to become mothers, and those who have taken on the motherhood role.

And to acknowledge that a mother's influence Whether they work inside or outside the home, mothers add to California's workforce. Whether they work inside or outside the home, mothers add to California's workforce in meaningful ways and contribute much to our state's economy.

I also want to take a moment to recognize the many mothers who serve in this legislature, both Members and staff, and not to mention and highlight our very first pro tem who is a mother for the first time in California's history.

They balance the demands of public service with the responsibility of raising future generations of artists, educators, scientists, athletes, politicians, and community leaders.

There is never enough time to express our deep gratitude for the love, resilience, and leadership that mothers show every day.

Please join me in honoring the women who have who have shaped us into the people that we are today. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, I rise today in support of SCR 167. This resolution is about more than just recognizing moms for me. It's about honoring the tribes and mothers who carry us, shape us, and hold us up.

Sometimes all at once. The moms before us, the ones who raised us, taught us, sacrificed for us, and in many ways still guide us. I think about my mom a lot who passed away when my daughter was just one.

And there are so many things I wish I could have asked her. The little things, the big things, the how did you do this moments that only make sense once you're living through them yourself.

But even though she's not here, I see her in how, I see her how I show up as a mom. And that's the thing about moms.

Their impact doesn't end, it lives on. I think about my mother-in-law who took in my husband when he was just a toddler after he lost his mom at one years old. She didn't have to, but she did. That's motherhood too. Stepping in, stepping up, choosing love.

To the moms who adopt, who foster, who open up their homes and their hearts, you are a part of this tribe. And let's be honest, this life is not always pretty.

The struggle, the stress, the mess, the moments you aren't ready for, it's the laundry that sits on the couch unfolded for a week or two, and you know what? That's okay.

To the moms of littles, the moms of school age kids, especially the moms here in the legislature, we see you. We give so much here because we believe in their futures, but that doesn't mean that it's easy.

We carry guilt, missed events, the moments we wish we could be in two places at once. And to the moms on staff, working nights, weekends, juggling it all while serving the people of California, we see you too.

You are a part of this tribe. And then there's the everyday magic of moms showing up for each other. The village, the lifeline, the group text that never sleeps. Just a few weeks ago, I want to share this story with you.

Just a few weeks ago, I got a FaceTime from call from at 07:00 from my daughter Charlotte. She was in tears. Mom, tomorrow's Twins-day and I don't have a twin.

At that moment, I felt like a total mom failure. So I hung up and I did what moms do. I activated the mom tree. Within an hour, we had a plan.

Another mom stepped in, outfits were coordinated, and my husband was at Target that same night tracking down the last shirt in Charlotte's size. Twins day was save. And here's the truth, I didn't do that alone.

None of us do, and we're not supposed to. That's the power of the tribe. So today, to every kind of mom, biological, adopted, foster, step, grandmothers, and those who step in when it matters most, thank you and happy Mother's Day.

I respectfully urge an Aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no other microphones raised for discussion or debates, Senator at your vote, you may close.

I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you so very much. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call]

Senator Ochoa Bogh moves the call. We will Members, we are gonna move forward to item 18 SB 1175 by Rubio. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 1175 by Senator Rubio in inaccurating to the political reform act of 1974 and declaring the urgency thereof to take effect immediately.

Senator Rubio, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I rise to present SB 1175, the lobbyist registration modernization act, which will improve government efficiency and transparency, allowing the public to accurately identify lobbyists registration information.

This bill makes a simple change. Instead of requiring lobbyists to file terminations, employment changes, and registration amendments, excuse me, through their employers or firm, lobbyists will be required to file directly with the secretary of State.

SB 1175 will eliminate the intermediary step that causes so many delays helping Californians better understand who is working on their behalf, making public policy better, improving public disclosures, and trust in government.

This bill has bipartisan support, and I respectfully ask for an Aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics up for discussion or debate. Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call]

Aye. Senator Rubio moves the call. Members, we're moving to item 22 SB 949. Becker, secretary, please read.

Senate bill 949 by Senator Becker and equity into environmental protection.

Senator Becker, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm presenting SB 949, which would declare the Santa Cruz Mountains a landscape of statewide significance. The Santa Cruz Mountains hold significant ecological value as a vital hotspot for biodiversity along California's Central Coast, including San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz Counties.

There are currently no statewide policies that formally recognize the distinctiveness of the Santa Cruz Mountains. This gap leaves the region vulnerable to uncoordinated management and conservation outcomes. SB 949 would provide the Santa Cruz Mountains region with the necessary designation of a unique resource area that requires special protection. I'm not aware of any opposition. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Laird, you are recognized.

I just wanna say as the other person that represents the Santa Cruz Mountains, this is an important bill. It's a special place. When it gets to the summer, this is where you will all be, and you will appreciate why it needs to be protected. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. I look forward to seeing you in the summer. And, with that, seeing no other microphones raised for discussion and debate, Senator Becker, would you like to close?

Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you so very much. Secretary, please call. Roll.

Allen. Hi. Alvarado-Gil, Archuleta. Hi. Arregin.

Ashby. Aye. Becker. Aye. Blake Spear.

Aye. Cabaldon. Aye. Caballero. Aye.

Cervantes. Aye. Choi. Aye. Cortezi.

Dalley. Durazo. Gonzalez. Grayson, Aye, Grove, Hurtado, Aye, Jones, Aye, Leonard, Aye, Limon, Maguire, Aye, McNerney, Aye, Menjivar, Aye, Nilo, Aye, Strickland. Aye, Humbert.

Aye, Volodares. Aye, Wahab. Aye, Weber Pearson. Aye. Aye, Weiner.

Senator Becker Aye. Senator Becker moves the call. Members, we're moving to item 74 SB 1038 by Laird. Secretary, please read.

Senate bill 1038 by Senator Laird, inequity to public employees retirement.

Senator Laird, do you recognize?

Thank you very much, mister president. Senate bill 1038, which is sponsored by the California School Employees Association, strengthens the CalPERS audit notification to ensure unions receive proper notice when their members' employers are being audited. It, is a valuable thing. It helps employees. There's no registered opposition.

There's support on both sides. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Seeing no mics raised for discussion or debate, secretary, please call roll.

Allen, Aye. Alvarado-Gil, Aye. Archulera. Aye.

Arreguin.

Aye

Arreguin, Aye. Ashby, Aye. Becker, Aye.

Blakespear, Aye

Aye, Cabaldon. Aye, Caballero. Aye, Cervantes.

Aye, Choi. Aye, Cortezi. Galli. Aye, Durazo. Gonzales.

Grayson. Aye. Aye, Grove. Hurtado. Aye, Jones.

Aye, Laird. Aye, Limon. McGuire. Aye, McNerney. Aye, Menjivar.

Aye, Nilo. Aye, Padilla. Aye, Perez. Aye, Reyes. Aye, Richardson.

Aye, Rubio. Aye, Seyarto. Aye Smallwood-Cuevas. Stern. Aye Strickland.

Aye, Hamburg. Aye, Valladares. Aye, Wahab. Aye, Weber Pearson. Aye, Weiner.

Aye.

Senator Laird moves the call. Moving to item 75, SB 965 by Blakespear. Secretary, please read.

Senate Bill 965 by Senator Blakespear, an act relating to libraries.

Senator Blakespear, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President and colleagues. I rise to present SB 965, which will make it easier for 16 and 17 year olds to get library cards. SB 965 would simply prohibit libraries from requiring a parent to be physically present for a 16 or 17 year old to get the library card. Recently, my son needed to get a library card for a school research assignment.

Unfortunately, we learned that a parent or guardian had to be there at the local library even though he could drive himself, drives himself to school and to his job, and parental permission is routinely granted through online forms for all sorts of activities for kids.

Between his busy schedule and mine, it was unreasonably burdensome and a barrier to library use to require a parent's physical presence. When I looked into this issue further, it became clear that libraries all over the state have highly variable rules on how young adults can access the library.

Some of them are far less restrictive. Requiring a parent to be in person creates unnecessary barriers for young adults and families with busy schedules or transportation limitations. Young adults are already entrusted with significant responsibilities.

They work, they drive, they make important decisions about their education and their futures. They shouldn't have to coordinate with their parents' work schedules to check out a library book. This bill maintains local control. Libraries can still set their own policies, such as who is liable for damages. They can even continue to require a parent or guardian signature, just not their physical presence, to check out a book.

This is about increasing library access. I appreciate the ongoing discussions with the California Library Association, whose input has helped ensure this policy works on the ground without creating additional administrative burdens for libraries. We've been working closely on this bill and will continue to do so. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senators. Seeing no mics raised for discussion or debate, Secretary, please call roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 34, noes zero. The bill passes. Members, we are going to lift call on all items that are on call, so please be ready to vote if you were an absent Member prior.

We are going back to item 56 to lift call on SCR 165, item 56. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35. Noes zero. The resolution passes. Lifting call on SCR 84, item 13. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call absent Members once again.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 31. Noes zero. The resolution passes. Lifting call on SCR 153, item 26. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 31. Noes one. The resolution passes. Lifting call on SCR 167, item 90. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35. Noes zero. The resolution passes. Lifting call on item SB, item 18, SB 1175. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, noes zero. The bill passes. Lifting call on item 22, SB 949. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 34. Noes zero. The bill passes. Lifting call on item 74, SB 1038. Secretary, please call absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35. Noes zero. The bill passes. Members, we are moving to the consent calendar. We have two consent calendars, the consent calendar and special consent. Any Members wishing to remove an item from the consent calendar? Seeing none. Secretary, will you read all items on both consent calendars?

[Consent Calendar]

Secretary, please call roll on file item 102.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 35, noes zero on item 102. Ayes 35, noes zero on the remainder items of both consent calendars. The consent calendar passes. Members, we are moving back to Senate third reading to item 95, SR 106. Secretary, please read.

Senate resolution 106 by Senator Cortese relative to Black April Memorial Month.

Senator Cortese, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President. And members arise to memorialize Black April Month in the fall of Saigon, which occurred on 04/30/1975. In my district, in Santa Clara County, we're home to one of the largest Vietnamese American communities in California. Their contributions are integral to the social fabric of the South Bay, and I know that's the same in Orange County. For many of my constituents and yours, the fall of Saigon marks the beginning of a harrowing journey to freedom.

In the following decade, an estimated 500,000 Vietnamese persons risked their lives fleeing Vietnam aboard small boats, many of them not surviving. The lucky ones reached refugee camps in Thailand, Malaysia, or Indonesia. Tragically, the other half perished at sea. The profound suffering that Vietnamese Americans have endured have made them stalwart defenders of human rights, religious freedom, and democracy.

We must teach our children and future generations important lessons from the Vietnam War, including how the plight of the Vietnamese refugees fall following the end of the war serves as a powerful example of the values of freedom and democracy.

Black April month reminds us all to rededicate ourselves to those principles. I'm proud to represent such a vibrant community. I I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Senator Strickland, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Pesident, members. I rise and stand in support of Senate Resolution 106. As a proud co author, with my, colleague from San Jose, thank you for bringing this measure forward. Last week, April 31, 2026, marked this 55st anniversary of the fall of Saigon. It was a solemn day of reflection and remembrance for the Vietnamese American community in Senate District 36.

Throughout my district last week, there were several remembrance events observing the day. Black April stands as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made by those who escaped oppression and pursuit of freedom and opportunity in The United States. Freedom is never free. I'm honored to represent a vibrant Vietnamese community in my district known as Little Saigon, And, I urge and I vote on this important resolution, Senate Resolution 106. Thank you so much.

Thank you, Senator. Senator Umberg, you are recognized.

Thank you, mister president and colleagues. I've been privileged to represent a very large Vietnamese community since 1990. It is fitting and appropriate that we recognize Black April, particularly April 30, for all the sacrifices that were made for those who left Vietnam in very, very difficult circumstances, often endangering themselves and their family, and sadly, many, many, many were lost at sea. It's a story of sacrifice. It's a story of commitment.

And it's a story that should be told not just to their descendants, but to all Californians So that all Californians know how we are enriched by their sacrifice, how we're enriched culturally, economically, politically by their sacrifice. And so I joined my colleague from San Jose and my colleague from Huntington Beach in urging an aye vote.

Seeing no other mics up for discussion or debate, Senator Cortesi, you may close.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Senator. Secretary, please call roll.

Allen. Hi. Alvarado Gil, Archuleta. Hi. Adegein.

Hi. Ashby. Aye, Becker. Aye, Blake Spear. Aye, Cabaldon.

Aye, Caballero. Aye, Cervantes. Aye, Choi. Aye, Cortezi. Aye, Dali.

Aye, Durazo. Aye, Gonzales. Grayson. Aye, Grove. Hurtado.

Aye, Jones, Aye, Laird, Timon, Maguire, Aye, McNerney, Aye, Menjubar, Aye, Nilo, Ochoa Bog, Aye, Padilla, Perez, I Reyes. I Richardson. I Rubio. I Ciardo. I Smallwood Cuevas.

I Stern. I Strickland. I Hamburg. I Volodares. I Wahab.

Aye, Webber Pearson. Aye, Weiner. Aye. Laird, aye.

Sec secretary, please call absent members.

Aye, Ronald Gill, Gonzales, Grove, Limon, Nilo, Padilla.

Ayes 34. No, zero. The resolution passes. Members, we're moving to committee announcements. Committee announcements.

Senator Menjivar, your announcement?

Mister President, budget subcommittee number three on health and human services will meet in Room 1200 Building The 0 Street Building upon a upon a German obsession.

Senator Hurtado, you're organized for your announcement.

Thank you, mister president. Subcommittee four on state administration and general government will meet in Room 113, fifteen minutes after, session ends. Thank you.

Senator Reyes, you're recognized for your announcement.

Thank you, Mister President. Members, budget subcommittee number two on resources, environmental protection, and energy will

be meeting fifteen minutes after adjournment of this session in Room 2200

Of the 0 Street Building.

Senator Richardson, you are recognized for your announcement.

Thank you, mister president. Budget subcommittee five will be meeting in the capital here in Room 112, five minutes after adjournment, and we will be discussing the project update of the high speed rail. Thank you.

Thank you, senators. Returning to motions and resolutions, members, if you have conversations, please take them off the floor. We're going to move into adjournment memory. Senator Ochoa Bogue, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory when you are ready.

Thank you. Thank you, mister president, ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. It is with great sadness that I rise to adjourn in memory of Dan Hughes, who unexpectedly passed away on April 15 at age 67. Born on 08/25/1958, Dan grew up in West Covina and served as a West Covina reserve officer from 1983 to 1999, after graduating from the Rio Ondo Police Academy. He also served as a firefighter paramedic with the LA County Fire Department from 1978 to 1998.

During his twenty years with the LA County Fire, he served in Watts, Vernon, Baldwin Park, Monterey Park, and Glendora. After surviving a heart attack, Dan retired from the police and fire service. Always the public service servant, he dedicated himself to a new calling and in 2004, he was elected to the Beaumont Cherry Valley Recreation and Park District, where he served for twenty four years. Dan believed passionately in the power of parks to connect people and enrich the lives of people in the community.

He worked hard to ensure that there were plenty of parks, recreational facilities and community programs in the Beaumont Cherry Valley area.

He was also dedicated to strengthening local youth baseball and softball programs and served for many years on the Beaumont Youth Baseball Board. He was officially known as Grandpa Dan, and will be forever remembered for the kindness and care he showed to all. Dan is survived by his wife Lisa, children Danielle, Tiffany, Catherine, and Nick, and six grandchildren. Dan was a visionary, a hero to many, and he'll be deeply missed by our community.

I wish Dan's family and all who knew him peace and comfort during this time.

I would be honored if the body would adjourn in his memory of Dan Hughes.

Senator, please bring the name of your adjournment memory to the desk to be properly memorialized. If there is no other business, Pro Tem Limon, the desk is clear.

Thank you, Members. Very much appreciate today's conversation. And also, we wanna wish every mother, every mother figure, a very happy Mother's Day this weekend. Our next session will be on Monday, May 11 at 2PM.

The Senate will be in recess until 03:30pm, at which time the adjournment motion will be made. We will reconvene Monday, 05/11/2026 at 2PM. Senators, travel safe, and see you Monday.