Senate Floor

The Senate will come to order. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Our quorum is present. Would the members and our guests, in the gallery and beyond the rail please rise? We will be led this in prayer this morning by sister Michelle Gorman. Following the prayer, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

So we gather in God's presence. Gracious God, in this world of so many messages, we often feel overwhelmed. Sometimes we barely hear your voice amid the clamor of each day's discouraging news. In what seems like unrelenting struggle, we strain to feel your peace. Help us each day to pay attention, to notice which words, pictures, and attitudes are forming us.

To use our ears to hear you, our eyes to see you, and our voices to speak your love. Grant us the courage to challenge falsehood, to Distinguish honesty from hypocrisy, to see goodness where it lives, and to overcome world weariness and despair with our unrelenting commitment to the common good. We ask this in your name. Amen.

Please join me in the pledge of allegiance. I pledge allegiance. Members, without objection, Senate rule 55 will be suspended to allow guests on the floor for today's session. Turning to privileges of the floor, the president Pro Tem Limon, is recognized at her desk. Members.

Just a reminder for our we have many guests with us today in on the floor and in the gallery. So for both our guests and our members, please take your conversations out of the chambers. Also, would be just one quick admonition. On the floor, we don't engage in applause or boos or other protests or demonstrations. So with that, please devote members, please turn your attention to the president pro tem at her desk.

Thank you. Members, I'm proud to introduce honorable Salvador Illya, president of the government president of the government of Catalonia, and leading a delegation that includes diplomatic officials from Spain stationed throughout The United States. Her excellency, Angeles Moreno, Spanish ambassador to The United States, and Carlos Medina, consul consul general of the Spain in San Francisco, and mister David Andres, delegate of the government of Catalonia to The United States.

Today, we are honored to welcome president Ilya and his colleagues to the Senate floor to honor our fortieth anniversary of the sister state relationship between California and Catalonia. An initiative that began in the Senate in 1986.

Please join me in giving a warm California State Senate welcome to our esteemed guests from Catalonia.

Alright. We'd rather invite all members to join the president of OTEM and our delegation for a photo. Thank you thank you to the the delegation from our sister, Say it. Welcome to the Senate. Members, continuing with privileges of the floor, I'd like to draw the members' attention to the gallery where we have students and coaches from the Solano Community College speech and debate team in the third Senate district.

This team is are the new champions of the California Community College Forensics Association representing this the best in the state. Team director Douglas Mungan was honored with the president's award for distinguished service. Mahari Wright earning gold in extemporaneous speaking. Francesca Franco winning four gold medals including silver in program oral interpretation, and first year competitor Lance Cohen earning bronze in IPDA debate. Welcome to our guests from Solano College.

Continuing under privileges of the floor, Senator Cortese, you are recognized for introduction of guests at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you, mister president. And colleagues, I rise today to recognize Royal Clothiers for being Senate District 15 small business of the year. Royal Clothiers is a business specializing in men's special occasion clothing, including suits and tuxedos. Royal Clothiers is a landmark in Downtown Morgan Hill. Thanks to the hard work of Carlos and Yolanda Perez, who immigrated here from Mexico in 1987.

Despite the challenges of running a business through the recession and the pandemic, the Perez family has spent over twenty five years helping people celebrate some of life's most important moments. The Perez family has also demonstrated deep commitment to their community. Through their shop, Carlos has provided countless clothing donations to people in need. His wife, Yolanda, taught preschool, worked for a nonprofit, and helped immigrant mothers learn English, and still volunteers frequently with her local church.

As Carlos prepares for retirement, this award is a fitting way to honor the business they built, the people they served, and the community they strengthened.

I'm honored to recognize Carlos and Yolanda on the floor today. With them is their daughter, who some of you know, Alma Perez Schwab,

a career public servant in this body for over twenty years along with her husband, James, and their three children, Santiago, Carlos, and Marco. Please join me in welcoming our twenty twenty six small business of the year for SD 15 of the Perez family to the California State Senate. Thank you. Alright. Before the photo, we have before the photograph, Senator Smollett's awake. Is that a small

Thank you, mister president. And I just wanna say strong trees bear strong fruit, and I'm so excited that Alma and her family are being honored today. Alma does an extraordinary job leading our labor, committee staff. She works super hard, and now I understand exactly why she is the the fierce committee leader that she is. So so honored that the family is here with us today and, excited for you, Alma.

Thank you.

Alright. Continuing with privileges to the floor, Senator Ochoa Bogue is recognized at her desk for for an introduction. Alright. Senator Otrobo, get the majority leader's desk for introduction of guests.

Good morning, mister president and ladies and gentlemen of the Senate. It is with great pleasure to recognize Old California Botanicals, a company I recently recognized as Senate District Nineteen's Small Business of the Year. Founded by fifth generation citrus grower and produce broker JP Beal and based in Redlands, Old California Botanicals is a maker of small batch citrus marmalades and botanical goods inspired by the historic citrus groves of Southern California.

Each batch of marmalade is carefully crafted to highlight the vivid aroma, brightness, and complexity that have made California citrus world renowned. By using rare and heirloom citrus varieties, the company creates products with distinctive flavor profiles that reflect the character of each harvest.

In addition to marmalades, Old California Botanicals produces fragrances, which I'm wearing today, by the way, if anybody wants to come and, you know, just take a little scent. Natural bees rock lip balms, soaps made from local oranges and other botanical goods inspired by classic California citrus traditions. Not only has the company been recognized locally, but it also recently achieved international recognition by earning eight medals at the twenty twenty six Artisan World Marmalade Awards in The United Kingdom.

This was the first time they completed globally and took home eight awards. This competition draws more than 3,400 entries from more than 30 countries, making the achievement a significant recognition of excellence on the global stage.

Old California Botanicals represents the entrepreneurial spirit and agricultural legacy that makes our region so special. I want to commend mister Beal and the entire team at Old California Botanicals for their dedication to craftsmanship, innovation, and California's agricultural heritage. His mother is also with us today in the gallery. Thank you, Kathleen, for instilling an appreciation for heritage, legacy, and entrepreneurship in California's next generation. Each year, the California State Senate proudly honors small businesses like this one that strengthen our communities and help drive our economy forward.

Please join me in recognizing JP Beal and Old California Botanicals on the Senate floor today.

Members following this photo, we will turn next to Senator Smollett Cuevas for an introduction.

Alright.

Senator Smallwood Cuevas at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you again, mister president, and good morning, colleagues. Today, I'm proud to recognize a passionate organizer, a important legislator, and an activist of the people, Tennessee House representative Justin Jones. Justin Jones does not just hold office. He fights from it. He fights not just for his constituents.

He fights for our democracy, and he represents all of us well. A California native raised by a single mother who was a nurse and a union organizer, he knew how important service is and that solidarity with service go hand in hand. He took the steps he took to the steps of the Tennessee State Capitol in 2020, leading a sixty two day sit in after the murder of George Floyd.

And in 2022, the people of the 52nd District, in response to his bravery and his courage and his ability to speak truth to power, they sent him to the 52nd District of the Tennessee House because they knew the exact kind of fighter that they needed. He went straight to work championing gun safety, standing with grieving families, after school shootings, and of course, he lifted his voice against injustice, and we all watched in the news and in the headlines how much it cost him.

Tennessee Republicans voted to expel him, not for corruption, not for any violation, but simply for speaking up for the people who elected him.

Let us be clear about this moment that we're in, and we wanna thank representative Jones for reminding us that this democracy, the ability for us to be in this room, the ability for us to have one of the most diverse legislators legislate legislatures in the country to have parity in this house for women is because of the blood, sweat, and tears of men and women who fought for the right to vote, who fought to ensure that representation meant they would be included.

And his visit here in California this week after the Supreme Court ruling that is going to devastate, again, another shocking blow to our democracy and our constitution, that all we have to do is stand up and fight. That is what his message is. And during his break, he's here crisscrossing the country, reminding us of that important fact.

I represent nearly 1,000,000 people in the state senate, the mighty 28th District, Crenshaw, Leimert Park, West Adams, Baldwin Hills, South Central, black and brown working families who know exactly what it means when the law stops protecting our vote, when our government turns on us, when we are brutalized just for simply wanting to be Americans. My district is not so different from Nashville's 52nd.

What they did to Justin Jones, expelling him as a representative, and after that Supreme Court vote a day later, that governor called a special session, first time ever. Session happened twenty four hours later, and they redrew the lines, eliminating the representation for his community. And then after that, they stripped him of all of his committees.

And when they realized how much of an uproar there there was when he was expelled, the first time they decided, well, they're gonna strip all the Democrats of their committees. So now 50% of Tennessee has no representation. This is what is happening to our democracy as we sit in this chamber. And just like we know when ICE came to Los Angeles and began brutalizing our immigrant neighbors, It was a blueprint and a road map for what was to come in Chicago and Minnesota.

So know that stripping Democrats of their committees and power is the next game in rule of attack.

So we are grateful for the courage of representative Jones to come here and be with us today to educate us about what California needs to do. We need to support our sister's bill to strengthen California's voting rights, sister Senator Cervantes.

Senator Senator, the presentation needs to remain

with you. Thank you, mister president. I'm sorry. I'm sorry. It's the seriousness of this visitor that I wanted to convey to this body.

I apologize for going off my talking points. California is ready, already, moving to protect what the court just stripped away, and we will not stop there because the vote is only half the fight. We must protect the right to vote. We must educate our constituents on how to protect themselves. We must defend against suppression tactics and ensure that every vote is counted.

Representative Jones, thank you. We see you and California has your back. And we will fight alongside you for every vote, every voice, and every community, and we will be with you when the Freedom Ride takes off this summer to go to the South to defend the voting rights of every American. We will not be silenced. Please join me, colleagues, in welcoming Tennessee House Representative Justin Jones.

Alright. Continuing with the introduction, Senator doctor Weber Pearson.

Thank you, mister president. I also wanna rise on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus to welcome representative Justin Jones here. He is, as many of us are native Californians, he is a son of California who has taken his voice to another state to speak boldly on issues that we hold so near and dear here in California such as democracy, justice, and voting rights. I wanna thank you for your voice.

I wanna thank you for your fight, and I wanna welcome you here to the Senate floor.

Thank you.

Senator Gonzalez.

Yes. Thank you, mister president and members. I wanna also thank representative Jones. On behalf of the Latino caucus, I'm the chair of 38 members that represent every corner of of California. We thank you so much.

We stand in solidarity with the California Legislative Black Caucus, with our colleagues from San Diego and Los Angeles, as well as you. We've talked about it last night. We are willing to be in the fight with you, whether it's here or any anywhere across the country because it's not just Tennessee and California, it's many Southern states. It's states that believe that our voice, black and brown voices don't matter, and we will make sure that it does matter. Thank you so much for being here.

Alright. Representative Jones, welcome to the Senate floor. We'd like to invite our members of the Senate to join Senator Smallwood Cuevas and representative Jones for for a photograph. Alright, members. We will now proceed to business on the daily file. We're asked folks to take their conversations off the floor. We certainly hope everyone had a restful suspense file and may revise Eve with their families.

Now we're gonna proceed to the regular business on the file. First, 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 adopted. So now proceed to motions and resolutions.

Members, without objection, measure measures reported by the Appropriations Committee with recommendation do pass, will be given their second reading upon being reported and ordered to third reading. Also, without objection, measures reported by the Appropriations Committee with the recommendation do pass as amended will be given their second reading and amendments adopted upon being reported and ordered returned to third reading. With that objection, that is the order return to second reading, excuse me, for do passes amended. With that objection, that will be the order.

Are there any other items for motions or resolutions?

Seeing none, we'll proceed to consideration of the daily file. Second reading. Sec secretary, please read.

Assembly bill three fifty.

Proceeding next to governor's appointments. File item number two, Senator Grove.

Thank you, mister president. Colleagues, file item number two is a confirmation of Rick Simpson for the appointment of the commission on teacher credentialing. Now retired, mister Simpson has also served forty plus years as a career as a staff, including serving on the education policy adviser to deputy chief of staff for multiples assembly speakers, as well as senior consultant for the Assembly Education Committee. In 2019, he also had been the governor's appointee to the California Law Revision Commission.

He was approved on the rule at the rules committee on April 29 on a unanimous vote, respectfully asked for an aye vote.

See no further question or debate. Secretary, please call the roll.

Alan. Hi. Hi. Abroad Gill. Hi.

Archuleta. Hi. Hi. Ashby. Aye, Becker.

Aye, Blake Spear. Cabaldon. Aye, Caballero. Aye, Cervantes. Aye, Choi.

Aye, Cortesi. Aye, Dali. Aye, Durazo. Aye, Gonzales. Aye, Grayson.

Aye, Grove. Aye, Hurtado. Aye, Jones. Aye, Laird. Aye, Limon.

McGuire. Aye, McNerney. Aye, Menjivar. Aye, Nilo. Aye, Ochoa.

Aye, Padilla. Aye, Perez, Reyes, Richardson. Aye, Rubio. Aye, See Arto. Aye, Smallwood Cuevas.

Aye, Stern. Aye, Strickland. Aye, Humbert. Aye, Wahab. Weber Pearson.

Aye. Weiner. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Aye. Aye. Aye. Aye.

Thank you. I'd like to go back to the previous item just briefly. I was just informed by the Senator good Senator from Santa Cruz that mister Simpson is also a Santa Cruz graduate, and that was failed to be mentioned, when we did the introduction.

Senator, that's out of order on this item, but thank you very much.

Just making a clarification, sir. File item nine colleagues is a confirmation of Laura Edderton Speed for the appointment of the executive director of the State Bar Association. Prior to this appointment, she was serving as the director of leadership, support services for the Judicial Council of California. She also is a former Senate staff, member having served in the policy consultant for the Senate Republican policy office where she first started as a Senate fellow.

She was approved by the rules committee on April 29 on a unanimous vote respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no further question or debate, secretary, please call the roll.

Alan. Hi. Aye. Archuleta. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Becker.

Hi. Hi. Blake Spear. Hi. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi.

Hi. Hi. Hi. Hi. Aye, Durazo.

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

Aye, Laird. Aye, Limon. Maguire. Aye, McNerney. Aye, Menjivar.

Aye, Nilo. Aye, Ochoa Bog. Aye, Padilla. Aye, Perez, Reyes, Richardson. Aye, Rubio.

Ayes 35. No zero. The appointment is confirmed. Members next will proceed to Senate third reading. File item 48.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 163 by Senator Ochoa Bogue relative to California tourism month.

Senator Ochoa Bogue at the majority leader's desk, you are recognized.

Good morning, mister president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I'm pleased to present STR one sixty three, which recognizes May as California tourism month. California is a world class destination with unparalleled beauty and with the welcoming spirit that invites visitors to experience all that the Golden State has to offer. Travel connects people, creates memories, and forgets life and forges lifelong bonds.

Our vibrant tourism sector fuels many small businesses from family run restaurants to local inns to tour to tour operators, which in turn creates many jobs and provides substantial tax revenue that is used to fund essential public services.

I want to take a moment to commend Visit California, a nonprofit that in partnership with the state's travel industry, develops and maintains marketing programs that inspire travel to and within California. Visit California's marketing efforts along with those of their partner destination marketing organizations have been instrumental in maintaining the state's position as the nation's leading tourism economy. In 2025, these efforts helped generate nearly 159,000,000,000 in tourism related spending and contributed to 4,350 new jobs, increasing tourism employment to roughly 1,200,000 jobs statewide.

But tourism is more than just an economic engine. It's also a bridge between cultures, allowing visitors and locals to share traditions, art, music, and food.

It showcases local attractions, festivals, and history, which strengthens community pride. And it fosters understanding, respect, and appreciation for our our shared humanity. Tourism continues to be one of the strongest economic sectors in the state, and I appreciate everything that VISIT California and its partners do to keep our tourism members, numbers robust. Please join me in recognizing May as California Tourism Month. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Seeing no senators wishing to be recognized, secretary, please call the roll and file item. Oh, this sorry. This bill this measure is eligible for an a unanimous roll call. Does any member object to the application of our unanimous roll call? Seeing none, ayes 35, no zero.

Resolution is adopted. Senator Ochoa Bogue at the majority leader's desk for introduction of guests.

Thank you, mister president. I want to extend a warm welcome to Davis Meyer, vice president of government and industry relations with Visit Greater Palm Springs and Travis Scott, CEO of Visit Big Bear. They are among the many individuals who work for California's destination marketing organizations, the more than 300 entities that promote tourism and stimulate economic growth in California.

The high number of destination marketing organizations tells you just how diverse our tourism market is with outlets representing the coastal cities, the desert, the inland regions, national parks, state parks, and cultural destinations. This broad network allows for targeted region specific marketing while maintaining a unified statewide brand.

Please join in recognizing Davis Meyer, Travis Scott, and all the destination marketing organizations supported by Visit California that help grow tourism in all regions of California.

Welcome to the Senate.

Welcome to the Senate.

Members, if any members wishes to join Senator Ochoa Bogue and our guests for a photograph, please do so at this time. Alright. Thank you, Senator Ochoa, Bogan. Yes.

Continuing with with Senate third reading, we'll proceed to file item 81 by Senator Grayson at the majority leader's desk. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 170 by Senator Grayson relative to Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week.

Senator Grayson. Thank you, mister president. I am pleased to present SCR 170, which proclaims the week of May 25 to May 29 as Firefighter Mental Health Awareness Week. For over a decade now, in my role as critical response chaplain, I've been able to witness firsthand the intense physical and the mental pressure that first responders endure. And now that my son has begun a career in firefighting, I understand the impact on families even more intimately.

During wildfire season, many of us rightfully worry about the danger wildfire firefighters experience on the front lines, but I'm afraid we too often forget the trauma that they can carry with them even after fires are extinguished. Through the course of their careers, these brave women and men witness firsthand lives and homes lost and destroyed by flames, and the impact this has on firefighters is very, very clear.

Studies have shown that one in five firefighters will experience a post traumatic stress injury at some point in their career and that firefighters are 10 times more likely to contemplate or attempt suicide as compared to the general public. Breaking the stigma related to mental health struggles is critical to ensuring that firefighters, paramedics, and other first responders receive the life saving care and resources that they need.

In 2019, I was proud to author legislation to increase access to effective mental health services for firefighters by establishing the peer support and crisis referral pilot program that now allows firefighters to seek mental health assistance without fear of job repercussions.

During this firefighter mental health awareness week, I hope all Californians can join together to thank our firefighters for their duty and sacrifice, recognize the hardships that they face, and commit ourselves to doing more to support them. SCR 170 provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and destigmatize behavioral health struggles that California firefighters, both active and retired, face. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Richardson.

Thank you, mister president. I wanna join in the, with the gentleman regarding supporting this piece of legislation. My Godson, my oldest godson, is a firefighter with LA County, and I wanna especially highlight some individuals who are here today. Fire captain Dave Gelati is in the rear and will be coming forward. Firefighter Gelati, I've known him for more than twenty five years, so I'm dating myself a bit.

But what I wanna point out is that he leads local ten fourteen. LA County, people don't often think about it, but LA County is the largest county in The United States. And so to provide services from the coast to the valley to the downtown to the East LA to the urban communities, people have to understand the trauma that they see day in and day out and the efforts that they make to keep us safe.

And so I wanna join, our Senator here in support of SCR 170. I wanna join in with our firefighters, both men and women, of all the work that they do, firefighters, paramedics, all mentioned, and really applaud you for acknowledging this and us providing, the support.

Because support should be there because they're asked to do one of the toughest jobs. Thank you.

Minority leader, Senator Jones, at your desk.

Thank you, mister president. And members, I also rise in support of SCR 170. And for some of the same reasons, my son, who you all met on Monday, is training to become a firefighter. He has finished fire academy. He is currently an EMT, working his way through paramedic school.

And in just a few short years that he's been pursuing this career, has already had some very harrowing experiences and stories. And so I wanna rise in support of this SCR and make sure that all firefighters in the state of California know that the California State Senate support them and want the very best for their mental and physical health and for themselves and their families. Thank you very much.

Senator Stern.

Thank you, mister president. Honored to be in the presence of of people who have taken so much pain for so many of us, walking through the ashes of my neighborhood and helping me deal with my trauma, our ten fourteen brothers and sisters led by brother Giladi here, but what president Roberts and and the rest of the team do every day, Our worst day in our whole life is there every single morning. What they see, you can't imagine.

And we've tried to change that in this state from from being a source of some disorder and a and a source of shame into an injury like any other that has to be treated and and prevented upfront and talked about.

And I just wanna commend you all for not just changing the law with us, but for changing culture and helping people understand what toughness and heroism looks like and that there's no way to sustain this force unless we find a way to support each other through this trauma.

So, you know, we're, we're with you and and, we're grateful. Senator D'Urso.

Yes. I also rise in in support of the resolution. So much of what our firefighters do, of course, is in fighting fires, which are so dangerous and cause so much damage, not only physical damage, but hurt people. But I also wanna say the role of the firefighters in urban areas where firefighters doesn't happen every day. And I can only imagine the stress when you have to face every day, day in and day out, very, very poor communities.

Communities where people don't know the English language, and how firefighters are there for them. Taking care of them, responding to them, showing compassion for them. And that's what I know of the leaders of the firefighters, Vince Wells, Dave Jalati, and Dale Roberts, who represent all the firefighters. Thank you so much for what you do in our urban areas as much as what you do in the fires. Thank you.

Senator Wahab.

Thank you. I wanna thank my colleague for bringing this forward. I think everybody in this chamber can agree, and I've said it many times before, that we love our firefighters. I do wanna highlight that the firefighters do more than just fight fires. Oftentimes, especially in a community like mine, they also are the first responders.

They are paramedics. They are there when people are calling 911 because their father potentially had a heart attack or someone fell and can't get up. They are the ones that are truly saving lives and providing comfort in deeply, you know, a a time when people are afraid and don't know what's happening. So I I really wanna commend, the men and women that serve as our firefighters, but I also wanna highlight that they do so much more.

They put their lives at risk, and they provide a lot of comfort and reassurance to individuals.

So as I often say, they are the heroes in our community. So thank you for your service.

Senator Rubio.

Thank you, mister president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I also ride rise with pride because it is important that we always recognize these heroes. They represent the very best of courage, humanity, and they take care of us in ways that we could only imagine. I've had the honor of visiting some sites after fires, and not only do they put out the fires, but they spend so many days away from their families. So I wanna just make sure that we highlight that aspect of it.

I've spoken to spouses, children, and the sacrifice that also their loved ones have to make is something that's worth reiterating. They go through a lot of stress, a lot of trauma themselves. In fact, I sat with a group of women who talk about the mental health aspect of not knowing whether or not your loved one is gonna come back. I was a kinder teacher when a little boy walked in one day and he was sad, and I asked, what's wrong?

And he shared that daddy had just died, I didn't understand, and then I learned he was a firefighter and didn't come home, and so these stories are important to tell because it's beyond what they do to save structures and lives.

It is the sacrifice of their extended family that we need to commend, and what an honor to stand here in support of SER one seventy. Thank you, mister president.

Senator Araghen.

Thank you, mister president. I wanna thank my colleague, the Senate from Concord, for bringing this important resolution forward. It was just a few days ago that we honored Brian Rice, the outgoing president of the California Professional Fire Fighters, focus of his work to raise awareness of the the mental health challenges that our brave first responders face. I mean, we can't even imagine the challenges that they face. Going into fires, collapsed buildings, providing emergency medical care for people who are in need.

These are heroes. And it's critical that we raise awareness of this issue and provide critical support to make sure all of our our firefighters and paramedics and EMTs who serve the state have the support and care that they need. I wanna thank the center for this resolution. Respectfully ask for an I

vote. Senator Padilla.

Thank you very much, mister president. Briefly, I rise also in support to just reaffirm the fact that many, many decades ago, I had the honor to work often side by side with many of these folks. They've always amazed me. In fact, on a personal level, at times, they have been there for me personally. They are folks that often go unrecognized and taken for granted, and we should never ever take our heroes for granted.

If I may indulge a moment as well, I know we celebrated mister Rice. We're joined by Daryl Roberts, the incoming president who just happens to be from the fine community of Chula Vista Local 2180. So I'm beaming with pride today, not just for what they do every day, but what they continue to do to make us all remember what they do and be supportive of what they do going into the future, and I

urge an aye vote. Majority leader, Senator Ashby.

Thank you, mister president, and to all of our colleagues from across the state who stood to speak today. I am grateful for your words. How incredible that we honor these heroes on the floor today. And I do think that it is stark we honored their outgoing president earlier this week.

One of the last things he did as president of their union is do a podcast about his own mental health struggles, where he considered taking his own life, and how and why he decided not to do that, much of which was related to wanting to stay here and help the next, and the next after that.

And such is the duty of a firefighter. We're in good hands in the transition with Doc, who is indeed from Chula Vista. But every day, we are safer. Our families are safer. Our children are better off.

We can leave them at school and know that should an emergency happen, a big red truck will show up and one of these heroes will get off and provide life saving support to our family members wherever they are in this state. So today, on a day where we are asked through SCR 170 to remember their mental health, I urge an aye vote.

Senator Grayson, you may close.

I am so grateful for the overwhelming support of my colleagues. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Members, is there an objection to the substitution of our unanimous roll call on SCR SCR 170? Seeing none, eyes 35, nose zero. The resolution is adopted. Senator Grayson, at your desk underprivilege of the floor for introduction of guests.

Thank you, mister president. In the back of the chamber, I am pleased to welcome some of our firefighters. Daryl Roberts, president, California professional firefighters. Dave Jalati, president, LA County firefighters local ten fourteen, and cochair of California Fire Service Task Force on Behavioral Health. Kristen Thompson, EMS division chief, Newport Beach Fire Department and cochair of California Fire Service Task Force on Behavioral Health.

Vince Wells, president, Contra Costa County Firefighters, local twelve thirty. And from Contra Costa County Fire, we have with us newly appointed fire chief Aaron McAllister, battalion chief Bob Atlas, fire captain Rafael Ochoa, fire captain paramedic Brent Bowling, fire captain Robert Reddick, and and district health and wellness coordinator Alicia Moraz. Let's colleagues, would you join me and let's give honor to those who run into the face of death so that we may escape to a place of life.

Welcome to our guest, and thank you, Senator Grayson. Colleagues next, we'll proceed, continuing on Senate third reading to file item 95, SCR 174. On behalf of Senator Perez, the bill will be taken up by Senator Wiener at the majority leader's desk. Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 174 by Senator Perez relative to the sixtieth anniversary of pilot regional centers.

Alright. Senator Weiner at the majority leader's desk.

Thank you very much, mister president. Colleagues, I rise to present, ACR 174 on behalf of Senator Perez, to recognize 2026 as the sixtieth anniversary of California's two pilot regional centers, the Frank D Lanterman Regional Center and the Golden Gate Regional Center. I'm a proud principal coauthor of this resolution. Established in 1966, these pilot regional centers established the foundation for today's system of community based services and support for Californians living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Prior to the establishment of regional centers, approximately 13,000 Californians with intellectual and developmental disabilities, lived in state developmental centers isolated from their families and communities due to a lack of availability of community based support.

These regional centers introduced a person centered service model based on cultural humility and community support to better accommodate people living, with these disabilities. Following a 1968 assembly report showing the pilot centers, to be successful, in 1969, then assembly member Frank Lanterman introduced the Lanterman Developmental Disabilities Services Act to expand the regional center model statewide. Today, this model continues to expand and diversify. There are now 21 nonprofit regional centers serving nearly 500,000 individuals across California.

In fact, approximately ninety nine percent of the children served receive care from the comfort of their homes with their families.

California's regional center system has become a model for the nation, establishing California as a leader in disability rights and community based care. This resolution recognizes the sixtieth anniversary of these two pilot regional centers and reaffirms the legislature's commitment to sustaining and strengthening California's community based developmental services system for future generations. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Laird.

Thank you very much. Mister president, I rise in support of SCR 174. And if you read, the Jess Unruh biography by Bill Boyarski, it describes how speaker Jess Unruh in the nineteen sixties wanted to deal with developmental dis disability issues and how he asked then assembly member Jerry Waldy to head a select committee on this, and the pilot centers came from that. Interestingly, given who we are and how we operate, that book describes how he wanted to do it himself without staff.

How Jess Under had to prevail upon him to take Art Bolton, so he actually had a staff member that was helping him lead to the regional centers.

And when I worked for him in the early nineteen seventies, people came out of crowds across the state, parents, to thank him for that work. It's hard to believe that sixty years, it's replaced the institutions. We need to continue to invest on it. This resolution calls attention to it and I ask for an aye vote on SCR 174.

Seeing no other senators wishing to be recognized, Senator Wiener, you may close. Respectfully ask for

a aye vote. Alright. Colleagues, this item is eligible for the application of our unanimous roll call. Is there any objection to doing so? Seeing none, eyes 34, nose zero.

The resolution is adopted. Senator Wiener at the Majority Leader's desk for introduction of guests.

Thank you, Mr. President. Colleagues, in partnership with Senator Pérez, please join me in welcoming advocates and affiliates of the Frank D. Lanterman Regional Center and the Golden Gate Regional Center to acknowledge the significance of their 60th anniversary.

Please welcome Eric Zigman, the executive director of the Golden Gate Regional Center. Edith Arias, a parent and former Golden Gate Regional Center board member. Peter Mendoza, one of my constituents served by the Golden Gate Regional Center since 1975.

Srbui Ovsepyan, the executive director of the Frank D Lanterman Regional Center. Mary Marcella, Senator Pérez's constituent served by the Lanterman Regional Center. Al Marcella, Mary's father. And Liliana Ramirez, support staff with the Lanterman Regional Center. Please join me in welcoming them.

Alright. Thank you, Senator Wiener. Proceeding next on the file to item one zero three, SR 111 by Senator Padilla. Secretary, please read.

Senate resolution 111 by Senator Padilla relative to international day against Homophobia, Biphobia, Androphobia, and Transphobia.

Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, mister president and colleagues. I rise to present SR 111. As a proud member of this legislature's LGBTQ caucus, I rise today to recognize 05/17/2026 as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. And we'll be urging all of you to do the same. For many like me in this chamber, this issue is deeply personal.

It reflects not just policy, but really it's about human beings, our communities, our families, for some of us, our own lived experiences in navigating spaces throughout our lives that have not always been inclusive or welcoming. California as a state has long been a leader in advancing equality and civil rights. We should never shrink for the political convenience of the moment from this distinguished legacy or the work that lies ahead. We also have to be very honest.

This hard fought progress is not only uneven, it is also, particularly today, under intense pressure.

LGBTQ plus people continue to face discrimination, violence, and exclusion, especially our transgender siblings who are too often targeted simply because of who they are. Indeed, mister president and colleagues, it is the unfortunate reality of the human experience in human history that often ignorance, not always malicious, but pure misunderstanding, misinformation. And the all too human trait of fear and what we don't understand always leads a path towards indifference and tolerance, hatred, and too often violence.

In short, it's too easy in the human condition to fear and to loathe what we don't understand, what we don't relate to. What we fear is different from ourselves.

In recent years, we've seen a troubling rise in reports of anti LGBTQ hate violence, incidents of people being harassed, physically attacked, and worse. This reality underscores something important. This is not just about the idea of equality. It is about ensuring the safety of all people, of all people in all of our communities. And it really is also, isn't it, about the success or the failure about the American experiment and the great American ideal?

For many, we are one or we strive to be. Every human being deserves to feel safe walking down the street, in their neighborhood, and in their community. Research consistently shows that LGBTQ plus youth face higher rates of bullying, rejection, and homelessness. They're significantly more likely to struggle with mental health challenges as a result. And let me be clear.

All too often, these challenges are not the result of struggling with who they are. But it is the result of struggling with how they are all too often isolated and rejected and mistreated. Sadly, today we see that our centers of learning schools have become one of the most common settings for hate incidents and harassment. This should concern all of us, no matter our lived experience, no matter our social or cultural backgrounds, no matter our politics.

These are just a few examples of why California has taken steps to try to ensure the utmost safety and the protections against discrimination and protections for all of us.

This international day, which this resolution commemorates, is observed globally around the world as a call to action and a reminder that the fight for dignity and safety is also global. It's not symbolic. It really should be a reaffirmation, a reaffirmation of who we are, who we strive to be, and our responsibility, what we aspire to be as a people. A responsibility to combat hate in all its forms, whether it shows up in our schools, in our streets, or in our institutions.

A responsibility to ensure that every person can live authentically and without fear, with respect for their humanity.

And a responsibility to continue building a California where safety, dignity, and equality are real and not imagined. And most of all. Most of all, a responsibility to not be silent, to not be silent, but to act. And, mister president, I have to say, As I prepare to conclude. I feel compelled to make the following observations.

They're personal. And they're painful. The subject of the LGBTQ community, certainly trans people of late ideas of culture, religion, morality and politics. Have been fraught, emotional and intense. And today, all too often become primarily political and lose their humanity.

This should not be a political or a partisan issue. The acknowledgment that we should not hate, but that we should love, that we should accept and not reject people different from ourselves should not be political. It should be about our humanity.

When I joined the legislature, one of the greatest honors of my life, I was pleased to learn that I had the opportunity to serve with some amazing, talented, and distinguished people, and some of whom have very different politics than mine and with whom I have great personal respect. But I have to say, we cannot omit the painful reality that silence in the face of discrimination is complicity.

There was a famous poem called First They Came, published in 1946, right after the second World War by a German pastor named Martin Niemoller. And the pastor famously wrote, first they came for the Jews and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. And it continues, of course. Today we see iterations that say, first they came for the immigrants. And I did not speak out because I'm not an immigrant.

What what am I saying here? What I'm saying is with respect, but with honesty. Every time a resolution comes to this floor dealing with hatred and tolerance, violence. Every time. 90% of the time.

Dealing with the LGBTQ community. And all the appurtenant issues. Sometimes recognizing the contributions of LGBTQ persons, political leaders, some of whom assassinated. And on and on and on. Even on this floor, there is silence.

As a human being, I have to share that every time the role is called. Every time a name is called. Just like on a resolution like this one. And there is silence. Because of politics.

Because of a fear of constituencies wrapped up in the moment. In their own fear and hatred. A name is called. And instead of an affirming eye. There is silence.

As an out and proud gay man. Every time that happens on a resolution on this floor and every time a name is called and it is followed by silence. On a resolution that just simply says we should not hate. It is like another cut in the long history of cuts, and it hurts like hell. It hurts.

We must find the moral courage to stand up and be heard and not be silent. Because the idea that all of us belong, no matter our political, cultural, or religious differences, the idea that we all have value Is the most moral and American thing I can think of. And every time a resolution goes up of this nature. That board should be full of green lights. And no silent or blank spaces.

Mr. President and colleagues, with great respect, I respectfully ask for an aye vote and that the first role be open for coauthors.

Senator Becker.

Thank you, mister president. Colleagues, I rise in support of SR 111 and commend my colleague from San Diego for bringing this important resolution forward. This resolution recognizes the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, Transphobia, an observance that that feels especially urgent in this moment. As vice chair of the Jewish Caucus, I rise in strong support. This resolution is personal for me too.

And first, let me acknowledge and remember the deaths of a number of young people in my district, including the child of a friend of mine in the last year and a half on the who've taken their own lives on the Caltrain tracks, in my district. Both the LGBTQ and Jewish communities know what it means to be targeted and excluded. We know what it might means to fight generation after generation for acceptance, dignity, and equality.

When I say we know it's you know, just last night in, Washington DC, it was reported that the, son of a, US Senator went on a ten minute tirade against Jews and gays in Washington DC. So we've seen a troubling rise in hate and dehumanization directed at the LGBTQ community and particularly the trans community.

Many individuals live at the intersection of these identities and the face, the hate in compounded way for many proud LGBTQ Jewish Californians who continue to contribute to our state and strengthen our communities. In terms of targeting, also last year, my district, two teenagers hurled fireworks into a pride celebration by shouting slurs, injuring several people. These are not isolated incidents and they are signs of the work ahead and that's why solidarity matters.

The last few years, the Jewish and LGBTQ caucuses came together to host a drag forum, a celebration that brought our communities together through joy, shared traditions, and connection. Because we build understanding, we help defeat hate.

Our shared experiences only re reinforce our ability to work together. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Senator Richardson.

Thank you, mister president. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus. I originally hadn't planned on doing so. I actually stood to stand with my brother, the gentleman from San Diego. But I'll start with those words from the caucus, and then I'll say one word of encouragement to you.

I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of SR 111 in recognition of the International Day Against Hate of the LGBTQIA plus discrimination, a day that calls on all of us to stand against hate, violence, discrimination against all communities, all people in this world. For many individuals, the fight to live openly and safely remains ongoing, reminding us that equality and dignity should never be conditional.

That reality also reminds us that we cannot speak about justice and equality without recognizing leaders like Bayard Rustin, a chief organizer of the nineteen sixty three March on Washington, a trusted advisor to doctor Martin Luther King, whose contributions were often overlooked and his leadership was overshadowed simply because he was a gay black man. Or Marsha Johnson, a black transgender activist who helped shape the modern LGBTQ rights movement and advocated for homeless LGBTQ youth and vulnerable communities.

And then let's also not forget Audre Lorde, whose writing and activism challenged this nation to confront itself about racism, sexism, injustice, while becoming one of the most influential black feminist voices of her generation.

In 2024 alone, at least 32 transgender and gender expansive individuals were murdered nationwide, with black transgender women representing nearly half of those deaths. These aren't statistics. These are lives. These are people. These are people we work with and our friends.

These are communities still calling for safety, openness, freedom, equal protection that we are all guaranteed by the law. As I close, I wanna say, you know, I grew up as a mixed girl in South Central Los Angeles, and I experienced hatred. Some people might remember why I have a little fight in me and you see Richardson two point o.

It's because I've been fighting all my life about why am I this supposed black girl whose skin, you can see my veins like white people, or you can see freckles on my face like white people, so clearly I couldn't be black. That's what I grew up with, and that's how I started fighting at a very young age.

So I wanna be consistent in my comments. I've stood with the Jewish community against antisemitism, and it must stop. I've stood against racism and the votes the attacks on voting rights that are impacting African Americans throughout this country. But today, I'm standing with my brothers and sisters here, and I ask permission to read.

Without objection, permission granted.

One of Martin Luther King's famous quotes regarding the inaction of allies said, in the end, we will be remembered not for the words of our enemies, but actually for the silence of our friends. Know that I'm a friend and I refuse to sit silent on this day. Thank you.

Senator Wiener.

Thank you, mister president. I rise in support of the resolution. I wanna thank my my colleague from San Diego for his, leadership on it. You know, I think a lot of times people perceive or or think that everything is always moving in a positive direction for LGBTQ people and it's all good. You got marriage equality, etcetera, etcetera.

It's all good. And we know that, although we've made progress, there's backsliding, and we know that around the world, LGBTQ people are at severe risk. There are, countries in various parts of the world, whether Iran or, Qatar or The UAE or Saudi Arabia or, Uganda, other countries in Africa, or Russia, where being, LGBTQ means that you are subject either, officially or effectively to the death penalty. Either an official death sentence, or you will just effectively be killed even though it's outside, of the law.

And that's what LGBTQ people experience through big swaths of the world.

It's still extremely dangerous, for anyone to know, that you are, gay, Lesbian, bi, trans. And, of course, I will note that because the Trump administration has illegally, basically destroyed the asylum system in this country, they can't even come here legally. Even if they are at risk of being hanged, which happens to gay men in Iran, by the way, You can't come to this country anymore because of what this administration has done to our asylum system, which is just vile.

We also know that in this country, there's been significant backsliding. There's an entire movement dedicated to destroying equality and civil rights for LGBTQ people.

Trans people first and foremost, including these hate laws that are being passed in state after state and that they're trying to pass, in Congress, including just attacks on just existing protections for LGBTQ people. We still don't have a federal civil rights law for sexual orientation or gender identity, in this country. You can still be evicted from your apartment in most states, simply for being, gay.

And so there is so much work to do, and we have to fight and protect the gains that we've achieved, and keep moving forward protecting people here in The US, but protecting protecting LGBTQ people and standing up for them around the world. I respect to ask for an aye vote.

Senator Badillo, you may close.

Thank you, mister president. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

And the debate having ceased, simply note the the procedure by which coauthors are added by roll call is only occurs in the in the other house. The Senate rules do not provide for such for such an action, so we'll now proceed to the roll call. Secretary, please call the roll on SR 111.

Alan. Alvarado Gil. Archuleta. Aye, Adegin. Aye, Ashby.

Aye, Becker. Aye, Blake Spear. Cabaldon. Aye, Caballero. Aye, Cervantes.

Aye, Choi. Cortesi. Aye, Dali, Durazo, Aye, Gonzales, Aye, Grayson, Aye, Grove, Hurtado, Aye, Jones, Laird, Aye, Limon, McGuire, Aye, McNerney, Aye, Menjivar, Aye, Nilo. Ochoa Bogadia. Aye, Perez, Reyes, Richardson.

Aye, Rubio. Aye, Ciardo. Smallwood Cuevas. Aye, Stern. Aye, Strickland.

Humber? Molodaros? Wahab? Aye. Weber Pearson?

Aye. Weiner? Aye.

Call the absent members.

Allen? Aye. Alvarado-Gil, Blake Spear, Choi, Dally, Grove, Jones, Limon, Nilo, Ochoa Bog, Perez, Reyes, Sigardo, Strickland, Lambert, Boladeras. Grow by. Grow by.

The ayes are 26, the noes are zero. The resolution is adopted. Proceeding next to the second day consent calendar, items one fourteen through one twenty one. Secretary, please read the all of the items on the consent calendar.

[Consent Calendar]

Does any Member wish to remove any item from the consent calendar? Seeing none. Secretary, please call the roll on the first item, and then we will apply the the vote to the remaining items on the consent agenda.

[Roll Call]

Call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 34, noes zero. Item 114, the measure is adopted, and the, and ayes 34, noes zero on the remainder of the consent calendar. We'll pause for one moment. Alright. Moving next to committee announcements. Senator Cervantes.

Thank you, Mr. President. Today's the day the Senate Appropriations Committee will be convening for our suspense hearing ten minutes after floor adjourns. We will be in Room 2200 of the O Street Building.

Members, just one reminder, pursuant to prior order of the House, if the Appropriations Committee reports any bills today, they will, those that have a do pass recommendation will be on third reading and eligible to be taken up on Monday. Those with amendments will be on second reading. So we may have a large calendar Monday and Tuesday. Please plan your schedules accordingly. Proceeding next to Senator Allen.

Yes. Members, you can blow off steam while, while checking your Appropriations results at the Joint Committee of the Arts. It's gonna be hosting a hearing in Room 2100 on the creative economy. It's a it's a presentation of the state's creative economy strategic plan. We'll be meeting upon adjournment in Room 2100 in the Swing Space.

Alright. So Members, we have two options for singing and dancing hearing today's. Next, we'll proceed to to return to motions and resolutions. Members, we are, the Senate will be in momentary recess. Reconvening and moving back to motions and resolutions. Senator Alvarado-Gil.

Mr. President, I'd like to move SCR 11, excuse me, SCR 116, School Choice Week reso, to the inactive file, please.

Alright. Secretary will note. Continuing our motions and resolutions. Senator Padilla, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. President, I would rise to respectfully request that reconsideration be granted with respect to file item 103, discretion of the President and the Chair, be taken up at the next legislative session.

Right. Without objection, reconsideration is granted. Ayes 32, noes zero. Alright. We will now proceed to motions to adjourn in memory, beginning with Senator Arreguín. Members, please give your attention to Senator Arreguín for the first presentation. Senator Arreguín.

Well, thank you, Mr. President. It's with great sadness but profound appreciation that I rise to honor Carl Anthony, a trailblazing city planner who fought for decades for environmental justice, racial justice, our climate, and for sustainability. He was at the forefront of the intersectionality of racial equity, the environment, and urban planning.

Born in Philadelphia in 1939, Mr. Anthony was the only African American student when he started attending architecture school at Columbia University, where he got involved in the civil rights movement, encouraging other African American students to apply to the architecture program.

After traveling the world to study traditional African architecture, he moved to California, where he was an assistant professor of architecture at the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design from 1971 to 1979.

In 1988, Mr. Anthony was appointed to the board of the Earth Island Institute by its founder, the icon in the environmental movement, David Brower. During his time on the board, he co-founded the Urban Habitat Program, bringing together multicultural leadership in the environmental justice movement.

In the 2000s, he solidified his legacy as a national leader on issues around the environment and equity, serving as the director of the Ford Foundation Sustainable Metropolitan Communities Initiative in New York City.

When he returned to Berkeley, which was his home, he co-founded the nonprofit environmental justice organization, Breakthrough Communities, headquartered in Oakland, where he nurtured the next generation of leaders committed to equity and sustainability.

Mr. Anthony's approach to architecture and city planning helped challenge the status quo. In his 2017 book, The Earth, the City, and the Hidden Narrative of Race, he made the case for how healing the Earth required healing our social fabric and that justice, community, and ecology are all part of a single story.

As we remember Carl Anthony today, we are called not only to honor him, but to continue his critical work. He will push us to ask ourselves, how do we build communities that are not only sustainable, but also just, including racially just?

How do we ensure that every voice is heard, every neighborhood is valued, and every future is protected? Colleagues, let us build on his legacy by recognizing our shared humanity and our shared responsibility to protect this planet and its inhabitants. I respectfully ask that we adjourn the Senate in honor of Carl Anthony today.

Senator Arreguín, the Senate offers its condolences to the family and to the community. Thank you for bringing this forward, and please bring Mr. Anthony's name file to the desk so they can be properly memorialized. Proceeding next to Senator Rubio.

Thank you, Mr. President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please help me in adjourning in the memory of Lupe Estrella, the long time city clerk for the City of La Verne. Born in La Verne, educated in the city, and devoted to serving the community for more than 40 years. Lupe began her journey at city hall as a 17 year old intern. She never left.

Over the decades, she became the welcoming face of the city hall. The steady voice on the phone that people heard, the trusted guide for residents, elected officials, and coworkers alike. Many knew her as the city clerk. Many more knew her as a person who always knew how to help. She would go out of her way to help you, where to go, what to do, and who to call if you needed anything.

But titles never captured who truly who she was. People called her Ms. La Verne and that name was well earned. Lupe loved the city deeply and fiercely. If someone needed to be celebrated, she was there organizing. If someone needed encouragement, she was there giving it.

If a new council member or commissioner needed guidance, she was there to support them. She was there with patience and wisdom. Those who work beside her remember her professionalism, her strength, and enormous heart. Her friends remember her humor and loyalty. Her family remembers a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and the center of so many cherished family moments.

Her passing leaves a space that cannot be filled because there was only one Lupe Estrella in the City of La Verne. But the impact she made remains all around us in the people she mentored, the friendships she built, the community she strengthened, and the love she gave so freely.

Thank you to Lupe for her service, her spirit, her laughter, and the love she gave to everyone in the community of the City of La Verne. Once again, ladies and gentlemen, please join me in adjourning in her memory of Lupe Estrella. Thank you, Mr. President.

Thank you, Senator. The Senate's thoughts are with the with the family and also with the community of La Verne. Please bring her name to the desk so she may be properly memorialized. There is no further business, and therefore, Majority Leader, the desk is clear.

Thank you, presiding officer and colleagues. The Senate will reconvene on Monday at 2:00.

Alright. The Senate will be in recess until all legislative business has been been received. We will reconvene Monday, May 18, 2026 at 2:00pm.