Assembly Floor

Morning, California. The assembly is now in session now in session. Assembly member Schiavo notices the absence of a quorum. Sergeant at Arms will prepare the chamber, bring in the absent members. Clerk will call the roll.

[Roll Call]

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

Please join me in a moment of reflection. When we become uncentered on ourselves, feelings of happiness naturally begin to emerge, but letting go of selfishness is not just at the heart of finding our own sense of well-being; it is at the heart of creating a better world. For when we become uncentered on ourselves, our wisdom eyes open to see that we are not separate from the earth, our environment, or all life.

We see that all people everywhere, we are part of one humanity. Pope Leo said, "Our common path can and must be understood to involve everyone in a spirit of human fraternity. Peace is built in the heart, and from the heart. By eliminating pride and vindictiveness and carefully choosing our words, true peace begins with humility, forgiveness, and mindful communication. When they ask me who my people are, I will proudly say humanity, all of humanity are my people."

"True spiritual teachers and spiritual, spiritual traditions all try to remind us when we become uncentered on ourselves, our wisdom eyes open to see that we are not separate from the earth, our environment, or all life. We see that all people everywhere, we are a part of one humanity." Let us try to live with kindness and gratitude beyond words.

We ask our guests and visitors to join us and remain standing for the flag salute. Assemblymember Schiavo will lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Please join me in the pledge. "I pledge allegiance to the flag and The United States of America."

[Reciting Pledge of Allegiance]

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

Assembly Chamber Sacramento met on Thursday, May 7th, 2026. The Assembly met at 9 AM. The honorable Josh Lowelthal, speaker...

Majority Leader, Aguiar-Curry, moves and Ms. Sanchez seconds that the reading of the previous day's journal be dispensed with. Presentations and petitions, there are none. Introduction and reference of bills will be deferred. Parts of committees will be deemed read and amendments deemed adopted. Messages from the Governor, there are none.

Messages from the Senate, there are none. Moving on to motions and resolutions, the...of the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Onto procedural motions, Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized for your procedural motions.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow assembly members Wilson and Michelle Rodriguez to speak on adjournment and memory today.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow assembly members Krell, Wilson, Macedo, and Lackey to have guests in the rear of the Chamber and to allow assembly members Wilson and Boerner to have guests seated at their desks.

Without objection, such shall be the order.

I request unanimous consent to rescind the action whereby on 09/08/2025, SB 830, Arreguin, was read a third time, passed, and sent to the Senate. Please order the bill back to the third reading file.

Without objection, such shall be the fourth order.

At, at the request of the author, I am giving a one-day notice to remove Item A7, SB 453, Stern, from the inactive file.

Clerk will note.

Pursuant to Assembly Rule 96, I request unanimous consent to re-refer SB 239, Arreguin, from the Local Government Committee to the Public Safety Committee.

Without objection, such shall be the order. Okay. We are ready to begin with guest introductions, beginning with Assemblymember Krell. From the majority leader's desk. Assemblymember Krell, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you so much. Good afternoon, colleagues. Thank you, Mr. Speaker, and thanks to the majority leader for loaning your desk for this exciting occasion. I have the honor of welcoming the Futures High School Hydrogen Car Grand Prix Team. Earlier this year, engineering students from Futures High School, which is part of Gateway Community Charters, earned first place at the Hydrogen Grand Prix Pro California State Final Award Qualifiers, giving them the opportunity to compete in Switzerland for the Hydrogen Grand Prix World Finals.

Colleagues, this is a really big deal. These students are so talented. I was able to see these cars firsthand at their fair earlier this year, and what they've done is nothing short of spectacular. I'm so excited for them. I'm so excited for California's future when we have students like this.

And it's my honor to welcome Daniel Zavalenko to the floor, Michael Yurkeep to the floor, Avenir Carpout to the floor, and Kelly Kessler to the floor to be recognized today. By the way, this is their first day of summer and they're spending it with us. Colleagues, please join me in welcoming these incredible students.

Welcome to the California Assembly. Okay. Continuing on with our guest introductions. Assemblymember Wilson, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, please join me in welcoming, some wonderful visitors from my district—my good friend, Jasmine Chisholm, and her daughters, my goddaughters, Lottie and Lyric Tate. Lottie is a junior getting ready for her senior year, and Lyric is an eighth grader preparing to enter high school. They are both students at Griffin Technology Academy in Vallejo. They are job shadowing me today.

Welcome to the Capitol.

Welcome. Welcome. Continuing on, Assemblymember Boerner, you are recognized for your very important guest introduction.

Good afternoon, Mr. Speaker and members. I'm welcoming to the floor my daughter, Maya. Many of you remember when she was this big. I call her my little girl, but she's not so little anymore. She's gonna be a sophomore next year at San Diego Academy.

So, welcome, Maya.

Welcome, Maya. Welcome, welcome. Last but not least, everybody, if you draw your attention to the very rear of the Chamber, we have former assembly member, former Senator, former member of the Board of Equalization, George Runner is in the back and has joined us. Welcome back, assembly member. Welcome back.

Okay. Time for business on the daily file. File item—excuse me, concurrence. File item one, we're gonna pass and retain on reconsideration file items two through four. All items shall be continued.

Assembly third reading file, file items 5-10, we're gonna pass and retain on file item 5. File item 6, ACR 185 by Assemblymember Macedo. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 185 by Assemblymember Macedo and others relative to Portuguese Heritage Month.

Assemblymember Macedo, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Boa tarde, Members. I rise today with great pride as a fourth generation Portuguese American to present ACR 185, recognizing June as Portuguese Heritage Month. As the granddaughter of immigrants from the Azorean Island of Terceira, I am honored to recognize the countless contributions of Portuguese Californians. California is home to 350,000 Portuguese Americans, the largest population in The United States.

And as driven by the promise of the American dream, many Portuguese immigrants arrived in the pursuit of gold during the gold rush, and eventually settled in the Central Valley in the late 19th century. Many held jobs as day laborers, and eventually, families pooled their money together to purchase land for crop farming, and built the bedrock of the state's powerhouse dairy industry. By 1960, Portuguese American farmers produced an estimated 90% of California's milk.

Today, they continue to represent about two thirds of dairy producers in core agricultural hubs like Merced, Kings, and Tulare Counties. One of the great traditions of our culture is the centuries old tradition of the Portuguese Holy Ghost Festa.

Brought to California by immigrants in the eighteen hundreds, it honors Queen Isabel of Portugal for her charity. The vibrant celebrations are famous for parades, crowning of festival queens, and sharing meals with family and friends. These celebrations bring together faith, family, culture, and service. There are a few cultural traditions that remain as visible, enduring, and community centered as the Portuguese Festas that have been celebrated here in California since the late 1800s.

As a kid, Festas meant getting a new pair of jeans, dress, or cowboy boots to wear to the festivities.

For decades, Portuguese Americans have contributed to California's economy, culture, and history. They have brought with them a strong work ethic, deep faith, and a commitment to family and community. Those values continue to shape our state today. As we celebrate Portuguese Day, the entire world is looking ahead to the World Cup kicking off this month. And of course, the legendary Cristiano Ronaldo.

Now he is 41 years old and playing in his sixth World Cup. There were rumors that this might be his last year, but his coast, coach recently hinted he might stay on through the 2030 games. Boa sorte to Cristiano Ronaldo and team Portugal. It is a privilege to help recognize the generations of Portuguese Californians whose hard work and sacrifice helped shape the communities we call home.

I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 185 and ask for the first roll to be open for co authors.

Thank you, Assemblymember Macedo. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on behalf of the California's Legislative Hispanic Caucus in support of ACR 185.

Thank you. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez. Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized.

Mr. Speaker and Members, I rise today in support of ACR 185, recognizing June 2026 as Portuguese Heritage Month, as well as June 10, the day of Portugal, and May 25, the day of the Azores. The Portuguese story in California is a story about hard work, family, faith, and community. For more than 200 years, Portuguese immigrants, many from the Azores, helped build California from the ground up, especially in agriculture, dairy, and fishing.

From the whaling boats in Monterey to the tuna canneries in San Diego, Portuguese Californians have always contributed to their state. And today, that legacy continues in business, public service, education, the arts, and our military.

Thank you to the California Portuguese American Coalition and the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute at Fresno State for their work preserving Portuguese language and culture for future generations. The partnership with local communities, with the universities, and the government of Azores is helping strengthen cultural ties and create new opportunities here in California. I wanna thank my colleague from Tulare for bringing this resolution forward to honor the more than 350,000 Californians who proudly trace their roots to Portugal.

And as the daughter of a Portuguese American, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Majority Leader. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assemblymember Macedo, do you wish to close?

I wanna thank Madam Majority Leader for her support in running this resolution and allowing me to run it this year. Proud Portuguese girls. And with that, respectfully ask for your aye vote, and the first roll will be open for co authors.

Thank you. Assemblymember Macedo. Assemblymember's asked for the first roll to be open for co authors. Clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co authors.

All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 51 co authors added.

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

The resolution is adopted. Assemblymember Macedo, you are now recognized for your guest introduction.

Colleagues, it wouldn't be a Portuguese celebration without some sweet bread. On your desk, you have a delicious treat called Massa Sovada, which is a Portuguese traditional sweet bread. And they all came from a bakery in my district, Pastry Delights. Very grateful for them. And in the rear of the chamber, I have two very special gentlemen that I've had the honor of knowing for a while now.

So please help me recognize Diniz Borges, the President of the California Portuguese American Coalition, and Filipe Ramalheira, the Consulate General of Portugal and San Francisco. Welcome to the assembly.

Okay. Continuing on, we are going to pass and retain on File Item Number Seven. That brings us to File Item Number Eight. That is ACR 197 by Assembly Member Stefani. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 197 by Assembly Member Stefani, relative to Italian American Heritage Month.

Assembly Member Stefani, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I have to say, the comments from my colleague from Tulare about the World Cup sting a little bit from Italy, but that's okay. I do rise to present ACR 197, recognizing the month of October as Italian American Heritage Month in the State of California. Of course, it is not October, but we're not here in October, so that's why we're doing it now.

As a proud Italian American and Chair of the Italian Caucus of California, I'm honored to recognize the profound contributions our community has made. It's especially meaningful to bring this resolution forward this week, as tomorrow is June 2nd, which marks Italian Independence Day, which is known as Festa della Repubblica.

California is home to nearly 1.5 million people of Italian descent, one of the largest Italian American populations in the country. Italian immigrants helped build this state, working the fields, fishing the coast, and shaping industries from agriculture to construction. They founded businesses, opened banks--thank you, Bank of America, which was Bank of Italy--and brought traditions that still enrich California's culture today.

In San Francisco, they rebuilt the city after the 1906 earthquake. They created landmarks, launched institutions like the San Francisco Opera and the Bank of Italy, and shaped North Beach into a beacon of Italian American life. They helped build the Port of Los Angeles, shaped the fishing industry in Monterey, and were among the first to cultivate grapes in the Central Valley. Italian Americans have contributed to every corner of public life: arts, education, labor, science, and public service.

As A.P. Giannini, the son of Italian immigrants and founder of Bank of America once said, serving the needs of others is the only legitimate business today. His commitment to expanding opportunity for working families reflected the same spirit of service and determination that has defined generations of Italian Americans in California, including my family.

Last year, alongside Senator Cortese, I was thrilled to launch the Italian Caucus of California to uplift Italian American voices, history, and contributions within state policy-making, and I was incredibly touched that so many of you, my colleagues in the Assembly and the Senate, joined us in building that caucus. So let us continue to celebrate the stories, sacrifices, and achievements of Italian Americans across California. [Italian] and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Prego.

Thank you so much, Assembly Member Stefani. Assembly Member Sanchez, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. As granddaughter of proud Italian immigrants and as Co-Chair of the California Hispanic Legislative Caucus, we rise in support of ACR 197. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Sanchez. Seeing and hearing no further debate, Assembly Member Stefani, do you wish to close?

I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member Stefani. And do you wish for the first roll to be open for co-authors? Okay. Got it. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. Members, this is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors. All members vote who desire to vote.

Clerk will close the roll, tally the votes. There are 54 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution. All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Stefani, you are recognized to explain the items that are on the members' desks.

Yes. You'll see, as a small token of appreciation from the Italian Caucus of California, and it's not a nod to our-- it's a nod to our rich and delicious heritage--members will find a gift on their desk today. It's a box of baci chocolates. Baci stands for kiss, so it's the Italian kisses. Thank you.

Thank you, Assembly Member Stefani. Okay, and moving right along, we are on File Item Number Nine. That's ACR 205 by Assembly Member Lackey. The clerk will read.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 205 by Assembly Member Lackey and others, relative to Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month.

Assembly Member Lackey, you are recognized.

Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I rise to recognize June as Congenital Cytomegalovirus, or cCMV Awareness Month. cCMV is a common virus that can infect people of all ages and is one of the most common infections to cause birth defects in the United States. Approximately one in five are born with cCMV, and they will experience permanent health problems, including hearing loss, vision impairment, developmental and motor delays, and other serious medical conditions. Despite its potential severity, public awareness of this virus remains very, very low.

That's why I brought forward ACR 205 to help honor the ongoing efforts of the advocates and families working to help raise awareness of cCMV and support those who live with it. I respectfully urge your support and aye vote.

Thank you, Assembly Member Lackey. All debate having ceased, Assembly Member, do you wish for the first roll to be open for co-authors?

I sure do.

Okay. The Assembly Members ask for the roll to be open for co-authors. Clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote. This is for co-authors. Clerk will close the roll; tally the votes. There are 55 co-authors added. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution.

All those in favor, say aye. All those opposed, no. The ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Assembly Member Lackey, you are recognized for your guest introductions.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today, I wanna welcome and recognize a few people on the floor in the Gallery who are helping to bring attention to the cCMV. First, I would like to welcome, as was introduced earlier, former Senator, my good friend, George Runner. Next, I would like to welcome his wife, Pamela Jessup Runner, who has recently authored a book called Grief, Grit, and Glory.

This book details her journey on navigating her son's diagnosis and her transformation to becoming an advocate for not only her son, but for families who have also been impacted by cCMV.

Additionally, I have with me Jonny Jessup and his incredible care team, nurse Monica Saatchi and his aide, Katie Braggs. Michelle Zappas, a cCMV California representative, is also on the floor with us. Lastly, I would like to bring to your attention in the Gallery to recognize the incredible support system and love of Jonny's family, which includes Catherine, Anthony, Alexis, Brent, and Blair Jessup. I think they're to my left. Welcome everyone, and thank you, members, for allowing me to take the time to bring this resolution to the floor and recognize everyone here. Thank you.

Welcome to the California Assembly. Welcome. Okay, members. We are going to pass and retain on File Item 10. That gets us to the Senate Third Reading file, File Items 11 through 20.

We're gonna pass and retain on file items 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19. Key members, decorum. File item number 20 is SCR 177 by Senator we're Weber. Weber Pierson, excuse me, presented by Assemblymember Connolly. The clerk will read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 177 by Senator Weber Pierson and others relative to World No Tobacco Day.

Assemblymember Connolly, you are recognized.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and Members. Proud to present SCR 177, which proclaims 05/31/2026 as World No Tobacco Day. World No Tobacco Day was created by the World Health Organization to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes. Tobacco use remains a leading cause of preventable death and disease in the entire world. It kills more than four hundred and ninety thousand Americans each year, causing nearly one in every five deaths in The United States.

The tobacco industry has a long history of targeting youth with flavored tobacco products and aggressive marketing. Today, that same playbook continues with ecigarettes, nicotine pouches, and heated tobacco products marketed as safe or as alternatives to quitting. California has taken strong action to protect kids and communities. In 2020, we enacted SB 793, our nation leading law to ban the sale of flavored tobacco products. And voters overwhelmingly upheld that law through proposition 31 in 2022.

SCR 177 declares that 05/31/2026 has world no tobacco day and reaffirms California's commitment to protecting our children from a life of addiction and illness. Thank you, and I respectfully ask for your Aye vote on SCR 177 and would like the first vote open for co authors.

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

All Members vote who desire to vote. All Members vote who desire to vote. Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. There are 49 co authors added. Without objection, we'll take a voice vote on the resolution.

All those in favor, say Aye. All those opposed, no. The Ayes have it. The resolution is adopted. Members, we're moving on to adjournments of memory.

Quorum call is still in place. Let's give our respectful attention to those who were granted prior permission to speak on their adjournment in memory. And please let's take all conversations off the floor.

Assembly Member Wilson. Assembly Member Wilson, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Good afternoon, Members. I rise today to adjourn in memory of John Wesley Finney junior, a beloved California resident and devoted educator who passed away on 03/30/2026 at the age of 98. John Finney was born on 01/12/1928 in Watts, California to his loving parents, John Wesley senior and Arnetta Plato Finney. Mister Finney was the eldest of 10 children.

We are joined today by his family and loved ones. Pamela Finney, Benita Finney, Sean Richardson, Lawrence Sims, Isaiah Stewart, and Shamia Sumter join us on the floor. Rudisha McNeil, Lana Rasberry, Joe Richardson, Gabriel Smith, Sydney Stewart, and Maisha Maisha Sumpter join us in the gallery. John earned his degree in business administration from USF and began his professional career as a bus driver for San Francisco Municipal Railway. He later joined the San Francisco Police Department where he served for twelve years in the Juvenile Bureau.

During this time, he continued his education, earning a master's degree in administrative services from San Francisco State University and a teaching credential from UC Berkeley. He began teaching while still working nights as a police officer, eventually transitioning into education full time. In 1972, John joined the Vallejo City Unified School District as a principal of People's Continuation High School, where he transformed it into the highly respected school.

His innovative approach became a model for other districts, eventually leading him to become the director of alternative education for the Vallejo City Unified School District. In recognition of his impact, the school was later renamed John W Finney High School, and has since evolved into the John w Finney Educational Complex.

After retiring from Vallejo City Unified School District, John continued to serve working as a substitute teacher, interim principal, and later a Blue Rock Springs Golf Course in Vallejo. He officially retired from Blue Rock Springs in 2025 at the age of 97. I joined the family and friends of John Wesley Binney Junior in celebrating and legacy of a distinguished and caring individual. John was a deeply loved man whose laughter, warmth, and spirit touched many.

His life speaks to the great good that could be accomplished by those who strive for the best in every aspect of their lives.

His presence will be truly be missed. Members, please join me in celebrating a great Californian's life.

Thank you, Assembly Member Wilson. Members, let us observe a moment of silence to observe the life of this historic Californian, John Finney Junior. Continuing on members. Assemblymember Michelle Rodriguez, you are recognized for your adjournment in memory.

Thank you, Mr. Sspeaker and Members. Today, I rise to request that we adjourn in the memory of Los Angeles County Sheriff Deputy Levi Vargas. Deputy Vargas was tragic tragically taken from us far too soon after suffering a medical emergency during the annual Baker to Vegas Challenge Cup Roulette race. Deputy Vargas was only 30 years old and served as an 11 veteran of Los Angeles County sheriff department, most recently in the San Dimas station.

He will forever be remembered by his loved ones, colleagues, and community as an exceptional young man who was loved, respected, and admired by many.

Deputy Vargas served with compassion, professionalism, kindness, and courage. He was deeply devoted to his faith, and his calm and loyal spirit made a meaningful impact on the community he served. My heart aches for his wife, Amanda, his family, his friends, and the entire law enforcement community as they grieve this devastating loss. Let us honor Deputy Vargas' legacy by remembering his dedication to public service, his strength of character, his devotion to his faith, and the many lives he touched. May he rest in peace.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I respectfully ask that we adjourn in the memory of Deputy Levi Vargas.

Thank you, Assemblymember Rodriguez. Members, please bring the names to the desk to be printed in the journal. All requests to adjourn in memory will be deemed read and printed in the journal. Moving on to announcements, committee schedules as follows. Joint legislative audit committee upon adjournment of the Senate session, Capital Room 447.

Session schedules as follows. There's no check-in session. Okay. There is no check-in session tomorrow. No floor session, no check-in session, Tuesday, June 2.

Wednesday, June 3, check-in session. Thursday, June 4, floor session at 9AM. Seeing and hearing no further business, I'm ready to entertain a motion to adjourn. Majority Leader Aguiar-Curry moves, and miss Sanchez seconds. But this house stands adjourned until Thursday, June 4 at 9AM.

Quorum call is lifted, and we are adjourned.