Senate Floor

Secretary, please 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 afternoon by our guest chaplain, Chaplain Sharondalyn DuPree. After which, please remain standing for the pledge of allegiance to the flag.

I invite you to join me each in your own way as we enter a moment of prayer or mindful presence. Creator God, source of life and wisdom, we receive June's arrival. Daylight stretching, fields of flowers turning toward the sun. Communities gathering in celebration with June marking pride, remembrance, and hope.

Poet Audre Lorde wrote, "It is not our differences that divide us. It is our inability to recognize, accept, and celebrate those differences." May her insight accompany us today. May we recognize that every person we serve carries a story we do not fully know. May we remember that disagreement need not diminish dignity or beauty.

May we find the courage to approach what we learn from one another. May we choose curiosity. Where there is fragmentation, may we become the way makers of community. May this chamber in this new season be guided not only by what is politically possible, but by what is worthy of the people whose lives are touched by His work. And may we leave this day, this time and this season transformed willingly.

Enter June into our hearts. Shalom. May it be so. And amen.

Members, please join me in the pledge of allegiance to the flag. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. And to the Republic, for which it stands, one nation under God indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. Senators, we are now at privileges of the floor. Can we please give a very, very happy birthday to Senator Archuleta? Senator Grove, you are recognized for your privileges of the floor.

Thank you. Do you mind, madam president, if I go to the majority leader's desk?

You may go to the majority leader's desk.

Thank you. Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, today on, I'd like to introduce former Senator and State Board of Equalization member George Renner to the floor. George has dedicated his decades of service to help people of California serving in local government as a Lancaster City Council Member and mayor, in the state assembly, in the state Senate representing the 17 Senate, Senate District, and later on the California State Board of Equalization.

Throughout his time in public service, George has built a reputation of incredible advocate for taxpayers, fiscal responsibility, and accountable government.

From his years in the legislature to a statewide office on the board of equalization, George consistently worked to ensure California families, businesses, and taxpayers had a, a strong voice in state government. His public service to the state of California and his career reflects not

only his leadership, but

his experience, but also his commitment to communities that are represented across the state of California. I'd also like to take a moment to recognize his beautiful wife, Pamela Renner, and congratulate her on the publishing of her brand new book that's titled "Grief, Grit, and Glory." And the reason why they're here today and were on the assembly floor being recognized for a disease that affected her young son, Johnny.

I know that this book will inspire many, many through her message of perseverance, faith, and overcoming life's most difficult moments. As a mother's journey from heartbreak to hope.

Also joining them on the floor today is her son Johnny, who was the inspiration and the love for this story in this book. It's a privilege to recognize George Renner and thank him for his years of service and welcome his family to the floor. Thank you, and will you please welcome George and his family.

Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

President, thank you, madam president. I too just wanna, rise my, raise my mic and welcome, the giant from the Antelope Valley, George Renner, a former Senator from my Senate district. He is a, he is not only a legend in our community, but he's done so much,in community service across the Antelope Valley, High Desert, and for the people of California. And I just wanna welcome him again.

Thank you. Welcome back to the Senate. If any members would like to join in the photo, you can go in the rear of the gallery. We are still at privileges of the floor. Senator Stern, you are recognized for your privileges.

I apologize. I apologize, Senator Stern, Senator Grove?

I apologize, madam president. I do have extended Renner family and Pamela's family up in the gallery. Just wanted to make sure they were recognized. Thank you, madam president.

Senator Stern, you are now recognized for your privileges of the floor.

If I may. Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, today we have the honor of welcoming a distinguished delegation from Portugal. Here on the floor with us today, Mr. Felipe Ramelhera, Portugal's consul general in San Francisco, and Mr. Dinesh Borges, president of the California Portuguese American Association. You may wonder why I'm doing this introduction.

And half my family is Portuguese. The Matos family, my, my great-grandfather was actually the night watchman of Hayward and an immigrant to this country from the Azores. And I, I was lucky enough to be discovered as one of the few Luso-American legislators. And so I'm honored to be here with, with my roots. They're visiting today here in conjunction with ACR 185, which is being presented on the assembly for which, which recognizes this month as Portuguese Heritage Month.

California has the largest population of Portuguese Americans in the United States with over 350,000 people of Portuguese descent residing here. Many of whom have made valuable contributions to this state including architect William Pereira, best known for designing the Transamerica Pyramid in San Francisco, as well as Tom Hanks, and Katy Perry, and me. Yes. As well as Assemblymember Macedo and Aguiar Curry, and Senator Padilla, who unfortunately couldn't be with us here today, but also shares those same roots.

The Senate has maintained a strong relationship with Portugal through legislative and governmental exchanges, as well as the sister state relationship with The Azores dating back to 2002, and it is from The Azores that many Californians like my family, trace their ancestry all the way back. I'm pleased to have the opportunity recognizing them today and renewing this relationship between our institution and this important, important European region. So please join me in warmly welcoming our special guests to the Senate floor.

Welcome to the Senate. If any members would like to take a picture, please go to the rear of the gallery. Senators, we will now move on. Messages to the governor will be deemed read. Messages from the assembly will be deemed read. Reports of committees will be deemed read and amendments adopted.

We are now at motions, resolutions, and notices. Without objection, the Senate journals for 05/26/2026 through 05/28/2026 will be approved as corrected by the minute clerk. Senators, we are now at consideration of the daily file. We will go to file item number one under governor appointments. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president and members. File item number one is a confirmation of William Muniz for reappointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. Prior to joining, prior to joining the board in 2022, he was the chief deputy administrator for

the prison to employment initiative at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He is also a former warden and started his career as a correctional officer in 1994. He was approved by the rules committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Choi, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam. In 2020, 2020, the legislature passed, AB 3234, creating what many Californians now view as an elderly parole loophole. That law has been used to grant the parole consideration to some of the most dangerous offenders in our prison system, including individuals convicted of horrific crimes against children. I know there are measures currently moving through the legislature that would help address portions of this problem. I'm skeptical, but if enacted, that would be a positive step.

Cases such as David Funston and Gregory Vogelsang have raised serious concerns. These monsters committed violent crimes against vulnerable children, which commission, which commissioners voted to release these criminals. The governor won't tell us but wants us to confirm them for another three years. As senators, it is our responsibility to evaluate whether their decisions reflect sound judgment and commitment to public safety.

When parole decisions repeatedly place dangerous offenders back into our, our communities, particularly those who have preyed on children, it is appropriate for this body to ask difficult questions.

The current, current Board of Parole Hearings is clearly not doing a good job protecting children and should be replaced. I urge a no vote.

Thank you. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I will be speaking, and this is my my speech for all of the following five Board Members that will be confirmed today. I'm just gonna share it once, but they will be applicable to all five, ma'am, madam president. I rise in opposition to the appointments of these of these Board of Parole Hearing commissioners. As a member of the Senate Rules Committee, I have reviewed their records, backgrounds, and voting histories.

And as a result, I remain deeply concerned by the board's ongoing lack of transparency and accountability. Initial parole hearings for inmates consist of a two person panel with one appointed commissioner along with one civil service deputy commissioner. A transcript of that hearing is produced and clearly shows how that commissioner and deputy vote and whether they voted to deny or grant parole. Those transcripts are available to the public, and again, the votes of the commissioner and the deputy commissioner are made public.

In cases where this initial two person panel vote grants an inmate on parole, that process changes.

Before parole can be granted, an en banc hearing--meaning the full 21 person board of parole hearings--is supposed to meet to either confirm or deny the parole. When this panel meets, they do so behind closed doors. While government code 11126 allows the board to meet behind closed doors, it does not require it. As a result, discussions about whether to release serial molesters and repeat rapists out of prison occurs entirely outside public view.

But of more concern is that once the en banc meeting takes place, the prisoner is granted parole.

The actual votes are never made public. I asked all five commissioners at our hearing if they would offer or support a motion to make their votes public. They all refused. This is viewed as a breach of trust and a disservice to the public. If you're not willing to publicly own and admit how you voted and release a serial child molester or repeat rapist, you will not receive my vote for confirmation.

I urge a no vote on these, on all five of these following confirmations.

Thank you. Senator Laird, you are recognized.

Thank you very much, madam president. And I, too, am a member of the Rules Committee, and I, too, would probably like to speak to all five in this one. And what basically happened in this discussion is, is that laws are adopted, they are faithfully implemented by this board, and yet in their confirmation, people are criticized for the law rather than the fact that they are faithfully following the law. And I, I think that is not fair to punish them that way.

And if you look at the statistics that were provided to us, overall, the commission has a grant rate of roughly 30% between the number of grants of parole and the number of denials of parole.

And of these five members that we will consider today, every one of them had a grant rate that was lower than the average of the entire commission. And so I believe they are following the law that they are given, and they are doing it faithfully, and they're doing their best within the law to make sure that we are protected. And I thought they satisfactorily answered the questions in the hearing. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

Thank you, and I appreciate the comments from my colleagues. Parole decisions must be based on current safety risk, not on the seriousness of the original offense. This is a legal rule that the California Supreme Court has affirmed.

Prior to 2008, the board could routinely deny parole based solely on the severity of the original offense, but the California Supreme Court decision in, in Ray Lawrence changed that, ruling that a denial of parole must be supported by evidence that the person poses a current unreasonable risk of dangerousness.

Evidence-based risk assessment exists for this exact purpose. With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent members.

Blakespear, Dahle, Hurtado, McGuire, Padilla.

Aye's, 25. No's, 9. That appointment is confirmed. We will now move to file item two. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. Members, file item number two is a confirmation of Michael Ruff for re-appointment to the Board of Parole Hearings. Before joining the board in 2017, he was a special agent in charge at the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He started with CDCR, his CDCR career in 1986 as a correctional officer for San Quentin State Prison. He also previously served in the United States Air Force.

He was approved by the Rules Committee on May 20th. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Grove, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. Colleagues, I rise, in opposition of this confirmation along with the others that are on the dock, docket, and I'll, like the statement again, like my colleague before me kinda said to be for all of the individuals. I recognize that serving on the Board of Parole Hearings is an extraordinarily difficult job, and these commissioners make decisions with very serious consequences every day.

But I have some general concerns about the Board of Parole Hearings, and then I have specific concerns that I would like to address about a specific commissioner. Recent parole decisions, including those involved in Gregory Vogelsang and, David Allen Funston, have raised serious concerns among victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and the public about the board and how they're applying the unreasonable risk standard with sufficient caution.

I'm a believer in second chances for those who have committed minor missteps along the way in life, but who are now seriously working hard to better themselves. My faith tells me that if we've fallen short of perfection, that we should celebrate those who truly wish to reform their lives. I'm all for that. However, I do not believe that that is the case for sexually violent child predators as David Allen Funston.

I, too, have read the transcripts from this parole hearing, and he has not changed, and he does pose a risk.

And more importantly, he does not want to change. He admits in the hearings--permission to read?

Permission granted.

This is the actual transcript from the commission hearing. Commissioner, the parole commissioner: "Mr. Funston, are you still attracted to female children?" David Funston: "Uh, yes, I am." Presiding officer: "Do you want to say yes or no? Okay?"

David Funston: "Yes." Presiding officer: "Yes?" David Funston: "Yes ma'am." The next question in the transcript was: are you doing anything to help avoid those, those urges when you get them? David Funston's response was, "I plan not to re-offend."

"I can simply splash cold water on my face when I get the urge to sexually assault a child." And they let him out of prison. That's from the transcript at the parole board hearing, and there's a copy of it I can provide to you. There's not a single person in this chamber who would want this man to be alone with their children or grandchildren or any of our constituents.

But the board, this board, voted to let him out of prison with the assurance that the cold water would stop him from re-offending.

Mister Funston is planning to live in Fresno if he gets out, in my district, and I thank God for Placer County District Attorney who filed additional charges against Mr. Funston that were originally dismissed in the interest of justice, because there were so many children that were sexually assaulted by Mr. Funston, that they thought they had enough to keep him in year in prison for the 66 years that he was supposed to serve.

I'm stunned that the commissioners would be fooled, like, for a guy like this. There's something inherently wrong with decisions like this being made. Rehabilitation matters, but it cannot outweigh credible evidence of the ongoing risk. And Mr. Funston is an ongoing risk, and every one of these individuals up today voted to let him out of prison.

Finally, I'd like to comment specifically on a Commissioner Weiss. Three years ago, the good Senator from Yucaipa and I asked for the delay of this initial confirmation because complaints are received about how he conducts his parole hearings: being disrespectful of victims, dismissive of prosecutors, specifically only women

Senator Grove?

Prosecutors present at the hearing.

Senator Grove? I'm so sorry. I know you wanted to work with all of us and do everything in one, but since you're specifically now talking about someone who hasn't been presented yet, could you wait and?

Absolutely, madam president. I will present my comments again on this Mr. Weiss. Respectfully ask for a no vote because this individual up before us right now, Michael Reff, voted to let Mr. Funston out of prison when he thought splashing water on his face would stop him sexually assaulting little girls as young as five years old. Respectfully ask for a no vote.

Thank you. Senator Valladares, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I, too, rise in strong opposition to the appointments of these Board of Parole Hearing commissioners. I am, too, gonna condense my opposition to every single one of these appointments into one, one opportunity here on the floor. The, I want every Californian in this body to really understand why I rise in opposition. The parole, the Board of Parole Hearings exists for one fundamental purpose, to determine whether a dangerous person can safely return into our communities.

And that is--thank you, madam chair--that is not a bureaucratic function. That is a sacred responsibility. The current board on which these are members have failed that responsibility repeatedly and with devastatingly, with devastating, with devastating consequences for victims and for public safety. Let me tell you about some of the decisions that this parole board has made recently.

David Allen Funston, a serial child rapist, convicted in 1999 on multiple counts of kidnapping and child molestation. The judge who sentenced him said, and I quote, "You are the monster parents fear most. There is no one man on the face of this earth who deserves this sentence more than you, Mr. Funston." Three life sentences, and this board declared he did not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety, and granted him parole.

Former prosecutor Anne Marie Schubert, who put Funston behind bars, was so appalled that she wrote a blistering letter condemning the entire process.

Thankfully, for our communities, another jurisdiction filed new charges just hours before he was sentenced to be released. Gregory Lee Vogelsang was convicted in August 1999 of more than two dozen counts of child molestation and kidnapping involving five boys in the Sacramento area. It was so alarming that lawmakers, victims, advocates, and former law enforcement officials rallied outside of this very building to sound the alarm. And only after massive public outcry did that board reconsider this decision.

Robert De Trinidad, a man who broke into a woman's San Francisco apartment in the middle of the night and sexually assaulted her while she slept.

A man who described that night as his quote, "Super Bowl of crime." A man who had his own parole hearing had not completed meaningful sexual offender treatment specifically addressing sexual violence. Commissioner Ruff looked at all of that, deliberated for twenty minutes, and declared that he did not pose an unreasonable risk to public safety. Twenty minutes. These are not close calls.

These are not difficult judgement calls that reasonable people can disagree about. These are decisions that defy common sense, defy the evidence, and defy the basic duty that this board owes the people of California. And here's what makes it worse. This board has decided their individual votes should not be made public. They want to release dangerous criminals into our communities and do it in the dark.

No accountability, no transparency, no public records of who voted which way. That alone should disqualify them from serving in this role. The governor appointed these commissioners. He signed the law that expanded elderly parole that has been used to open the prison doors for predators. And when asked to act, when eight of us wrote him demanding he remove the commissioners who voted to release Funston and Vogelsang, he pointed to the limits of his authority.

The governor cannot have it both ways. You cannot build the system.

Senator Valladares, please stay on topic. You're veering off the subject.

This is about the governor's appointment.

Senator Valladares, can you please go back on topic? You're now veering off. I've given a lot of leeway. So can we kind of get back on topic?

Point of clarification is a debate not about the governor's appointments?

You have now moved off from these individuals. We're currently on Michael Ruff, and you are now veering off completely into an area that we're not talking about on the floor. So what I'm asking you to do is to wrap up your comments, please. Yes, Senator?

What specifically was off topic by the, the chair? I wanna know specifically where she's off topic. It's appointment by the governor. I wanna know specifically where she's off topic.

So first off, she didn't ask for permission to read the letter from the governor.

But there was no objection at that time?

She didn't ask. So I couldn't object.

Okay.

Or anyone could object.

So, so that's the, the problem is reading?

That, that is one problem.

Okay.

Anything else?

Other, other than that, she's on topic?

That's what I stated already. She needs to focus on the merits of the appointment at this particular time. So two issues. One, she did not ask to see if there was anyone who objected to the, to the reading of the governor's letter.

I didn't read the governor's letter.

Number two, she needs to focus on what we are discussing at this point, which is the appointmentship of Michael Ruff.

And, and the reason why I'm asking that question is because I firmly believe that she was on topic, and I wanna know--

I'm sorry. Are you on your point of order right now?

As a, as a sitting Senator--

You said a point of order.

Right.

Are you now doing a parliamentary inquiry?

Yes. I'll do a parliamentary inquiry. Thank you.

Okay.

As a sitting Senator, I felt she was on topic. I would like to know the ruling of the chair of why she was off topic?

State your parlimentary question

Yes.

At this time. State your parliamentary question at this point.

My parliamentary question, as a sitting Senator, I felt the speaker was on topic, and I would like to know from the standpoint of the chair, what part of what she was talking about was off topic of this appointment?

Thank you for that question. I have already answered it. Any other questions?

So the answer is that she can't read. Okay.

That wasn't my answer, but if that's what you took, that's fine. Senator Valladares, would you like to?

Thank, thank you, madam chair. And, of course, you know, I did not actually read a letter. I mentioned that a letter was written, but I will most definitely make sure that, should I need to read something, I will ask for permission clarified there. Thank you. This is about the governor's appointments, what we're discussing.

And we're discussing the consequence of the appointments that he is making, yet again, of a Board of Parole that has let dangerous criminals onto our streets, that put our communities, our children, at risk. This is the reality of who is being appointed. And let me just tell you, I have a nine year old daughter.

I would not want any of just the few disgusting, child molesting rapists in my community, and I would hope that every member on this body would support children, would support families, would keep your communities safe through voting no on these commissioners who have released the worst of the worst into our communities. Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

Yes, thank you. It should be noted that prior to suitability hearings, the, there is a rigorous individualized evidence, evidence-laden and multilayered hearing. Commissioners conduct a multistage review using a structured decision making tool that includes comprehensive risk assessment, institutional behavior, insight and remorse, parole plan. Prosecutors and victims are also part of this process.

In each hearing, the commissioners hear input from DAs, victims, and survivors to ensure their voices are heard and considered. Prior to release, the parole board attorneys review the grant to ensure it complies with the law. And finally, I would like to note that of those that are being proposed for confirmation, there is no record that has been shown that they have voted to grant parole to those people that have been mentioned specifically by my good Senator from Bakersfield.

With that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent members.

Blakespear, Cabaldon, Dahle, Hurtado, McGuire, Menjivar--aye, Ochoa Bogh, Padilla, Perez, Rubio, Wahab, Weiner.

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Aye is 24, Noes 9. That appointment is confirmed. We will now move to file item number three. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Members, file item number three is a confirmation of Rosalind Sergeant Burns for appointment to the parole board of parole hearings. Excuse me. Prior to this appointment, she was a senior deputy pardon attorney for the United States Department of Justice where she had served since 2008. She was approved by the rules committee on May 20.

I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Alvarado-Gil, you are recognized to speak on this appointment.

Thank you, Madam President. I'm rising in strong opposition to the confirmation of the Board of Parole hearings commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns. We've heard the background of some of the most monstrous individuals here in California that had been released under this individual. And what I really want to do is I want to bring it home because I know every single person in here is wrestling with their vote. As humans, as mothers, fathers, family members, you are wrestling with your vote.

Commissioners have the ability to be independent thinkers and to weigh an independent decision when they vote on the release of violent sexual predators. You all, we all have the ability to make an independent voice and vote on every single appointment by the governor. That is what makes us different in the Senate than in the assembly.

We have the agency to ask the questions, to investigate, to interrogate, and to make a decision based on who is going to be protecting the victims of each and every one of our districts. Now the people in my district, we sleep well at night, but we sleep locked and loaded.

Strong supporters of the second amendment. Why? Because of appointments like commissioner Rosalind Sergeant Burns. When we give the power and authority through appointment to non elected officials to make decisions about the welfare and safety of our children and families by releasing sexually violent predators back into the community, you better believe I will vote over and over and over again to protect second amendment rights for my constituents.

When I read about people like David Allen Funston, who this commissioner voted to release, I have to ask myself, where was the independent decision making?

Although the full board of help upheld to grant, release in February 2026, The law permits independent judgment for these decisions. Where was Rosalind Sergeant Burns' independent judgment? For offender Gregory Volgensang, he was convicted of nearly 30 counts of kidnapping and sex crimes against children ages five to 11. Five to 11. Children who many have not even began to menstruate.

Five to 11. The appointment of this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, weighs on the health of those children, over 30 counts of children ages five to 11, sentenced to three hundred and fifty five years to life. Yet this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, along with the board granted him parole in November 2025. I wonder how many of you are willing to have Gregory Volsang your neighbor. And as a representative District 4, we are not.

Of Roberto Detrenand, an offender that this commissioner, Rosalind Sergeant Burns, voted for release, he broke into the sleeping woman's San Francisco apartment in the middle of the night climbing into her bed and sexually assaulting her while she lay unconscious. If we truly want to uphold public safety for those who fear for their life the most, the law abiding individuals of California, not the Roberto Detrenans, not the David Funstons, and not the Gregory Volcan Sands.

We must question our vote today on the floor to continue to appoint a commissioner such as Rosalind Sergeant Burns who granted Roberto Detrenan early parole in January 2026. He served less than nine years for a stranger home invasion sex crime. A stranger invasion sex crime.

And you wonder why there are so many law abiding gun owners in California. Current law is requiring independent judgment. Current law protects each legislature on this floor on independent judgment. It does not require that blindly following psychology reports and the liberal governor's push to free up prison beds regardless of public safety. The law does not require you to vote on party lines independent of protection of your constituents.

Stranger home invasions with sex crimes. Your constituents going to sleep, and Roberto Detrenan's early release from parole by the commissioner sergeant Burns reoffending. Commissioners still decide whether an inmate poses an unreasonable risk to the public. And I ask all of you today to ask yourselves that by your vote, are you posing an unreasonable risk to your constituents? You can say no.

You should say no to protecting serious sex offenders. No one should have to live in fear that a serial child molester or violent predator could be released next door because commissioners choose leniency leniency over protection of law abiding public. I respectfully ask you to exercise independent judgment and vote no on this confirmation. Thank you.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

Thank you, Madam President. It was clear from the hearings that each of these who were up for confirmation listed public safety as their number one concern, and their answers to the questions began with public safety. Basing parole decisions on the original offense undermines rehabilitation. Predetermining the outcome of a parole hearing based solely on the original offense eliminates the entire incentive structure that promotes people to engage in programming, taking accountability, or change their behavior.

Furthermore, denying parole supervision and continuing to incarcerate someone who has demonstrably transformed and cleared every suitability requirement solely because of what they did decades prior is a waste of taxpayers dollars that could be better used to fund other crime fighting strategies.

It should be noted that people who go through parole review process and are granted have extremely low recidivism rates. People granted elder parole are the group least likely to recidivate, and only half of one percent are convicted for a felony crime against another person after being granted parole. Public safety is their number one concern and I want to reiterate what I said earlier regarding these cases as noted by my colleague from Bakersfield. Those who are being asked to be confirmed today did not vote.

There is no public record of their vote on granting this parole.

With that, I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 24, Noes 9. That appointment is confirmed. We are now at file item number four. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Thank you Madam President. Members, file item number four is a confirmation of Mary Thornton for reappointment to the board of parole hearings. Before her initial appointment in 2019, she was serving the board as a deputy commissioner and administrative law judge. She is also a former deputy district attorney that served in Madera County and Kings County. She was approved by the rules committee on May 20.

I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Arreguin, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I also rise in support of this confirmation. It's worth noting once again that the people we're considering today were not the ones who made the decision in the cases in question. But I do wanna call attention to the fact that we did pass a bipartisan bill, a committee bill, which does several things in response to some of these cases. And we just say the issue of the release of sexually violent predators is a serious issue.

And there is a process under current law for the evaluation of people, and the and dealing with people who meet the criteria of sexually bond predator. But the action that we have taken, one, ensures that the decision of the board of parole hearings en banc be made a public record. And two, ensures that for people that are indeterminately sentenced that they can be evaluated and referred if they're a sexually violent predator.

So I just want to call attention to the fact that we have as a bipartisan effort have taken action to clarify the law to ensure that in cases and people pose a public safety risk that they will be properly evaluated and dealt with outside of the parole process. But let's get back to the issue in question.

These are not the people that made that parole decision. They are applying the law as it is while we're working to change the law. I respectfully ask for an Aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Niello, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. So I rise in opposition to all five of these proposed appointments. And, frankly, my comments and the rest of my colleagues' comments are a reflection on the entire board of parole hearings. I initially learned about the elder parole program from my friend and former Sacramento district attorney Anne Marie Schubert.

She called me to let me know about that David Allen Funston, a frankly sick child, serial child abuser, whom she originally prosecuted and rightfully secured three life sentences, was going to be released early from prison.

Her frustration was palpable. I've also heard from victims and families of victims who thought they never had to worry about Funston getting out, suddenly having to relive their horrible trauma all over again. This is not how the state judicial and parole system is supposed to work. Thankfully, mister Funston is back behind bars due to a quick thinking Placer County District Attorney, Morgan Geyer, who's pursuing an old charge that was never prosecuted before.

And no thanks to the board of parole hearings who voted voted to let him out to live among your children and grandchildren.

And I would just refer back to the comments of my colleague from Bakersfield relative to his testimony. So my fellow senators, we all know that protecting children is nonpartisan.

Sacramento County Sheriff, Jim Cooper, is a Democrat. I'm a Republican. We have all worked together with a lot of other people in Sacramento in the Sacramento community to stop serial child molesters and repeat rapists from getting back on the street. These decisions are made within the law, and I won't dispute that. Initially, elder parole was 60 years old and 25 years, in jail.

This legislature in its infinite wisdom reduced the definition of elder from 60 to 50 and the time served to 20. I proposed a bill this year that would have taken that decision to release people

Senator Niello, can we go back and focus on the appointment?

Beg your pardon?

Can we you're veering off right now. Can you bring your comments back to the appointment at hand?

I am speaking to an issue of how, we could guide, the board of parole hearings, with a bill that would restrict other people from being

I completely understand that, but we're on.

Secret votes and lack of transparency by the board of parole hearings and decisions that defy common sense and logic are profoundly troubling. This has got to stop. I'll be voting no on all five confirmations and I am troubled by this entire board.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

Thank you, Madam President. Regarding length of incarceration, this body has passed passed legislation that determines length of incarceration relative to the offenses and age at the time of the crime and particularly relevant under California youth offender and elderly parole provisions. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 25, Noes 9. That appointment is confirmed. We are now at file item number five. Senator Reyes, you are recognized.

Madam President and m=Members, final item for confirmation is file item number five, Jack Weiss for reappointment to the board of parole hearings. He was first appointed in 2022 and previously served as a federal prosecutor for the US Attorney's Office Central District of California. He is also a former Los Angeles City Council member. He was approved by the rules committee on May 20. I respectfully ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Senator Grove, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Colleagues, I recognize that serving on the board of parole hearings is an extraordinarily difficult job, and these commissioners make decisions with serious consequences every day. But I have some general concerns about the parole board hearings, and I have specific concerns about the individual before us, Jack Weiss, as a commissioner being appointed by the governor. I'd like to address, this specific commissioner's, concerns that I have in a few moments.

Recent parole board hearings, including the m m involving Gregory Volskeying and also David Allen Funkston, have raised serious concerns among victims, prosecutors, law enforcement, and other public about whether the board is applying the unreasonable risk standard with sufficient caution.

I'm a believer of second chances, as I stated earlier, for those who have committed minor missteps along the way of life, but who have now sincerely working harder to better themselves. My faith tells me that we've all fallen short of perfection, and we should celebrate those who truly wish to reform their lives. I'm all for that.

However, I don't believe that the case, with sexually violent predators such as David Allen Funkston, I too have read the transcripts from his parole board hearing, and he has not changed. And more importantly, he does not want to change.

Permission to read.

Is there any objection for Senator Grove to read?

I object.

It's okay. I've got it memorized because I thought you request a roll call vote.

Senator Grove? Senator Grove is requesting a roll call. She is asking for an Aye vote. Senator to permission to read a documented material, Senator Arreguin is asking for a no vote.

Secretary, please read.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 9, Noes 25. The permission to read is not granted. Senator Grove, you are recognized to continue on your discussion of this, appointment ship of Jack Weiss.

Thank you. Would you like me to wait till the board changes? Thank you. Thank you, Madam President. Thank you.

Like I said when I was interrupted on the vote, I have too read the transcripts, and thank God they're just brief. Commissioner Cassidy was presenting the transcripts before the Parole Board Commissioners, of which these individuals, including Mr. Weiss, was present. She says, Mr. Funkston, are you still sexually attracted to minor children?

Mr. Funkston said, yes. Miss Cassidy said, you mean yes or no? Mister Funkston said, yes, yes, ma'am. And she goes, no, you mean no.

And he goes, no, yes, ma'am. And then he proceeded to say, after the questions were asked to him on the on the transcript, which I am not allowed to read, but the transcript and it said, can you control those urges? And he said, yes, ma'am. I can splash cold water on my face. So part of mister Funston's plan to reduce his urges are to simply splash cold water on his face, so he doesn't sexually assault a child.

There's not a single person in this chamber that would want this man to be alone with their children, grandchildren, or any of our constituents. But the board voted to Kim Grove, can

you please stick to the merits of this appointmentship? You had some specific issues with Jack Weiss. Can we focus on those? From my understanding, Jack Weiss was not on the board when this occurred. So can we please stick to your specific concerns with Jack Weiss?

Thank you. I beg your pardon, madam president, but you are misinformed. Although the votes are not public, the members present are, and the vote was 18 to zero. And so only a few commissioners were missing off of that. I will get to my specific comments on mister Weiss, but first, I wanna talk about mister Funkston, who was released by this board, after those comments were made on the transcript.

And I'm stunned that commissioners would be fooled by a guy like this. Rehabilitation matters, and if we can't outweigh the credible evidence on ongoing risk, then these individuals need to resign, and we not need to confirm individuals who would let sexually violent predators out, especially those that sexually assault and penetrate children as young as five years old, which these commissioners did.

Now to mister Weiss specifically, including all the Board Members that were present that day, but to mister Weiss specifically, three years ago on the rules committee, the Senator from Yucaipa and I asked to delay the initial confirmation of this individual because complaints that received about him and how he conducts parole hearings, specifically speaking about mister Weiss. He's disrespectful to to victims. He's dismissive of prosecutors, but only female prosecutors.

He lets the men go on for a long time and then actually interrupts the female prosecutors. That was evidence on several hearing transcripts that were provided to us. We later sent a letter to the governor's ask office asking that that they withdraw that commissioner. They delayed his vote for a period of time, but then eventually, the commissioner Weiss was up for reappointment. And we still have those same concerns today.

They're even worse because he's retaliating against those female prosecutors that brought this to the board's attend to the rules committee's attention.

As I said, I appreciate the difficult job that most of these commissioners have, and people, and the individuals that do this job, there's consequences for the decisions that they make, specifically, like I said, releasing sexually violent predators into our community where mister Funkston thinks he's gonna find a place to reside in Fresno, and we will do everything we can to stop that if he ever gets out of prison.

Hopefully, that won't happen because we have a bomb district attorney in Placer County that is picking him up on another charge that was dismissed in the interest of justice because she was one child that was not able to tell her story because they felt like they had enough with all the other individuals who were sexually assaulted by this individual. But apparently, it wasn't enough for all these in commissioners, including mister Weiss, respectfully asked for a no vote.

Thank you. Senator Ochoa Bogh, you are recognized.

Thank you, Madam President. Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, I was planning only speaking once for all five, commissioners in opposition to all five, but I feel compelled to address some of the comments. And my my comment will be with mister Wise as being part of that of that of that process. So on on all five commissioners that I interviewed, during the rules committee, my comment as mentioned earlier was whether or not they would be, in agreement to making the votes public.

There's been some concerns as to the fact that, expressed by my colleagues on the other side, that, we don't know who voted for whom at what point, which is why the relevance to asking whether or not they would be open to making these votes public was important.

But one of the concerns that I that I really want to also address is that there's been a constant comment made with regards to these commissioners are following the law that this body passed. They are following a framework in which, you know, they're making a decision that personal opinions do not matter. And I beg to differ. I beg to differ.

Along with with commissioner Wise, with all of these, commissioners, there's an element of discernment that has to come at the very end in which these individuals have to decide based on the framework that they're following the evidence and the laws.

They have to personally make a decision on whether or not these folks qualify or not to move forward with or granting parole. Within that framework, as mentioned earlier by my good colleague from Bakersfield, evidence is raised. Questions are asked whether or not someone has fantasies or whatever it may be with with crimes. And although although they're not looking at crimes when at the time that it was committed, they're looking at the evidence as who, where they are now. This is why it's important.

Because although they're following the law, they're following a framework, they have to assess and make that judgment call on whether or not these folks are pose a safety threat or not. And this is where the problem lies, that all of these individuals are not willing to, one, make their vote public, and number two, they're deflecting to the framework rather than owning their own judgment and making a decision, including mister Wise. So it's their conduct, it's their decision making that is of relevance here today.

And it's there where we are opposing their their appointment because we do not believe that they have the judgment or the or questioning their their ability to discern whether or not someone is qualified to be granted that decision. So based on that, their decision making ability or lack of and willing to be transparent, accountable to those decisions is why we're opposing every single one of these commissioners today.

And with that, I respectfully ask for a no vote on mister Wise.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, Senator Reyes, would you like to close?

Yes. Thank you, Madam President. During the rules hearing where we were making a decision, whether or not to move these appointees to the floor. It was noted by the minority leader who sat in that hearing of May 20. He says, I do not envy these commissioners and that this is one of the toughest jobs in the state.

I couldn't agree more. This job is challenging. It's filled with anguish and emotion and these commissioners take several cases each day and continue to serve. Four of these commissioners are reappointments. I do want to confirm, there was a question about who voted and who didn't vote.

We there were only two members that are being being asked to be confirmed who are present, we do not know their votes. Three of those, including mister Weiss, was not even at the Funston en banc panel hearing. In closing, I do want to say that I absolutely understand the public perception about aligning outcomes of parole hearings based on the gravity of the original offense. But because of court cases and legislative decisions, that is not how the state has chosen to handle parole.

These commissioners are applying the law as it exists.

I ask for your Aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Secretary, please call the absent Members.

[Roll Call]

Ayes 29, No 9. That appoint I'm sorry. 24, No 9. That appointment is confirmed. We will now move to Senate third reading, file item 20.

Secretary, please read.

Senate Concurrent Resolution 179 by Senator Niello, relative to Celiac Disease Awareness Month.

Senator Niello, you are recognized.

Thank you, madam president. I rise today to present SCR 179, which recognizes May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. Celiac disease is not just a dietary preference; it is a serious audio—autoimmune—disorder that damages the small intestine when gluten is consumed. Everyday foods such as wheat, rye, and barley can trigger harmful reactions for individuals living with celiac disease.

Celiac disease affects an estimated one in one hundred people worldwide, yet millions of Americans remain undiagnosed. Individuals may experience many different symptoms, including severe abdominal pain, anemia, skin rashes, neurological symptoms, depression, musculoskeletal problems. Maintaining a gluten-free lifestyle is challenging because gluten is often hidden in processed foods, medications, vitamins, cosmetics, and other everyday products. Cross contamination is a major concern. Even small amounts of gluten transferred through shared preparation services can trigger harmful reactions.

Expanded gluten-free food options, clearer product labeling, and greater education among restaurants and food handlers have made daily life safer and more manageable. Continued public awareness and education are essential to improving diagnosis rates, supporting families, and ensuring people living with celiac disease can safely participate in everyday activities. Recognizing May 2026, even though it was last month, as Celiac Disease Awareness Month helps elevate understanding of this serious condition and supports the millions of individuals and families affected by it. I respectfully, respectfully ask your aye vote.

Thank you. Seeing no further discussion or debate, secretary, please call the roll.

[Roll Call]

Ayes, 31; noes, zero. That measure passes. We are now at committee announcements. Senator Becker.

Senator Cabaldon. Senator Cabaldon, we are at committee announcements.

Thank you, Madam President. The Joint Legislative Audit Committee will meet immediately upon adjournment of session in Room 447.

Thank you. Senator Becker.

Thank you, Madam President. The Committee on Human Services will be meeting in the Swing Room, Swing Space 2200, immediately after adjournment.

Thank you. We will now return to motions and resolutions. Senators, this is our time to address our adjourn in memory. Senator Becker, you are recognized for your adjourn in memory. Senator Rubio, you are recognized for your adjourn in memory.

Thank you, madam president. And ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, today, I rise to adjourn in the memory of Martie Arnold, a gifted educator, community leader, and advocate whose life was marked by service, resilience, and a passion for helping others. Martie began her career in commercial and industrial interior design before bringing her talents into the classroom. She taught interior design at Santa Monica High School and over the next thirty five years, educated students throughout Los Angeles County. A natural communicator and mentor, Martie inspired generations of students through her creativity, wisdom, and ability to connect with people.

Her talents earned her a communications award from the RAND Corporation. After retiring to care for her mother, Martie returned to teaching and became widely known for her presentations on the color key system and color psychology. She later taught at UCLA, lectured aboard Princess Cruises, and instructed courses in fashion, merchandising, and retail sales. In 2015, Martie faced severe health challenges and was told she might never walk again. Through determination and perseverance, she regained her mobility and dedicated herself to helping others.

She became a regional director for Women Against Child Trafficking and later joined the Covina Women's Club, where she served as Membership Chair and remained an active community leader. She also served in leadership roles with the Domestic Violence Action Committee. Martie was known for her intelligence, her warmth, and engaging spirit. Though she passed away before her 90th birthday on July 14, her, her, her legacy lives on through students she taught, the causes she championed, and the many lives she touched.

Ladies and gentlemen of the Senate, please join me in adjourning in the memory of our dear friend, Martie Arnold.

Thank you.

Thank you. Senator Gonzales, you are recognized for your adjourn in memory.

Thank you, Madam President and members. I rise today to adjourn in the memory of Jim McCallion, president and CEO of the Long Beach Grand Prix Association. Jim was a visionary leader, whose impact on the city of Long Beach and the world of motorsports cannot be overstated. As one of the founding members of the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach, Jim dedicated more than five decades of service to building what has become one of the premier street racing events in the world.

Under his leadership, the Grand Prix in Long Beach grew far beyond a sporting event; it became a defining tradition in our city, generating economic activity, tourism, entertainment and much more. Jim's contributions extended well beyond the trip—the race track. He served numerous sports and organizations including the Grand Prix Foundation of Long Beach, Visit Long Beach, and the Los Angeles Sports Council, helping strengthen the region's sports tourism and civic landscape. But above all, Jim will be remembered for his humility, his dedication, and love for family and community.

He leaves behind his wife Mary and sons, Bob and Mike. Jim McCallion's vision and leadership help shape Long Beach's identity and his legacy will continue to be felt each year at the Grand Prix. We accept—extend—deep condolences to his family.

Thank you, Senator. Condolences to his entire family. Please be sure to bring his name forward so that he may be properly memorialized. Senator Wahab, you are recognized for your adjourn in memory.

Thank you. Colleagues, I rise to honor the life of Pat Gogosgos, a beloved Filipino American community leader in Union City. Pat was a dedicated public servant, an outspoken leader, and above all, a compassionate individual. No matter who you were or where you came from, Pat cultivated genuine connections, treating people with the dignity and respect they deserved. Her devotion to the community was extraordinary.

During her more than fifteen years on City Council, Pat created spaces of belonging, ensuring that every voice was heard. One of her greatest achievements was founding the Union City Friends of Sister Cities and establishing nine Sister City partnerships around the world. As a proud Filipina, Pat worked tirelessly to increase Filipino representation and promote Filipino culture. While Pat is no longer with us, her legacy will live on through the countless people she has inspired to lead with care, compassion, and respect.

Pat is survived by her son, Joe, and her daughter, Roseanne.

Colleagues, I ask that we adjourn in her memory.

Thank you. Our condolences to her entire family and the community. Please be sure to bring her name forward so that she may be properly memorialized. If there is no other business, Pro Tem Limon, the desk is clear.

Thank you, members.

I wanna acknowledge how difficult some of the decisions that were made today regarding our parole commissioners were, and the role that both commission—parole commissioners—and that this house has to take in order to strike the right balance between constitutional safeguards and the risks to our most vulnerable. All with one goal, keeping the public safe and protecting the public. The parole decisions are not taken lightly by this house, nor by any members.

As a mother, I know how important it is to ensure that the public has confidence in the decisions that this body makes.

This house is advancing bipartisan legislation. That legislation is already in the other house, to ensure that we're adding discretion and reviewing the work of commissioners, to ensure transparency for public safety purposes. Our next session will be on Thursday, 06/04/2026, at 9:00 AM.

The Senate is now adjourned. We will reconvene Thursday, 06/04/2026, at 9:00 AM.