Assembly Floor Session

Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, El-Hawari, Ellis, Flora, Thong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gibson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Hadwick, Haney, Harbedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Kara, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKenner, Murasuchi, Quinn, Ortega, Pacheco, Pappin, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petri Norris, Quirk Silva, Ramos, Ransom, Celeste Rodriguez, Michelle Rodriguez, Rogers, Rubio, Sanchez, Chiavo, Schultz, Sharp Collins, Solache, Soria, Stephanie, Ta, Tangipa, Valencia, Wallace, Ward, Wicks, Wilson, Zabur.

Assemblymember Stephanie. Dear God, also known as good orderly direction to some, we ask you to guide those entrusted with leadership. In moments of division, remind us of our shared humanity, that beyond titles, political parties, and positions of power, we are all people shaped by hopes, fears, and unseen burdens. Help us look upon one another not as adversaries, but as fellow travelers, each carrying struggles we may never fully understand. Please soften our hearts where they have grown rigid, and open our minds where they have closed. Grant us the courage to choose cooperation over conflict and teach us that true strength lies not in overpowering others, but in building bridges that serve the common good. Fill us with kindness in our words, grace in our actions, and humility in our decisions. May we remember that leadership is not about self, but about service to all people, especially those most in need. When differences seem insurmountable, remind us that unity does not require sameness, but a shared commitment to dignity, justice, and care for one another. And in all we do, may we reflect the best of what we can be, guided by compassion, grounded in truth, and devoted to the good of all. Amen.

Please join me. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands,

Good morning. I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 45.5 to allow Assemblymember Haney to speak in adjournment in memory today.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assemblymembers Berman, Carrillo, Jeff Gonzalez, Macedo, Pacheco, and Zabur to have guests in the rear of the chamber today.

I request unanimous consent to suspend Assembly Rule 56 to allow the local government committee to notice AB 1768 Bryan for the hearing on Wednesday, April 29, pending re-referral from the Revenue and Tax Committee.

I move to withdraw AB 2595 PAPIN from the Appropriations Committee and order it to the second reading file. The bill is not fiscal.

At the request of the author, please move file number 107 ACR 110 Tengapot to the enacted file. The clerk will note. At the request of the author, please remove file item 152 ACR 159 cholera from the consent calendar.

Good morning, Mr. Speaker, members. Please join me in welcoming representatives from South Pasadena Active, a community organization working to improve walkability and bikeability in the city of South Pasadena. Every Tuesday morning, South Pas Active organizes bike buses for elementary school students to safely ride their bikes to school. And each group is led by chaperones to provide a safe, healthy, and fun option to get to and from school. In addition to bike buses, South Pas Active advocates for safer street infrastructure and organizes fun bike-centric events like the South Pasadena Bike Pub Crawl. They are here this week for the Cow Bike Summit, where some of their youngest riders will share what it like to get to school on two wheels Members please join me in welcoming to the gallery Michael Siegel and Tom Neuberger Welcome so much

Assemblymember Carrillo, you are recognized for your guest introduction. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I stand in front of you today to welcome representatives of my district today to the assembly floor. I am pleased to introduce the city of Hesperia first. City of Espera here joining us. With the City of Espera, we have Bridget Bannington, who is the mayor, Mayor Pro Tem George Pullen, and City Manager Rachel Molina. Please, let's give them a warm welcome to the assembly floor. Thank you, members, thank you. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, members, it is a great pleasure that I welcome key elected leaders from Assembly District 51 to the assembly floor today. First, we have Vice Mayor Beverly Hills, Mary Wells. Mary has been a long champion for public education, formerly serving on the school board before she was elected to the city council. And Beverly Hills is a city I'm so proud to represent. It's known for its entrepreneurial spirit, high value in education, and for being a premier destination for culture, shopping, culinary excellence, and its home of Tarantulas, to Tarantulas and Persian Square, the heart of the Iranian diaspora in America. So I want to welcome Vice Mayor Beverly Hills Mary Wells. Also here on the floor today, from the City of Santa Monica, please welcome City of Santa Monica Council Members Lana Negrete and Natalia Zernizkaya. I have the great pleasure to work with both of them, but in particular with former Mayor Negrete during the months after COVID, where she was just such an exemplary leader for the city of Santa Monica. And I so proud to represent Santa Monica which is a central hub for the burgeoning tech industry and a progressive champion in its leadership for sustainability environmental protection and advancing climate smart transit and housing policies So members please join me in welcoming these phenomenal leaders from the phenomenal Assembly District 51 Welcome, Beverly Hills. Welcome, Santa Monica. Thank you. Thank you.

Continuing on, more guest introductions. Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Okay, and yet another, boy, we must have a lot of cities in town. Assemblymember Macedo, you are recognized for your guest introduction.

Assemblymember Soria, you are recognized.

Members, we're going to move on to business on the daily file. Second reading has been dispensed with. That brings us to concurrence and Senate amendments. File item 103, we're going to pass or retain on reconsideration. File items 104 to 106, all items shall be continued. That brings us to the Assembly third greeting file, file items 107 to 145. We will pass or retain on file items 107 through 120. We're going to pass temporarily on file item 121. Pass or retain on file items 122 and 123. Assemblymember Hadwick. Assemblymember Hadwick. Assemblymember Hadwick. That brings us to file item number 124. That's AB 1673 by Assemblymember Hadwick. Members, take your desks. Thank you, members. Take your desks, please. Assemblymember Hadwick, you are recognized.

Assembly Bill 1673 by Assemblymember Hadwick, an act of living to fish and wildlife.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise to present AB 1673. My rural communities are overwhelmed by high volumes of conflict with large predators. Mountain lions, bears, or wolves are killing livestock, pets, and people in my district. AB 1673 gives my communities more resources, tools, and flexibility to manage these threats. Currently, the county Fish and Game Commissions can use revenue generated from violations of the Fish and Game Code to protect fish and wildlife. This bill gives these county commissions more flexibility by allowing them to use the funding for wildlife conflict prevention. AB 1673 will support communities most impacted by wildlife conflict. Members, this bill has enjoyed unanimous support and has no opposition. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Assembly concurrent resolution 143 by Assemblymember Pacheco relative to City's Week.

Thank you and good morning Mr. Speaker and members. I rise today to present Assembly Concurrent Resolution 143, which proclaims April 19th through April 25th as California Cities Week. California is home to 483 cities each with its own character culture and economy but united in purpose Cities provide their residents with everything from emergency response services to public libraries and so much more By proclaiming this week as California Cities Week, we call attention to the essential role that cities play in our democracy, and we encourage all Californians to get involved in their communities. Civic engagement shapes what we do each and every day. This week is about showing up locally where democracy begins. California Cities Week is dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the many ways that our diverse cities enhance the lives of all Californians. Through the collective efforts of people, programs, and services, our cities function as economic centers, social hubs, and the remarkable places we all call home. I encourage you to participate by sharing your city's success stories or simply thanking a local public servant. I urge your support for this resolution and thank you for your continued commitment to the people and places that make California thrive.

Yes.

Thank you, members. It is my pleasure to recognize some of these dedicated leaders. I know we have some of our cities up in the gallery, so just want to wave. But I also want to recognize members in the rear of the gallery. Today with us we have Cal City's President Gabe Quinto, Mayor of El Cerrito. First Vice President Teresa Costa, Councilmember from Carlsbad. Second Vice President David Cohen, Councilmember from San Jose. past president Lynn B. Kennedy, mayor pro tem, Rancho Cucamonga, Carolyn Coleman, executive director and CEO of League of California Cities, and all again the hard-working members up in the gallery. Let's give them a round of applause. Thank you all for your service, our great state. Thank you

Assembly Bill 1982, Bias. Let me remember Lowenthal and others, an act relating to alcoholic beverages.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. As you all know, I've been working on the topic of roofing for some time. This is a preventable, solvable crisis of sexual assault, quite honestly, that's taking place in the state of California. AB 1982 will remove the sunsets from AB 2375 and 1013, which require type 48 life establishments. Those are bars and nightclubs to make sure that they have drug test strips and lids for patrons upon request and to post a sign stating that they're available. There's zero no votes on either of these when they made it through with bipartisan support. It's been very successful in reducing the levels of drink spiking, of sexual assault and rape, and this bill will allow the successful program to continue. Respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Assembly concurrent resolution 158 by Assemblymember Solace relative to Donate Life Month.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I rise today to present ACR 158, recognizing the month of April 2026 as Donate Month for the State of California. This resolution recognizes the incredible gift of organ, eye, and tissue donation and encourages all Californians to join the registry. Across the U.S., more than 104,000 people are currently waiting for a pro-life-saving transplant. California has the greatest need for transplantation, seventh in the nation, with almost 20,000 residents waiting for a second chance of life. Tragically, more than 800 Californians died last year while waiting for transplant due to the shortage of available organs. An average of 22 patients die every day while waiting. Each donor has the potential to save up to eight lives to enhance more than 75 through tissue donation. Thankfully, 1,853 Californians became organ donors last year, and over 4,000 life-saving transplants were performed throughout the state. Last year, I had the opportunity to visit one legacy headquarters at Nisusa. I walked away with a profound perspective on the donation process. The facility houses a state-of-the-art intensive care unit and specialized medical facilities dedicated entirely to the recovery of life-saving organs and tissues. I was struck by the scale of operations and, importantly, the deep care and compassion they show every donor family and recipient involved. I would like to share a quick story of Maria Jimenez and Adrian Jimenez from Lakewood in my district. Maria became a one-legacy ambassador to honor the memory of her son. Adrienne, a 22-year-old college student whose donations saved lives of two people. When I sat on that breakfast in Lakewood and her sharing her story, and for those of us that have had loved ones not with us today physically, we know how impactful and hurtful that is to our everyday lives. And knowing that Maria Jimenez has her son living in two individuals brings her a piece of mind in her heart. For 11 years, Maria has shared her story, and it reminds us that the gift of life is amazing. This is the result of continued persistence and, importantly, hope for true equity and equality. We all have stories from our community and donors like Adrian and advocates like Maria. As we proclaim the month of April as Donary Life Month, we urge all Californians to consider donor registration and helping give the gift of life. Permission to use prop.

Of course I dropped it. As we all know, we all have a California ID. This is mine. Do not look at my weight. But please observe the pink dot. I encourage all of us, if you don't have a pink dot on your ID, please take it out and double check. This is how we ensure that we become donors throughout the state of California. Let's save a life and let's make a difference for Californians. So please join me in supporting ACR 158 to commemorate April as Donate Life. I respectfully ask for the first row to be open for co-authors. Thank you so much.

Thank you. I want to thank my colleague for bringing this up. This is very close to my heart. we have a polycystic kidney cancer that runs in our family. So my mother had her kidney transplant when she was 50, and she was actually the second longest that had it when she passed away at 87. My brother had the same disease. My other brother donated to him, and that will go on through generations, but also my best friend, she just donated to her husband. And the condition that people are in when they're waiting for these, they just don't have quality of life. And it amazing once these transplants happen it just like this They back and they have this opportunity So if you haven put that on your license please do I like to support ACR 158

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Thank you to the member from Nua Nagael for her words and her sharing her story. I thank all the members that unintentionally wore pink today because we're having the pink dot today. So thank you to all of you who wore pink. And with that, thank you for that. And I ask for everybody for a yes vote.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. And as again, I are joined by many members who are wearing pink today. and a personal privilege to ask two of my council members to join me in presenting Brenda Olmos from Paramount Mayor and Council Member Juan Muñoz Guevara to join me in standing and introducing our guests today. Members, we recognize Donate Live. I am proud to introduce to your right and my right some of the special guests seated in the gallery who have dedicated themselves to raising awareness about organ, eye, and tissue donation. They are Sean Van Slick, Executive Director of Sierra Donor Services, Jim Martin CEO Donate Life California Stephanie Program Coordinator Donate Life California and Michael Coleman Communications Director at DCI Donor Services. Please give them a hand Thank you all and to my council members and mayor for joining me today Thank You mr. Speaker

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I know that many of us, myself included, got our start in politics by interning for the elected officials who represented the communities that we grew up in. That's why I am so excited to recognize some very special guests here with us today. Present in the chamber today are three of my fall and spring interns from my district office in Palo Alto. I have Jonah Shulman, Diksha Venkat, and Tara Ganguly. And Jonah, Diksha, and Tara have worked diligently to support my district office team through legislative research, constituent services, and district events, preparing them for future careers in government. They're here today visiting the state capitol, learning more in-depth about the legislative process and getting to see firsthand how democracy is shaped. It's a great honor to have them here, so please join me in welcoming these outstanding interns with a warm welcome from the California State Assembly. Thank you

Assembly Bill 1908 by Assemblymember McKenna and others, an act related to civil actions.

Mr. Speaker and members, AB 1908 would authorize a county board of supervisors to establish a victim compensation fund and utilize debt funding instruments in order to compensate legitimate survivors of abuse from a public agency. Local public agencies across the state are facing growing financial exposure due to civil claims of abuse, many instances which took place decades ago. Survivors of Abuse Deserve Justice and AB 1908 is a tool to ensure that public agencies will be able to fulfill its obligation to survivors while also providing essential public safety, public health, education, and other necessary public services. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

The clerk will read.

Assemblymember Stephanie, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I rise today to present AB 2052, a measure designed to protect some of our most vulnerable people in our communities by making sure our justice system works for them when they need it most. As our population ages, we are seeing more cases where seniors and dependent adults become victims of crime. For many of these victims, the court process can be overwhelming, especially when they are facing cognitive or medical challenges and relying on others just to get to court. In those moments, continuity in the criminal justice process matters. Too often, a victim may see a different prosecutor at each stage of the case, forcing them to rebuild trust and repeat painful details over and over again. AB 2052 provides a simple solution. It allows the same prosecutor to stay with the case and, when necessary, request a continuance so that vulnerable victims can continue receiving consistent support. At its core, this bill ensures that vulnerable victims have continuity in their case by allowing the same prosecutor to remain involved from start to finish. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

The clerk will read.

Leader Flora, you are recognized. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and colleagues. Today I rise to present ACR 178 to recognize April 21st as National Rendering Day. Rendering is a vital, though often overlooked, industry that plays a critical role in protecting public health and advancing environmental sustainability. By recycling animal byproducts that would otherwise go to waste, the rendering industry reduces landfill use, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and supports our state's economy. Despite its importance, the rendering industry is rarely talked about and often forgotten by the public. ACR 1-7 increases awareness to this essential industry and helps the public understand how the state manages waste responsibly and maximizes our use of our natural resources. And with that, I respectfully ask for an aye vote, and the first roll will be open for co-authors.

Thank you. just want to thank the author and rise in strong support of this resolution as one of the few remaining rendering plants in the state of California is in my district. It is incredibly important that we continue to support this important work. And sometimes this is not pretty stuff and sometimes the community even gets upset about it. But at the end of the day, it's a critical part of our economy in California and I appreciate the author for bringing it forward. Thank you. Thank you, Assemblymember Hoover. Seeing and hearing no further debate,

Thank you again, Mr. Speaker and members. It's my honor to recognize two of our guests in the gallery. Jack Kohler and Manuel Cunha who are here today representing Sacramento rendering company the rendering company that's in similar Hoover's district as well So thank you for being here. Thank you for coming to the state capitol. Appreciate you guys Okay, we are going to pass and retain on file items 143 144 145

House Resolution 106 by Assemblymember El Harari relative to High School Voter Education Week. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 169 by Assemblymember DeMaio relative to the United States Navy Sailor Noah Tobin Memorial Overcrossing. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 164 by Assemblymember Baines relative to a mechicrass. Consulate in the County of Kern and Assembly Concurrent Resolution 166 by Assemblymember Avi Lafadias relative to the state of Zakatikis.

Assembly Bill 2155 by Assemblymember Eckhart-Curie, an act relating to arbitration.

Clerk will close the roll and tally the votes. I-69, no-0 consent calendar is adopted. Clerk will now read the remaining items on the consent calendar. Assembly Bill 2782. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1689. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1587. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1736. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1760. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1951. I-69, no-0. Assembly Bill 1981 with urgency. I-69, no-0. On the urgency, I-69, no-0 on measure. Assembly Bill 2056. I-690. Assembly Bill 2086. Assembly Bill 2502. I Assembly Bill 2542 I Assembly Bill 1781 I Assembly Bill 2542 I no zero Assembly Bill 1781 I no zero Assembly Bill 2423 I no zero House Resolution 106 I no zero Assembly Concurrent Resolution 126. I-69, no zero. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 137. I-69, no zero. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 142. I-69, no zero. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 162. I-69, no zero. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 169. I-69, no zero. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 164. I-69, no zero. Assembly concurrent resolution 166. I-69, no's zero. And Senate concurrent resolution 138. I-69, no's zero.

Thank you, Speaker and members. I ask that we adjourn in memory of Mary Dallas Armstrong, a daughter of San Francisco, a proud pillar of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, and a woman who truly lived life on her own terms. Born on April 15, 1954, in San Francisco, Mary was the sixth of ten children. From the very beginning, she forged her own path with confidence, independence, and a spirit that could not be contained. Mary was raised in All Hallows Catholic Church and later became a dedicated member of the St. James Missionary Baptist Church. Her faith was not just something she practiced, it was something she shared, uplifting others through her words, her presence, and her unwavering belief. Mary's love for community was evident in everything she did. A proud member of the Bayview-Hunters Point community, she was deeply engaged in traditions and culture. She participated in the annual Bayview-Hunters Point Senior Citizens Black Cuisine, where her cooking, especially her cheerlings and sweet potato pie, earned recognition and admiration. At home, she carried that same pride in her role as a mother and grandmother, cooking for her family during the holidays and bringing loved ones together around her table. Mary was vibrant, stylish, and full of personality. She loved fashion, followed celebrity news, and always had something to say, especially when it came to sports. Though she loved San Francisco deeply her heart belonged to the Dallas Cowboys a passion she embraced so fully that she made Dallas her middle name If you spent time on Third Street chances are you encountered Mary laughing talking and connecting with everyone around her She had a gift for making people feel seen and welcome. Mary Dallas Armstrong was strong, unforgettable, and full of life. Her legacy lives on in the family she raised, the community she nurtured, and the countless lives she touched. In her honor, I respectfully ask that we adjourn in the memory of Mary Dallas Armstrong.

Oh, my God.