Assembly Floor Session

Addis, Agriar-Curry, Aarons, Alanis, Alvarez, Arambula, Avila-Fadius, Baines, Barra-Cahan, Bennett, Berman, Berner, Bonta, Brian, Calderon, Colosa, Carrillo, Castillo, Chen, Connelly, Davies, DeMaio, Dixon, El Huari, Ellis, Flora, Fong, Gabriel, Gallagher, Garcia, Gibson, Jeff Gonzalez, Mark Gonzalez, Hadwick, Haney, Harbedian, Hart, Hoover, Irwin, Jackson, Johnson, Cora, Krell, Lackey, Lee, Lowenthal, Macedo, McKenner, Marisucci, Huen, Ortega, Pacheco, Pappin, Patel, Patterson, Pellerin, Petrie 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, Mr. Speaker.

Good afternoon. My name is Rabbi Mona Alfie, and I have the privilege of serving as the rabbi of Congregation B'nai Israel, the oldest synagogue not only in Sacramento, but in the great state of California. My congregation was founded during the gold rush just down the Street from where we stand today. While Sacramento was home to California's first synagogue, by 1861, there were Jewish communities throughout the state, from San Diego to Shasta, and today you would be hard pressed to find a part of California where there is not a Jewish community. The Eastern European Jews who came to America at the turn of the 20th century called the United States a Golden Medina, which is Yiddish for golden land, or the land of opportunity, freedom and prosperity. But for millions of American Jews it has been the golden state that has shown itself to be our golden Medina. Because here we have had the freedom to make our dreams a reality. From the Jewish immigrant who built an empire from selling blue jeans to gold miners, to the dreamers who told their stories on celluloid, the scientists who work in aerospace, the inventors who created the future in Silicon Valley, and the human rights activists who have fought for a more just society for all people as well as the myriad of teachers of farmers social workers attorneys medical professionals and public servants who from the beginning of our state to this day have contributed to what makes California special because in California we welcome people from around the world we understand that diversity is our strength and we recognize that every community has something to share with the rest of us and every person is a a potential blessing. We praise the creator of all humanity, the one who implants within each and every person a spark of holiness. We ask for God's blessings on our state and all who live here. May California continue to be a golden medina, a land of opportunity, freedom, and prosperity for all who seek to call California their home. Amen.

Thank you Mr. Speaker. Please place your hand upon your heart. Veterans may salute. Ready to begin.

May be seated.

Assembly chamber of Sacramento, Thursday, May 7, 2026. The Assembly met at 9 a.m. The Honorable Josh Lowenthal. Speaker pro temporee of the Assembly presiding. Attorney 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. Reports 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 opposite of the day will be deemed read and printed in the journal

good afternoon mr speaker i request unanimous consent to suspend assembly rule 118a to allow assembly members hadwick mckinner and soria to have guests in the rear of the chamber and to allow Assemblymember Gabriel to have guests on the floor for the Jewish American Heritage Month ceremony

The clerk will read. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assemblymember Gabriel and others relative to Jewish American Heritage Month.

Thank you very much Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I rise today on behalf of the Legislative Jewish Caucus to present ACR 195 in honor of Jewish American Heritage Month. And before we begin, I just want to mention we are still hearing reports of an incident in San Diego, potentially at a mosque. And I just want to, while we're still learning more information, say that of course our hearts are with our Muslim brothers and sisters and all of everyone who's been impacted by what may be going on there. to thank Assemblymember Ward for courageously leading that community. And of course, we are thinking very deeply about them at this moment and praying for the safety of all of those involved. Colleagues, it would be hard for me to add to the just extraordinarily beautiful words from Rabbi Alfie, who so beautifully painted the picture of the origins of the Jewish story here in the state of California and whose congregation sits just a few miles from here. But let me offer, in 177 years since her congregation was started, we have not had an official event in this Capitol celebrating the contributions of Jewish Californians. And so we feel that we're a bit overdue. And so we want to join all of you in celebrating Jewish American Heritage Month. We know, of course, it's also API Heritage Month. But today is a special opportunity to celebrate the contributions of Jewish Californians. Jewish history is deeply woven into the story of California and the United States. From the days of the gold rush, Jewish immigrants and refugees have come to California seeking freedom, opportunity, and a haven from persecution and discrimination. Over more than 175 years, waves of Jewish immigrants have landed in the Golden State. German Jews and Eastern European Jews seeking freedom from persecution, Holocaust survivors, refugees from the Middle East, Iran, and the former Soviet Union. And again and again, California has been a place where Jewish families have arrived receiving Seiki, opportunity, and freedom, and where they found the ability not only to survive, but also to thrive. Like it has been for so many peoples and communities, California has been a place of reinvention, refuge, and opportunity for our Jewish community. And for that, we are so grateful. We're also proud that our Jewish community has contributed in deeply meaningful ways to the building of California. Jewish Californians have built not only synagogues and community institutions, but we have helped to build unions, universities, hospitals, film studios, tech companies, legal aid organizations, and public institutions that have strengthened American life for everyone. Our community has helped to build Hollywood and Silicon Valley and iconic global enterprises like MGM, DreamWorks, and Facebook. Our contributions are not limited to medicine or science or business. We are also proud of the contributions that our community has made in civil rights and in social justice advocacy in helping workers in public service and certainly in philanthropy And the values that have guided generations of Jewish Californians caring for the community pursuing justice valuing education welcoming the strangers are values that resonate across so many communities represented in this chamber. Colleagues, we are also proud of the diversity of our Jewish community. Indeed, if someone asked me to tell the story of Jewish Californians, I would say there is no single story of Jewish California. Our community includes families who trace their roots to Eastern Europe, to Iran, to North Africa, to Latin America, the former Soviet Union, Israel, and many other places around the world. Our community includes Jews of every race, every background, and tradition. And today is a special day for us because at a moment of rising anti-Semitism, this celebration sends an important message that Jewish life, identity, and contributions are an essential part of California's story. And part of the reason that we wanted to celebrate today, I will add, is because we felt it was an appropriate moment to tell the Jewish story in its fullness. Many of you have been with us on this floor and have spoken very beautifully on Yom Heshoah. We've brought Holocaust survivors from every corner of the state up to the state capitol. But we also felt that it was important to recognize that the Jewish story is not one of just tragedy, that there's so many things that are wonderful about our community, so many things that we have contributed to the state. Ours is a story of joy, of resilience, of perseverance, and of immense gratitude for the blessings that the state of California has shown all of us. So on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, and with deep humility and thanks and gratitude to all of you, respectfully request your aye vote on ACR 195. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. On behalf of the Legislative Women's Caucus, I rise in support of ACR 195. Today, as we recognize Jewish American Heritage Month, I want to take a moment to focus on the important contributions of Jewish women. Women whose leadership, courage, creativity, and activism have helped shape American society in profound ways. The list includes Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who advanced gender equality and civil rights. Emma Lazarus, whose poem on the Statue of Liberty became a symbol of refuge and immigration. Gertrude Elion, Nobel Prize winner whose scientific breakthroughs helped develop life-saving medicines. And Bella Adzug, known for advocacy in women's rights and anti-war movements. Jewish American History Month is about more than celebrating history. It is about recognizing stories that deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered. Jewish women have often balanced multiple identities at once, as women, as members of a religious minority, and in many cases as immigrants or children of immigrants. The experiences reflect both the challenges and the opportunities that define the American story. Recognizing Jewish women during this month also reminds us why representation matters. When we learn their stories, we gain a fuller understanding of American history and a greater appreciation for the diversity that strengthens our communities. At a time when anti-Semitism and discrimination still exist, celebrating Jewish heritage is also an act of understanding and solidarity. It encourages us to listen to one another honor different experiences and continue building a society where everyone feels seen and valued As we celebrate Jewish American Heritage Month let us remember that the contributions of Jewish women are not separate from the American story They are an essential part of it. After all, we gave birth to all of them. I respectfully ask for your aye vote on ACR 195.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I rise in support of ACR 195. And I do so because I think it's important to note that today we'll be honoring a group of Jewish people who have made our great state better. And it doesn't just happen to be that they're both Jewish and incredible leaders. Honestly, I believe that many of us are making the difference that we are because of our Judaism. Our Judaism teaches us in one of its most foundational teaches of Tikkun Olam, of repairing the world. And the teaching goes that the world was broken into a million pieces. And that we were each put on this earth to put it back together one piece at a time. And that not any one of us can do it alone. And we will not be able to put the whole world back together. But that each of us must do our part to put those pieces back together. and that together we can and will repair the world. And so it is such an honor today to be doing this ceremony because you know my family history, surviving the Holocaust and the worst traumas any community could ever imagine. But truly it is the resilience that we see today that I think defines who we are and who we want to be. One of our honorees just taught me a quote. Montana Dayani taught me this new quote, so I want to share it with each of you. And it's that they tried to bury us, but what they didn't know is that we were seeds. And I think the flowers that you see growing today and in the future are who we as Jews are. And I loved what Rabbi Alfie said as well, because my grandparents were kicked out of high school by the Nazis. They didn't graduate from high school. And my dad ended up in California when he got his PhD from Stanford. And the trajectory of people who weren't allowed to finish school to someone who got a PhD from one of California's finest institutions is a huge part of our story. And he graduated right as Silicon Valley was being formed. He was one of the first employees at one of Silicon Valley's founding labs. He invented the green LED. He invented the touchscreen. He was part of inventing the mouse. He changed the face of modern times. As you know from my work, I think some for the better, and some we'll work on. But it is truly these kind of changes that we want to be a part of. And it is in many different ways. But I ended up on this floor trying to make our state a better place and our world a better place. My brother and sister are both rabbis and work to serve their own communities, both here in California and outside. I have a sister who is a doctor who tries to heal people every single day. And again, this is not just happened to be Jewish. It is because they are Jewish. So it is truly an honor to celebrate the community today. And with that, I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Mr. Speaker and members, on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus, I rise in support of ACR 195, recognizing Jewish American Heritage Month, and to honor the enduring contributions, resilience, and leadership of Jewish communities across California and across the United States. At a time when we are witness rising anti-Semitism and continued division in too many corners of our society, it is more important than ever that this house speaks clearly and firmly. Jewish American history is American history. Hate in any form has no place in California, and silence in the face of it is not an option. This past year, I had the opportunity to travel to Alabama with the members of the Jewish caucus to learn about American black history and the shared history that connects black Americans with Jewish Americans. That experience left a lasting impact on me. We visited a number of historical sites that not only taught history, but confronted it. They challenged us to understand the roots of racial inequality, the legacy of mass incarceration, and the urgent need for policy solutions that move us towards justice. The Jewish community and the black community have long shared moments of struggle, resilience, and resistance. Our histories are distinct but deeply intertwined. We have stood together in civil rights movement, supported one another in times of fear, and shown up for one another in moments of progress and pain. That mutual commitment is part of the moral fabric of this state. During the Civil Rights Movement, Jewish Americans were among the earliest and most committed allies in the fight for black voting rights. Jewish activists joined the Freedom Rides, worked alongside the NAACP, and stood shoulder to shoulder with Dr. King and other civil rights leaders. In 1965, Jewish leaders marched alongside black leaders in Selma, Alabama, in the struggle for voting rights and dignity. In California, we continue to see that spirit alive today. Black Californians have stood in solidarity with Jewish communities in moments of anti-Semitism, violence and hate. And Jewish Californians have stood with black communities in the ongoing fight against systemic racism, inequity, and injustice. Solidarity is not an abstraction, my friend. It's action, its presence, its showing up when it matters most. This is what Jewish American Heritage Month calls us to remember. Not only cultural and identity, but responsibility to one another. We cannot separate the fight against anti-Semitism from the broader fight against hate in all forms. We cannot separate Jewish safety from the safety of all marginalized communities. And we cannot separate history from the policy choices we make today. Anti-Semitism, racism, and all forms of hate are part of the same ecosystem of division, and we must confront them together. When we confront history honestly, we are better equipped to shape a future rooted and dignity, fairness, and accountability. As members of the legislature, we carry that responsibility forward through our policy, our budgets, and how we show up for community in the moments of need. So today, we honor a Jewish American Heritage Month with more than words. We honor it with commitment, commitment to solidarity, commitment to safety and commitment to a California where every community can live with dignity security and belonging To our Jewish brothers and sisters across the state we see you We value you and we stand with you. And we will continue doing the work to ensure that the promise of justice is not only remembered but fulfilled. And I encourage and I vote on ACR 195. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Members, excuse me. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus and as a proud member of the Jewish Caucus in support of ACR 195. Jewish American Heritage Month offers us an opportunity to honor the rich history culture, and enduring contributions of Jewish Americans across our communities in California and the United States. For generations, Jewish Americans have helped shape California's identity, including through public service, civil rights, the labor movement, education, science, arts and culture, and so many other fields. From advocating for worker protections and social justice to advancing groundbreaking achievements in medicine, law, and the arts, Jewish Americans have played a vital role in building a more just and inclusive society. At the same time, this month calls on us to acknowledge the challenges that the Jewish community has faced and continues to face, including anti-Semitic discrimination and acts of hate. We are seeing a troubling rise in anti-Semitic hate crimes across the country and right here in California, reminding us that education, awareness, and solidarity are more important than ever. Jewish American Heritage Month is not only a celebration, but also a call to action to confront hate, reject bigotry, and unite in defense of dignity and equality for all people. Central to Jewish tradition is the principle of tikkun alam, a call to repair the world. It is a value rooted in justice, compassion, and collective responsibility, and one that deeply resonates with the work we do here in this body. This principle reminds us that our work does not end with recognition. It calls us all to action to pursue policies that advance equity, to protect vulnerable communities, and to leave our state better, more just, and more compassionate than we found it. In many ways, this same spirit has guided the LGBTQ plus civil rights movement, a belief that we each have a role to play in building a more just and inclusive world, and that change is possible when we come together in solidarity. Now more than ever, it's imperative that we stand together in community and recognize that our struggles and our progress are interconnected. The LGBTQ Caucus is proud to stand alongside our colleagues in the Jewish Caucus to commemorate Jewish American Heritage Month, and we reaffirm our shared commitment to education, representation, and the celebration of diversity that defines the very best of California. Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I respectfully ask for an aye vote on ACR 195 on behalf of the LGBTQ Caucus.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. On behalf of the Latino Caucus I rise in strong support of ACR 195 honoring Jewish Heritage Month As a proud Latina with Jewish roots I am proud to celebrate both my cultures in the month of May Jewish Heritage Month recognizes the generations of Jewish Americans whose leadership, advocacy, innovation, and resilience have helped shape not only California, but the United States as a whole. Jewish Americans have contributed to progress in nearly every field imaginable from civil rights, science, medicine, business, arts, and public service. Their contributions have left a lasting impact on our state and our nation. Throughout history, Jewish Americans have stood in solidarity with the Latino communities and many other marginalized communities in the ongoing fight for justice, equality, and opportunity for all people. That spirit of coalition and shared advocacy is something we should continue to uplift and honor. In a time where we are witnessing a growing misconception of Jewish Americans, it is crucial we uplift them, their work and their long ties to the United States. I would like to thank my colleagues for bringing forward this resolution and respectfully request an aye vote on ACR 195.

Well, thank you, Mr. Speaker. Today I rise on behalf of the California Legislative Native American caucus, I rise in support of ACR 195 recognizing the month of May as Jewish American Heritage Month. Jewish Americans have played vital roles contributing to the state's culture, economic, and civic success. Jewish Americans continue to share histories together that benefit the people here in the the state of California that we have to be able to come together and show solidarity and standing side by side on the past histories of not only Native American people and Jewish people that share a common thread of those persecuting us just because of who we are. Today, we continue to stand in unity, unity with Jewish Americans who have given to the state of California, not only in the past, but in the current and in the future, continuing to make California strong. We continue to rise against those things of people and colonization and tactics that come against our people. But however, despite these efforts, the Jewish community prevailed and succeeded. Despite all the practices meant to keep them down, they continue to show the resiliency, the resiliency of those on the floor here today and those of their ancestors and elders. Today, we celebrate Jewish Americans' resiliency and their many contributions to our great state. I thank my colleague from Los Angeles for always bringing up and standing and speaking the truth on these issues. I ask for your support for ACR 195.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker and members. I rise today on behalf of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus in strong support of ACR 195. Today we proudly recognize Jewish American Heritage Month and honor the generations of Jewish Americans whose contributions have helped shaped our nation and the state of California. Jewish Americans have enriched our communities through leadership in public service, education, science, business arts and advocacy for civil rights and social justice This resolution celebrates the resilience culture and enduring impact of the Jewish community across our state and country At a time when anti-Semitism and hate continue to rise, it's important that we reaffirm our commitment to dignity, inclusion, and standing united against discrimination in all its forms. We celebrate the diversity and strength that Jewish Americans bring to California every single day. On behalf of the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, I respectfully urge an aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise on behalf of the new California Legislative Christian Caucus. Ladies and gentlemen, today leadership requires us to know exactly who we are, where we come from, and precisely what we're willing to defend. Today I stand before you, not as a public servant, but as a living testament to the survival of faith across centuries. In my veins flows the blood of indigenous people of this continent and the resilience of my Latino heritage. But tucked deeply within that lineage, passed down through my mother, is the unbroken thread of Sephardic Jewish roots. I am the product of survival. I am the product of a faith preserved through trials. And it is from this foundation that I sound a call to action today. As a Christian, my worldview is anchored in eternal truths. We must never forget that our faith did not begin in isolation. Its roots are deeply embedded in the ancient soil of Israel. The moral framework that built our civilization, the scriptures we hold sacred, and the Savior we follow all flow from the Jewish people. The word of God is not ambiguous. In Genesis 12, 13, the Almighty declared an eternal covenant. He said, I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you, I will curse, and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you. You see, this is not a political calculation. It's a divine mandate. But a mandate requires movement. Belief requires boldness. Look around us. We live in an hour where silence is no longer just compliance. Silence is a betrayal of our principles. When anti-Semitism rears its head, when prejudice masks itself as progress, we cannot sit idly by. The prophet Isaiah sounded the trumpet when he declared, for Zion's sake, I will not keep silent. For Jerusalem's sake, I will not remain quiet till her vindication shines out like the dawn, her salvation like a blazing torch. Let this be our battle cry. Let us be that blazing torch. I call upon each of you today, rise up, speak out, Let our Jewish neighbors, both here at home and across the globe, know with absolute certainty that they do not stand alone. Let them see our Christian faith, a fierce shield of protection, and an unbreakable bond of brotherhood. I know who I am. I know the ancestors who walked before me. now is the time to stand shoulder to shoulder with the house of israel to defend our shared heritage and to safeguard the blessings of liberty and faith for generations to come thank you may god bless you and i respectfully ask for an eye vote on acr 195

Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise in support as well of ACR 195. I want to thank my colleague from Inglewood for speaking on behalf of the California Legislative Black Caucus. I'm speaking as the member who represents Pico Robertson. If you know Los Angeles, you know that my district is often thought of as the bridge between historic black communities and historic Jewish communities. It's an incredibly powerful bridge. And I know that when we lock arms and march across it together, I see progress on the other side. And I think that's deeply important in this moment. The concept of tikkun olam has always resonated with me, and I want to thank my Jewish colleagues for teaching us about how important it is to work to repair the world, to make this place a better place, to root out hate and bigotry, discrimination and anti-Semitism in all of its forms. I couldn't be more honored to be here the first time that this floor is celebrating Jewish American History Month, and I'm looking forward to celebrating this annually. Jewish American history is American history. It has made the world better. It has made our country better. It makes California better. And I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Yes, thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. First, let me begin today with the most sincere thanks to all of our colleagues who spoke so beautifully and particularly the members of our sister caucuses who stood up from other communities. And I have to say, in the eight years that I have had the extraordinary pleasure of serving in this legislature, there have been a lot of powerful moments. But for me, some of the most powerful are the moments of the deep personal solidarity that I have felt. And at moments when the Jewish community has been experiencing excruciating pain, oftentimes the first phone calls that I have received, the first text messages that I have received have been from leaders of the other diversity caucuses, members of other communities, people who are not Jewish. And I just want to let you know that your deep sensitivity and solidarity has meant more than you can understand to our Jewish community over the past years, and especially post-October 7th. I also wanted to share with all of you in conclusion, we wanted to try to authentically bring some of our Jewish teaching, some of our Jewish values into this room. And so we have brought each of you a little token to teach about the Jewish concept of tzedakah, which many people associate with the word charity because we have tzedakah boxes where you can give charity. But actually, the meaning is deeper than that. Tzedakah is about the pursuit of justice. That's the root of the word. And it's about the pursuit of justice through generosity, through compassion, and through shared responsibility. And for me, that was one of the most beautiful themes that we heard today, echoed in so many places, is that both our progress and our struggles are deeply interwoven. And so I just wanted to thank all of our colleagues who have stood with us I want to let you know how much we appreciate the opportunity to work in partnership with all of you to stand in solidarity with all of you and hopefully our collective work will be one that achieves a more just, compassionate, and beautiful world for all of the people of the state of California. With that, with respect for your question, I vote on ACR 195.

Thumbs up.

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 67 co-authors added.

Thank you very much, Mr. Speaker. We are delighted to be able to welcome up here 14 extraordinary Jewish Californians who are serving our state in such beautiful ways. I think one of the things that really sticks out to me about this amazing group of individuals that we're going to recognize today is both their contributions to the Jewish community, but also their contributions to the community more broadly and the way that they are reflecting their Jewish values, our Jewish values, of tzedakah, of tikkun olam, of giving back to the community through all their actions. So we appreciate this, and we look forward to celebrating them.

Bloom, former Assemblymember and President Pro Tem Daryl Steinberg is here joining us

The clerk will read. Escorted by Assemblymembers of Burr and Senator Allen is Jonah Platt. Jonah Platt is an accomplished entertainer and one of America's most trusted voices on modern Jewish identity, culture, and current events. Jonah hosts Being Jewish with Jonah Platt, the world's number one Jewish podcast, and was honored with California's inaugural Community Excellence Award for combating anti-Semitism. Please welcome Jonah Platt.

and Addis is Lauren Bendaari. Lauren Bendaari is the executive director of Hillel of San Luis Obispo, where she has served students, alumni, and the broader community for the past four years. Previously, Lauren headed San Luis Obispo's Jewish Community Center Federation, where she helped launch numerous initiatives, including the Jewish Film Festival, a local Jewish day camp, regional Jewish festivals, and its Jewish family services. Please welcome Lauren Bendaari.

Gayla Blackman co-founded the Noe Valley Havaru, a grassroots Jewish community in San Francisco in response to rising anti-Jewish incidents in her community. Since then, Noe Valley Havaru has grown into a vibrant hub for connection, support, and meaningful Jewish life across a wide range of ages, backgrounds, and Jewish identities. Please welcome Gayla Blackman.

Escorted by Assemblymember Aaron and Senator Allen is Scott Budnick. Scott Budnick is a highly regarded film producer whose work includes The Hangover the highest R comedy trilogy in film history Passionate about helping young people impacted by the criminal justice system Scott is the founder of the Anti Coalition serves on the Board of State and Community Corrections, and is a board member of President Barack Obama's My Brother's Keeper Alliance. Please welcome Scott Budnick.

to address domestic violence, . Escorted by Assemblymember Addis and Senator Susan Rubio is Mandana Dayani. Mandana Dayani is an Iranian-American business leader, strategic adviser, political commentator, and campaign surrogate who most recently served as the president of Archwell, founded by Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex. Madonna is also the founder of several cultural shaping philanthropic and civic engagement organizations, including I Am A Voter, the Caledet Foundation, One Mitzvah A Day, and Our Campus United, and was appointed by President Joe Biden to the United States Holocaust Memorial Council Board of Trustees. Please welcome, Madonna Dayani.

Escorted by Assemblymember Pellerman and Senator Becker is Doreen Castleman. Doreen Castleman is a deeply accomplished Jewish community leader who has served leadership positions in numerous Jewish organizations, including the Bay Area Jewish Community Relations Council, Jewish Family and Children's Services Bay Area, Bay Area Jewish Action, and currently serves as president of California Jewish Democrats. Professionally, Doreen spent many years at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center supporting low-income patients facing serious medical challenges and worked extensively with youth in the foster care and legal systems from marginalized communities. Please welcome Doreen Castleman. Escorted by Assemblymembers Bauer-Cahan and Haney is Mayor Daniel Lurie. Daniel Lurie was elected mayor of San Francisco in 2024 after years of civic and philanthropic leadership in the Bay Area. In 2005, Mayor Lurie founded Tipping Point Community where he raised over $500 million to house, employ, educate, and support hundreds of thousands of Bay Area families. Please welcome Mayor Daniel Lurie.

on San Diego Unified Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee, working to ensure that all students receive evidence-based, comprehensive sexual education that is LGBTQ plus inclusive and affirming, and also volunteers at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, leading prayer services for the Jewish recruits going through basic training. Please welcome Rabbi Deborah Marcus.

including Donald Trump, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Gavin Newsom. Alex has contributed to coverage and public conversations around anti-Semitism and issues impacting Jewish Americans, helping to elevate civic discourse and bring broader visibility to these concerns through his reporting. Please welcome Alex Michelson.

Escorted by Assemblymembers Ahrens and Berman is Jody Muirhead. Jody Muirhead has dedicated over 30 years to improving educational outcomes in Santa Clara County. She has served on the Santa Clara County Unified School District Board, co-founded Santa Clara Unified Parents, a nonprofit supporting local schools, served as president of the Santa Clara County School Boards Association, and is the immediate past president of Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, California. Please welcome Jody Mirrorhead.

Escorted by Assemblymember Erwin and Senator Stern is Julie Platt. Julie Platt is an internationally recognized Jewish communal leader and advocate and is the immediate past chair of the Board of Trustees of the Jewish Federations of North America. An organization that represents a network of Jewish federations across the United States and Canada that support vital social services humanitarian aid and Jewish communal life In 2025 President Isaac Herzog awarded her the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor Israel highest civilian honor. Please welcome Julie Platt.

Escorted by Assemblymember Krell and Senator Becker is Carol Saul. Carol Saul has been instrumental in building numerous nonprofit organizations, including the Bay Area Jewish Federation, the Taub Karet Campus for Jewish Life, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Stanford Hillel, and Hoctiva, a Jewish community residential facility serving the needs of developmentally disabled adults. Carol was awarded an honorary doctorate from Ben-Gurion University for her lifelong dedication to volunteerism and philanthropy. Please welcome Carol Saul.

Union College, Milken Community School, Temple Emanuel Academy Day School, and ECAR. Carl also serves as co-chair of Senator Adam Schiff's Advisory Committee on Affordable Housing and Homelessness and is a member of Senator Schiff's Judicial Selection Committee for the Central District of California. Please welcome Carl Thurmond.

organizations Manny is a deeply engaged Jewish communal life and civic leadership and has worked to strengthen the Jewish community while building coalitions across diverse communities Please welcome Manny Yucatel

Mr. Speaker and members, as chair of the Assembly Select Committee on the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, I'm excited to welcome leadership from the LA84 Foundation to the Assembly floor today, a lasting legacy of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games. Today the LA84 Foundation released its 2026 Play Equity Report featuring important statewide data on youth sports and play participation as well as new findings on how to increase youth movement social interaction and healthier lifestyles We are joined today by Renata Simrel, Fernando Ramirez, and James Lopez of LA84 Foundation, along with lead researcher Dr. Shikari Byerly with Averitas, Averitas, and Robert Marcus with the Positive Coaching Alliance. And a special welcome to former NFL defense tackle T.Y. McGill and NFL linebacker J.J. Russell. The legacy of 1984 Olympic Games is alive and well thanks to these incredible leaders and their continued work to close the pay equity gap and inspire the next generation of Olympians and Paralympians across California. Please join me in welcoming the leadership of the LA84 Foundation.

Fresno United is an incredible nonprofit organization made up of system-impacted community leaders who have transformed their lives and now dedicate themselves to ending violence and uplifting families across Fresno, the city of Fresno. Since the start of the pandemic, they have helped serve nearly 800,000 pounds of food to families in need. They understand that prevention starts with investing in people, feeding hungry children, supporting families, providing clothing, holiday meals, and toys, and showing communities they are not forgotten. I also want to thank them for stepping up during the longest federal government shutdown when we saw disruptions to SNAP and CalFresh benefits. Fresno United answered the call and helped ensure families in our community had food on the table during this difficult time. Their work is transforming lives and helping prevent violence through simple acts of compassion and service. What makes their efforts even more remarkable is that they have sustained their work through their own hard-earned money and support from our local food bank. Please join me in recognizing Kendrick Stokes, Mary Lee, Rod Wade, Thomas Rowland, Senior, and Yolanda Cobb for their extraordinary leadership and service to our community in Fresno.

Thank you. I request you now to consent to suspend Assembly Rule 118A to allow Assemblymember Soria to have a guest seated at her desk.

I request you now to consent to suspend the rules to allow Assemblymember Berner to take up ACA 9 without reference to file for the purpose of third reading.

Thank you Mr Speaker Members it is my honor to recognize George Wald II for his extraordinary career of service leadership and dedication to the Anderson community A proud graduate of Anderson Union High School class of 1982 George returned to his alma mater in 1988 after graduating from Chico State and spent nearly four decades shaping the lives of students through agriculture, education, and mentorship. George helped build Anderson Union's ag program into a cornerstone of the community, expanding hands-on learning opportunities and helping lead Anderson FFA to statewide respect and success. More importantly, he inspired generations of students to lead, serve, and give back to their communities. Beyond the classroom, George has been a constant presence and community service throughout Shasta County, supporting youth programs, local events, and countless service projects that strengthen the community he loves. Joining him in the gallery today is his beautiful wife, Julie, and they're all going to stand, and they're seven children. Together, George and Julie have opened their home through foster care and adoption and continuing a remarkable legacy of service and love. Julie also serves as a foster parent liaison for Shasta County, reflecting the family's deep commitment to caring for others and giving back to the community. The Wald's family impact will be felt for generations to come. Mr. Speaker and members,

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Colleagues, I am privileged to welcome Alverno Heights Academy, an elementary school from Sierra Madre. The students are here in the gallery with their parents. My niece, Josephine, is part of the class, and they have the best principal in the world, my mom, Joanne. Please help me welcome Alverno Heights Academy.

Assemblymember Berner and others, an act relating to public utilities. Assemblymember Berner,

present one of my personal legislative priorities, a constitutional amendment with bipartisan support, no no votes, and with unanimous bipartisan support out of Utilities and Energy Committee. ACA 9 is about structural change at the CPC for the benefit of consumers and adds affordability as a required consideration in rate making. It would force the balance of considering profits versus affordability. It would also remove telecommunications from the CPUC's portfolio and create an office of broadband, which is something that most states already have. We know that the CPUC has too much on their plate, and we want them to be able to do the work that they are tasked with, especially rate making, something that impacts all of our constituents' everyday lives. Currently, it's a lot to do for five people. ACA 9 balances the branches of government and gives more voices to our people and empowers the legislature by giving two additional appointments by the speaker and two by the pro tem. It would create regulatory certainty by ensuring that this very important commission has the bandwidth to do the work that it was tasked to do Californians pay the second highest energy rates in the nation Our constituents are struggling to live the American dream. The digital divide continues to keep communities throughout California from opportunities and access that most of us take for granted. We have an agency that can do so much more to help with these issues, and they simply cannot do this without a structural change and clear direction and focus. ACA 9 is about the people we serve, and those same people will get to weigh in as well. I respectfully ask for your

Ayes 55, nos 1.

This is a 54-vote bill.

Assembly Bill 1697 by Assemblymember Kalra, an act relating to employment and declaring the OCC thereof to take effect immediately. Assemblymember Kalra, you are recognized.

AB 1697 will delay the implementation of AB 692 of 2025 by one year until January 1st, 2027 and add an urgency clause. AB 692 was signed into law last year to prohibit employers from using debt as an exploitative tool to travel workers and their jobs for basic on-the-job training. As requested by the governor in the signing letter, AB 1697 will delay the implementation of AB 692 to allow for more time to address the concern around collective bargaining agreements. The bill has bipartisan support and no opposition. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

clerk will close the roll tally the votes ayes 54 nose for

clerk will read assembly bill 2322 by assembly member pappin an act relating to water

represent or to present AB 2322, which provides a standardized definition statewide for commercial,

Thank you Assemblymember Pepin. I'll debate having ceased. 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 all members vote

The measure passes. The pass or any tandem file items 493, 94, 95, 96. File item 497 is AB 1653 by Assemblymember Lackey.

Assembly Bill 1653 by Assemblymember Lackey, an act relating to pupil instruction.

Thank you, Assemblymember Lackey. All debate having ceased, clerk will open the roll. All members vote who desire to vote. All members vote who desire to vote.

The measure passes. I'm going to pass and retain on file items 498 through 506. That brings us to file item 507. That's AB 2274 by Dr. Baines. Clerk will read.

Dr. Baines, you are recognized.

Thank you Assemblymember Baines Seeing and hearing no further debate on the matter the 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.

I 64 no zero that measure passes we will pass and retain on file items 508 through 514 moving to file item 515 AB 2512 the clerk will read assembly

government mr. Valencia you are recognized on the matter thank you madam Speaker, and we want to start as members. AB 2512 will require any materials, including but not limited to the lease, deed of sale, and promotional or marketing materials to refer to my district's Major League Baseball team as the Anaheim Angels, if the City of Anaheim is granted an exemption to the Surplus Lands Act. I want to be very clear, this bill does not grant a Surplus Lands Act exemption, but takes steps to ensure that these requirements are put in place if and when an exemption is pursued. As a former collegiate athlete, I understand that teams are not just brands. They are symbols for communities. As someone who grew up in Anaheim and wore an Anaheim jersey, the Angels are the pride of my community. In addition to that, the Anaheim Ducks, since we just did so well and unfortunately lost in this last round of the playoffs, but we'll go get them next year. And although the city of Anaheim has been home to this franchise for more than 60 years, the team's name does not reflect the history of our city, unfortunately. When the team's name was changed from the Anaheim Angels to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, it was done to grow the brand. But instead, it sent a message to our city that it is secondary in the team's eyes. And that, in my opinion, is unacceptable. If there's any question about the Anaheim's economic growth, strength, and vitality for sports leagues, just take a look at what's taking place across the street with the OC Vibe Project and the growth of the Anaheim Ducks with the name Anaheim in the franchise. We have a responsibility to ensure that any decision involving public land reflects the values of the public itself. And one of those values is pride of place.

I would like to know if the city of Anaheim is supportive of this, or are you trying to punish them by making them have their name attached to that specific team and their record?

Thank you for that, Madam Speaker. Absolutely. In addition to the city, I have had an outpour of support from colleagues from the adjacent county of L.A. because they are so passionate about taking Los Angeles out of the name of angels. Social media has been going wild over this concept and I am confident that the city as a whole and the mayor of Anaheim are also in support with that I respectfully ask for a yes vote

Yes.

Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Valencia and others, an act relating to public health.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. AB 1956 prioritizes young men and boys within the Office of Suicide Prevention. Everyday families across California and this nation are devastated by the loss of a loved one to suicide. And statistically, the person they lost will be a man. The overwhelming majority of these tragedies involve men. And the data is very clear. Men die by suicide at a rate nearly four times higher than any other group. 78% of all suicides are men. More than 6 of 10 young men report feeling that no one cares if men are okay. These numbers point to a clear need. Prevention efforts that resonate with the male experience and seek and speak in their language so that resources actually reach those who need them the most. And supporting young men and boys, I want to be very clear about this, does not come at the expense of supporting young women and women and girls. When families lose a son, a brother, a father, or a friend, our entire community suffers. With that, I respectfully ask for a yes vote.

Assembly Bill 1664 by Assemblymember Jackson and others, an act relating to elections and declaring the urgency there is up to take effect immediately.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution 186 by Assemblymember Chen relative to California Physical Fitness and Mental Wealth Being Month.

Madam Speaker, thank you so much for your time and allowing me to present ACR 186. Today, I'm proud to recognize the month of May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Wealth Being Month. Increasingly, physical activity could help prevent up to 80% of heart disease, stroke, diabetes as well as over 30 of cancers By recognizing the month of May as California Physical Fitness Mental Well Month the legislature continues to promote the benefits of physical activity and support programs that make it safe and easy for Californians to stay active With that, I'd like to ask for co-authors.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Today I'm proud to welcome members of the Health and Fitness Association who are up in the gallery in the back. The Health and Fitness Association is the only global nonprofit trade association dedicated to protecting, promoting, and growing the health and fitness industries. Members of the Health and Wellness Association were integral in the drafting passage of ACR 186. So my friends, please join me in welcoming them to the California State Assembly. Thank you for joining us.

House Resolution 111 by Assemblymembers of Burr and others relative to International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, as a proud member of the California Legislative LGBTQ Caucus, I rise today to present H.R. 111, recognizing May 17, 2026, as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. For many of us in this chamber, this day is deeply personal. This reflects not just policy, but people, our communities, our families, and for some of us, our own lived experiences navigating spaces that are not always safe or affirming. California has long been a leader in advancing equality and civil rights, and we should be proud of that progress. However, we also have to be honest. That hard-fought progress is not only uneven, it is also actively under pressure. LGBTQ plus people continue to face discrimination, violence, and exclusion, especially our transgender siblings who too often are targeted simply for being who they are. In recent years, we've also seen a troubling rise in reports of anti-LGBTQ plus hate, violence, including incidents of people being harassed or physically attacked simply for who they are. This reality underscores something important. This is not just about equality. It is about ensuring the safety of all of our constituents. Everyone deserves to feel and be safe walking down the street, in their neighborhood, and in their community. Additionally, research consistently shows that LGBTQ plus youth face higher rates of bullying, rejection, and homelessness, and are significantly more likely to struggle with mental health challenges as a result. We are also seeing that schools have become one of the most common settings for haystack hate incidents and harassment, including those based targeting LGBTQ plus kids. That should concern every single one of us, because our schools should be where young people learn and grow in a safe and supportive environment, not places where they're targeted for who they are. These are but some examples of why California has taken steps to lead to ensure the utmost safety and non-discrimination protections for all. Idahobit is observed around the world as a call to action and reminder that the fight for dignity and safety is global and ongoing. This resolution is not just symbolic. It is a reaffirmation of our responsibility. A responsibility to combat hate in all its forms, whether it shows up in our schools, on our streets, or in our institutions. A responsibility to ensure that every person can live authentically and without fear. A responsibility to continue building a California where safety, dignity, and equality are real for everyone. Because visibility matters, but so does action. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. I respectfully ask for your aye vote and that the first roll be open for co-authors.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. I rise today on behalf of the Legislative Black Caucus in strong support of H.R. 111 for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. The resolution before us reminds us that while California has long led the fight for equality and dignity, LGBTQ plus people, especially transgender and gender expansive individuals, still face discrimination, violence and stigma and barriers to simply living openly and authentically. Discrimination comes in many forms. Often it is the outward hateful act or discriminatory policy that dominates the headlines. But sometimes it is the quieter harm, the small comments made by friends or families, the sideway glances, the exclusion, the message that somehow someone is less worthy because of who they are. This resolution recognizes that these harms are real and that our responsibility is not only to condemn hate, but to actively foster inclusion, safety, and belonging for LGBTQ plus communities. Because every person deserves to live free from fear and discrimination. To every LGBTQ plus Californian watching today, we see you, we value you, and we stand with you. We also recognize the pain caused by discrimination and hatred, not just across the world, but right here at home. And we acknowledge that solidarity requires action. As leaders, we must ensure that young people grow up knowing they are worthy of love and respect exactly as they are. We must build communities where no one feels they must hide who they are just to feel safe. The great Andre Lord said, tomorrow belongs to those of us who conceive it as belonging to everyone, who lends the best of ourselves to it and with joy. Today this legislature reaffirms that California will continue to lead in advancing equality dignity and civil rights for lesbian gay bisexual transgender and queer plus people Thank you and I respectfully ask for a strong aye vote

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. On behalf of the Latino Caucus, I rise in support of H.R. 111, which recognizes May 17th as International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Every person deserves to live with dignity and safety. While we celebrate our progress toward equality, we cannot ignore that discrimination and violence against LGBTQ plus individuals persists. Data from the Trevor Project is sobering. 36% of the LGBTQ plus youth and 40% of transgender and non-binary youth seriously considered suicide in the past year. More than 90% said anti-LGBTQ plus rhetoric and legislation directly harmed their mental health. More than half of gender youth in this country live in states with laws restricting aspects of their daily lives. like access to health care and participation in school. In California, we choose a different path. We choose support and acceptance because those values save lives. LGBTQ plus youth in supportive communities report far lower rates of suicide attempts than youth in unaccepting environments. This resolution is our commitment to be the example. As LGBTQ plus communities face efforts across the country to restrict their rights, limit their visibility, and make daily life less safe, California will continue to stand in contrast. Today, let us recommit ourselves to rejecting hate, protecting civil rights, and advancing true equality so that every Californian can live openly and safely. Members, I ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today on behalf of the Women's Caucus in support of H.R. 111 and want to thank the member from Santa Monica and everyone who has spoken so far. so far. We rise today to condemn and to commit to ending hate, especially when that hate comes to gender identity, gender expression, and sexual orientation. The work of the Women's Caucus and the LGBT caucuses are inextricably linked. The fight for gender equality and the dismantling of repressive systems have defined our movements and our work. Our movements exist because no one should be denied fundamental rights merely because of who they are or because of their very existence. And as chair of the Budget Subcommittee on Health, I should also add that the Women's Caucus and the LGBT Caucus have worked closely together to ensure that Californians have basic access to health care and life-saving medical procedures, including reproductive care and gender-affirming care, and that nobody should be subjected to health care coverage discrimination. But despite decades of advocacy LGBT people are truly under attack across the world and in real life This includes restrictions on travel military bans on trans personnel denial of reproductive and gender care And these policies perpetuate the myth that LGBT people deserve less rights and less basic humanity, and there are alarming consequences. You've heard some of those already on the floor, But additionally, according to the UCLA Williams Institute, LGBTQ people are five times more likely to experience physical violence. And this includes sexual violence and sexual assault. The Trevor Project reports that nearly half of LGBTQIA plus young people aged 13 to 18 reported that they had been forced into non-consexual activity. And in the past 12 months, this is compared to only 11% of the general population in the last 12 months. And so this means that all of us must act, that we must fully commit to enacting real policies that protect every Californian, every lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex, and asexual plus human. So I want to thank the author from West Hollywood and Santa Monica for bringing forward this measure. I want to say thank you to him for being a champion for combating hate and bigotry and respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Thank you, Speaker and colleagues. I rise today on behalf of the California Legislative Jewish Caucus in strong support of H.R. 111, recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. Jewish tradition teaches us that we carry a responsibility to pursue justice and uphold the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. We are proud to put those values into action. Recently, the Jewish caucus and the LGBTQ caucus came together to host a drag Purim celebration, a joyful gathering that brought our communities together in fellowship and solidarity. It was a powerful reminder that when communities stand together, we build understanding, resilience, and hope. At a time when LGBTQIA plus communities continue to face rising threats of violence, discrimination, harassment, and dehumanizing rhetoric, we cannot afford complacency. Progress that generations fought to achieve is being challenged, and the work of equality remains unfinished. California must continue to stand firmly against hatred in all its forms and affirm that every person deserves safety, dignity, and equal protection under the law. The Jewish Caucus is proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the LGBTQIA plus community as we continue the fight for equality, justice, and the freedom for every person to live openly and authentically without fear. In that spirit, and on behalf of the Jewish Caucus, I respectfully request an aye vote on H.R. 111.

Thank you Madam Speaker much good in the resolution And I thought here we are getting to a resolution that simply would put the California State Legislature on record affirming dignity and respect and fairness and equality. However, I got to a paragraph that made this resolution impossible to support. And it's a concern that I want to raise with each of you. I don't believe that it will change your approach to the issue, but I do believe this concern needs to be voiced and heard. As a conservative, as an openly gay Republican, there are a lot of adjectives that are used to describe me. I'm sure you have a few choice ones. But I am at home as a conservative. You think that that's impossible. But it is actually possible to be gay and be a Republican because we have a different approach. We believe that people shouldn't be divided based upon who they love, their skin color, their religion, that we shouldn't seek to accentuate differences. The great unifying adjective for all of us, we're all American. That's the great uniter. Now, I'm not saying that it's been perfect. We have blemishes on our American story. The history of injustice, of discrimination, it's real. But when you see progress like we have seen on LGBT rights in this country, lightning speed. We've never seen a social change happen quicker than on LGBT issues. Should that not be celebrated? This resolution seems, and the rhetoric seems to focus on how bad things are. Things are getting worse. You're under attack. You should be afraid. That's not what I'm seeing. And frankly, you go talk to the LGBT community, that's not what they're seeing either. And thank God. We are finally at a point where being gay is irrelevant. It's even cool to some generations and some quarters. This resolution does not reflect that progress. And when you have the paragraph, and the one paragraph that caused me not to support this, because everything else is very good, Mr. Zubour. He's referred to him as a member from L.A. In recent years, we have seen an increase in legislative and social efforts threatening hard-won civil rights of the LGBT community. It is actually possible to treat gays with dignity, respect, to support them, and also support parents' rights. That's not an attack on the LGBT community. It's just a disagreement with how do we protect the rights of parents to know what's going on with their children. I think that, in part, this paragraph may reference that. I know you may not see or believe that statement, that you can be for parents' rights and be for the gay community. But it's true. I see it as true. You see it as a threat. You see it as anti-LGBT legislation. But please consider for a moment, maybe the people who are in support of those legislatures, are not bigoted or homophobic, but they're trying to make sure that we protect the rights of all. I will specifically speak to the parents' rights legislation. When someone is young and they are questioning, when they're young and questioning, they're probably a little depressed, they're probably a little afraid. all the more reason why they need the love and support of their parents. And parents' rights ordinances are only about making sure that parents know what's going on with their children. You can't get more pro-LGBT than saying, we want to make sure the parent knows so the parent can provide love and support. Again, there's a lot of good in this resolution, but to describe certain legislation as anti-gay I think is missing. the actual intent of those bills. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. I rise today in strong support of HR 111 and in support of our LGBTQ brothers, sisters, family members, friends, neighbors, and constituents. Now more than ever, we must stand up for communities that are once again under attack. hateful rhetoric, discriminatory policies, and efforts to erase their visibility and dignity. And without due respect to my colleague from San Diego, this is actually happening in my community. I would ask him to check out maybe the Fresno Bee. This issue is not abstract to me. Just last week in my own community, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted to prohibit public libraries from recognizing or celebrating LGBTQ Pride Month and block them from participation in this year's Fresno Rainbow Pride Festival. If that's not a community under attack, I don't know what it is. That sends a painful message to our LGBT residents, especially young people, that they're not seen, not valued, and not welcomed. So today I rise to give voice to my LGBTQ constituents, especially the young people. I want them to know that they are seen, that they are heard, that they are loved in California, and that we will continue to affirm that love is love. We cannot go backward. At a time when rights, freedoms, and civil liberties are being challenged across our country and in my community, We must be clear about where we stand. And today, I stand against hate. I stand against homophobia. I proudly stand in support of H.R. 111 and respectfully urge an aye vote.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. On behalf of the AAPI Legislative Caucus, I rise in support of H.R. 111, recognizing International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia. H.R. 111's resolution sends a clear message that California will continue to stand against hate and support the dignity, safety, and equality of LGBTQ plus communities. California has long been a leader in advancing civil rights and protecting vulnerable communities. But we also know there's so much work to be done. LGBTQ plus individuals, especially transgender and gender expansive people, continue to face discrimination and violence in California and around the country It is important that we continue to build coalitions rooted in respect and solidarity I strictly ask for an aye vote on H 111 to reform California commitment to equity and justice for all

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to rise in support of H.R. 111 and thank our colleague from Los Angeles for bringing this forward on behalf of the LGBTQ Legislative Caucus. It's not lost on me some of the statements on the floor here today that just can't go unresponded to because all is not okay. Despite all the advancements, indeed, for any of our communities that we have fought hard at the ballot, through legislation, through activism, all of that we know is continuously under threat for rolling back in our society here, in our local communities, in the state of California, indeed, and acceleratingly across the country. We know that local governments here have been trying to prevent, as you heard, thank you for our colleague from the Central Valley, not just the celebration of pride, but the inability to display a flag at a government place, at a school, at a city hall. We know that health care particularly is under attack, and specifically here in California, because we affirm that everybody that has the right and the need for either gender or women's reproductive health care for the needs that we have specifically, the challenges that the lesbian community has to access to health care, that somehow we're going to have a wide swath of federal support withheld from our community clinics, from our Planned Parenthood centers, from our hospitals that do this good work under the vice of their physicians and certainly with the consult of parents when a minor is involved. We know that federal orders to be able to remove the so-called, not so-called, the called press 3 option for 988 suicide hotline, specifically taking away an option that has been instrumental for youth, LGBTQ or questioning youth, who want to make sure they have access to somebody who knows their struggles and their challenges. but we're going to do away with this life-saving option. These are the very immediate threats that have been rolled back in some cases and continue to see threats on the horizon. And yes, we've had those conversations when it comes to the needs of the transgender community and particularly the challenges that we have with transgender youth. And as we've had those conversations, those debates very well here on the floor and in some of our committees, we recognize that parental involvement is essential. wouldn't it be wonderful if all kids had that loving home? Not always the case, but we also know that things are complex. And as a state, we try to make sure that we are reconciling all these needs always for the benefit of these children. And if our focus is so narrow, as I do hear from some in our community, that as a white gay man, all is okay. I recognize that actually just this year the state of Tennessee has already passed legislation to rescind and remove their ability to provide for the rights for equality in marriage so all is not okay things are absolutely snowballing in the direction that seeks to roll back all of these rights for everybody under this umbrella when we think about fighting homophobia, transphobia, biphobia and phobias against all members of our community. That's why it's important that we have this resolution and reaffirm what we need to do to speak in one voice about the values that we have here in California for a community so under threat that we going to have their back and we going to get through this period with the strength of this legislature in this government to be able to support education health care civil rights and all the issues that are so deeply under threat And for that correction, Madam Speaker, and for my thanks from so many colleagues on the floor that spoke in favor of this resolution, I respectfully request your aye vote on H.R. 111.

Madam Speaker, members, I'd like to thank our colleagues from Merced and Alhambra, San Luis Obispo, Santa Cruz, Suicent City, and San Diego for your comments today. I want to point out that the resolution basically says, specifically, that we've seen an increase in legislative and social efforts targeting LGBTQ individuals, particularly transgender youth. And that is a true statement. As my colleague from San Diego has indicated, the civil rights and social justice legislation that we have worked so hard in California and across the nation is under attack. We've seen efforts to restrict and eliminate gender-affirming health care. We've seen efforts, as my colleague from Merced has indicated, we've seen efforts to make our schools less inclusive. I also want to thank my colleague from Downey also for her comments. And the reality is, while in California we enjoy the strongest LGBTQ civil rights laws of any place in the world, and that has resulted in great progress, we still have a long ways to go. LGBTQ people and LGBTQ kids in particular face among the highest rates of homelessness of any community. The highest rates of engagement in the criminal justice community because of some of these disparities in health and well-being. Higher rates of suicide ideation in our schools. Higher dropout rates than almost any other community. And of course, the effect on transgender and gender nonconforming kids is among the highest of any community. So while we've made great progress, we have a long way to go in order to make sure that our world is healthy, just, and fully equal for all LGBTQ people and for all people. And so with that, I want to thank those who spoke today for the support of this important resolution. It is more than something that's symbolic. It is a recommitment that we actually fight against the attempt to roll back the protections that all of you have helped us put in place over the course of the last couple decades and that we continue to advance a world that is healthy, just and fully safe for all LGBTQ and all people. Thank you very much. I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you.

Assembly Bill 2273 by Assemblymember Baines, an act relating to crimes.

Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. The Scrivener Act is named for the ongoing criminal case against former Kern County Supervisor Zachary Scrivener, which has devastated my community and eroded the trust my constituents have in government and in our courts. And frankly, it has also eroded the trust I have in our criminal justice system. It doesn't take an international case like Jeffrey Epstein to show us that the rich and powerful get special treatment from prosecutors and judges. If the Department of Justice found that a member of the Assembly got into bed with the minor and, quote, fondled the minor's breasts and genitals for 10 minutes while the minor was frozen in fear, well, I hope that member would be charged with a felony for sexual molestation. I hope that victim would be given an opportunity to testify against the member in a trial, and I hope that member's status in the legislature would not stop them from being brought to justice. That was what the Department of Justice found Zach Scrivener had done to his 10-year-old daughter. But sexual molestation charges never came. Scrivener was never arrested. He never took a mug shot. He was never fingerprinted. And for 10 months, no charges were even filed. Nearly a year after his crimes, the DOJ finally brought three charges, but they were for child abuse. Child molestation or sexual assault charges were never brought. and nine months later, on the Friday before Christmas, Zach Scrivener was granted mental health diversion, which puts him on a path to have zero criminal record and all charges dismissed. I know many members of this body believe that mental health diversion is an important tool for rehabilitation, and as a physician who treats substance use disorder, I have seen how appropriate medical care can turn patients' lives around. But cases like Zach Scrivener's are what critics of mental health diversion point to as a reason it shouldn't exist. Our good intentions are not good enough when predators walk free. The Scrivener Act ensures prosecutors cannot make backroom deals to water down charges against politically connected elites while offering no explanation for other actions. and it requires that charges against an elected official for child molestation are brought within 30 days. For more than a year, I've been asking the DOJ to explain why they did not file child molestations charges against Zach Scrivener. Had they done so, he would not have even been eligible for mental health diversion, and his criminal case would have proceeded. As I stand here today, I and my community still don't have an answer. We have the power to make sure this doesn't happen again, and that is why I respectfully request your support to pass the Scrivener Act.

Assembly Bill 1809 by Assemblymember Fong, an act relating to public contracts.

Good afternoon, Madam Speaker and members. AB 1809 removes the sunset, providing authorization for school districts and community college districts to use job order contracting. Job order contracting is one of several alternative methods forwarding construction-related contracts. The legislature has extended the sunset four times and has specifically asked for an aye vote.

Assembly Bill 1970 by Assemblymember Harbedian and others, an act relating to health care coverage.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise to present AB 1970, which would prohibit health care service plans and insurers from requiring step therapy for prescription drugs used to treat serious mental illness and substance use disorders. Step therapy is a practice also called fail first, which requires patients to pursue lower cost treatment preferred by insurers prior to treatment with the medication the doctor initially prescribed. No patient, especially those that are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, should be forced to fail first before receiving the treatment that their doctor already knows they need. This bill protects patients and reduces harmful delays in treatment. AB 1970 is sponsored by the California Behavioral Health Association and received bipartisan support. Respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise in strong support of AB 1970. I don't usually like additional requirements and regulations, but this is a common sense provision. When you have a mental health patient, finding the right drug and finding it fast is crucial to stabilize that individual who's pretty much spiraling. And it usually takes time to titrate medication to sit there and say well we going to try to save a couple of bucks and experiment If the provider, the doctor, believes that there's a course of treatment that needs to be tried, time is of the essence. And so I think that there are other costs that are associated with forcing them to use alternative medicines that will likely increase the cost not only to the health care system but to society. So I thank the author for bringing this forward. It's common sense. I urge my colleagues not to just see this as a mandate or a regulation. This is probably something that will end up saving lives as well as save money.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Members, I, too, rise today in strong support of AB 1970 and want to thank my colleague from Pasadena for bringing this important legislation. Step therapy, also known as fail first, requires patients to try a lower cost medication and fail before their insurance will cover a more expensive form of treatment, insurance that everyone has paid for. This saves insurance money in the short term, but forces patients through months, sometimes years, of ineffective treatment. Step therapy prolongs pain and suffering to any patient, and that is also true for patients struggling with serious mental illness or substance use disorder. These debilitating conditions that seriously affect an individual's ability to function, and the worse they get, the harder it is they have to obtain help. Requiring these patients to go through step therapy is cruel and wastes valuable time when these patients could be getting better. Serious mental illness and substance use disorders are real diseases, just like any other disease, and these patients deserve better. I want to thank our colleague from Pasadena and respectfully ask for an aye vote on this important bill.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I want to thank my colleagues from San Diego and West Hollywood for their support and respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

The clerk will read.

Madam Majority Leader, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Speaker. members, nurse practitioners, certified nurse midwives, and physician's assistants, also known as A, advanced practice clinician, or APCs, receive extensive education and training. However, the current law puts outdated limits on what these providers can do, meaning patients are turned away or forced to wait longer for care. AB 1973 updates state law to allow APCs to practice to the full extent of their training and proven competency. The bill ensures that there are protocols in place for any complications, does not allow an APC to do anything beyond their scope of training, their scope, their training, or clinical competence. AB 1973 simply allows these providers to do their jobs to the full extent of training so patients can get the care they need. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

Assembly Bill 2055 by Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, an act relating to vessels.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. I rise today to present AB 2055. California's waterways are enjoyed by millions of residents and visitors each year from recreational boating to water sports and commercial operations These activities are an important part of our economy and and quality of life Members a B 2055 is about modernization consistency and public safety it strengthens enforcement tools corrects outdated statutory conflicts and improves protections for Californians who use our water waves This bill has received no no votes and has no opposition to date. I respectfully ask for an aye vote

The clerk will read.

Ms. Wilson, you are recognized on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, for the opportunity to present AB 2059. Today, this bill is targeted and a practical update to how we implement transportation impact analysis under CEQA. AB 2059 exempts certain rural state highway transportation projects from VMT mitigation. It's narrow and applies only to 21 of the state's most rural counties, representing just 2.3% of California's population. In these communities, driving is not a choice. It's a necessity. As a result, the standard VMT mitigation strategies, which include transit investments and trip reduction programs, are often infeasible or ineffective. I'd like to thank our Natural Resources Chair for helping me address the concerns with the earlier version of this bill, which has now received unanimous, vice-partisan support. For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your aye vote. Thank you.

Thank you, Madam Speaker. Proud to rise as a co-author in support of this important bill. I represent communities where residents often depend on their cars to get to work, school, and essential services. The current VMT mitigation framework too often imposes burdensome, unworkable requirements on the transportation projects that communities like mine need the most. AB 2059 makes CEQA implementation more practical and proportional. at a time when transportation funding is scarce California cannot afford mitigation requirements that slow down or kill these projects. I thank the author for her leadership and urge an aye vote. Thank you.

No?

The Clerk will read.

Now, requiring the timely release of the recertification forms by November 15th each year would ensure that eligible filers have sufficient time to complete the lengthy process of verifying tenant incomes before the statutory February 15th deadline. Additionally, by authorizing county assessors to accept verified electronic signatures, AB 2089 modernizes and streamlines the recertification process. I respectfully request your aye vote on this bill.

Assembly Bill 2113 by Assemblymember McKenna, an act related to aviation.

Madam Speaker and members, AB 2113 establishes a clear public safety standard surrounding unauthorized drone activity at large outdoor entertainment events. As California prepares to host globally significant events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Super Bowl, and the 2028 Olympics and Paralympic Games, it is critical that we ensure the safety of attendees, performers, athletes, and emergency personnel. Unauthorized drones operations above crowded venues can create serious safety risks, interfere with emergency response efforts, and diswerve major public affairs. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

The clerk will read.

Ms. Pacheco, you are recognized on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members. Today I rise to present AB 2361. AB 2361 updates California law governing vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platforms by aligning liability with fault while preserving strong insurance protections for injured persons. California is an outlier. No other state imposes uncapped vicarious liability for peer-to-peer vehicle sharing platforms. AB 2361 ensures consumer protection by requiring that minimum insurance coverage always remains available. The bill brings California in line with other states by limiting liability to fault. AB 2361 will keep car sharing viable and affordable for hosts and users who rely on these platforms for income and for transportation. This bill has received no, no votes and has bipartisan support. I respectfully ask for your aye vote.

The clerk will read.

Mr. Solache, you are recognized on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for the opportunity to present AB 2496. This legislation seeks to modernize California school accountability framework. AB 2496 takes a common-sense step towards consolidating the duplicative reporting requirements by prioritizing the California school dashboard as a state's primary transparency and accountability tool. Importantly, this legislation will develop a crosswalk indicating where information on the school accountability report card will be preserved. AB 2496 will allow us to maximize our educational resources to ensure that they are focused on what matters the most, our students. I also want to thank the chair of education committee for her collaboration on this bill. AB 2496 enjoyed bipartisan support in committee and I respectfully ask for an aye vote. Thank you.

The clerk will read.

Ms. Rodriguez, you are recognized to open on the matter. Thank you, Madam Speaker and members, for allowing me to present AB 2641. AB 2641 extends the sales tax exemption for individuals who repurchase their own property from a pawnbroker. This is a simple fairness measure that prevents double taxation. When someone is reclaiming their own property, they have already paid sales tax at the time of the original purchase. Without this bill, they would be taxed again on the same item. This is not a new policy. This legislature addressed this issue in 2021 and added AB 2641 simply extends existing law. This bill is narrowly tailored and applies only to the original owner while requiring proof that sales tax was already paid. There is no opposition and this policy has worked without issue under current law This measure has also received no no votes AB 2641 is about maintaining fairness in the tax system and protecting consumers Thank you. Thank you, and I respectfully ask for an aye vote.

Ms. Wilson moves and Ms. Sanchez seconds that this House stands adjourned until Thursday, May 21st at 9 a.m.

Thank you. Okay. Vote change. Sharp Collins, Assembly Bill 1943, no to aye. 1973 no to aye Vote change Assembly Member Sharp Collins Assembly Bill 1973 no to aye Vote change Assemblymember Sharp Assembly Bill 1973 No to aye Thank you. Thank you. Thank you Thank you. Thanks.

Thank you. Thank you.