California Senate Bill SR33

California 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/28/25
• Refer: 3/28/25
• Passed: 4/21/25

Caption

Relative to the Armenian Genocide.

Summary

SR 33 is a Senate resolution commemorating the 110th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide and designating April 24, 2025, as a State of California Day of Commemoration. The resolution recounts the historical persecution and mass killing of Armenians in the Ottoman Empire and later Turkey from 1915 to 1923, references related atrocities against other Christian communities, and emphasizes the role of Armenian survivors and the Armenian diaspora in California. It also highlights historical acknowledgments of the genocide by U.S. officials and institutions, and it frames remembrance as part of a broader effort to prevent future atrocities. The resolution urges continued education about the Armenian Genocide and other crimes against humanity, commends educators who teach human rights and genocide, and recognizes the humanitarian work of Near East Relief. It also expresses support for statewide educational and cultural events in partnership with community groups and state personnel. In addition, it explicitly condemns ongoing denial of the Armenian Genocide and notes continuing concerns about the welfare of Armenians and other Christians in Turkey and the situation in Artsakh/Nagorno-Karabakh.

Impact

As a resolution, SR 33 does not amend the California Codes or create new regulatory requirements. Its legal effect is primarily ceremonial and expressive: it establishes a commemorative day, records the Senate’s official position on the Armenian Genocide, and directs the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies for distribution. Its practical impact is to reinforce state recognition of Armenian American history, support genocide education efforts, and signal legislative concern about related human rights issues affecting Armenians and other Christians.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been received very positively in the Senate. It passed on third reading by a unanimous 36-0 vote, indicating broad bipartisan support and no recorded opposition in the available vote history. The resolution’s tone is solemn and commemorative, with strong emphasis on remembrance, education, and condemnation of genocide denial.

Contention

There is no recorded committee transcript or floor debate in the provided materials, and the vote history shows no dissent. The resolution itself, however, is inherently politically and historically charged because it explicitly identifies the Armenian Genocide, condemns denial by Turkey and others, and references ongoing conflicts involving Azerbaijan and Artsakh. Those themes are the most likely sources of contention, particularly for audiences sensitive to foreign policy implications, historical recognition disputes, or the resolution’s criticism of Turkey and Azerbaijan.