Transcript Highlights:

• The ceremony at the New York-Massachusetts border was just amazing.
• But this procession will come up the hill on the morning of the 17th for a grand ceremony at the top
• But this procession will come up the hill on the morning of the 17th for a grand ceremony at the top
• Baltimore will not be as strong, but it's tucked up against Washington for ceremonies there.

Summary: The commission meeting opened with a roll call that established a quorum, after which members could not approve prior minutes because the earlier meeting had not been official. Co-chairs Senator Paul Mark and Representative Sean Garballey offered remarks praising recent America 250/Henry Knox Trail events in Great Barrington, Alford, and Springfield, and noting the upcoming Worcester commemoration. Sheila from the Office of Travel and Tourism then outlined Massachusetts’ America 250 plans, including the state’s 250th signature event on July 4 with the Boston Pops, grant-funded programming across the Commonwealth, and several national initiatives: a time capsule contribution, a coordinated July 8 reading of the Declaration of Independence, America’s Potluck on July 5, volunteer-service promotion through America Gives, and a tractor-themed tribute idea from Kansas. Members discussed how to handle the time capsule, with suggestions that Secretary of State William Galvin help decide the final item and that Massachusetts create its own backup time capsule; they also said the Declaration reading should be broadly promoted, while the potluck should likely wait for Governor Healey’s buy-in. Jonathan Lane and Dusty Rhodes then updated the commission on Henry Knox Trail, Evacuation Day, and Sail Boston, describing large crowds at prior events, the move of the Worcester program to a larger venue, planned commemorations in Framingham, Cambridge, Roxbury, and Dorchester Heights, and a major Sail Boston schedule in July with many international ships and extensive public-safety coordination. They also noted related plans such as an invitation-only Boston Public Library event to unveil the Washington Medal and a March 17 Dorchester Heights ceremony with a procession and tented program. The final presentation was from John Lane on Rebel Town, a musical about the Boston Tea Party developed in western Massachusetts. He described the show as a family-friendly, educational production that blends history and theater, with characters including John Adams, Paul Revere, Mercy Otis Warren, and John Hancock, and said it had been staged in Lenox with strong audience response. Lane asked the commission to help find a Boston venue and broader support so the production could be mounted for the 250th anniversary, estimating a larger-scale budget and noting interest from local supporters and cultural organizations. Members asked a few questions about prior performances and logistics, then agreed to circulate his materials to the commission. With no further business, the commission voted unanimously to adjourn.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, staff are invited to come to the House floor for a sine die ceremony.
• At this time, staff are invited to come to the House floor for a sine die ceremony.

Summary: The Senate and House exchanged final messages on several measures, including Senate Bill 5161, Substitute Senate Bill 5194, Substitute Senate Bill 5195, Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, and House Concurrent Resolution 4404. The chambers reported that some of these measures had been signed by the presiding officers and transmitted between the House and Senate. The Senate also moved to return all measures on the floor calendar or held at the desk to the Committee on Rules, and that motion was adopted without objection. The Senate approved the journal for the 105th day of the 2025 session, and the House similarly approved its journal by consent. During the closing proceedings, the House Speaker offered remarks thanking legislative staff and invited staff to the floor for a sine die ceremony. No substantive debate on policy issues occurred in the transcript beyond the final handling of enrolled measures and ceremonial remarks. The session concluded with a motion to adjourn sine die, which was adopted, formally ending the 2025 regular session of the 69th Legislature.

Transcript Highlights:

• Tribal members are questioned or harassed for wearing regalia or carrying ceremonial items in public
• Tribal members are questioned or harassed for wearing regalia or carrying ceremonial items in public
• There are ceremonial items in public spaces.
• Our ceremonies, our traditions, and our identity are tied directly to ancestral homelands.
• The right to conduct ceremonies was taken, and some were beaten and killed for practicing culture.

Committee: House Judiciary

Transcript Highlights:

• Capitol was lighted with a blue light to recognize their sacrifice, and today we also had a memorial ceremony
• hundreds of law enforcement officers, men and women, this morning at the Peace Officers Memorial ceremony
• hundreds of law enforcement officers, men and women, this morning at the Peace Officers Memorial ceremony
• Juan Viramantes and Mark Nichols and Sergeant Bradley for being here today and for organizing this ceremony
• Juan Viramantes and Mark Nichols and Sergeant Bradley for being here today and for organizing this ceremony

Summary: The Senate opened with a prayer and Pledge of Allegiance, then spent much of the session on recognitions and resolutions honoring community groups and observances. Members welcomed the Far West region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and the Los Angeles South Bay alumni chapter, and later recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees after adopting SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week. Senators from multiple caucuses spoke in support of the resolution, emphasizing Mexican history, Latino resilience, and shared struggles for justice. The Latino Spirit honorees included leaders in higher education, philanthropy, labor, health, advocacy, business, environmental justice, journalism, culinary arts, and music, along with a legacy award for Los Tigres del Norte. The Senate also adopted SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 honoring California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 recognizing Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 designating Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and floor remarks focused on health disparities, mental health, veteran suicide, and the sacrifices of peace officers, with several caucuses speaking in support of the health equity resolution. Each of these resolutions passed by unanimous or near-unanimous roll call votes. The chamber then took up several appointments from the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, confirming Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson, despite some protest votes from Senator Grove over the lack of action on another appointment. In third reading, the Senate passed SB 1159 on AI and public participation, SB 1416 on faster refunds for duplicate medical payments, SB 1273 on winery video advertising at instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 990 on a highway information sign near Ridgecrest, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, and SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader Kent Wong and Navy veteran-artist Vittaliano Victor Villar, and the Senate adjourned until May 7, 2026.

Transcript Highlights:

• Then we'll end our Idaho Day ceremonies and turn it back over to our Speaker. Mr.
• that same event, a 20-year-old student at B.Y.U. named Lyndon Baitman also was transfixed by that ceremony
• But the most riveting, emotional, interestingly visual part of that whole ceremony was 87-year-old poet
• that same event, a 20-year-old student at B.Y.U. named Lyndon Baitman also was transfixed by that ceremony
• But the most riveting, emotional, interestingly visual, part of that whole ceremony was 87-year-old poet

Transcript Highlights:

• Sacred objects, meaning Specific ceremonial objects that are needed for this practice are also under
• recent progress in the 2020s involves New Mexico tribes playing leading roles in repatriation, ceremonies
• Consultation is the process by which we learn what is sacred, what is ceremonial, and really looking
• Or ceremonies or the cultural components.
• and let's talk about that within the confines of our tribal sovereignty and our traditions and ceremonies

Committee: House House Government, Elections & Indian Affairs

Transcript Highlights:

• Spirit Awards Ceremony. Without objection, guests will be allowed on the floor for our ceremony.
• I am appointing an escort committee to bring our honorees onto the floor for our ceremony.
• As we prepare for the ceremony, I would like to take a moment to acknowledge some constitutional officers
• Please take your seats as we begin the ceremony. The clerk will read.

Transcript Highlights:

• flip side of that is I stepped out this morning to go—Red Lake Nation is here doing drumming and ceremony
• flip side of that is I stepped out this morning to go—Red Lake Nation is here doing drumming and ceremony
• /c><00:21:35.919><c> and</c> Nation is here doing drumming and Nation is here doing drumming and ceremony
• 21:37.520><c> the</c><00:21:37.679><c> day</c><00:21:37.919><c> and</c><00:21:38.080><c> that</c> ceremony
• to start the day and that ceremony to start the day and that that's<00:21:38.559><c> the</c><00:21:38.720

Transcript Highlights:

• And just recently we had a floor ceremony where we honored the students that stood up for the right to
• my life, I have consistently been fighting and advocating for tribal regalia during my graduation ceremony
• We held a tribal youth camp up at Bernie Falls, where we had over 30 youth that participated in ceremony
• We ensure that ceremonial practices are able to be held.
• In Native traditions, we teach through song, story, and ceremony.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. The opening prayer and remarks emphasized the significance of holding the first committee hearing on tribal land. Members said the hearing was intended both to hear testimony about ongoing problems in schools and to identify next steps for legislation and policy, especially as the session neared its end. The committee also referenced recent efforts supporting Native students’ right to wear regalia at graduation and broader concerns about representation in education and state institutions. The first panel centered on Native students’ experiences in public schools. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over wearing tribal regalia at graduation, including a restrictive approval form and administrators who she said denied Native identity and made her feel invisible. Morningstar Ghali connected those experiences to the legacy of boarding schools, racial profiling, suspensions, and the “boarding school to prison pipeline,” and called for culturally responsive education, Native educators, counselors, Native studies, and restorative justice. Janet K. Bill, from the Attorney General’s Office of Native American Affairs, described her own path from tribal Head Start to Stanford, law school, tribal council, and state service, and said education, justice, and sovereignty are linked. Members asked about restorative justice, representation, and how to build pipelines into leadership and education roles. The second panel focused on solutions. Chairwoman Michelle Heredia Cordova urged a reimagined education system that is more personalized, experiential, culturally grounded, and balanced with land-based learning, while also recruiting Native teachers and creating stronger tribal partnerships. Chairman Leo Sisku said schools should educate educators, stop tokenizing Native students, and create accountability and consequences for discriminatory behavior; he also supported stronger tribal-school partnerships and more positive outreach. Chairman Fred Bean emphasized consistent engagement from tribal leaders at every level of schooling, stronger transitions from elementary to college, and programs that prepare Native youth for leadership, trades, and higher education. Chairman Shaineto of Tule River argued that schools and administrators should face consequences for violating Native students’ rights, and that Native people should not have to keep educating institutions about basic cultural respect. Committee members responded by discussing possible statewide solutions, including regional tribal boards, better enforcement of existing laws, stronger pipelines into teaching and leadership, and improved representation on boards and in state agencies. Several members raised the need to implement existing laws, fill vacant Native appointments, and consider broader protections for Native regalia and cultural expression. No formal vote was taken in the transcript, but the hearing concluded with a clear call for continued collaboration, accountability, and legislation driven by Native voices.

Transcript Highlights:

• it, and maybe we tell them we didn't like it, or we listen to their stories or partake in their ceremonies
• and tragedy are asking for is to try to understand, to ask if you... stories or partake in their ceremonies
• . stories or partake in their ceremonies.

Transcript Highlights:

• At this time, staff are invited to come to the House floor for a sine die ceremony.
• At this time, staff are invited to come to the House floor for a sine die ceremony.

Summary: The House considered several end-of-session measures. House Resolution 4662 was adopted to continue House operations during the interim, including standing committee work and the Chief Clerk’s Office. House Concurrent Resolution 4404 was also adopted to return bills that had not fully passed both chambers to the highest stage reached in their house of origin, and it was immediately transmitted to the Senate. Representative Fitzgibbon and Representative Corey spoke in support of both resolutions, and both passed by voice vote. The House then received messages from the Senate indicating action on Substitute Senate Bill 5195, Substitute Senate Bill 5161, House Concurrent Resolution 4404, and Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404. The Speaker signed several measures, including engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5161 and House Concurrent Resolution 4404, and later signed Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, engrossed Senate Bill 5194, and engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5195. The House also suspended the rules to place Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404, which adjourns the legislature sine die, on the third reading calendar. Senate Concurrent Resolution 8404 was then adopted after brief remarks from Representatives Fitzgibbon and Corey, who urged support for adjournment sine die. The resolution was immediately transmitted to the Senate. After a brief recognition of staff and approval of the journal by consent, Representative Fitzgibbon moved that the 2025 regular session of the 69th Legislature adjourn sine die, and the motion was adopted by voice vote, ending the session.

Transcript Highlights:

• that we conduct uh make this ceremony that we conduct each<00:25:06.080><c> year</c><00:25:06.320><c
• You know, the ceremony that we &gt;&gt; Yeah.
• It's a joint ceremony here on the floor.
• </c><00:27:18.480><c> It</c> to have this uh ceremony every year.
• It to have this uh ceremony every year.

Transcript Highlights:

• Um, the ones I'm aware of are specifically for tribal ceremonies on our state park lands.
• </c><01:05:41.520><c> So</c> ceremonies on our state park lands.
• So ceremonies on our state park lands.
• </c><02:02:08.159><c> Cere</c><02:02:08.719><c> ceremonial</c> out at this time.
• Cere ceremonial out at this time.

Transcript Highlights:

• My husband him, Coach Bob, had me watch the retirement ceremony with him twice. He was so into it.
• During the ceremony, Steph Curry spoke and captured the essence of his retired teammate in one phrase

Transcript Highlights:

• As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
• As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
• As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
• As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor
• As you may have heard in the past, the funds we donate pay for honor guards at burial ceremonies, outdoor

Summary: The committee took up House File 169, which would change the tax structure for charitable gambling. Representative Robbins offered and the committee adopted the A1 author’s amendment, described as a technical correction to ensure sports-themed tip boards are not inadvertently taxed under the bill. Robbins then presented the bill as a way to replace the current tiered combined net receipts tax on charitable gambling with a flat 5% rate, arguing charities were being overtaxed and that prior promises of relief had not been fully delivered. Chair Stevenson pushed back on several of Robbins’ factual claims, correcting the record on the status of E-pull tabs, the share of charitable gambling revenue they represent, and the amount of tax relief already enacted in 2023 and 2024. He said E-tabs were not eliminated, that the revenue split between paper pull tabs and E-tabs is closer to 45/55, and that charities had already received a $15 million tax cut plus savings from reduced developer fees. Robbins responded that the changes still significantly reduced revenue and that the bill was intended as a middle-ground approach. Testimony largely came from charitable gambling and veterans groups in support of the bill. Rachel Jenner of Allied Charities of Minnesota said nearly 1,000 charities depend on charitable gambling, cited high taxes and fees, and said many organizations were seeing revenue declines after the new E-pull tab rules took effect. Dr. Christy Jano of the American Legion Department of Minnesota said charitable gambling funds support veterans, youth, and community programs, and that a flat 5% tax would help posts continue those efforts. Members asked about the size of the revenue drops and how much gambling proceeds go to overhead and operating costs; Jenner said the losses varied by organization and that it was too early to know the long-term effect, while Jano said some expenses are used for property taxes and building upkeep. The committee then moved on to additional testimony, including Tim Angstrom, but no final vote on the bill was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• disturbing the peace statute to make clear that intentional interrupting a worship service or religious ceremony
• against the law. statute to make clear that intentional interrupting a worship service or religious ceremony
• It provides for locations where interruption of any worship service or religious ceremony constitutes
• Are we clear that that could be an outdoor gathering, rented spaces, or even private sort of ceremonies
• will be changed to in, so to read in its totality: interruption of any worship service or religious ceremony

Committee: House Administration of Criminal Justice

Summary: The committee met on March 18, 2026, with a quorum present and heard several criminal justice bills. HB 36 by Rep. Butler, as amended, removed Evangeline Parish from the Acadiana Regional Juvenile Justice District and was reported favorably. HB 160 by Rep. Knox increased penalties for domestic violence offenses involving strangulation; the committee adopted an amendment requiring at least one year without probation or suspension, heard strong support from survivors and prosecutors, and reported the bill favorably as amended. HB 552 by Rep. Bryant, handled by Vice Chair LaFleur, clarified DWI law to include impairment beyond alcohol; a technical amendment was adopted and the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 119 by Rep. Fontenot created and strengthened penalties for AI-generated sexual images, especially involving minors; after amendments, including a new possession offense and a name change to “Act Ivy Daniels,” the bill was reported favorably as amended. HB 171 by Rep. Spell corrected a citation in the personal surety provisions and was reported favorably without opposition. HB 140 by Rep. Cox drew the most debate. The bill lengthened juvenile delinquency filing and adjudication timelines and changed procedures for extensions and dismissals. Prosecutors and law enforcement supported the bill as a practical update to account for modern evidence gathering and case complexity, while public defenders, juvenile advocates, and other opponents argued it would prolong detention, undermine speedy-trial protections, increase costs, and harm children. After extensive testimony and discussion, the committee adopted amendments and reported HB 140 favorably as amended by a roll call vote of 8-3, with Representatives Knox, LaFleur, and Moore voting no. The committee also heard HB 68 by Rep. Schlegel, combined with concepts from Rep. Glorioso’s similar bill, to update disturbing-the-peace law to protect houses of worship from intentional disruption. An amendment clarified definitions of worship spaces and interruptions and increased the mandatory minimum jail time from 15 to 30 days, while enhancing penalties to a felony for more serious conduct such as battery, property damage, or carrying a dangerous weapon during the offense. Supporters framed it as a deterrent and protection for religious liberty, while opponents, including the ACLU, raised First Amendment concerns and asked for tighter language. The transcript cuts off during opposition testimony, and no final vote on HB 68 is shown in the excerpt.

Transcript Highlights:

• And just recently, we had a floor ceremony where we honored the students that stood up for the right
• life, I have consistently been fighting and advocating toward tribal regalia during my graduation ceremony
• We held a tribal youth camp up at Bernie Falls where we had over 30 youth that participated in ceremony
• And we ensure that there are ceremonial practices that are able to be held, and that spiritual positions
• In Native traditions, we teach through song, story, and ceremony.

Summary: The Select Committee on Native American Affairs held a historic hearing at Table Mountain Rancheria focused on tribal education, culture, resilience, leadership, and trust. Members and tribal leaders opened with a tribal welcome and prayer, then heard testimony from a first panel on Native students in the education system and a second panel on solutions and actions for Native students. The discussion centered on discrimination against Native students, the need for culturally grounded education, and the importance of tribal voices in state policymaking. Bella Garcia described a two-year fight with Clovis Unified over being allowed to wear tribal regalia at graduation, saying she faced racism, isolation, and repeated denials before ultimately graduating in full regalia with support from family, tribal leaders, advocates, and state officials. Morningstar Ghali spoke about her own experiences with school exclusion and her son’s mistreatment, arguing that Native students are pushed out by systems rooted in assimilation and calling for restorative justice, Native educators, culturally responsive curriculum, and stronger support services. Janet K. Bill described how tribal Head Start and later education helped her reach Stanford, law school, tribal council, and the Attorney General’s office, and emphasized that education, justice, and sovereignty are connected. Committee members asked about practical solutions, including how to build Native representation in schools and higher education, strengthen Title VI outreach, expand Native studies and restorative justice, and improve data collection. Tribal leaders urged more accountability for school districts, including consequences for educators who violate Native students’ rights, and called for stronger partnerships with tribes, better implementation of existing laws, and more Native people in decision-making roles. Several members highlighted the need to fill existing state positions, such as the Native seat on the San Joaquin River Conservancy board, and to create pipelines into teaching, leadership, and public service. No formal votes were taken; the hearing concluded with continued calls for collaboration, enforcement of existing protections, and future legislative action.

Transcript Highlights:

• We will now move to the special ceremony to recognize the 2025 Assembly and Science Fellows.
• Members, as we await continuing this ceremony, please join me in wishing Assembly Member Hart a very
• ask that Speaker Rivas and Republican Leader Gallagher remain in place as we continue to our next ceremony
• Members, this concludes our ceremony. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
• The designation of Chicano Heritage Month is not merely ceremonial.

Summary: The Assembly met after initially lacking a quorum, then proceeded with prayers, the pledge, journal approval, and a series of guest introductions and recognitions. The chamber honored the 2025 Science and Technology Policy Fellows and the 2024-25 Jesse Marvin Unruh Assembly Fellows, and members also recognized guests including Brad Webb, youth advocates supporting AB 1231, the Live Oak Lady Lions softball team, UC President J.B. Milliken, and the Rohnert Park Cal Ripken All-Star team. Several ceremonial resolutions were then taken up, including ACR 12 designating November 1 as Fernando Valenzuela Day, and H.R. 56 recognizing August 2025 as Chicano Heritage Month; both drew extensive floor remarks about cultural pride, immigrant stories, and community representation before being adopted. The Assembly also adopted ACR 101 naming a portion of Highway 46 the James Dean Memorial Highway, and approved a series of concurrence items with Senate amendments, including AB 359 on political reform, AB 594 on student health insurance protections, AB 1085 banning license plate obstruction devices, AB 1286 on future employment disclosure for public officials, and AB 1505, the Agriculture Committee omnibus bill. AB 359, AB 594, AB 1085, AB 1286, and AB 1505 all passed on roll calls with no opposition recorded. The chamber also adopted HR 50, proclaiming November 25, 2025 as Elimination of Violence Against Women Day, after testimony emphasizing the prevalence of gender-based violence and the need for survivor support and prevention. Two major joint resolutions generated substantial debate. AJR 14 urged federal agencies to consider the impact of tariffs on California ports; supporters argued tariffs were harming cargo volumes, jobs, and supply chains, while an opponent said trade negotiations should be left to the federal government. The resolution passed by roll call, 44-1. AJR 17 urged Congress to modernize immigration law and create a pathway to lawful permanent status for long-term undocumented residents; supporters framed it as a humane and economically necessary response to an outdated system, while the debate highlighted family separation, labor contributions, and fears of deportation. AJR 17 passed 47-7. The Assembly also adopted ACR 108 recognizing Sacramento County’s 175th anniversary, and began consideration of ACR 11 on Military Sexual Trauma Awareness Day, with the author and a veteran member describing the prevalence and harms of MST and the need for trauma-informed support.

Transcript Highlights:

• allow Assembly Member Gabriel to have guests on the floor for the Jewish American Heritage Month ceremony
• can take your desk, please, we will now move on to the Assembly's Jewish American Heritage Month ceremony
• And so it is such an honor today to be doing this ceremony, because, you know, my family history surviving
• Okay, I am appointing an escort committee to bring our honorees onto the floor for our ceremony.
• Members, while we are waiting for their ceremony to begin, we have three retired members here in our

Summary: The Assembly convened after a quorum call and opened with a prayer and pledge, then held a ceremonial observance for Jewish American Heritage Month. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 195 by Assembly Member Gabriel was presented with extensive remarks from members of multiple caucuses highlighting Jewish Californians’ contributions, the importance of solidarity amid rising antisemitism, and themes of tikkun olam and tzedakah. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 67 co-authors were added, and the chamber then recognized 14 honorees for their service in public life, philanthropy, media, faith leadership, education, and civic engagement. The floor also featured guest introductions and a procedural vote on Assembly Constitutional Amendment 9 by Assembly Member Borrero, which would add affordability as a required consideration in CPUC rate-making, remove telecommunications from the commission’s portfolio, create an office of broadband, and expand legislative appointments. The amendment was adopted. The Assembly then moved through a long third-reading file, passing measures including AB 1697 delaying implementation of a 2025 employment law, AB 2322 on stormwater permit definitions, AB 1653 on hearing-illness education, AB 2274 closing a loophole involving secrecy in trafficking cases, AB 2512 on Anaheim Angels naming language tied to a land exemption, AB 1956 prioritizing young men and boys in suicide prevention, and AB 2273 addressing prosecutorial handling of a local sexual abuse case. Additional bills passed included AB 1809 extending job order contracting for school and community college districts, AB 1970 banning step therapy for serious mental illness and substance use disorder medications, AB 1973 expanding practice authority for advanced practice clinicians, AB 2055 updating vessel law, and AB 2059 narrowing CEQA vehicle-mile-traveled mitigation for certain rural highway projects. The Assembly also adopted ACR 186 designating May 2026 as California Physical Fitness and Mental Well-Being Month and H.R. 11 recognizing the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, Interphobia, and Transphobia after a lengthy debate that included support from several caucuses and some disagreement over the resolution’s framing of current threats to LGBTQ+ communities.

Transcript Highlights:

• Capitol was lighted with a blue light to recognize their sacrifice, and today we also had a memorial ceremony
• Capitol was lighted with a blue light to recognize their sacrifice, and today we also had a memorial ceremony
• hundreds of law enforcement officers, men and women, this morning at the peace officers' memorial ceremony
• Juan Viramantes and Mark Nichols and Sergeant Bradley for being here today and for organizing this ceremony
• Juan Viramantes and Mark Nichols and Sergeant Bradley for being here today and for organizing this ceremony

Summary: The Senate convened with a quorum, opened with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance, and then spent much of the session on floor recognitions. Members welcomed the Far West Region of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and honored its leadership and civic service, including wildfire recovery work and local chapter anniversaries. The body also recognized the 2026 Latino Spirit Award honorees, with remarks tied to Cinco de Mayo and Latino resilience, followed by a series of resolutions and guest introductions. Several resolutions were adopted, including SR 86 on Cinco de Mayo Week, SCR 146 declaring May Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, SCR 154 establishing Green Star Veterans and Families Day, SCR 123 recognizing California Peace Officers Memorial Day, SCR 164 designating Black Health Equity Advocacy Week, and SCR 103 on Tardive Dyskinesia Awareness Week. Testimony and remarks emphasized cultural heritage, shared struggles for justice, veterans’ mental health and suicide prevention, law enforcement sacrifice, and persistent racial health disparities. Most resolutions passed by unanimous roll call votes. The Senate also confirmed multiple Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation appointments, including Kathleen Ratliff and Joseph Tuggle, Jason Johnson, Madeline McLean, Brian Bishop, and Sarah Larson. Senators Grove and others voiced protest over CDCR appointments, arguing for consideration of Frank Silva, but the confirmations still passed overwhelmingly or unanimously. The chamber then approved several bills, including SB 1159 on artificial intelligence and public meetings, SB 1416 shortening refund timelines for duplicate medical/dental payments, SB 1273 expanding tied-house advertising rules for winery instructional events, SB 941 limiting commissary markups in private detention facilities, SB 1099 clarifying local authority to provide public benefits, SB 1195 expanding tied-house exemptions for certain venues, and SB 990 allowing a highway information sign near Ridgecrest. The session concluded with adjournment memories for labor leader and UCLA Labor Center director Kent Wong and recognition of his family and colleagues.