Veterans

California Senate Resolution 121 formally recognizes the Killed in Action flag as a symbol honoring military personnel who died in combat. The resolution encourages the voluntary display of this flag at state and local public buildings, schools, and private homes to express remembrance for fallen service members. It also suggests that Californians display the flag during specific observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and various veterans' service organizations.

This measure would designate an unspecified portion of State Route 41 in the County of Madera as the Buffalo Soldiers Madera County Trailhead. The measure would request that the Department of Transportation determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.

Senate Resolution 135 is a commemorative measure that formally honors the 40th Infantry Division of the California National Guard for its more than century-long history of service. The resolution highlights the unit's contributions in major conflicts, including World War I, World War II, the Korean War, and post-9/11 operations, as well as its role in responding to natural disasters within California. It specifically acknowledges the division's Medal of Honor recipients and notes that Major General Laura L. Yeager became the first woman to command an infantry division in 2019. The bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Adjutant General of California, the division commander, and the author for distribution.

(1) Existing law requires the Department of Parks and Recreation to issue a park pass for free use of all park facilities in the state park system to a veteran of war in which the United States has been, or may be, engaged, who is a resident of this state, who presents to the department proof of a disability, proof of being held captive as a prisoner of war, or proof of being a recipient of a Congressional Medal of Honor, and proof of an honorable discharge from service. This bill would eliminate from the eligibility requirements for this pass that a veteran be a veteran of war. (2) Existing law authorizes the department to offer to a veteran or current active duty or reserve military personnel for the United States Armed Forces or the National Guard of any state a reduced fee or free day use of California state parks, as provided, on Memorial Day and Veterans Day, if proper proof of military service is provided, as specified. This bill would require the department to issue a discount pass entitling the bearer to 15% off the cost to use all facilities in the state park system to these veterans and military personnel, as provided.

The California Constitution establishes the Fish and Game Commission and provides for the delegation to the commission of powers relating to the protection and propagation of fish and game. Existing law places the Fish and Game Commission in the Natural Resources Agency. Under existing law, a hunting license grants the privilege to take birds and mammals. Existing law provides for the issuance by the Department of Fish and Wildlife of tags that are required in addition to a hunting license to take specified animals, including antelope, elk, deer, bears, and bighorn rams. Existing law prohibits the transfer of a tag issued by the department. This bill would require the commission to establish a hunting tag transfer program that authorizes a person to transfer a tag issued for the take of one of those species to their child or grandchild, subject to specified conditions. The bill would require the department to collect a fee to cover the reasonable costs of transferring a tag and would require the department to deposit the revenues from the fee into the Big Game Management Account. The bill would repeal these provisions on January 1, 2033.

This measure would urge the Congress and President of the United States to permit states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served in the Vietnam War and who subsequently became United States citizens.

Existing law establishes the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development, led by the Small Business Advocate, and sets forth its powers and duties relating to advocacy on behalf of small businesses and providing small businesses with the information they need to survive in the marketplace. Existing law, the Small Business Procurement and Contract Act, which requires the directors of the Department of General Services and other state agencies that enter specified contracts to establish a minimum goal for procurement participation for small businesses, including microbusinesses, in the provision of goods, information technology, and services to the state, and in the construction of state facilities, also requires a contractor, upon completion of a contract for which a commitment to achieve a small business or disabled business enterprise participation goal was made, to report to the awarding department the actual percentage of small business and disabled business enterprise participation that was achieved. This bill would also require an awarding department, upon completion of a contract for which a commitment to achieve a small business or disabled business enterprise participation goal was made, to require a prime contractor that entered into a subcontract with a small business to certify specified information to the awarding department, including, among other things, the total amount that the prime contractor received under the contract, that all payments under the contract have been made to the small business, and the actual percentage of small business participation that was achieved. By requiring a prime contractor to certify this information, the bill would expand the crime of perjury and impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would require a prime contractor, after being awarded a contract pursuant to the act, to use the small businesses or microbusiness subcontractor proposed in its bid, proposal, or contract unless certain conditions are met. Existing law, the State Contract Act except as specified, makes all contracts entered into by any state agency for the acquisition of goods or services, the construction, alteration, improvement, repair, or maintenance of property, real or personal, or the performance of work or services by the state agency for or in cooperation with any person, or public body, void unless and until approved by the Department of General Services. This bill would require an awarding department, beginning on January 1, 2028, and annually thereafter, through its small business liaison, to make available a report on payment activity during the previous fiscal year related to all contracts awarded to a small business, as specified. Existing law requires a state agency that significantly regulates small business or that significantly impacts small business to designate at least one person to serve as a small business liaison for the agency. Existing law requires these state agencies to notify the Office of Small Business Advocate within the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development and the Department of General Services of specified information, including the name and contact information of the agency's small business liaison. This bill would require the small business liaison for each state agency to annually submit the above-described report on payment activity to the Office of Small Business Advocate. The bill would require the Office of Small Business Advocate to post that information on its internet website. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

This bill designates a specific month in 2026 as Filipino American History Month to honor the contributions of Filipinos to California and the United States. It recognizes their historical presence dating back to the late 1500s and highlights their roles in agriculture, labor, military service, and community building throughout the state. The resolution serves as a commemorative acknowledgment rather than a law that changes government operations or funding.

This bill formally honors Hmong Laotian Special Guerrilla Unit veterans and their families for their service and sacrifice. It serves as a commemorative resolution to recognize their contributions without altering any laws or government programs. The measure is a symbolic gesture intended to celebrate their legacy rather than implement new policies or funding.

Senate Resolution 120 establishes Filipino American History Month to recognize the long-standing contributions of Filipinos and Filipino Americans to California and the United States. The resolution highlights key historical events, including early immigration, service during World War II, and the significant role Filipino workers played in California's agricultural industry and labor rights movements. By documenting these achievements, the bill aims to honor the resilience and impact of this community throughout American history.