Asm. Marc Berman

This measure would proclaim the month of October 2026 as Italian American Heritage Month, and, among other things, encourage all citizens, schools, public institutions, and community organizations in California to observe Italian American Heritage Month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and educational programs, as specified.

This measure would declare the month of June 2026 to be Portuguese Heritage Month and would recognize June 10, 2026, as the Day of Portugal and May 25, 2026, as the Day of the Azores.

Existing law, the Medical Practice Act, provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons and licensed midwives by the Medical Board of California. A violation of the act is a crime. Existing law authorizes the board to establish a Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program to support a physician and surgeon in their rehabilitation from substance abuse to ensure the physician and surgeon remains able to practice medicine in a manner that will not endanger the public health and safety and that will maintain the integrity of the medical profession. Existing law requires the board to contract with a third party for the program's administration in accordance with specified provisions of the Public Contract Code. Existing law provides that participation in the program shall not be a defense to any disciplinary action that may be taken by the board. Existing law requires the program to comply with the Uniform Standards Regarding Substance-Abusing Healing Arts Licensees adopted by the Substance Abuse Coordination Committee of the Department of Consumer Affairs. Existing law establishes the Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program Account in the Contingent Fund of the Medical Board of California for the support of the program. This bill would revise and recast those provisions and would instead authorize the board to establish a Physician Health and Wellness Program to support, treat, monitor, and rehabilitate physicians and surgeons and other professionals licensed by the board with impairing physical and mental health conditions that may impact their ability to practice their profession in a reasonably safe, competent, and professional manner. The bill would require the administering entity to be a nonprofit entity and would require the contract with the administering entity to include procedures on specified topics. The bill would exempt the program from the Uniform Standards Regarding Substance-Abusing Healing Arts Licensees. The bill would exempt program records relating to current or former program participants from disclosure under the California Public Records Act, except as specified. The bill would authorize the board to establish advisory committees to assist in carrying out the duties of the administering entity, and would establish duties and responsibilities authorized to be performed by a committee. The bill would rename the Physician and Surgeon Health and Wellness Program Account as the Physician Health and Wellness Program Account, and would authorize the board to seek and use grant funds and gifts from public or private sources to pay any cost associated with the program. The bill would require the board to annually report to the Legislature and make available to the public the amount and source of funds. The bill would require a licensee to report a license to the administering entity or the board if they believe the licensee is impaired. By expanding the scope of a crime under the Medical Practice Act, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The bill would make a person who reports information or takes action in connection with the bill's provisions immune from civil liability for reporting information or taking the action, except as specified. The bill would make the program inapplicable to the Osteopathic Medical Board of California. Existing constitutional provisions require that a statute that limits the right of access to the meetings of public bodies or the writings of public officials and agencies be adopted with findings demonstrating the interest protected by the limitation and the need for protecting that interest. This bill would make legislative findings to that effect. 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.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 4 to May 10, 2026, as California Wildflower Week to celebrate the state's diverse native flora and its ecological importance. The resolution encourages all Californians to appreciate the beauty of wildflowers, which support pollinators and healthy ecosystems, and highlights the recent opening of Dos Rios State Park as a model for conservation. By formally recognizing this period, the Assembly aims to foster public engagement with outdoor recreation and environmental preservation without imposing new regulations or costs.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes July 19 through July 25, 2026, as Probation Services Week to honor the work of California's probation professionals. It directly affects probation officers and the public by formally recognizing their role in balancing accountability with rehabilitation within the justice system. The resolution highlights the extensive training and diverse background of these workers while celebrating their efforts to connect individuals with essential services like mental health care and education. Ultimately, the measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the probation system's contribution to community safety and successful reentry rather than enacting new operational rules.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially designates the week of July 17 to July 26, 2026, as California Craft Beer Week to celebrate the state's brewing heritage. The bill highlights the industry's significant economic impact, noting that it supports nearly 1,000 breweries and approximately 46,700 jobs across the state. By proclaiming this specific time frame, the resolution aims to recognize the contributions of craft brewers to California's economy and community life.

Under existing law, there are programs providing assistance for, among other things, emergency housing, multifamily housing, farmworker housing, home ownership for very low and low-income households, and downpayment assistance for first-time home buyers. Existing law also authorizes the issuance of bonds in specified amounts pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law and requires that proceeds from the sale of these bonds be used to finance various existing housing programs, capital outlay related to infill development, brownfield cleanup that promotes infill development, and housing-related parks. Existing law, the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2018, authorized, the issuance of bonds in the amount of $4,000,000,000 to finance various existing housing programs, as well as infill infrastructure financing and affordable housing matching grant programs, as well as financing for a specified program for farm, home, and mobilehome purchase assistance for veterans, pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. This bill would enact the Veterans and Affordable Housing Bond Act of 2026, which, if adopted, would authorize the issuance of bonds in the amount of $11,250,000,000, pursuant to the State General Obligation Bond Law. Of the proceeds from the sale of these bonds, $10,000,000,000 would be used to finance programs to fund affordable rental housing and home ownership programs, including, among others, the Multifamily Housing Program, the CalHome Program, and the Joe Serna, Jr. Farmworker Housing Grant Program, and $1,250,000,000 would be used to provide additional funding for the above-described program for farm, home, and mobilehome purchase assistance for veterans, as provided. This bill would provide for submission of the bond act to the voters at the November 3, 2026, statewide general election, in accordance with specified law. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

Maddy summarySCR 112 designates January 2026 as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month within the state. This symbolic resolution, adopted unanimously by the Senate on January 29, 2026, does not create new laws or alter existing policies. It formally recognizes the month for public awareness purposes but has no direct effect on individuals, programs, or legal obligations. The measure serves solely to acknowledge and promote awareness of human trafficking issues during that time period.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution officially designates June 2026 as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month in California. The measure serves as a commemorative acknowledgment of the community's contributions to society and highlights historical milestones, such as recent Supreme Court rulings on marriage equality and the appointment of openly LGBTQ+ officials to federal cabinet positions. By recognizing these achievements, the resolution aims to promote awareness and celebrate the progress made toward equality and inclusion within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the week of May 3 to May 9, 2026, as Compost Awareness Week. It affects the general public and organizations by officially recognizing this specific time period for promoting composting. The measure is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws or change existing regulations. Instead, it serves to raise awareness about composting through an official state declaration.