Asm. Joaquin Arambula

Existing law, the California Retail Food Code (code) , authorizes the governing body of a city, county, or city and county that is designated as the enforcement agency to permit microenterprise home kitchen operations (MEHKOs) , and prohibits MEHKOs from operating unless they have obtained a permit from the enforcement agency. Existing law requires the permitting of MEHKOs to apply to all areas within a city, county, or city and county's jurisdiction, including to all cities within a county that authorizes MEHKOs. Existing law requires MEHKOs, as a restricted food service facility, to meet specified food safety standards. Existing law makes a violation of the code a misdemeanor. This bill would instead require the governing body of a city, county, or city and county that is designated as the enforcement agency to grant a nondiscretionary permit to use a residence as a MEHKO, and would prohibit a governing body of a city, county, or city and county that is designated as the enforcement agency from prohibiting MEHKOs from operating in any residential dwelling. The bill would prohibit the governing body of a city, county, or city and county from imposing a restriction on the number of MEHKOs permitted to operate within the governing body's jurisdiction or restrict operations based on geography. This bill would require the enforcement agency to issue a permit without a hearing and would prohibit the enforcement agency from requiring, among other things, additional permits, approvals, or discretionary review by any other local department or agency. The bill would require the enforcement agency to be the sole local permitting authority of a MEHKO, and would require the enforcement agency to make permits available no later than July 1, 2027. By expanding the scope of a crime for a violation of the code and by imposing additional duties on local enforcement agencies, this bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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 with regard to certain mandates no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason. With regard to any other mandates, this bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs so mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

This measure would recognize February 2026 as the centennial anniversary of Black History Month, urge all citizens to join in celebrating the accomplishments of African Americans during Black History Month, and encourage the people of California to recognize the many talents of African Americans and the achievements and contributions they make to their communities to create equity and equality for education, economics, and social justice. The measure would recognize the significance in protecting the fundamental human rights enshrined in the United States Constitution and its Amendments, the United States Bill of Rights, and the California Constitution, as specified. The measure would also affirm the commitment of the Legislature all people are equal and shall be treated with respect and dignity and shall enjoy the equal application of the law for which the Legislature has been entrusted.

Maddy summaryThis bill, House Resolution 83, is a commemorative resolution that formally recognizes March 2026 as Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month in California. It does not create new laws or change funding but instead serves to honor the progress made in supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, such as autism and intellectual disabilities, and their families. The resolution salutes the contributions of self-advocates, service providers, regional centers, and families who work together to improve community inclusion and quality of life. Additionally, it directs the Assembly's Chief Clerk to send copies of the resolution to the bill's author for distribution.

This measure would designate February 28, 2026, as Rare Disease Day and, with respect to rare diseases and disorders, would recognize the importance of improving awareness, encouraging accurate and early diagnosis, and supporting national and global efforts to develop effective treatments, diagnostics, and cures.

This measure would recognize February 24, 2026, as a Day of Solidarity with Ukraine, honoring the resilience of the Ukrainian people and acknowledging the ongoing impact of the war on youth, families, and communities.

The Surface Mining and Reclamation Act of 1975 prohibits a person, with exceptions, from conducting surface mining operations unless, among other things, a permit is obtained from, a specified reclamation plan is submitted to and approved by, and financial assurances for reclamation have been approved by the lead agency for the operation of the surface mining operation. This bill would prohibit pit dewatering, as defined, in areas with subsurface river flow or groundwater levels shallower than 50 feet below ground.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally declares March 2026 as Women's History Month in California. It aims to honor the historical and ongoing contributions of women across various fields such as business, science, and civil rights. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women throughout history.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates March 2026 as Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month in California to highlight the disease's impact and promote screening efforts. It directly affects all Californians by encouraging early detection through regular check-ups and new testing options, particularly for younger adults and underserved communities facing higher risks. The resolution aims to increase public knowledge about prevention and treatment advancements without mandating specific actions or funding changes.

Existing law establishes the State Department of Public Health to implement various programs throughout the state relating to public health. The department administers the California Wastewater Surveillance Dashboard that provides an overview ​of data from testing wastewater for SARS-CoV-2 virus in California. The data in the dashboard is generated by those participating in the department's California Surveillance of Wastewaters (Cal-SuWers) network, including the Cal-SuWers program, WastewaterSCAN, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Wastewater Surveillance System, wastewater utilities, and academic, laboratory, and other state and federal partners. This bill would require the department, in consultation with participating wastewater treatment facilities, local health departments, and other subject matter experts, to maintain the Cal-SuWers network to test, as appropriate for public health use, for pathogens, toxins, or other public health indicators in wastewater. The bill would require participation in the Cal-SuWers network from local health departments and wastewater treatment facilities to be voluntary. The bill would authorize the department to coordinate with health care providers, local health departments, and emergency response agencies to ensure wastewater surveillance data is used for early intervention, outbreak response, epidemiological investigations, and public health planning. The bill would authorize the department to communicate to the general public, through a publicly accessible internet website, as specified, to provide transparency and public awareness of wastewater-based disease monitoring. The bill would authorize the department to utilize external funding sources, in addition to the department's existing, noncontinuously appropriated funding sources, to implement these provisions. The bill would make related findings and declarations.

This measure would designate the portion of State Route 101 in the County of Santa Clara from Story Road to the junction with State Highway Route 280 and State Highway Route 680 as the Little Saigon Freeway. The measure also would request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost of appropriate signs showing that special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources sufficient to cover the cost, to erect those signs.