Rep. Steve Bennett

Existing law creates the Metropolitan Transportation Commission as a local area planning agency for the 9-county San Francisco Bay area with comprehensive regional transportation planning and other related responsibilities. Existing law establishes the Public Transit Revenue Measure District, governed by the same board that governs the commission, with jurisdiction extending throughout the boundaries of the Counties of Alameda, Contra Costa, San Mateo, and Santa Clara, and the City and County of San Francisco. Existing law authorizes a retail transactions and use tax applicable to the entire district to be imposed by the board of the district or by a qualified voter initiative for a duration of 14 years, and in specified amounts, subject to voter approval at the November 3, 2026, statewide general election. Existing law establishes specified procedures for that election, including a requirement that the elections officials of the counties where the measure will appear on the ballot mutually agree to use the same letter designation for the measure. This bill would revise those election procedures by, among other things, instead requiring the measure to be identified on the ballot by the designation "Regional Transit Measure" in each county included in the district and by requiring each county elections official in the district to select, from among the submissions of proposed arguments in favor of, and against, the measure, the arguments to be included in the county voter information guide of that county, as specified. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an urgency statute.

This measure would extend an invitation to the people and government of the Province of Gauteng in South Africa to enter into a sister state relationship with California, would encourage the strengthening of existing partnerships, and would call upon California's universities, research institutions, and public agencies to explore new memoranda of understanding with Gauteng-based counterparts in areas of mutual interest.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 5, 2026, as National Gun Violence Awareness Day. It is a commemorative resolution that does not change laws or require funding, but rather establishes a specific date for public awareness. The measure affects the general public by setting a day for reflection on gun violence, without mandating any specific actions or events.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2026 as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month. It serves as a commemorative resolution intended to raise public attention about abuse affecting older adults and dependent individuals. The measure does not create new laws or funding but rather establishes an official month-long observance. Once enacted, it becomes part of the state statutes without altering existing policies or requiring specific actions from government agencies.

This measure would designate a specified overcrossing on State Route 15 in the County of San Diego as the United States Navy Sailor Noah Tobin Memorial Overcrossing. The measure would request the Department of Transportation to determine the cost of appropriate signs showing this special designation and, upon receiving donations from nonstate sources covering that cost, to erect those signs.

Maddy summaryThis House Resolution recognizes the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence in 2026 and encourages communities across California to participate in related celebrations and educational events. The measure honors the contributions of all individuals who have helped build the nation, with specific attention to those whose stories have historically been overlooked. It calls for reflection on both the achievements and shortcomings of American democracy while reaffirming a commitment to creating a more inclusive union. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a formal statement of the legislature's values and intent.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2026 as Congenital Cytomegalovirus Awareness Month to highlight information about the virus. It directly affects public health officials, healthcare providers, and community organizations who may organize events or distribute educational materials during this time. The primary mechanism is a formal declaration that establishes the specific month for this awareness campaign. The measure does not alter laws or funding but serves to recognize the importance of the issue through official state recognition.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 2026 as Behavioral Health Awareness Month in California. It directs state agencies to acknowledge this month, likely through proclamations or public awareness campaigns. The measure does not change funding, laws, or services but serves to highlight the importance of mental and behavioral health.

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.

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.