Asm. Greg Wallis

The California Constitution requires any change in state statute that increases the tax liability of any taxpayer to be imposed by an act passed by 23 of the membership of each house of the Legislature, and prohibits specified taxes on real property from being so imposed. For these purposes, the California Constitution defines a "tax" as any state levy, charge, or exaction, except as described in certain exceptions. The California Constitution describes one of those exceptions as a charge imposed for entrance to or use of state property, or the purchase, rental, or lease of state property, except charges governed by a specified provision of the California Constitution. This measure, on or after its effective date, would provide that the exception described above does not include a road usage charge, as described, thereby requiring the imposition of this type of charge to be subject to the 23 vote requirement. The California Constitution conditions the imposition of a general tax by a local government upon the approval of a majority of its voters voting on the tax, and conditions the imposition of a special tax by a local government upon the approval of 23 of the voters voting on the tax. The California Constitution defines a "tax" for these purposes as any local government levy, charge, or exaction, except as described in certain exceptions, and includes as one of those exceptions a charge imposed for entrance to or use of local government property. The California Constitution defines "special tax" to mean any tax imposed for specific purposes. This measure, on or after its effective date, would provide that the exception described above does not include a road usage charge, as provided. The measure would also restrict to specific purposes the use of revenues derived from a road usage charge, described below, thereby subjecting the local imposition of this type of charge to the 23 local voter approval requirements. This measure would require that any road usage charge be imposed at a uniform rate, and not vary based on any factor. The measure would prohibit the Legislature from imposing both a road usage charge, and either a motor vehicle fuel tax or a tax on the sale, storage, use, or other consumption in this state of motor vehicle fuels that are used in vehicles subject to a road usage charge. The measure would require all revenues derived from a road usage charge imposed at both the state and local level be used solely for transportation purposes, as defined. The California Constitution authorizes the Legislature to impose a motor vehicle fuel tax, and directs the revenues of that tax, or any alternative source of revenue to replace the revenue derived from that tax, to be deposited in the Highway Users Tax Account in the Transportation Tax Fund. The California Constitution also directs the revenues from a tax on the sale, storage, use, or other consumption in this state of motor vehicle fuels, or any alternative source of revenue to replace the revenue derived from that tax, to be deposited in the Transportation Investment Fund. The measure would specify that road usage charges are not subject to the above requirements.

Maddy summaryHR 17 is a California Assembly resolution recognizing the success of the B.O.O.T.S. program (Bridging Outstanding Opportunities with Tradeswomen Skills), a four-week preapprenticeship initiative for women interested in carpentry. The resolution highlights the program's 74% graduation rate and its role in preparing women for union carpentry careers, noting 74% of graduates are hired by signatory contractors. It does not create new laws or provide funding, but formally acknowledges the program's contribution to increasing women's participation in the trades. The resolution was unanimously adopted by the Assembly on March 24, 2025.

Maddy summaryACR 19 is a symbolic resolution that designates February 20, 2025, as "Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day" in California. It does not create new laws or directly affect individuals, but commemorates efforts to encourage girls and women to pursue engineering careers. The resolution highlights statistics showing women remain underrepresented in engineering (holding 15% of jobs and 22-31% of relevant degrees) and aligns with national initiatives supporting gender diversity in STEM fields. As a commemorative resolution, it has no legal force but serves to raise awareness about gender gaps in engineering.

This measure would designate February 28, 2025, 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 commend certified registered nurse anesthetists for their expertise, dedication, and service to the people of California, acknowledge their critical role in promoting opioid-free, opioid-sparing, and nonopioid pain management strategies, and celebrate National Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists Week 2025.

Maddy summaryACR 20 is a symbolic resolution recognizing February 7, 2025, as Wear Red Day and February 2025 as American Heart Month in California. It does not create new laws or policies but formally acknowledges these dates to raise public awareness about cardiovascular disease, particularly its impact on women. The resolution urges Californians to wear red on February 7, 2025, and supports broader efforts to highlight heart health and reduce related deaths. This is a non-binding commemorative measure with no direct regulatory effect on individuals or healthcare systems.

Maddy summaryThis symbolic resolution designates February 3-7, 2025, as National School Counseling Week in California. It recognizes the role of school counselors in supporting students’ social, emotional, academic, and career development, including mental health services, equity efforts, and college/career planning. The resolution does not create new policies or allocate funding - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment of existing work by over 13,000 California school counselors. It directly affects no individuals or entities but aims to highlight counselors’ contributions to student success.

Maddy summaryACR 29 designates the week of February 16-22, 2025, as Engineers Week in California. This symbolic resolution recognizes the contributions of engineers to California's economy, safety, and innovation without creating new policies or obligations. It acknowledges engineers' roles in fields like infrastructure, environmental sustainability, and STEM education, aligning with national observances. As a commemorative resolution, it does not directly affect any individuals or entities or alter existing laws.

Maddy summaryACR 27 proclaims February 2025 as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month in California. The resolution calls upon schools, community groups, families, and youth to observe the month with activities raising awareness about teen dating violence and promoting healthy relationships for youth aged 12-24. It does not create new laws or funding but symbolically supports existing prevention efforts through statewide recognition.

Maddy summaryACR 26 is a symbolic resolution designating February 6, 2025, as CASA Appreciation Day in California. It recognizes Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) volunteers who support children in foster care by providing advocacy in court and child welfare systems. The resolution honors CASA volunteers' role in helping judges understand each child's needs, noting they contributed over 379,000 hours supporting foster youth in 2023. This measure has no legal effect or direct impact on policy; it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment.