Asm. Joe Patterson

The California Constitution delays for 30 days the implementation of any decision by the Board of Parole Hearings granting, denying, revoking, or suspending the parole of a person sentenced to an indeterminate term upon conviction of murder. The California Constitution authorizes the Governor, during this 30-day period, to affirm, modify, or reverse any such decision of the Board of Parole Hearings, and requires the Governor to report to the Legislature each parole decision affirmed, modified, or reversed, stating the pertinent facts and reasons for the action. This measure would additionally delay, and authorize the Governor to affirm, modify, or reverse, any decision of the Board of Parole Hearings for the granting of parole for any person receiving parole through any early parole program designated by the Legislature, if that person was convicted of a violent felony, as defined.

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.

Existing law requires the State Department of Public Health to establish a genetic disease unit to, among other responsibilities, promote a statewide program of information, testing, and counseling services related to genetic diseases, and administer that information, testing, and counseling to each child born in the state, as specified. Existing law requires all information obtained from persons involved in hereditary disorders programs to be held strictly confidential. Existing law sets forth the grounds and procedures for the issuance of a search warrant and authorizes the issuance of a search warrant upon specified grounds, including that the property or things to be seized consist of an item or constitute evidence that tends to show a felony has been committed or that a particular person has committed a felony. This bill would authorize the department to release a portion of the newborn blood specimen card taken from a newborn pursuant to a formal request from a coroner to identify unidentified human remains or to law enforcement in response to a search warrant if the objective of the warrant is to obtain the DNA of a missing person suspected to be a victim of homicide, kidnapping, child abuse resulting in death, or manslaughter. Existing law requires the department, commencing July 1, 2026, to annually generate a report to the Legislature regarding the newborn screening program, including, among other things, the number of new residual screening specimens collected during the previous calendar year. This bill also would require the report to include the number of requests from a coroner and search warrants received by the department and the number of disclosures granted in response to those requests and warrants.

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.

Maddy summaryACR 116 is a ceremonial resolution honoring Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and commemorating Martin Luther King Jr. Day. It does not create new laws or affect specific groups, as it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The measure was adopted by the Assembly on January 16, 2026, and is now pending in the Senate Committee on Rules and Legislative Services. This type of resolution typically serves to acknowledge historical figures or events without implementing policy changes.

Maddy summaryACR 118 designates January 13, 2026, as Korean American Day in recognition of Korean American contributions. This ceremonial resolution does not create new laws or affect policy; it simply formally proclaims a specific date for observance. The bill directly affects public acknowledgment of Korean American heritage within the state. It has advanced through committee approval and passed the Assembly with unanimous support.