Asm. Joshua Hoover

Existing law, the Leroy F. Greene School Facilities Act of 1998, provides for the adoption of rules, regulations, and procedures, under the administration of the Director of General Services, for the allocation of state funds by the State Allocation Board for the construction and modernization of public school facilities. Existing law requires, upon request of any school district, the State Department of Education to provide assistance in the evaluation and utilization of existing school facilities and the justification of the need for schoolsites, new facilities, and the rehabilitation or replacement of existing facilities, in accordance with board regulations. This bill would require the State Department of Education to establish the Office of Small School Facilities and Construction to provide assistance and guidance to small school districts, as defined. The bill would require, upon request of a small school district, the department to provide assistance in the evaluation and utilization of existing school facilities and the justification of the need of schoolsites, new facilities, and the rehabilitation or replacement of existing facilities, in accordance with board regulations. The bill would require this assistance to include, among other things, providing assistance in the assessment of school facility conditions and providing technical assistance and supportive services. The bill would require the department, in collaboration with the Office of Public School Construction, to provide assistance and guidance to small school districts in the identification, application, and acquisition of state school facilities funding for the construction and development of school facilities. The bill would require this assistance to include, among other things, annually informing small school districts of the availability of state school facilities funding for which they may qualify and responding to requests for assistance in identifying and determining state requirements to become eligible and apply for state facilities funding. The bill would require the department to assign existing staff to the office to provide direct assistance and support to small school districts. The bill would become operative only if the voters approve, at the November 5, 2024, statewide general election, a statewide bond act that provides money for school facilities.

Existing law classifies certain substances, including cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl, as controlled substances and generally prohibits the possession, sale, transportation, and use of these substances. Existing law additionally prohibits the possession of certain of these controlled substances including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine while armed with a loaded and operable firearm. A violation of this prohibition is punishable as a felony punishable by incarceration in the state prison. This bill would additionally prohibit the possession of fentanyl, as specified, while armed with a loaded and operable firearm if the person has knowledge that the specific controlled substance is fentanyl. By expanding the application of an existing crime, 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 no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.

Existing law provides for the establishment of early and middle college high schools. Existing law requires each middle college high school to be structured as a broad-based, comprehensive instructional program focusing on college preparatory and school-to-work curricula, among other things. Under existing law, pupils in early college high schools begin taking college courses as soon as they demonstrate readiness and the college credit earned may be applied toward completing an associate or bachelor's degree, transfer to a 4-year university, or obtaining a skills certificate. This bill would require each school district, county office of education, or charter school with a middle college high school or program or an early college high school or program to, beginning on or before August 1, 2026, and each August 1 thereafter, prepare and submit a report to the State Department of Education with specified information. The bill would require the department, on or before November 15, 2026, and each November 15 thereafter, to aggregate that reported information and submit a report of the information to the Legislature and the Department of Finance.

Existing law prohibits a person from operating a motorcycle on a highway unless that person holds a valid driver's license or endorsement for a motorcycle. Existing law requires an applicant for a license or endorsement to operate a motorcycle to submit to an examination including a demonstration of the applicant's ability to exercise ordinary and reasonable control in operating a motorcycle. Existing law establishes a motorcyclist safety program within the Department of the California Highway Patrol, administered by the Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol. Existing law authorizes the commissioner to adopt standards, as specified, for a novice rider motorcycle training course and for a premier motorcyclist safety training program. Existing law authorizes the Department of Motor Vehicles to accept a certificate of satisfactory completion of the rider motorcycle training course in lieu of the driving test for a motorcycle driver's license. This bill would authorize the operator of a motorcyclist training program described above to issue a certificate of satisfactory completion to a person at least 21 years of age who has opted to complete only the skills testing portion of the training program and has successfully passed the skills test. The bill would require the motorcyclist training program operator to, in a manner prescribed by the Department of Motor Vehicles, note on the certificate that the person has completed only the skills testing portion of the program. The bill would authorize the department to accept a certificate issued pursuant to these provisions from an applicant who is at least 21 years of age in lieu of a driving test for a motorcycle driver's license if the applicant has met the other examination requirements for the license for which the applicant is applying.

Maddy summaryThis California House Resolution condemns the July 13, 2024, assassination attempt on former President Donald J. Trump and calls for an end to political violence. The measure highlights the event where Trump was wounded while speaking at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, and notes that one attendee died and others were injured while trying to protect him. It urges the state to foster a political environment based on respectful discourse and nonviolence. The resolution is a formal statement of the Assembly's stance and does not create new laws or change existing policies.

This measure would recognize the importance of California Native American Day, celebrated this year on September 27, 2024, and the annual California Indian Cultural Awareness Conference, to the enhancement of awareness of California Indian culture.

Maddy summaryThis bill establishes Filipino American History Month to recognize the long-standing contributions of Filipinos to California and the United States. It directly affects state officials and the public by designating a specific month for commemoration and education. The resolution highlights historical milestones, including early Spanish-era interactions, the development of Filipino communities in cities like Stockton and San Francisco, and the significant roles Filipinos played in agriculture, shipbuilding, and military service during World War II. By formally acknowledging these events, the bill aims to promote awareness of Filipino American heritage within the state.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates November 22, 2024, as Kimchee Day in California to honor the traditional Korean dish and its cultural significance. It acknowledges the long history of kimchee, the contributions of Korean Americans, and the dish's recognized health benefits and growing popularity in the United States. The resolution directs the Assembly's Chief Clerk to send copies of the document to the author for distribution.

Maddy summaryThis bill is a House Resolution that formally recognizes Diwali as a significant cultural and religious holiday for Indian Americans and South Asian Americans in California. It acknowledges the festival's importance to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains by highlighting its historical roots and the specific meanings it holds for each group. The resolution expresses the Assembly's respect for these communities and encourages Californians to participate in the celebration of lights on November 1, 2024. As a commemorative measure, the bill does not alter laws or funding but serves to officially honor the occasion within the state legislature.

Existing law requires any person who purchases or receives a firearm to possess a firearm safety certificate, with specified exemptions, including active or honorably retired members of the armed forces, as specified, where individuals in those organizations are properly identified. Under existing law, proper identification includes the Armed Forces Identification Card or other written documentation certifying that the individual is an active or honorably retired member of the armed forces. This bill would additionally include the Veteran Health Identification Card issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs as proper identification for the above provisions.