Sen. Shannon Grove

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates October 2024 as California Intermediate Crop Month to highlight the importance of growing specific non-food plants on idle land. The measure recognizes that these crops can help farmers earn extra income while supporting the production of renewable fuels like sustainable aviation fuel. By celebrating this agricultural practice, the resolution aims to encourage wider adoption of these plants for energy purposes without affecting food supplies.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 108 officially designates August 8 as California Pickleball Day to honor the sport's history and growing popularity in the state. This resolution does not change laws or allocate funding but instead serves as a commemorative measure to recognize pickleball as a fun, social activity suitable for people of all ages. The text highlights the game's origins in 1965 and its rapid expansion across the United States, noting its inclusion in senior games and its status as one of the fastest-growing sports. By adopting this resolution, the Senate acknowledges the sport's cultural significance without imposing any new regulations or obligations on residents.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution establishes November as Veteran Housing Insecurity Awareness Month to highlight the housing challenges faced by veterans in California. The measure recognizes that many veterans struggle with homelessness, high housing costs, and eligibility barriers for federal housing assistance due to how disability income is calculated. By formally declaring this awareness month, the resolution aims to draw attention to these specific issues without altering any existing laws or funding.

The Personal Income Tax Law imposes a tax on individual taxpayers measured by the taxpayer's taxable income for the taxable year, but excludes certain items of income from the computation of tax, including an exclusion for combat-related special compensation. This bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2034, would exclude from gross income retirement pay received by a taxpayer from the federal government for service performed in the uniformed services, as defined, during the taxable year. The bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2024, and before January 1, 2034, would also exclude from gross income annuity payments received by a qualified taxpayer, as defined, pursuant to a United States Department of Defense Survivor Benefit Plan during the taxable year. The bill would make related findings and declarations. Existing law requires any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure to contain, among other things, specific goals, purposes, and objectives that the tax expenditure will achieve, detailed performance indicators, and data collection requirements. This bill also would include additional information required for any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure. The bill would require the Franchise Tax Board and the Department of Veterans Affairs to provide any data requested by the Legislative Analyst to write the report, as provided, and would make taxpayer information received by the Legislative Analyst subject to limitation on the collection and use of that information. By expanding the scope of a 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. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.

Existing law establishes the Medi-Cal program, which is administered by the State Department of Health Care Services and under which qualified low-income individuals receive health care services, including certain dental services. The Medi-Cal program is, in part, governed and funded by federal Medicaid program provisions. Under existing law, early and periodic screening, diagnostic, and treatment (EPSDT) services are covered under Medi-Cal for an individual under 21 years of age in accordance with certain federal provisions. Under existing law, for persons 21 years of age or older, laboratory-processed crowns on posterior teeth are a covered benefit when medically necessary to restore a posterior tooth back to normal function based on the criteria specified in the Medi-Cal Dental Manual of Criteria. This bill, The Smile Act, for purposes of the above-described Medi-Cal coverage for laboratory-processed crowns, would remove the condition that the tooth be posterior and would apply the coverage to persons 13 years of age or older. The bill would also add, as a covered Medi-Cal benefit for persons of any age, subject to prior authorization, a dental implant if tooth extraction or removal is medically necessary or if the corresponding tooth is missing. The bill would condition this coverage on there being no other covered functional alternatives for prosthetic replacement to correct the person's dental condition, as specified, on the person being without medical conditions for which dental implant surgery would be contraindicated, on receipt of any necessary federal approvals, and on the availability of federal financial participation. Under the bill, the above-described provisions would not be construed to exclude Medi-Cal coverage for laboratory-processed crowns on teeth or dental implants if otherwise required under EPSDT services.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates Thursday, July 25, 2024, as Hire a Veteran Day in California to honor veterans and encourage their employment. The measure is a commemorative resolution that does not create new laws, regulations, or funding but serves as an official state recognition of the date. By acknowledging this day, the Legislature aims to highlight the skills veterans bring to the workforce and support efforts to reduce veteran unemployment. The resolution requires no action from businesses or individuals other than observing the designated date.

Maddy summaryThis bill declares August 7, 2024, as Purple Heart Day in California to honor military service members who have been wounded or killed in action. The measure encourages all Californians to recognize veterans and active-duty personnel who have received the Purple Heart medal. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a commemorative resolution to acknowledge the history and significance of the award.

Existing law allows individuals, until January 1, 2025, to designate on their personal income tax return that a specified amount in excess of their tax liability be contributed to the California Breast Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, which is continuously appropriated to the Franchise Tax Board, the Controller, and the University of California for specified purposes. Existing law also allows individuals, until January 1, 2025, to designate on their tax returns that a specified amount in excess of their tax liability be contributed to the California Cancer Research Voluntary Tax Contribution Fund, which is continuously appropriated to the Franchise Tax Board, the Controller, and the University of California for specified purposes. Existing law requires that each of these funds equal or exceed a minimum contribution amount of $250,000 to continue appearing on the return. This bill would extend the operation of each fund's provisions to January 1, 2032. By extending operation of continuously appropriated funds, this bill would make an appropriation.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution recognizes June 14, 2024, as Flag Day in California. The measure serves as a formal declaration to encourage citizens to celebrate the American flag and remember the sacrifices made for freedom. It does not create new laws or impose any requirements on individuals or organizations. The text includes historical background on the flag's design and the origins of Flag Day observances.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution formally recognizes July 4 as Independence Day and encourages Californians to celebrate the occasion with reverence and gratitude. The document highlights the historical significance of the date, noting its role in commemorating American independence and the principles of liberty and democracy. It serves as a symbolic gesture to honor the sacrifices of military service members and the contributions of citizens to the nation. The resolution does not create new laws or change existing policies but rather expresses the Senate's collective sentiment regarding the holiday.