Sen. Scott Wilk

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 122 officially designates September 2024 as Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in California. This measure encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations across the state to participate in awareness activities and support families affected by the disease. The resolution also expresses gratitude to medical professionals and acknowledges the progress made by organizations fighting childhood cancer.

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.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates the week of September 8 through September 14, 2024, as "Suicide Prevention Week in California." The measure aims to raise public awareness about suicide as a significant public health issue and to highlight the efforts of organizations working to prevent suicide and support survivors. By aligning the proclamation with World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, the resolution seeks to emphasize the importance of recognizing warning signs and reducing stigma associated with mental health. The text does not impose new laws or funding requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage community engagement and education during this specific period.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially designates September 2024 as California Wine Month to honor the state's wine industry. It directly affects wineries, grape growers, and related businesses by celebrating their economic and cultural contributions. The measure uses a formal resolution to proclaim the month, highlighting the industry's role in jobs, tourism, and sustainability. No new laws or regulations are created; the change is purely symbolic and commemorative.

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.

Existing law requires the governing board of a school district to annually notify parents or guardians of minor pupils of specified rights and responsibilities of the parent or guardian and of specified school district policies and procedures. Existing law requires, as part of the annual notification, a school district offering any of grades 9 to 12, inclusive, to provide the parent or guardian of each minor pupil enrolled in any of those grades in the school district with written notification that includes, among other things, a brief explanation of college admission requirements and a brief description of what career technical education is, as provided. This bill would require a school district, county office of education, or charter school to annually notify the parents or guardians of pupils admitted to, or advancing to, grades 7 to 12, inclusive, of specified courses offered by the local educational agency, as provided. The bill would require school districts to provide this notice as part of the annual notification required by the above-described provisions. By imposing additional duties on local educational agencies, the 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, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.

Existing law, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Act, which is administered by the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, regulates the application, issuance, and suspension of alcoholic beverage licenses. Existing law, known as tied-house restrictions, generally prohibits specified licensees, or their officers, directors, or agents, from giving or lending money or a thing of value to a person operating, owning, or maintaining any on-sale premises where alcoholic beverages are sold. In this regard, existing law specifically prohibits paying a retailer for advertising. Existing law creates a variety of exceptions to this prohibition, as specified. This bill would authorize certain licensees to sponsor events promoted by, and purchase advertising space or time from, an operator of a for-profit cemetery, subject to specified conditions, including that the for-profit cemetery be more than 100 years old and be located in, and designated, a Historic-Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles. The bill would require any sponsorship of events or purchase of advertising space or time to be conducted pursuant to a written agreement. The bill would make it a misdemeanor for certain licensees to induce, through coercion or other illegal means, the holder of a wholesaler's license to fulfill contractual obligations, as specified, and for an on-sale licensee to solicit or coerce certain licensees to purchase advertising space or time, as specified. By creating new crimes, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for cemeteries more than 100 years old and located in, and designated, a Historic-Cultural Monument by the City of Los Angeles. 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.

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.