Sen. Kelly Seyarto

The California Constitution permits the Legislature to authorize cities, counties, and cities and counties to provide for bingo games for charitable purposes. Existing law authorizes those local agencies to regulate bingo games for charitable purposes under specified criteria. Existing law requires the proceeds from authorized bingo games to be kept in a special fund and not commingled with any other fund or account. Existing law requires those funds be used only for charitable purposes, except for specified uses. Existing law authorizes an organization to use the funds for rental costs and the purchase of bingo equipment, among other specified uses. Existing law limits the amount to be spent on overhead costs to 20% of the proceeds before the deduction for prizes, or $2,000 a month, whichever is less. This bill would, beginning January 1, 2025, increase the monthly limit on bingo overhead costs to $3,000 per month, increased annually by the annual average percentage in the California Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers for the preceding calendar year.

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 summarySenate Resolution 71 officially designates September 2024 as Service Dog Appreciation Month in California to honor the vital contributions of service dogs and their handlers. This legislative measure does not alter laws or create new regulations but serves as a commemorative proclamation acknowledging the training, dedication, and life-improving benefits these animals provide to individuals with disabilities. The resolution highlights the significant challenges in obtaining service dogs, such as long wait times and rigorous training standards, while celebrating their role in enhancing health and independence for owners across the state.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 68 formally designates the week of September 17 to September 23, 2024, as Constitution Week in California. This resolution urges all Californians to reflect on the importance of the U.S. Constitution and its role in preserving individual freedoms. The text highlights historical facts about the Constitution's creation and its principles, such as the separation of powers and the ability to amend the document. It does not change any laws or create new programs but serves as a commemorative statement to encourage civic engagement.

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.

The Personal Income Tax Law authorizes various deductions in computing income that is subject to tax under that law. This bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2030, would allow a deduction in computing adjusted gross income in connection with health savings accounts in modified conformity with federal law. In general, the deduction would be an amount equal to the aggregate amount paid in cash during the taxable year by, or on behalf of, an eligible individual, as defined, to a health savings account of that individual, as provided. The bill, for taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2025, and before January 1, 2030, would also provide related conformity to that federal law with respect to the allowance of rollovers from Archer Medical Savings Accounts, health flexible spending arrangements, or health reimbursement accounts to a health savings account, and penalties in connection therewith. Existing law requires a bill authorizing a new tax expenditure to contain, among other things, specific goals, purposes, and objectives the tax expenditure will achieve, detailed performance indicators, and data collection requirements. This bill would include additional information required for any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.

The California Constitution provides that all property is taxable, and requires that it be assessed at the same percentage of fair market value, unless otherwise provided by the California Constitution or federal law. The California Constitution and existing property tax law provide various exemptions from taxation, including, among others, a disabled veterans' exemption and a veterans' organization exemption. This bill would exempt from taxation, on that part of the full value of the residence that does not exceed $863,790, as provided, property owned by, and that constitutes the principal place of residence of, a veteran, the veteran's spouse, or the veteran and the veteran's spouse jointly, if the veteran is 100% disabled. The bill would provide an unmarried surviving spouse a property exemption in the same amount that they would have been entitled to if the veteran was alive and if certain conditions are met. The bill would require certain documentation to be provided to the county assessor to receive the exemption and would prohibit any other real property tax exemption from being granted to the claimant if receiving the exemption provided by the provisions of this bill. The bill would make these exemptions applicable for property tax lien dates occurring on or after January 1, 2024, but occurring before January 1, 2034. By imposing additional duties on local tax officials, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. 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 would state that it is the intent of the Legislature to apply those requirements to the bill and would set forth specified information relating to those requirements. 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 requires the state to reimburse local agencies annually for certain property tax revenues lost as a result of any exemption or classification of property for purposes of ad valorem property taxation. This bill would provide that, notwithstanding those provisions, no appropriation is made and the state shall not reimburse local agencies for property tax revenues lost by them pursuant to the bill. This bill would take effect immediately as a tax levy.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates May 7, 2024, as National Fentanyl Awareness Day to highlight the dangers of counterfeit pills containing lethal doses of fentanyl. The measure directly affects the general public by aiming to increase awareness of the risks posed by fake prescription pills and illicit fentanyl, which have caused a significant rise in overdose deaths across the United States and California. While the resolution includes statements supporting law enforcement efforts to combat the spread of these drugs, its primary function is symbolic recognition rather than establishing new laws or funding.

Maddy summaryThis bill officially recognizes May 2024 as Hypertension Awareness Month in California to highlight the importance of managing high blood pressure. It does not change any laws or require new funding, but rather serves as a formal acknowledgment of the health risks associated with hypertension and its disproportionate impact on certain communities. The resolution encourages healthcare providers, public health agencies, and community organizations to continue their efforts in educating the public and promoting access to medical care. Ultimately, the measure aims to raise awareness about prevention, early detection, and the need for affordable treatment options.

The Consumers Legal Remedies Act makes unlawful certain unfair methods of competition and certain unfair or deceptive acts or practices undertaken by a person in a transaction intended to result or that results in the sale or lease of goods or services to a consumer, including failing to include in a solicitation by a covered person, as defined, or an entity acting on behalf of a covered person, to a consumer for a consumer financial product or service a certain disclosure statement. This bill would additionally require that disclosure statement to appear in at least 16-point bold type on the front of an envelope that contains a solicitation described above.