Sen. Tony Strickland

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. Under existing law, the disabled veterans' exemption exempts from taxation part of the full value of property that constitutes the principal place of residence of a veteran, the veteran's spouse, or the veteran and veteran's spouse jointly, and the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran, as provided, if the veteran incurred specified injuries or died while on active duty in military service, as described. Existing law exempts that part of the full value of the residence that does not exceed $100,000, or $150,000 if the household income of the claimant does not exceed $40,000, as adjusted for inflation, as specified. This bill would, until January 1, 2037, exclude service-connected disability payments from the definition of "household income" for purposes of the disabled veterans' exemption. The bill would also correct an erroneous cross-reference in the above-described provisions. 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 include additional information required for any bill authorizing a new tax expenditure. 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 California Senate resolution formally expresses disagreement with the policy platform of the Democratic Socialists of America, arguing that its proposals would undermine economic growth, fiscal sustainability, and public safety. The bill cites historical examples of socialist governments to support its position that expanding government control over the economy threatens individual liberty and private property rights. It further asserts that DSA advocacy for abolishing police and prisons poses risks to community safety and law and order. Finally, the resolution reaffirms the Senate's commitment to addressing housing affordability through increased supply and regulatory streamlining, while promoting effective law enforcement and free enterprise principles.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates September 20, 2026, as Soju Day within the state to honor the traditional Korean alcoholic beverage. The measure does not alter existing laws regarding alcohol sales or consumption but serves as a commemorative observance. It requires no changes to regulations or funding, functioning solely as a symbolic recognition of cultural heritage.

This measure would urge the Congress and President of the United States to permit states to extend burial and memorial benefits in state cemeteries to Republic of Korea veterans who served in the Vietnam War and who subsequently became United States citizens.

Maddy summaryCalifornia Senate Resolution 121 formally recognizes the Killed in Action flag as a symbol honoring military personnel who died in combat. The resolution encourages the voluntary display of this flag at state and local public buildings, schools, and private homes to express remembrance for fallen service members. It also suggests that Californians display the flag during specific observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Independence Day. Finally, the bill directs the Secretary of the Senate to send copies of the resolution to the Governor, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and various veterans' service organizations.

Maddy summarySenate Resolution 122 formally recognizes November 2026 as Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in California. This non-binding resolution highlights the severity of the disease, noting its high mortality rate and lack of early detection methods, while also pointing out that current federal funding for pancreatic cancer research is low compared to other areas. The bill urges all Californians to take action to end pancreatic cancer and calls for increased awareness and support for research efforts. It does not change any laws or allocate state funds but serves to draw public attention to the issue.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 21, 2026, as Father's Day to honor fathers and father figures. It establishes this specific date as an official observance within the state statutes. The measure does not create a legal holiday or mandate time off from work. Instead, it serves as a formal recognition of the contributions made by fathers and father figures.

This measure would urge the United States Congress to enact federal legislation that would ensure that federal unemployment taxes on businesses are not increased due to any debt to the federal Unemployment Trust Fund that was a direct result of a state's decisions resulting in increased filings, including shutdowns, extensions of shutdowns, or lapses in fraud prevention programs.

Maddy summaryThis Senate resolution commemorates the United Nations International Day of Peace and honors the late Chancellor Young-Seek Choue for proposing the concept that led to its creation. The bill encourages all Californians to observe the day by reaffirming their commitment to peace, nonviolence, mutual understanding, and respect for human dignity. It does not create new laws or change existing policies but serves as a symbolic gesture to promote global peace and recognize the role of education in fostering international cooperation.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates the month of May 2026 as National Stroke Awareness Month. The primary effect is to officially recognize this time period for public education and awareness campaigns regarding stroke prevention and treatment. It does not alter laws, allocate funding, or impose new requirements on individuals or organizations. The measure serves as a symbolic gesture to highlight the importance of stroke awareness during the specified month.