Sen. Catherine Blakespear

(1) Existing law requires a constitutional amendment, bond measure, or other measure submitted to the people by the Legislature to appear on the ballot of the first statewide election occurring at least 131 days after the adoption of the proposal. Pursuant to the time limit specified above, Assembly Constitutional Amendment 13 (ACA 13) of the 2023–24 Regular Session is scheduled to appear on the ballot of the statewide general election occurring on November 5, 2024. If approved by the voters, ACA 13 would provide that an initiative measure that includes one or more provisions that amend the Constitution to increase the voter approval requirement to adopt any state or local measure is approved by the voters only if the proportion of votes cast in favor of the initiative measure is equal to or greater than the highest voter approval requirement that the initiative measure would impose. ACA 13 would specify that this requirement applies to statewide initiative measures that appear on the ballot on or after January 1, 2024. ACA 13 would also expressly authorize a local governing body to hold an advisory vote for the purpose of allowing voters within the jurisdiction to voice their opinions on an issue. This bill would call a special election to be consolidated with the statewide general election scheduled for November 3, 2026, and would instead require the submission of ACA 13 to the people at that election. (2) The California Constitution prohibits the Legislature from creating any debt or liability that singly or in aggregate exceeds $300,000 except by an act that is, among other things, approved by the voters. This bill would call a special election to be consolidated with the statewide general election scheduled for November 5, 2024. The bill would require the submission of the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024 and the Kindergarten Through Grade 12 Schools and Local Community College Public Education Facilities Modernization, Repair, and Safety Bond Act of 2024 to the people for their approval at that statewide general election. (3) Existing law specifies an order in which statewide ballot measures are required to appear and be numbered on the ballot of the November 5, 2024, statewide general election. This bill, notwithstanding that law, would specify the order in which the statewide ballot measures proposed by the Legislature will appear on the ballot. This bill would declare that it is to take effect immediately as an act calling an election.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates June 2024 as California Mountain Biking Month to recognize the sport's history, economic impact, and health benefits within the state. The measure directly affects mountain biking enthusiasts, trail users, and related organizations by officially acknowledging the activity's role in recreation and tourism. The resolution highlights how the industry contributes billions to the economy and supports over 17,000 jobs while promoting outdoor fitness and community building. By proclaiming this specific month, the legislation aims to encourage public participation in off-road cycling and celebrate California's status as a global hub for the sport.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Resolution designates November 30, 2024, as Native American Women Equal Pay Day in California to highlight the significant wage gap faced by Native American women compared to White men. The measure is based on data showing that Native American women earn significantly less for equivalent work, with the disparity widening as their education levels increase. By proclaiming this specific date, the resolution aims to raise awareness about economic inequality and encourage employers and government entities to pursue policies that ensure fair compensation. The bill does not create new laws or mandate specific actions but serves as a formal recognition of the issue within the state legislature.

Existing law generally requires the State Department of Social Services to license and regulate various types of child daycare facilities, including, among others, daycare centers and family daycare homes. Under existing law, a willful or repeated violation of those provisions is a crime. Existing law exempts from those provisions various entities, including, among others, community care facilities, certain program facilities administered by the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, and extended daycare programs operated by public or private schools. This bill would also exempt, from the above-described licensing and regulation provisions, a family childcare home administered by a person certified as a family childcare provider by a branch of the United States Armed Forces and that exclusively provides care for children of eligible federal personnel, as defined, and surviving spouses.

Maddy summaryThis bill designates May 8, 2024, as the official Day of the Teacher in California to honor educators. It does not create new laws or change funding but serves as a formal proclamation recognizing the profession's value and challenges. The resolution encourages schools, families, and community members to take time to acknowledge teachers' contributions to students.

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.

Maddy summaryThis Senate Concurrent Resolution designates March 2024 as Bleeding Disorders Awareness Month in California to highlight conditions such as hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease. The measure aims to increase public understanding of these rare genetic disorders, which can cause severe bleeding, chronic pain, and disability without proper treatment. By officially recognizing this month, the state seeks to foster community support and encourage engagement with medical resources for those affected. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic declaration to raise awareness among the general public.

This measure would acknowledge April 2024 as Child Abuse Prevention Month and encourage Californians to work together to support youth-serving child abuse prevention activities in their communities and schools.

Maddy summaryThis legislative resolution designates March 8, 2024, as International Women's Day within the State of California. The measure serves a commemorative purpose by officially recognizing the date, which honors the history of women's rights activism and global efforts to promote gender equality. It does not create new laws, allocate funding, or change existing policies, but rather formally acknowledges the significance of the day through a ceremonial designation.

This measure would proclaim March 12, 2024, as Women's Equal Pay Day in California, in recognition of the need to eliminate the gender gap in earnings by women and to promote policies to ensure equal pay for all.