As the California Legislature wraps things up before Summer Recess, there was a tense and impassioned debate at the Capitol over AB 1955. The confrontation over parental notification policies in California schools escalated sharply on Thursday morning when two lawmakers, Republican Bill Essayli and Democrat Corey Jackson from the Riverside area, engaged in a heated verbal exchange on the Assembly floor. The Assembly was on the verge of voting on Assembly Bill 1955, a proposed legislation aimed at prohibiting California school boards from enforcing regulations that mandate school staff to notify a student’s parents if the student expresses a desire to use a name or pronoun that differs from their biological sex. The situation intensified to the point where Assemblyman Marc Berman, D-Menlo Park, intervened physically to prevent Jackson from approaching Essayli. While no physical altercation transpired between the two lawmakers, the incident vividly underscored the heightened emotions and heavy discord surrounding this contentious issue. LGBTQ lawmakers are steadfastly resisting Republican arguments that they believe undermine the dignity and rights of transgender individuals in California.
AB 1955 (Ward) Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act was swiftly passed through the Assembly Education Committee and Assembly Floor Vote, overshadowing any concerns raised by parents, within a mere span of 2 days.
The bill, featuring various reforms in the educational sector, is currently en route to the Governor's Desk awaiting his approval. The signing is anticipated to take place on Friday, potentially culminating the legislation just in time for the end of Pride Month and prior to the commencement of the legislative summer recess scheduled for July.
PERK Advocacy remains committed to careful monitoring, active lobbying, and consistent advocacy for California legislation. Rest assured, we are dedicated to providing you with ongoing updates on the status of these crucial bills, along with actionable steps you can take to bring about meaningful change. For more frequent updates and convenient access to the PERK Advocacy Action Center, be sure to visit us at www.perkadvocacy.com.
SUPPORT
SB-976 (Skinner) Social Media Youth Addiction Law :
Asm Privacy and Consumer Protection Committee Hearing Date: 07/02/24
SB 1414 (Grove) Crimes: solicitation of a minor
Asm Public Safety Committee Hearing Date: 07/02/24
AB 2652 (Muratsuchi) State Department of Education: artificial intelligence working group
In Assembly Appropriations committee: Held under submission.
AB 1824 (Valencia) California Consumer Privacy Act of 2018: opt-out right: mergers.
Sen 3rd Reading - Asm Bills 06-27-2024 161
AB 1871 (Alanis) Adopted course of study for grades 7 to 12: social sciences: personal financial literacy.
Sen Held At Desk - Assembly Bills 06-27-2024 A- 60.
AB-1949 California Consumer Privacy Act of 2020: collection of personal information of a minor
Sen Judiciary Committee Hearing Date: 07/02/24
PERK Advocacy Action Campaigns - Support
OPPOSE
AB 2442 (Zbur) Healing arts: expedited licensure process: gender-affirming health care and gender-affirming mental health care.
Sen 3rd Reading - Asm Bills 06-27-2024 143
AB-1825 California Freedom to Read Act.
Sen Judiciary Committee Hearing Date: 07/02/24
AB 1955 (Ward) Academic Futures and Educators for Today’s Youth Act.
Going to Governor’s Desk for signature.
SB-907 Orange County Board of Education: members.
Asm Appropriations
PERK Advocacy Action Campaigns - Oppose
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