Assembly passes scores of bills; child-passenger safety measure AB 435 fails on the floor

The California State Assembly met in Sacramento on May 14 and approved a large package of measures affecting parks, housing conversions, public safety, data protections and agriculture while voting down AB 435, the child passenger safety bill that would have implemented the 5‑step test standard for seat‑belt fit.

The most consequential floor action was the defeat of AB 435 (Wilson), which the Assembly recorded as failing on a roll call after a motion to lift the call produced a 36–12 tally. Assemblymember Wilson had described the bill as aligning California law with research‑based best practices and urged members to adopt the 5‑step test. The Assembly adopted, by contrast, a range of other bills and two concurrent resolutions recognizing July as “Parks Make Life Better Month” (ACR 68) and proclaiming May 22 as California Maritime Day (ACR 83).

Votes at a glance (selected items and recorded outcomes)

- Motion to suspend Assembly Rule 63 (to allow certain bills reported by Appropriations to be set for second reading earlier): mover Assistant Majority Leader Garcia; second Mr. Connolly. Vote: Ayes 41, Noes 16. Motion carried.

- ACR 68 (Avila Farias) — declares July 2025 Parks Make Life Better Month in California; co‑authors added (64). Adopted by voice vote.

- ACR 83 (Wilson) — proclaims May 22 as California Maritime Day; co‑authors added (62). Roll call recorded: Ayes 61, Noes 0. Adopted.

- AB 435 (Wilson) — would have implemented the 5‑step test for child passenger restraints and extended booster requirements and…