Assembly adopts civil‑procedure cleanup, groundwater transparency, elder‑abuse burden change and commemorative resolution

SACRAMENTO — In addition to a housing package, the California State Assembly on March 6 approved a set of other measures and a commemorative resolution during its floor session.

SB 26 (civil‑procedure cleanup): Presented by Assemblymember Kalra on behalf of Senator Umberg, SB 26 was described as a technical cleanup to AB 1755 (streamlining discovery in certain civil cases) that allows automakers to opt out of the AB 1755 framework in some circumstances and preserves existing rights and remedies while changing litigation procedures. The Assembly passed the measure on an urgency vote; recorded votes were Ayes 62, No 0, and the bill was transmitted to the Senate.

AB 293 (groundwater transparency): Assemblymember Bennett said AB 293 requires groundwater sustainability agencies to publish board membership and links to Filings of Statements of Economic Interest (Form 700) on their websites to improve public access and trust. The Assembly approved AB 293, Ayes 59, Noes 5.

AB 251 (elder and dependent adult civil protection act burden of proof): Assemblymember Kalra said AB 251 allows a judge discretion to apply the preponderance of the evidence standard where a court finds intentional destruction of evidence by a skilled nursing facility or residential care facility for the elderly; the measure passed, Ayes 52, Noes 8.

Noncontroversial/local and administrative bills: The Assembly adopted AB 59 (removes sunset for Reclamation District 108’s hydropower participation authority; Ayes 71, No 0) and AB 417 (streamline administrative processes for enhanced infrastructure financing districts/CRIA; Ayes 57, No 0). Assemblymember Alanis’ AB 312 (agricultural theft handling; Ayes 69, No 0) also passed on third reading. Several other items were passed and retained on file.

ACR 6 (Black April Memorial Month): Assemblymember Ta introduced ACR 6 to designate April as Black April Memorial Month in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon. Ta delivered personal remarks about his family’s experience; Assemblymember Kalra and others spoke in support. The resolution was adopted by voice vote after 74 co‑authors were added.

Consent calendar and adjournments in memory: The Assembly adopted a consent calendar of multiple bills (votes recorded as Ayes 72, No 0 on the items shown in the transcript) and approved several adjournments in memory, including David Myers and Olivia Guerrero. The House adjourned to reconvene April 3 at 9 a.m.

Ending: The bills passed on the floor will proceed to the next step in the legislative process; recorded tallies used on the floor are as stated in the session transcript.