California Senate adopts resolutions on maternal heart health, 2-1-1, religious observance, teen dating violence and caregivers; confirms appointments

The California State Senate adopted multiple resolutions recognizing health conditions, community services and observances and confirmed gubernatorial appointments during a floor session that concluded with unanimous votes on all items taken up.

Senators adopted a concurrent resolution declaring February 2025 Peripartum Cardiomyopathy (PPCM) Awareness Month; a resolution recognizing 2-1-1 information and referral services; a concurrent resolution recognizing Ramadan; a resolution designating Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month; and a resolution observing National Caregivers Day. The Senate also confirmed gubernatorial appointments including Matt Baker to the California Public Utilities Commission and several appointments to state boards.

The measures were largely uncontested and passed by unanimous roll call votes. Sen. Ochoa Bogue presented the PPCM awareness resolution and introduced two survivors to the floor. She described PPCM as “a form of heart failure that most often develops late in pregnancy, but can occur up to 5 months after birth,” and said that “if caught early enough, most women with PPCM will recover completely within 6 months after treatment starts.” The resolution notes risks and urges awareness of diagnostic challenges because symptoms can mirror normal pregnancy changes.

Also presented by Sen. Ochoa Bogue, a resolution recognizing 2-1-1 highlighted the statewide network’s role connecting Californians to health and human services 24/7. The senator said 2-1-1 specialists “are trained to identify the root causes of a client's problem so they can connect them to a wide range of resources,” and cited more than 2,100,000 referrals by call specialists in 2022 as an example of the service’s scale. Representatives from United Way and 2-1-1—Kimberly Starrs, Dr. Danielle Kilgenstein and Lindsay Gordon—were introduced on the floor.

Sen. Wahab led the chamber in adopting a concurrent resolution recognizing Ramadan, describing the month as “a time to reflect spiritually, build communally, aid those in need, and a chance to celebrate and express gratitude.” Several senators spoke in support of acknowledging California’s Muslim communities and the resolution passed unanimously.

Sen. Rubio presented a resolution declaring Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. Rubio cited national and subgroup statistics during floor remarks, including that “1 in 3 teens today will experience some form of dating abuse this year alone,” and urged awareness and education to prevent coercive control and other forms of abuse. Sen. Grove and other colleagues spoke as coauthors and supporters.

Sen. Richardson introduced a resolution recognizing National Caregivers Day and said California has “an estimated 6,700,000 caregivers.” Multiple senators described personal caregiving experiences and urged greater support for home- and family-based caregivers and the paid workforce that assists them.

On appointments, the Senate confirmed Matt Baker to the California Public Utilities Commission. Senators noted Baker’s prior experience in public advocacy and with the California Natural Resources Agency. The Senate also confirmed nominees to the Medical Board of California and the State Geology Board.

All items taken up were approved by unanimous roll call. Several senators used the floor time to introduce guests who work with survivors, service providers and nonprofit partners, and to underscore the resolutions’ goals of raising awareness rather than creating regulatory changes.

Votes at a glance: - SCR 20 (Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Awareness Month) — Adopted (Aye: 35; No: 0). Presented by Sen. Ochoa Bogue. Introduced guests: Carolyn Wood and Robin Matsumoto Kobashi. - SR 15 (2-1-1 Awareness) — Adopted (Aye: 36; No: 0). Presented by Sen. Ochoa Bogue. Guests introduced: Kimberly Starrs (United Way), Dr. Danielle Kilgenstein (Inland SoCal United Way / 2-1-1), Lindsay Gordon (2-1-1 California board). - SCR 19 (Ramadan) — Adopted (Aye: 36; No: 0). Presented by Sen. Wahab. - SR 17 (Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month) — Adopted (Aye: 36; No: 0). Presented by Sen. Rubio; coauthor Sen. Grove spoke in support. - SR 18 (National Caregivers Day) — Adopted (Aye: 36; No: 0). Presented by Sen. Richardson. - File item 6 (Appointment: Matt Baker to California Public Utilities Commission) — Confirmed (Aye: 36; No: 0). - File item 8 (Appointments to Medical Board and State Geology Board) — Confirmed (Aye: 36; No: 0).

Several senators framed the measures as awareness and recognition actions rather than policy or budget changes. Where statistics were cited on the floor, senators attributed them to national or nonprofit sources (for example, a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention figure for cardiomyopathy-related pregnancy deaths and call/referral counts for 2-1-1). The session concluded with committee scheduling announcements and a reminder that the next floor session is scheduled for Monday, March 3, 2025.

The resolutions carry no regulatory force; they are expressions of recognition and intent to raise awareness among legislators and the public. Sponsors and supporters encouraged outreach and education in their districts and the continued work of nonprofit and government service providers.