Relative to Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Christopher Cabaldon and 2 co-sponsors

Designates Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month in California and encourages awareness and observance, but does not create funding or new regulations.

Read. Adopted. (Ayes 39. Noes 0. Page 4183.)

Summary of SR 97 (Session 2025-2026) – Relative to Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month

Purpose and Intent

SR 97 is a Senate Resolution recognizing and designating a special observance related to Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month. The resolution affirms the importance of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) communities and commemorates their contributions, history, and experiences within California.

The bill serves a ceremonial and commemorative function, rather than creating new law with regulatory or funding implications.

Key Provisions and Changes

Formal designation recognizing Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month and its significance to California.

Statements of appreciation and acknowledgement of the cultural, economic, educational, and societal contributions of AANHPI individuals and communities within the state.

Emphasis on education and public awareness about the history, challenges, and achievements of AANHPI Californians.

Typically includes language encouraging schools, state agencies, and the public to observe and reflect on the heritage month, though specific programs or mandates are not enacted through the resolution itself.

Affected Parties

California residents and communities of Asian and Pacific Islander descent.

State government, including legislative offices, state agencies, educators, and publicly supported institutions that may participate in observance activities.

The general public, which may be encouraged to participate in related events, education, and commemorations.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Introduction and referral: Introduced to the Senate, referred to the Committee on Rules and Legislation (RLS) for consideration.

Committee action: On April 6, 2026, referred to the Committee on Rules and Legislation.

Subsequent committee and floor actions:

April 15, 2026: From committee, ordered to third reading.
April 28, 2026: Read third time and amended; ordered to second reading.
April 28, 2026: Read second time.
April 29, 2026: Read second time, ordered to third reading.
May 11, 2026: Read, adopted with a vote of 39 ayes, 0 nays (no recorded opposition); the resolution passed on the Senate floor.

Sponsors: Co-sponsors include Aisha Wahab, Christopher Cabaldon, and Steve Choi, indicating support from multiple legislators within the chamber.

Practical Implications

As a resolution, SR 97 does not allocate funds or establish new regulatory requirements.

Its adoption signals official recognition by the California Legislature and may prompt related educational materials, public events, and school or agency observances aligned with Asian and Pacific Islander American Heritage Month.

The resolution can be used to promote awareness, celebrate achievements, and encourage continued engagement with AANHPI communities across the state.

If you’d like, I can add a brief context note comparing SR 97 to typical commemorative resolutions and discuss potential opportunities for schools or organizations to align programs with such observances.