Relative to Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Caroline Menjivar and 4 co-sponsors

Designates May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in California to raise public understanding and advocacy without new funding or programs.

Referred to Com. on RLS.

#asthmaandallergyawarenessmonth

Summary of SCR 172 (2025-2026) – Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month

Purpose and intent

SCR 172 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution in the California Legislature introducing May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in California.

The resolution acknowledges the impact of asthma and allergic conditions, highlights disparities, and encourages public recognition and activities during May 2026.

Key provisions and changes

Proclamation: The measure designates May 2026 as Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in California.

Observance guidance: The resolution encourages California residents to observe the month with appropriate ceremonies and activities that raise awareness about asthma and allergy issues.

Federal context cited: References historical roots of asthma and allergy awareness initiatives (e.g., May being nationally recognized since 1984), framing the state designation as a continuation of public health outreach.

Communications: The Senate Secretary is directed to transmit copies of the resolution to the bill’s author for distribution, so the designation can be shared with stakeholders and the public.

Affected parties and impact

Primary beneficiaries: Californians living with asthma or food allergies, their families, caregivers, educators, healthcare providers, and public health advocates.

Broad impact: By designating a dedicated awareness month, the resolution aims to:

Increase public understanding of asthma and allergic diseases.
Highlight the burden on individuals and communities, including disparities affecting Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous populations.
Encourage public health education, screening, and access to affordable care and medications.

No new fiscal allocation is attached to the bill; the measure serves as a symbolic and educational designation rather than mandating specific programs or funding.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced on April 30, 2026; referred to the Committee on Rules, Elections, and Legislative Scheduling (RLS).

Recent actions:

May 22, 2026: Read and adopted in the Senate; ordered to the Assembly.
May 22, 2026: In Assembly, held at desk.
May 13, 2026: From committee, ordered to third reading.
May 26, 2026: Referred to the Committee on Rules (or RLS) in the Assembly (per action history).

Sponsorship:

Primary sponsor: Senator Niello
Co-sponsors: Senators Menjivar, Ochoa Bogh, Pérez, Valladares
Additional co-sponsor: Sasha Pérez (as listed)

Additional context

The digest emphasizes the broader public health context of asthma and food allergies, including prevalence, emergency department visits, hospitalizations, economic costs, and disparities among racial/ethnic groups.

While the resolution itself does not create new programs or funding, it aligns with ongoing public health outreach efforts and can serve as a catalyst for awareness campaigns, education, and advocacy during May.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar observances at the federal level or in other states, or outline potential policy implications or follow-up actions that could accompany this designation.