Relative to California Nonprofits Day.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Archuleta and 11 co-sponsors

Declares May 20, 2026 as California Nonprofits Day to recognize and honor the nonprofit sector’s economic, civic, and community contributions statewide.

Read. Adopted. Ordered to the Senate.

#californianonprofitsday

Summary of SCR 171 (2025-2026) – California Nonprofits Day

Purpose and intent

Declares May 20, 2026, as California Nonprofits Day.

Recognition of the important role that nonprofit organizations play in California’s economy, workforce, communities, and public life.

Emphasizes nonprofits as trusted providers of services, economic drivers, and partners with government in addressing public needs.

Key provisions

Formal declaration by the California Legislature (Senate and Assembly) that May 20, 2026, is California Nonprofits Day.

Requires the Secretary of the Senate to transmit copies of the resolution to the author for distribution.

Rationale and context highlighted in the bill

The bill outlines several informational "whereas" statements to justify the proclamation, including:
- Economic impact: nonprofit activity equals about 15% of California’s gross state product; nonprofit organizations employ over 1.4 million people (roughly 10% of the state workforce); nonprofits contribute more than $40 billion in out-of-state dollars annually.
- Employment and diversity: nonprofits are a major local employer with relatively higher participation of women and people of color.
- Scope of nonprofit sector: includes houses of worship, higher education, preschools, arts organizations, after-school programs, health clinics, senior services, and more.
- Civic and social impact: nonprofits support community well-being, civil rights, arts and humanities, environmental protections, and safety net services.
- Crisis response: during COVID-19, wildfires, droughts, floods, and economic downturns, nonprofits played a vital role in bridging gaps and adapting to community needs.
- Government partnership: a vibrant nonprofit sector is described as essential to economic resilience and a key partner in delivering services.

Who/what would be affected

Recognition by the Legislature would apply statewide, elevating awareness of the nonprofit sector.

No direct fiscal obligations or new programs are created by SCR 171; the impact is primarily symbolic and commemorative.

The measure would result in widespread acknowledgments from lawmakers, and distribution of the resolution to the author for dissemination.

Procedural and timeline details

Introduced: April 30, 2026.

Legislative history highlights:

May 13, 2026: From committee, ordered to third reading.
May 20, 2026: Read and adopted in the Assembly; ordered to the Senate.
May 20, 2026: In Assembly, held at desk (part of floor action timeline).
May 20, 2026: Passed Assembly with unanimous support (Ayes 38-0).
May 26, 2026: Referred to Committee on Rules, then adopted and sent to Senate.
May 26, 2026: From committee, adopted and ordered to consent calendar.
May 28, 2026: Read and adopted in the Senate; ordered to the Governor (or presiding officer) for further steps.

The bill is a Senate Concurrent Resolution, meaning it requires concurrence of both houses but does not create or modify statutory law or funding.

Sponsors and supporters

Principal author: Senator McNerney.

Coauthors/Co-sponsors include Assembly Member Hart and Senators Archuleta, Ashby, Cabaldon, Choi, Dahle, Laird, Niello, Padilla, Reyes, and Stern, among others.

Notable co-sponsors listed reflect cross-bill support from both chambers.

Potential impact

Increased visibility and public acknowledgment of California’s nonprofit sector.

May bolster public appreciation, philanthropy, volunteering, and collaboration with government programs.

No direct regulatory or financial changes; primarily ceremonial recognition intended to honor the sector’s contributions.