Relative to California Small Business Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dawn Addis and 71 co-sponsors

Designates California Small Business Month to raise awareness of small businesses’ contributions, encouraging observance and education without new laws or funding.

Chaptered by Secretary of State - Res. Chapter 124, Statutes of 2026.

#californiasmallbusinessmonth

Summary of ACR 196 (2025-2026) – California Small Business Month

Note: ACR stands for Assembly Concurrent Resolution. This bill designates a period or month to recognize an issue; it is a ceremonial resolution rather than a bill that creates new law or imposes regulatory changes.

Purpose and intent

The resolution designates California Small Business Month. Its primary aim is to formally acknowledge and recognize the contributions of small businesses to California’s economy, communities, and employment.

It serves to promote awareness of the importance of small businesses and may encourage ongoing public recognition, education, and appreciation from the Legislature and the public.

Key provisions and changes

Official designation: Declares a specific time (the month designated in the resolution) as California Small Business Month.

Observance guidance: Encourages government, organizations, and the public to observe, recognize, and promote activities highlighting the role of small businesses in the state.

Statements of support: Likely includes language urging state agencies, private sector partners, and communities to support small business development, access to capital, entrepreneurship, and local hiring.

No regulatory or fiscal changes: As a concurrent resolution, the measure does not create new laws, statutes, or budgetary appropriations. It primarily serves symbolic and educational purposes.

Who or what would be affected

Small businesses in California: Benefit from enhanced visibility and public recognition.

State agencies and local governments: Encouraged to participate in observance and outreach.

Private sector and nonprofit organizations: Invited to acknowledge and promote small business contributions.

General public and potential entrepreneurs: Provided with increased awareness of small business impact and resources.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduction and referral: Introduced in May 2026 and referred to the Senate Committee on Rules of the Senate (RLS) for processing.

Senate actions: Passed the Senate with unanimous support (Ayes 77-0) on May 14, 2026, and subsequently moved to the Assembly.

Assembly actions: Adopted and sent to Engrossing and Enrolling; later enrolled and filed with the Secretary of State, becoming Chaptered as a Statute (Chapter 124) on June 18, 2026.

Effective date: As a concurrent resolution, it typically takes effect upon chaptering; it does not enact new law or create ongoing obligations requiring funding.

Sponsorship and support

Broad bipartisan list of cosponsors from the Assembly, including numerous Assembly Members and multiple co-authors.

The sponsorship indicates broad legislative support across committees and districts, reinforcing the ceremonial and educational purpose of designating California Small Business Month.

Practical impact

Raises public awareness about the importance of small businesses within California.

Encourages educational and promotional activities without imposing new regulatory requirements or fiscal mandates.

Serves as a platform for future accompanying programs, resources, or initiatives that stakeholders may pursue to support small businesses (e.g., policy discussions, public events, or awareness campaigns) outside of formal statutory changes.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to different audiences (general public, small business associations, policymakers) or compile a brief one-page FAQ based on the bill’s designation and expected activities.