Relative to Melanoma Awareness Month.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cottie Petrie-Norris

Proclaims May 2025 as Melanoma Awareness Month in California, urging public, businesses, and groups to promote prevention, early detection, and support for affected families.

Referred to Com. on RLS.

#melanomaawarenessmonth

Summary: ACR 72 (Melanoma Awareness Month) — California, 2025

Overview

ACR 72 is a concurrent resolution introduced by Assembly member Petrie-Norris on April 28, 2025. It would officially proclaim May 2025 as Melanoma Awareness Month in California and encourage ongoing awareness activities throughout the year. The measure is currently referred to the Rules Committee (RLS) and does not carry fiscal provisions.

Purpose and Intent

Public purpose: Raise awareness about melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer, its risk factors, prevention, and the importance of early detection.

Broad call to action: Encourage individuals, businesses, and organizations across California to participate in events and activities that promote melanoma awareness and support families affected by the disease beyond the month of May.

Key Provisions

Proclamation: The Legislature would declare May 2025 as Melanoma Awareness Month, with a broader emphasis on year-round awareness.

Endorsement and outreach: The measure “encourages” participation in activities and events that promote awareness and support for families affected by melanoma.

Educational framing: The Senate/Assembly recital emphasizes:

Melanoma is a deadly cancer affecting people of all races, ethnicities, and genders in California.
About 90% of cutaneous melanoma cases relate to excess UV exposure.
In 2022, California reported 10,802 new melanoma cases and 809 related deaths (per CDC data).
Sun-safe behaviors (avoiding peak UV hours, seeking shade, protective clothing, broad-spectrum sunscreen) can reduce UV damage.
Early detection improves treatability; awareness of signs and symptoms is critical.
Emphasis on prevention, early detection, and supporting affected families.

Impact and Beneficiaries

Affected Parties: California residents living with melanoma and their families; the general public through enhanced awareness and preventive education.

Institutions and organizations: Encourages participation by individuals, businesses, and organizations in awareness activities; potential alignment with public health messaging and community event planning.

Procedural and Timeline Details

Status: Referred to Com. on Rules (RLS).

Key dates:

Introduced: April 28, 2025
Printer status: April 29, 2025
To print: April 29, 2025

Fiscal note: The Digest notes “Fiscal Committee: NO,” indicating no direct fiscal impact or appropriation is tied to this resolution.

Next steps: If passed by both houses, the resolution would be adopted as a ceremonial proclamation. The measure would not amend statute or create mandatory duties; it primarily serves as a formal declaration and public health messaging tool. The Chief Clerk would transmit copies to the author for distribution.

Author and Status

Author: Assembly member Petrie-Norris

Status: Referred to Committee on Rules (RLS)

This summary captures the bill’s ceremonial purpose, its health context, who it aims to engage, and its non-fiscal, non-binding nature as a concurrent resolution proclaiming Melanoma Awareness Month.