California Minute

Senate Bill 48 would mandate that social science curriculum in public schools include the contributions of homosexual, bisexual and transgender people of influence. The bill also mandates that no information that reflects adversely on those lifestyles may be included. SB 48 has been passed by the Senate and will be considered by Assembly committees before it has a chance for a floor vote.

Assembly Bill 887 has been passed by the Assembly and now goes to the Senate for consideration. This bill introduces the term “gender expression” into law. The definition of gender in California law has devolved from that which is biological, to that which is either real or imagined, and now to whatever gender a person wishes to express, apparently on any given day. This is a nightmare for schools and employers, as AB 887 would cause sweeping changes to many sections of California law.

Fortunately, some bad bills die in appropriations committees, where all bills that would force new spending must be pitted against the state’s budget. While California may have whittled away at its potential debt, it still appears to be short nine billion (that’s with a “B”) dollars in the next fiscal year. With a gap of this size, any new bills with new costs should not survive. That was the case on Friday, when all bills had to pass appropriations – or fail. Dozens of bills both good and bad were held in committee, while several bad bills were amended to lessen their fiscal impacts. (To see which bills tracked by CFC have now failed, visit our online legislative action center and page down to “failed legislation 2011-2012.”) 

An excellent way for “the people” to respond to legislative threats is to watch legislation and legislators closely, and to make their opinions known – loudly and clearly. For example, SB 48 will next be considered by the Assembly Education Committee, made up of seven Democrats and four Republicans. Without a strong voice from the electorate, bills that promote evolving definitions of family and sexuality will pass on party-line votes – Democrats in favor and Republicans against. AB 887 will first be heard in the Senate Judiciary Committee, composed of three Dems and two Reps.  

SB 48 and AB 887 are not yet scheduled for committee hearings. But please, make plans to get involved! The eleven representatives in the Assembly Education Committee MUST know that you are watching, and that you expect their representation of your opinions and beliefs. In the coming days, watch for more communications to write, phone, and fax your opinions, and perhaps even visit district office staff or offices in the Capitol.