BILL ANALYSIS
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|SENATE RULES COMMITTEE | SB 1256|
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THIRD READING
Bill No: SB 1256
Author: Hancock (D)
Amended: As introduced
Vote: 21
SENATE EDUCATION COMMITTEE : 8-0, 3/24/10
AYES: Romero, Huff, Alquist, Hancock, Liu, Price,
Simitian, Wyland
NO VOTE RECORDED: Maldonado
SUBJECT : Ed Roberts Day
SOURCE : Author
DIGEST : This bill designates January 23 each year as Ed
Roberts Day, and calls for the day to be observed by the
public schools as a day of special significance. The bill
also requires the Governor to annually proclaim January 23
as Ed Roberts Day.
ANALYSIS : Existing law designates a number of days as
having special significance, when public schools are
encouraged, but not required, to conduct suitable
commemorative exercises integrated into regular school
programs. Current law establishes the following days as
having special significance:
1.April 6 of each year as California Poppy Day.
2.April 21 of each year as John Muir Day.
CONTINUED
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3.The second Wednesday in May as the Day of the Teacher.
4.May 22 of each year as Harvey Milk Day.
Existing law also requires the Governor to proclaim various
days to remember individuals. These days include September
28 as Cabrillo Day; January 15 as Dr. Martin Luther King,
Jr. Day; March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day, and April 21 as John
Muir Day.
This bill:
1.Makes various findings and declarations concerning the
life and contributions of Ed Roberts.
2.Designates January 23 of each year as Ed Roberts Day, to
be a day having special significance when all public
schools and educational institutions are encouraged to
conduct exercises remembering the life of Ed Roberts,
recognizing his accomplishments as well as the
accomplishments of other Californians with disabilities,
and familiarizing pupils with the contributions that Ed
Roberts and other Californians with disabilities have
made to the state.
3.Requires the Governor to annually proclaim January 23 as
Ed Roberts Day.
Background
Ed Roberts (1939-1995) was an international leader and
education in the independent living and disability rights
movement. He was the first severely disabled student to
attend UC Berkeley and helped create the first student-led
disability services program in the country. Ed Roberts
advocated for the rights of individuals with disabilities
to fully participate in society and served as the Director
of the Department of Rehabilitation from 1975-1983.
Related and Prior Legislation
SB 572 (Leno), Chapter 626, Statutes of 2009 . Designated
May 22 of each year as a special day of significance for
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remembering the life and contributions of Harvey Milk.
Passed the Senate with a vote of 23-14 on 9/8/09.
SB 944 (Runner) -- 2009-10 Session . Designates February 6
of each year as Ronald Reagan Day and establishes that day
as a special day of significance in the public schools.
(On Senate Third Reading File)
FISCAL EFFECT : Appropriation: No Fiscal Com.: No
Local: No
SUPPORT : (Verified 3/24/10)
California Federation of Teachers
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
Center for Independent Living
Developmental Disabilities Board Area 5
Development Disabilities Council of Contra Costa
University of California Berkeley Disabled Students' Union
University of California Berkeley Disabled Students'
Program
World Institute on Disability
ARGUMENTS IN SUPPORT : According to the author's office,
this bill will encourage schools to conduct commemorative
exercises to recognize Mr. Robert's accomplishments and
raise awareness of issues faced by individuals with
disabilities.
CPM:cm 3/24/10 Senate Floor Analyses
SUPPORT/OPPOSITION: SEE ABOVE
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