California 2025-2026 Regular Session

California Senate Bill SCR40 Compare Versions

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1-Amended IN Senate April 01, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Ashby, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Padilla, Reyes, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani) Bonta, Haney, Harabedian, Kalra, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur)March 17, 2025Relative to Women in Law. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 40, as amended, Blakespear. Women in Law MonthThis measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill TextWHEREAS, Women have made significant contributions to the legal profession and justice system in California, yet continue to face challenges in achieving full equality and representation; andWHEREAS, The history of women in law in California dates back to pioneering figures figures, such as Clara Shortridge Foltz, who became the first female attorney in the state in 1878, paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession; andWHEREAS, In 1942, Annette Abbott Adams broke new ground by becoming the first female justice in California when she was appointed presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District; andWHEREAS, As of 2023, women comprised only 28 percent of all law firm partners nationwide, highlighting the persistent gender disparity in leadership roles within the legal profession; andWHEREAS, As of 2025, women make up approximately 50 percent of law school graduates in California, yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions within law firms, the judiciary, and other legal institutions; andWHEREAS, Despite progress, women in law continue to face obstacles such as gender bias, pay inequity, and work-life balance challenges that can hinder their career advancement and retention in the legal profession; andWHEREAS, The inclusion of diverse women in the legal field, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, brings invaluable perspectives, enriches the legal discourse, and enhances the quality of justice for all Californians; andWHEREAS, Women in law have made substantial contributions to the advancement of civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, playing crucial roles in landmark cases and legislative reforms that have shaped Californias legal landscape; andWHEREAS, Mentorship programs and professional support networks play a crucial role in the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession, fostering leadership skills and career development; andWHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in law can inspire future generations of female legal professionals and promote greater gender equality in the field; now, therefore, be itResolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims April 2025 as Women in Law Month in California to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law; and be it furtherResolved, That the Legislature encourages law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month by organizing events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the achievements of women in law and address ongoing challenges; and be it furtherResolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
1+CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Cervantes, Cortese, Padilla, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani)March 17, 2025 Relative to Women in Law. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 40, as introduced, Blakespear. Women in Law MonthThis measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill TextWHEREAS, Women have made significant contributions to the legal profession and justice system in California, yet continue to face challenges in achieving full equality and representation; andWHEREAS, The history of women in law in California dates back to pioneering figures such as Clara Shortridge Foltz, who became the first female attorney in the state in 1878, paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession; andWHEREAS, In 1942, Annette Abbott Adams broke new ground by becoming the first female justice in California when she was appointed presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District; andWHEREAS, As of 2023, women comprised only 28 percent of all law firm partners nationwide, highlighting the persistent gender disparity in leadership roles within the legal profession; andWHEREAS, As of 2025, women make up approximately 50 percent of law school graduates in California, yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions within law firms, the judiciary, and other legal institutions; andWHEREAS, Despite progress, women in law continue to face obstacles such as gender bias, pay inequity, and work-life balance challenges that can hinder their career advancement and retention in the legal profession; andWHEREAS, The inclusion of diverse women in the legal field, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, brings invaluable perspectives, enriches the legal discourse, and enhances the quality of justice for all Californians; andWHEREAS, Women in law have made substantial contributions to the advancement of civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, playing crucial roles in landmark cases and legislative reforms that have shaped Californias legal landscape; andWHEREAS, Mentorship programs and professional support networks play a crucial role in the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession, fostering leadership skills and career development; andWHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in law can inspire future generations of female legal professionals and promote greater gender equality in the field; now, therefore, be itResolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims April 2025 as Women in Law Month in California to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law; and be it furtherResolved, That the Legislature encourages law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month by organizing events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the achievements of women in law and address ongoing challenges; and be it furtherResolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.
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3- Amended IN Senate April 01, 2025 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Ashby, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Padilla, Reyes, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani) Bonta, Haney, Harabedian, Kalra, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur)March 17, 2025Relative to Women in Law. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 40, as amended, Blakespear. Women in Law MonthThis measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO
3+ CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 40Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Cervantes, Cortese, Padilla, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani)March 17, 2025 Relative to Women in Law. LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGESTSCR 40, as introduced, Blakespear. Women in Law MonthThis measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO
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5- Amended IN Senate April 01, 2025
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7-Amended IN Senate April 01, 2025
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7+
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99 CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE 20252026 REGULAR SESSION
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1111 Senate Concurrent Resolution
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1313 No. 40
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15-Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Ashby, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Padilla, Reyes, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani) Bonta, Haney, Harabedian, Kalra, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur)March 17, 2025
15+Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Cervantes, Cortese, Padilla, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani)March 17, 2025
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17-Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Ashby, Cervantes, Cortese, Durazo, Padilla, Reyes, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani) Bonta, Haney, Harabedian, Kalra, Pacheco, Papan, Stefani, and Zbur)
17+Introduced by Senator Blakespear(Principal coauthor: Senator Caballero)(Coauthors: Senators Allen, Archuleta, Cervantes, Cortese, Padilla, Stern, and Umberg)(Coauthors: Assembly Members Pacheco and Stefani)
1818 March 17, 2025
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2020 Relative to Women in Law.
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2222 LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
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2424 ## LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST
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26-SCR 40, as amended, Blakespear. Women in Law Month
26+SCR 40, as introduced, Blakespear. Women in Law Month
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2828 This measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.
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3030 This measure would proclaim April 2025 as Women in Law Month to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law and would encourage law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month, as provided.
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3232 ## Digest Key
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3434 ## Bill Text
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3636 WHEREAS, Women have made significant contributions to the legal profession and justice system in California, yet continue to face challenges in achieving full equality and representation; and
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38-WHEREAS, The history of women in law in California dates back to pioneering figures figures, such as Clara Shortridge Foltz, who became the first female attorney in the state in 1878, paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession; and
38+WHEREAS, The history of women in law in California dates back to pioneering figures such as Clara Shortridge Foltz, who became the first female attorney in the state in 1878, paving the way for future generations of women in the legal profession; and
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4040 WHEREAS, In 1942, Annette Abbott Adams broke new ground by becoming the first female justice in California when she was appointed presiding justice of the Court of Appeal, Third Appellate District; and
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4242 WHEREAS, As of 2023, women comprised only 28 percent of all law firm partners nationwide, highlighting the persistent gender disparity in leadership roles within the legal profession; and
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4444 WHEREAS, As of 2025, women make up approximately 50 percent of law school graduates in California, yet remain underrepresented in leadership positions within law firms, the judiciary, and other legal institutions; and
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4646 WHEREAS, Despite progress, women in law continue to face obstacles such as gender bias, pay inequity, and work-life balance challenges that can hinder their career advancement and retention in the legal profession; and
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4848 WHEREAS, The inclusion of diverse women in the legal field, including women of color, LGBTQ+ women, and women with disabilities, brings invaluable perspectives, enriches the legal discourse, and enhances the quality of justice for all Californians; and
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5050 WHEREAS, Women in law have made substantial contributions to the advancement of civil rights, gender equality, and social justice, playing crucial roles in landmark cases and legislative reforms that have shaped Californias legal landscape; and
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5252 WHEREAS, Mentorship programs and professional support networks play a crucial role in the advancement and retention of women in the legal profession, fostering leadership skills and career development; and
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5454 WHEREAS, Recognizing and celebrating the achievements of women in law can inspire future generations of female legal professionals and promote greater gender equality in the field; now, therefore, be it
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5656 Resolved by the Senate of the State of California, the Assembly thereof concurring, That the Legislature hereby proclaims April 2025 as Women in Law Month in California to honor the contributions of women to the legal profession and to promote continued efforts toward gender equality in the field of law; and be it further
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5858 Resolved, That the Legislature encourages law firms, legal organizations, and educational institutions throughout California to commemorate Women in Law Month by organizing events, programs, and initiatives that highlight the achievements of women in law and address ongoing challenges; and be it further
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6060 Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate transmit copies of this resolution to the author for appropriate distribution.