The Assembly Appropriations Committee meeting on April 30, 2025, was dominated by strong opposition to Assembly Bill 928, with numerous speakers voicing their concerns. Community members from Sacramento and surrounding areas expressed their disapproval, highlighting the bill's perceived conflict with their religious beliefs and values.
Sue, a Sacramento resident and owner of XCDFE, articulated her opposition, stating, "I represent the Hmong community, and I oppose AB 928 as it will definitely be against my religion." This sentiment was echoed by several others, including Cheyenne Zong and Lee Yang, both from Sacramento, who also firmly opposed the bill.
The chorus of dissent continued with speakers like Nad from Orville and Abel Delgadillo from Tulare, who identified themselves as members of California APG and UGBA, reinforcing their opposition. The meeting featured a steady stream of voices, with many attendees, including Vaden Alvarado and Ixnoel Cervantes, clearly stating their disapproval of AB 928.
The overwhelming response from the community underscores significant concerns regarding the bill's implications. As the committee considers the feedback, the future of AB 928 remains uncertain, with many advocates calling for a reevaluation of its provisions to align better with community values. The strong turnout and unified opposition signal a critical moment for lawmakers as they navigate the complexities of this legislation.