The California State Senate unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 37 on the floor, designating April 17 through April 23, 2025, as Cambodian Genocide Remembrance Week in recognition of the fiftieth anniversary of the Khmer Rouge takeover.

Senator Gonzalez (author) said the resolution honors victims and survivors of the Cambodian genocide between April 17, 1975, and January 1979, during which the Khmer Rouge regime killed more than 1.7 million Cambodians. She noted California is home to the largest Cambodian community outside Southeast Asia and said the observance recognizes lives lost and cultural institutions destroyed.

Several colleagues spoke in support. Senator Stern, who identified herself as chair of the state’s Holocaust and Genocide Education Council, commended the resolution and urged education about genocide, noting the concurrence of Yom HaShoah. Senator Richardson recalled a visit to Cambodia and described memorials of victims. Senator Wiener warned about how quickly authoritarian slides can lead to mass atrocities and urged remembrance. Senator Wahab, speaking for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Legislative Caucus, emphasized the resilience of Cambodian Americans and asked for an aye vote.

After adoption, Senator Gonzalez requested and received permission to introduce several community leaders from Long Beach under privileges of the floor. She identified guests who joined the Senate floor including educators, nonprofit leaders, and community organizers described on the record as survivors and long‑term community advocates: Bridal Chansey (educator, Long Beach Unified School District, 26 years), Chheuy (Chenny) Lao (Khmer Parent Association, survivor), Kim Thay Quoc (CEO, Cambodian Association of America), Peng Long (community festival organizer), Sarsi Tan (retired computer programmer, former Cambodian Air Force officer), and Sophia Chim (senior community ambassador, United Cambodian Community).

The resolution was adopted without objection; the clerk recorded the vote as 38 ayes, 0 noes.

The Senate held a short floor recognition and group photo with the guests after the vote.

The measure is a nonbinding state recognition honoring survivors and encouraging education and remembrance.