Call to Order

Meeting called to order at 10:08 a.m. by Chair Rita Gallardo Good.

Item 2 – Approval of Minutes

Commissioner Chacon motions to approve the meeting minutes from 1/12/2026. Commissioner Courtney seconds. The motion carries.

Commissioner Rodrigo requests amendment of minutes to reflect she not be marked as late.

Item 3 – Guest Presentation, College Student Right to Access

Chair welcomes CSU presenters Ray Murillo and Carolyn O’Keefe.

Guest speakers share presentation on the Program, sharing collaboration efforts, resource needs, lessons learned, success stories, and challenges.

Commissioner Senator Richardson asked guest speakers questions about the program, responses from guest speakers and the Director received. 

 Commissioner Greer asked guest speakers questions about future of the program. 

 Commissioner Courtney asked the guest speakers questions about the program and potential for additional research. 

 Commissioner Gomez and Chair Good thanked guest speakers for the presentation. 

 Commissioner Chacon followed up on remaining fund total. 

Public comments on guest presentation:

F. Chinnapong, Reproductive and Gender Equity, requested that the Commission rescind the previously approved legislation and go back to the drawing board, work directly with organizations who support students. Questioned this approach.

X. Lopez, Policy Advocacy Coordinator, shared that data shared in presentation and data in past reports differ. Requested that the Commission deny requests that remaining funds are otherwise allocated and that they are given to community colleges instead. Director Totten explained that community colleges were not included in the original legislation and therefore do not have access to these specific funds. 

C. Rodriguez, Policy Manager for Latinas Reproductive, informed of co-sponsoring the bill, shared that this is not an effective approach due to students throughout the state not having access. Requested Commissioners to work with local stakeholders to find a more equitable approach. Director Totten reiterated that the funds were only approved for specific students in the bill and the Commission must comply. 

K. Robinson, Community Liaison for Black Women’s Wellness, requested the Commission to consider a motion to amend the January approval of fund allocation. Director Totten reiterated that this bill does not include community colleges and the Commission does not have the power to change the bill. 

Chair Good informed public commentors that Commission staff would follow up with all who provided comments. Remarked that additional discussions are warranted. 

Item 4 – Legislative Package Proposal

Katherine Squire and Alex Zucco provide overview of policy committee wanting to add Youth Advisory Council items to the legislative package; shared overview of policy review conducted by staff. 

 Alex shares that the Commission co-sponsor indicates a willingness to offer time, testimony, and planning; that a support letter is more passive; watch and oppose will come at a later time. 

 Commissioner Chacon requested a bill to be added to the policy package (Keeping native children out of foster care).    

 Commissioner Courtney mentions women veterans suffering from PTSD, discussed proposed legislation. Requests to co-sponsor 1616. 

 Commissioner Rodrigo discusses spot bill AB 1626. Voices concern of girls quitting sports at high rates. 

 Commissioner Amine voices support for Commissioner Rodrigo. 

 Commissioner Courtney questioned if Youth Advisory Council had additional considerations. Katherine Squire shared their views on menstrual equity implementation. 

 Commissioner Gomez discussed childcare, current administration mentioned that billions of dollars were cut from Californias childcare budget. 

 Director Totten shared that the Policy Committee would continue to meet and discuss. 

 Commissioner Garcia-Brower discussed AB 1980, mentions there’s some existing labor codes that provides some protection to women in terms of lactation accommodations and school activities, but that time is unpaid or not guaranteed paid. She will reach out to policy team on additional follow up. 

Public comment from X. Lopez: Requests Commission to support or co-sponsor AB 2540.

Motion: Commissioner Gomez motions to approve the legislative package proposal with the amendments requested by Commissioners. Commissioner Chacon seconded the motion. The motion carries.