April 8, 2025

CALIFORNIA– On April 20, the NAACP California Hawaii State Conference will host its Day at the Capitol event to advocate for its 2026 policy priorities. Join us to advocate the NAACP’s interest with our state legislators, and to hear from our guest speakers, including Assemblymember Mike Gipson, Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond, Senator Dr. Akilah Weber Pierson, Assemblymember Isaac Bryan, Assemblymember Tina McKinnor and Senator Lola Smallwood Cuevas.   

Rick L. Callender, President of the California Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP, shared the following statement:

“Day at the Capitol is more than an event—it is a call to action and a reminder that advocacy and civic engagement remain essential to protecting our communities and advancing justice. With all that is going on with the Trump administration, we must be intentional and relentless in making sure our state advocacy efforts are successful. I am encouraged by the strong participation of NAACP members, students, and community advocates who are coming together to raise their voices and demand the leadership our people deserve.”

Top policy priorities that will be discussed during the event include:

• SB 1420 (Richardson) Vote-by-Mail and Early Voting
  • The Trump administration is attacking vote by mail. This bill ensures that voters know their rights by requiring consistent, statewide voter education. No matter where they live, voters deserve clear, accessible information. That is especially critical for Black and Brown communities, which have long faced barriers and misinformation in the voting process.
• AB 1537 (Bryan) Peace Officers: Secondary Employment
  • This bill prohibits peace officers from engaging in off-duty work that supports immigration enforcement, helping ensure a clear separation between local law enforcement and federal immigration activities. AB 1537 is critical for protecting trust between law enforcement and communities of color, particularly Black, Brown, and immigrant communities, who are often disproportionately impacted by over-policing and fear of enforcement. By closing this loophole, the bill promotes accountability, transparency, and safer community interactions.
• AB 2383 (Zbur) Large Energy Use Facilities
  • This bill ensures that large energy users like data centers pay electricity rates that reflect their true impact on the grid, helping prevent those costs from shifting to everyday ratepayers. As energy demand increases, this is critical for protecting households, especially Black communities and others already facing higher energy burdens, from rising utility costs.

For a full read out of the California Hawaii State Conference of the NAACP’s 2026 policy priorities, visit cahinaacp.org. 

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About NAACP

The NAACP advocates, agitates, and litigates for civil rights due to Black America. Our legacy is built on the foundation of grassroots activism by the biggest civil rights pioneers of the 20th century and is sustained by 21st century activists. From classrooms and courtrooms to city halls and Congress, our network of members across the country works to secure the social and political power that will end race-based discrimination. That work is rooted in racial equity, civic engagement, and supportive policies and institutions for all marginalized people. We are committed to a world without racism where Black people enjoy equitable opportunities in thriving communities.

NOTE: The Legal Defense Fund – also referred to as the NAACP-LDF – was founded in 1940 as a part of the NAACP, but now operates as a completely separate entity.