AUGUST 20, 2025

CALL TO ACTION AND NEED YOUR HELP FOR TWO DOGS!

SB 221 (Ochoa Bogh) & AB 347 (Kalra) are now on the Appropriations Suspense Files!

Below is a brief video of our Director of Legislative Affairs, Nickolaus Sackett, giving our "me too" in the Assembly Appropriations Committee hearing, where SB 221 was sent to the suspense file.

What is the “suspense file?”

The suspense file is a unique budget-related mechanism used by the Appropriations Committees in both the Assembly and Senate. When a bill is projected to cost the state more than a set threshold—generally $50,000 or more from the General Fund or $150,000 or more from special funds—it is placed on the suspense file. Instead of being voted on immediately, these bills are held until a designated “suspense hearing,” where the committee reviews all such bills together and decides which will move forward and which will be held. This process allows legislators to weigh the state’s overall fiscal impact and priorities, often resulting in some bills being advanced to the floor while others quietly die in committee without a vote. It is essentially a gatekeeping tool to manage the Legislature’s budgetary commitments.

Now that AB 347 and SB 221 have followed our other two bills to their respective suspense files, the Chairs need to hear from you before the August 29th suspense hearing where they will announce which bills live or die!

Make Two Quick Calls to Support Both Bills!

Senate Appropriations Chair Anna Caballero

Phone: (916) 651-4014

Please say: Your name, city, and that you strongly support AB 347.

______________________________________________

Assembly Appropriations Chair, Buffy Wicks

Phone: (916) 319-2014

Please say: Your name, city, and that you strongly support SB 221

If you’d like to share why any of the bills are especially meaningful to you, feel free—but a simple show of support is powerful.

Let your voice be heard—these bills need your help to move forward!

AB 347, The Class (Compassionate Advancements in Science Studies) Act, authored by Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose), and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL) and PETA, sets out to modernize science education in the state of California by requiring teachers to inform students in writing of their right to choose a non-animal replacement, as well as present sourcing and environmental concerns about dissection upon request.

SB 221, authored by Senator Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh (R-Yucaipa) and cosponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, will add threats to pets, including service and emotional support animals, and horses, to be included in the crime of stalking. As Californians deeply value their pets as family members, this bill addresses the vulnerability stalking victims feel when perpetrators threaten their companion animal.

A Plea!

Homes for Two Doggies Needed!

Click on the photo to watch a short video of the dogs playing together.

Earlier this year, our board members led a rescue of stray, starving dogs at a temporary work site at a solar farm in Rosamond, CA. Two dogs were trapped and brought to Dr. Annie Harvilicz. The dogs were pregnant and about to deliver. Thankfully, Dr. Annie and her team at Animal Wellness Center cared for and were kind enough to find all 11 puppies homes. But unfortunately, both of the mother dogs have not been as lucky.

Now named Atreides and Chani:

• Atreides is about 1 year old. She will need chronic medication for valley fever. She does not like to be touched and would benefit from life in a sanctuary or on a ranch.
• Chani is approximately 3-4 years of age and in good health. She does like to be petted and would be a good companion for someone with patience and kindness.

We are desperate to find a good home(s) for these two dogs, who are still at Dr. Annie’s clinic, now over 5 months! We need a foster or permanent home(s) and are reaching out to you for help. The moms are ready to go and need your tender, loving care.

We are grateful to a friend and supporter that is willing to give a donation to the new home(s). The amount will be discussed with serious fosters or adopters. However, we still need donations towards the long-term care of these dogs, if you are inclined to help, here is a link to give a tax-deductible donation.

Of course, we will ensure they are going to a good home that is appropriate for them and that the new guardians can give them the attention they need, so we will go through a vetting process with those interested.

We know that rescues are at full capacity and homes for dogs, especially big dogs, are in short to nil supply, but for anyone that has the time, space, and the heart, please let us know ASAP!

Lastly, thank you for your unwavering support—it is essential to getting these lifesaving bills signed into law. Your calls, letters, and donations truly make a difference, turning advocacy into real, measurable change.

As we mark our 18th year of running legislation for animals, we are profoundly grateful for your continued commitment. Together, we’re creating lasting, meaningful progress for the animals who need us most.

Thank you for being an indispensable part of our team.

Best, Judie

Judie Mancuso, founder/CEO/president

Social Compassion, 501(c)(3)

Social Compassion in Legislation, 501(c)(4)

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