ACR94 - Antimicrobial resistance.

Assembly Concurrent Resolution No. 94 CHAPTER 103 Relative to antimicrobial resistance. [ Filed with Secretary of State June 18, 2026. ] LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST ACR 94, Patel. Antimicrobial resistance. This measure would, among other things, recognize antimicrobial resistance as a public health crisis requiring urgent and sustained action and urge specified state agencies to explore available funding mechanisms to support research and development initiatives addressing antimicrobial resistance, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities. Digest Key Fiscal Committee: NO Bill Text WHEREAS, Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing public health threat that undermines the effectiveness of life-saving medications, leading to an estimated 35,000 deaths annually in the United States, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and WHEREAS, AMR poses a significant public health challenge in California as, annually, the state experiences approximately 360,000 illnesses and nearly 4,500 deaths due to infections from antimicrobial-resistant pathogens; and WHEREAS, Sixty percent of intensive care unit infections in the state demonstrate resistance to key antibiotics, particularly in urban areas and among vulnerable populations; and WHEREAS, The overuse and misuse of antibiotics in human medicine, veterinary practices, and agriculture significantly contribute to the development of resistant microorganisms, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of the spread of disease, severe illness, and death; and WHEREAS, A global action plan to tackle the growing problem of resistance to antibiotics and other antimicrobial medicines was endorsed at the 68th World Health Assembly in May 2015, with a key objective being to improve awareness and understanding of AMR through effective communication, education, and training; and WHEREAS, November 18 to 24 of each year, inclusive, is World AMR Awareness Week, a global campaign that is recognized annually to improve awareness and understanding of AMR and encourage best practices among the public, stakeholders, and policymakers, who all play a critical role in reducing the further emergence and spread of AMR; and WHEREAS, California is a leader in adopting policies to address AMR, including the enactment of Senate Bill 1311 (Chapter 843 of the Statutes of 2014) and Senate Bill 27 (Chapter 758 of the Statutes of 2015), which restricted the use of medically important antibiotics in livestock and was associated with a measurable 7.1 percent reduction in extended-spectrum cephalosporin resistance in human E. coli infections; and WHEREAS, California state policy already mandates antimicrobial stewardship programs in hospitals and skilled nursing facilities, and supports surveillance, prevention, and education efforts to contain AMR, but further action is needed to close gaps in rural and underserved communities and to strengthen statewide coordination; and WHEREAS, Rapid and accurate diagnostic testing is essential to reduce inappropriate antibiotic use, ensuring that patients receive effective treatment while limiting the spread of resistant bacteria and supporting California’s antimicrobial stewardship programs that have been recognized for improving patient outcomes and reducing resistance; and WHEREAS, Medicaid programs provide health care coverage to millions of low-income Californians, making them critical stakeholders in addressing AMR through coverage policies and education initiatives that can reduce disparities in health outcomes; and WHEREAS, Public and private stakeholders must collaborate to implement policies that encourage the development and use of innovative diagnostic tools and stewardship programs; and WHEREAS, Effective action to combat AMR requires a multipronged approach that includes surveillance, prevention, education, research, and equitable access to health care; now, therefore, be it Resolved by the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, That the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, recognizes antimicrobial resistance as a public health crisis requiring urgent and sustained action; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, encourages integration of antimicrobial stewardship programs into state Medicaid (Medi-Cal) policies, including incentives for providers to utilize rapid diagnostic testing and adhere to evidence-based prescribing guidelines; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, urges state health care agencies to collaborate with federal entities, health care providers, academic institutions, and other stakeholders to enhance the development, accessibility, and affordability of advanced diagnostic tools to combat AMR; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, supports the implementation of public education campaigns to raise awareness about AMR, the importance of appropriate antibiotic use, and the role of diagnostics in improving health outcomes; and be it further Resolved, That the Assembly of the State of California, the Senate thereof concurring, urges the State Department of Public Health, the State Department of Health Care Services, and the California Health and Human Services Agency to explore available funding mechanisms to support research and development initiatives addressing AMR, particularly in underserved and high-risk communities; and be it further Resolved, That the Chief Clerk of the Assembly transmit copies of this resolution to the Governor, the Secretary of California Health and Human Services, the Director of the State Department of Public Health, the Director of the State Department of Health Care Services, the State Medicaid Director, other relevant stakeholders to promote awareness and collaboration in combating antimicrobial resistance, and to the author for appropriate distribution.