SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole M. Parra (D-Hanford), today, announced the passage of AB 2645, also known as Esmeralda’s Law, from the Assembly Floor by a vote of 66-1.

AB 2645, which relates to sun protection, would clarify that current statue allows students to wear hats, as protection from the sun, during physical education courses without a doctor’s note or parental permission.

“During their lifetime, about twenty percent of Americans will experience some form of skin cancer,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “With rates like that, it is easy to see how serious a problem this type of cancer poses to our communities. So, it is critical that we take precautionary steps, from early on, to protect people from overexposure to the sun, which is a leading factor in skin cancer incidences.”

Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Parra visited John Muir Middle School, in Corcoran. During one meeting, she met with Ms. Celeste Cook’s 6th grade students, who made a presentation on skin cancer and the tragic death of Esmeralda Perez, a former student at their school. Esmeralda Perez, one of Assemblywoman Parra’s constituents, died of skin cancer, which likely developed during her childhood years while living in Corcoran. Her mother, Lillian Perez, has been working closely with the students at John Muir to educate parents and students about skin cancer prevention. The students requested that clarification be made to the current statute – SB 1632 (Billy’s Law, 2002) by Senator Don Perata – to emphasize that hats, not only sunscreen, can be used without a doctor’s note or parental permission.

“I’m so pleased to see that our State Assembly is concerned about increasing public awareness and knowledge in preventing skin cancer,” said Lillian Perez. “I am also thankful and proud of our Corcoran students, who researched this bill out of care and concern.”

“I am very proud of how much work and sincere compassion my 6th grade students put into Esmeralda’s law,” Celeste Cook said. “I am also deeply appreciative for the one-hundred percent can-do attitude of Assemblywoman Parra and her staff.”

AB 2645 now moves to the Senate for further consideration.