SACRAMENTO – Assemblywoman Nicole Parra (D-Hanford) announced the passage of AB 2645, also known as Esmeralda’s Law, from the Senate Education Committee by a vote of 7-0. AB 2645 clarifies existing law by noting that students are allowed to wear hats during their physical education courses as protection from sun overexposure, a leading factor in skin cancer incidences.

“Skin cancer is a serious issue and we need to be as pro-active as possible in educating people, especially students, on how to protect themselves,” Assemblywoman Parra said. “About one in five Americans will experience some form or degree of skin cancer during their lifetimes, so its clear as day that this is a pressing concern requiring serious attention.”

Earlier this year, Assemblywoman Parra visited John Muir Middle School in Corcoran.

During a meeting with Ms. Celeste Cook’s 6th grade class, the students made a presentation on skin cancer and requested that clarification be made to current statute – SB 1632 (Billy’s Law, 2002) by Senator Don Perata – to emphasize that hats, not only sunscreen, can be used by students, at school, without a doctor’s note or parental permission. The students were inspired after learning about the tragic death of Esmeralda Perez, who died last December, at the age of 20, from skin cancer. Esmeralda is the daughter of Lillian Perez, a teacher and literacy coach at Corcoran’s John C. Fremont Elementary School. Lillian Perez, has been working closely with the students at John Muir to educate parents and students about skin cancer prevention.

“These students really should be commended for the tremendous effort they exhibited in isolating a problem and finding a solution to that problem,” said Assemblywoman Parra. “I know they are excited about their work and the success of this bill at every step of the legislative process, and I look forward to continuing to push this legislation along.”

AB 2645 is supported by John Muir Middle School Principal, Millo Carillo; Rich Merlo, Superintendent, Corcoran Unified School District; and the Corcoran Unified School District Board of Trustees.

AB 2645 will next be heard on the Senate Floor.