Senator Jerry Hill introduced California Senate Bill 338 to require owners of limousines offered for hire in California to equip their limousines with two fire extinguishers, one in the drivers' compartment and one in the passenger cabin. Senator Hill carried SB 338 after an incident that occurred on May 5, 2013, in which a limousine caught fire while traveling on the San Mateo-Hayward Bridge over the San Francisco Bay. That limousine was carrying nine passengers. The driver escaped unharmed and four of the passengers escaped through the driver's partition. The five other passengers died in the blaze. Senator Hill asserted that the ... Read More >
Jul 17
California Considering Fracking bill – Senate Bill 4
Senator Fran Pavley, representing portions of Ventura County that include Simi Valley, Moorpark, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and Westlake Village, has introduced Senate Bill 4 to establish a comprehensive regulatory program for oil and gas well stimulation treatments (e.g., hydraulic fracturing), which includes, among other things, a study, the development of regulations, a permitting process, and public notification and disclosure. The SB 4 analysis of the Assembly Committee on Natural Resources explained that hydraulic fracturing (a.k.a. fracking) is a form of well stimulation used to obtain oil and natural gas in areas where those ... Read More >
Jul 17
Under AB 1266 Transgender students may participate in sex-segregated school activities
If signed by Governor Brown, California Assembly Bill 1266 would require a pupil be permitted to participate in sex-segregated school programs, activities, and facilities including athletic teams and competitions, consistent with his or her gender identity, regardless of the gender listed on the pupil's records. AB 1266 was passed by the Assembly Committee on Education and the Senate Committee on Education. According to the author, Assembly member Tom Ammiano: "Although current California law already protects students from discrimination in education based on sex and gender identity, many school districts do not understand and are not ... Read More >
Jul 17
LIS Online Store Legislative Histories
Shopping on Main Street has never been easier for attorneys seeking quick and inexpensive access to legislative history materials. LIS legislative history compilations have been lauded by clients and courts for their complete gathering of California bill materials. Now, LIS’ previous compilations of legislative history materials are posted to our online store. At our online store, you will have, in a matter of a few minutes, 24/7, the following: All versions of the bill (introduced and amended) Chaptered version of the bill Final history Plus the following materials we searched for when we previously accomplished ... Read More >
Jul 8
California Proposes Changes to Elections Laws
The California Assembly Committee on Elections and Redistricting has introduced three bills in 2013 to affect the state’s elections laws. Assembly Bill 1417 would conform state law to federal law by requiring elections officials to send ballots and ballot materials to all military and overseas voters by the 45th day before the election if they have made a request for a ballot by that day, regardless of whether the 45th day before the election is a weekend or holiday and would make various minor and technical changes to the Elections Code. Assembly Bill 1418 would repeal the campaign statement requirement regarding public inspection and ... Read More >
Jul 8
California Sends Economic Development and Jobs Bill, Assembly Bill 93, to Governor
California Assembly Bill 93 is an Economic Development and jobs bill that makes various changes in the state tax system beginning in 2013-14. This bill was carried by the Assembly Committee on Budget and included a statement of legislative intent that the Legislature finds and declares the goal of California's economic development policy should be designed to create good jobs with middle class wages and benefits; target for assistance individuals with barriers to employment; and encourage businesses to invest and create jobs in California. The proposed statutory changes in AB 93 are related to the Governor's Budget proposal to address ... Read More >