Governor

Appointed Joseph Russ IV of Ferndale to the state Board of Forestry. A Republican, Russ replaces Theodore J. Waddell of San Luis Obispo, who resigned. The appointment requires Senate confirmation.

Assembly Bills Introduced:

Automobile Insurance: AB2610 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda) would make drivers 55 years of age and older eligible for reduced automobile insurance rates if they satisfactorily complete a state-approved driver safety program.

Child Care: AB2607 by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker (D-Inglewood) would require child care facilities to have a staff member certified in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation on the premises during hours of operation.

Committee Action: Misleading Campaign Tactics: The Assembly Elections Committee rejected a pair of bills (AB 1056 and AB1057) by Assemblyman Ross Johnson (R-La Habra) to stop campaign tactics that imply that candidates or ballot propositions are endorsed by public figures when in fact they are not. Violators would have been liable for the cost of the advertisements or $1,000, whichever was greater. The two bills received 3-3 and 4-2 votes, respectively, with five votes required for approval.

Neutered Pet Tax Break: A bill (AB1628) to give dog and cat owners a maximum $40 tax credit for neutering their animals--if the owners’ annual income is $25,000 or less--was approved by the Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. An 8-4 vote sent the measure by Assemblyman Norm Waters (D-Plymouth) to the Ways and Means Committee for further consideration.

Senate Bills Introduced:

Drunken Boat Operators: SB1484 by Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim) would subject boat operators to a $1,000 fine or six months in jail if convicted of having a blood alcohol content of .10% while operating a boat, or refusing to take a chemical test at the request of a law enforcement officer.

Braille Ballots: SB1496 by Sen. Bill Greene (D-Los Angeles) would require preparation of election ballots in Braille for use by blind voters when requested.