GovernorAppointed Carlos J. Valderrama of La Verne...

Governor

Appointed Carlos J. Valderrama of La Verne as the director of California’s Trade and Investment Office in Mexico City. A Republican, Valderrama, 39, is a senior international trade specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce in Los Angeles. The job pays $61,440 a year and does not require Senate confirmation.

Assembly

Bill Introductions:

Air Terrorism: AB 192 and AJR 10 by Assemblyman Dominic L. Cortese (D-San Jose) would require airline companies that receive threats regarding flights originating in California to promptly report them to the Federal Aviation Administration and the state attorney general. Congress also is requested to enact new laws to improve federal air safety practices.

Motorcycle Helmets: AB 55 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R-Santa Rosa) would require motorcycle riders under 21 years of age to wear safety helmets and complete a motorcycle safety training course. Passengers under 21 also would be required to wear a helmet--but would not have to take the course.

Senate

Floor Action:

Confirm: Voted 37 to 0 to confirm Muriel L. Morse of Altadena for another four-year term on the state Industrial Welfare Commission, which, among other things, sets the California minimum wage.

Refugees: Approved 36 to 0 and sent to the Assembly a resolution (SCR 9) by Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) to establish a new Senate-Assembly Committee on Refugee Resettlement, International Immigration and Cooperative Development.

Bill Introductions:

Sex Education: SB 126 by Sen. Newton R. Russell (R-Glendale) would require school districts to obtain written permission of parents before pupils could attend sex education classes. Parents also would have to be given information regarding course content before making their decision.

Rapid Transit: SB 129 by Sen. Robert G. Beverly (R-Manhattan Beach) would permit the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to issue more bonds to finance portions of the Metro Rail subway project.

Rapid Transit: A companion bill, SB 128, also by Sen. Beverly, would allow the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission to purchase rail coaches through negotiation rather than calling for sealed bids.

State Tax Court: SB 124 and SCA 6 by Sen. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) would create a state tax court to adjudicate cases arising under state taxation laws if voters approve such a move.