Assembly

Floor Action: Air Pollution: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 44-21 vote a bill (AB 2444) by Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) to allow the use of air pollution law violation fines to finance loan guarantees to help small businesses purchase equipment needed to comply with clean air rules. Greenhouse Effect: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 48-15 vote a bill (AB 2151) by Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) to require the state to reduce emissions of so-called greenhouse gases by 20% over the next six years to help head off a predicted global warming trend. Puppy Mills: Rejected on a 40-31 vote a bill (SB 2001) by Assemblyman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) to prohibit pet stores from selling puppies less than 12 weeks old. Forty-one votes were required for approval. Reconsideration requested. China Turmoil: Granted final approval on a 67-0 vote to a resolution (SJR 35) by Sen. John Garamendi (D-Walnut Grove) urging the government of the People’s Republic of China to work toward a peaceful and positive solution to the current China turmoil. Senate Floor Action: Orange County Jails: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 26-6 vote (SB 1334) by Sen. Marian Bergeson (R-Newport Beach) to authorize Orange County supervisors to ask the voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to finance development of jail and court facilities. Acid Rain: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 28-3 vote a bill (SB 1022) by Sen. Dan McCorquodale (D-San Jose) to require the state Air Resources Board to study of the effects of acid rain on agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. Schools: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 24-10 vote a bill (SB 1333) by Sen. Larry Stirling (R-San Diego) to require school administrative credential candidates to have five years’ experience as a classroom teacher instead of the current three-year requirement. Vietnam Memorial: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 37-0 vote a resolution (SCR 47) by Sen. Bill Greene (D-Los Angeles) to require the State Police to guard the Vietnam Memorial on the Capitol grounds 24 hours a day until necessary security steps can be taken to prevent vandalism. This is now being done voluntarily by members of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Sacramento. There have been several cases of memorial vandalism during recent months. Committee Action: Department of Revenue: The Constitutional Amendments Committee rejected a proposal (SCA 29) by Sen. Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco) to abolish the State Board of Equalization and Franchise Tax Board, replacing them with a Department of Revenue, including a tax appeals board to be appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. A 2-1 vote was cast on the measure, but three yes votes were required for approval. Reconsideration requested.