Assembly

Committee Action:

Automobile Insurance: The Finance and Insurance Committee approved a bill (SB 1160) by Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) to require motorists to show proof of auto insurance before they can get their cars registered. A 12-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Health Insurance: The Finance and Insurance Committee approved a bill (SB 6) by Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) to set up a catastrophic health insurance program for all Californians, including those who can’t obtain coverage now because of their past medical history. A 13-5 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Elephants: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (SB 892) by Sen. Dan McCorquodale (D-San Jose) to make it a misdemeanor for zoo or circus elephant handlers to physically abuse the elephants. The bill was prompted by a 1988 incident at the San Diego Wild Animal Park. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Committee Action: Doctor Discipline: The Judiciary Committee approved a bill (SB 1434) by Sen. Robert Presley (D-Riverside) to tighten up the state’s system of investigating and disciplining incompetent or unethical physicians. A 7-2 vote sent the bill to the Business and Professions Committee. Discrimination: The Governmental Organization Committee approved a bill (AB 1742) by Assemblyman Terry Friedman (D-Los Angeles) to prohibit the issuance or renewal of liquor licenses to private clubs that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, age or gender. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Agricultural Products: The Agriculture and Water Resources Committee approved a bill (AB 1212) by Assemblyman Rusty Areias (D-Los Banos) to develop a “California grown” seal or logo for use as a marketing tool for agricultural products grown in the state. An 8-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Board of Equalization: The Governmental Organization Committee rejected a bill (AB 31) by Assemblyman Ted Lempert (D-San Mateo) to prohibit members of the State Board of Equalization from voting on tax appeal cases brought by their campaign contributors. The bill failed to receive a motion for approval at the committee hearing.