Assembly

Floor Action: Security Guards: Passed, on a 71-0 vote, and returned to the Senate for concurrence in amendments a bill (SB 58) by Sen. Milton Marks (D-San Francisco) to make it a felony to post security guards at election polling places. The bill was sparked by a 1988 incident that occurred in Orange County’s 72nd Assembly District race won by Curt Pringle (R-Garden Grove). Committee Action: Speeding Trucks: The Transportation Committee approved a bill (SB 463) by Sen. John Seymour (R-Anaheim) to double the first-offense fine from $100 to $200 for speeding drivers of large trucks. A 14-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Highway Patrol: The Transportation Committee approved a resolution (SCR 35) by Seymour authorizing the Highway Patrol to use regular automobiles with CHP insignia on the doors, instead of the traditional black-and-white vehicles, to enforce truck speeding laws. A 13-0 vote sent the resolution to the Ways and Means Committee. Telephone Calls: The Governmental Efficiency and Consumer Protection Committee approved a bill (SB 10) to require state agencies to answer incoming telephone calls within 10 rings during regular working hours under normal conditions. A 9-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Used Cars: The Governmental Efficiency and Consumer Protection Committee approved a bill (SB 788) by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles) to require used car dealers to inform prospective purchasers if a vehicle they want to buy was returned because of a defect or the dealer’s inability to conform to warranty terms. A 9-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Fire Extinguisher Systems: The Governmental Organization Committee approved a bill (SB 323) by Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) to require high-rise buildings without complete automatic fire extinguisher systems meeting specified requirements to install them by Jan. 1, 1999. A 12-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. School Violence: The Education Committee approved a bill (AB 2529) by Assemblywoman Marian LaFollette (R-Northridge) to require school authorities to notify principals of a student’s record of past violence when he or she transfers to a new school. A 14-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. Senate Floor Action: Firearms: Passed and sent to the governor on a 38-0 vote a bill (AB 669) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) to prohibit the possession of any firearm by a previously convicted felon, drug addict or person convicted of a violent use of firearms. Gasoline Prices: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 37-0 vote a resolution (SCR 43) by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles) asking the attorney general and the state Energy Commission to investigate oil and gasoline prices in the wake of the Alaskan oil spill and make a report to the Legislature. Poll Closing: Passed, on a 21-15 vote, and returned to the Assembly for concurrence in amendments a resolution (AJR 16) by Assemblyman Dominic Cortese (D-San Jose) urging Congress to enact legislation setting a national time schedule for uniform closing of the polls in presidential elections no later than 8 p.m. Committee Action: College Scholarships: The Education Committee approved a bill (AB 400) by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) to establish a $2-million college scholarship program for high school students who contribute their time as community service volunteers. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Schools: The Elections and Reapportionment Committee approved two bills (AB 364 and AB 2) by Assemblymen Richard Polanco (D-Los Angeles) and Peter Chacon (D-San Diego) designed to increase minority representation on school boards by requiring district elections for the Los Angeles Community College District and 12 other large unified school districts throughout the state. Five-to-one votes sent both bills to the Appropriations Committee. Drinking Water: The Local Government Committee approved a bill (AB 1530) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sepulveda) to prohibit new or expanded solid waste landfills near drinking water supplies, homes or schools unless it can be proved they will be adequately protected. A 5-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee. Campaign Contributions: The Elections and Reapportionment Committee rejected a bill (AB 1844) by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (D-Santa Clara) to ask the voters to decide if there should be campaign expenditure limits and partial public financing of legislative campaigns. The bill received a 3-0 vote, but five yes votes were required for approval.