CALIFORNIA LAWS ’90 : There’s...

CRIME

Assault Weapons--Military-style semiautomatic assault weapons are outlawed as a result of last January’s Stockton schoolyard massacre in which deranged drifter Patrick E. Purdy killed five children and wounded 29 others and a teacher. Purdy, who used an AK-47 assault rifle, also took his own life. Individuals who already own such weapons must register them with the Department of Justice by Jan. 1, 1991. Failure to do so carries a potential fine of up to $500. (SB 292 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti, D-Los Angeles, and AB 357 by Assemblyman Mike Roos, D-Los Angeles.)

Guns--Longer prison terms can be handed out by judges for gun-related crimes, including the use of firearms in drive-by shootings and drug trafficking offenses. Plea bargaining is prohibited in felony crimes when a firearm is used. (AB 566 by Assemblyman Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks.)

Guns--Possession of any firearm by a convicted felon or drug addict is prohibited. (AB 669 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-South San Francisco.)

Privacy--Release of a licensed driver’s home address and other personal information from state Department of Motor Vehicles files is restricted. This law was sparked by the 1989 Los Angeles slaying of actress Rebecca Schaeffer after a man obtained her home address from a private investigator, who got it from the DMV. (AB 1779 by Assemblyman Mike Roos, D-Los Angeles.)

Violent Criminals--A new $1.1-million state program will utilize DNA genetic coding to help track down ex-felons who repeat violent crimes. (SB 1408 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara.)

Computer Bugs--It is a misdemeanor offense to knowingly introduce a computer virus into a system with the intent of disrupting service. Computer equipment used in the crime by the criminal also can be confiscated. (SB 1012 by Sen. Becky Morgan, R-Los Altos Hills.)

Sex--It is a criminal offense for a psychiatrist, psychologist or marriage counselor to have sex with a patient. (SB 1004 by Sen. Daniel E. Boatwright, D-Concord.)

Alcoholic Beverages--Minors who use false identification to purchase alcoholic beverages can be charged with a misdemeanor offense punishable by a $250 fine and 32 hours of community service. (AB 165 by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd, D-Carson.)

Car Theft--Convicted car thieves face increased punishment of four years instead of three years, with mandatory prison terms for repeat offenders. (AB 332 by Assemblyman Pat Nolan, R-Glendale.)

Gang Graffiti--Courts can require gang members convicted of spraying graffiti on private property to clean up their mess, or pay someone else to do it for them. (SB 1073 by Sen. Cecil N. Green, D-Norwalk.)

Attorneys--The State Bar is instructed to establish rules governing sexual relations between attorneys and clients. Violations would call for suspension or disbarment. (AB 415 by Assemblywoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles.)

Protests--Demonstrators convicted of unlawful assembly will be required to make restitution by cleaning, replacing or restoring any public or private property that is damaged during protests. (AB 1985 by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson, R-Newport Beach.)

New Jails--Five Southern California counties are authorized to ask the voters to approve a half-cent sales tax increase to finance construction of new jails. The counties are Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino. One Northern California county, Humboldt, also is included. The governor allowed this bill to become law without his signature. (AB 1067 by Assemblyman Dan Hauser, D-Arcata.)

Book Burning--Anyone who bombs or sets fire to a bookstore or library for terrorism purposes faces imprisonment for three to seven years and a $10,000 fine. (SB 1704 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara.)

HEALTH

Pap Smears--Tighter state regulations will be imposed on cervical cancer screening laboratories that examine womens’ pap smears, including reduced workloads to increase accuracy. (AB 32 by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner, D-Baldwin Park.)

Infant Deaths--Policemen, firemen, paramedics, nurses and hospital emergency room personnel will receive special training in handling sudden infant death (SID) cases. The mysterious disease claims the lives of approximately 800 California babies every year. (SB 1068 by Sen. Daniel E. Boatwright, D-Concord.)

Infertility--Group health insurance plans will be required to offer infertility treatment coverage for women and men. (AB 900 by Assemblywoman Maxine Waters, D-Los Angeles.)

AIDS

AZT--The expensive drug AZT will be made available at a nominal cost to AIDS victims who are working and not eligible for Medi-Cal, but cannot afford to pay for the drug. (AB 2251 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Los Angeles.)

Research--A $1.7-million appropriation to the Department of Health Services for continuing research to find an AIDS vaccine. (AB 2156 by Assemblyman William J. Filante, R-Greenbrae.)

Blood Transfusions--Doctors and surgeons are required to inform patients of both the positive and negative aspects of blood transfusions before they undergo an operation. (SB 37 by Sen. John Doolittle, R-Rocklin.)

SCHOOLS

Minorities--A list of textbooks and other teaching materials that highlight minority contributions to the development of California and the United States will be developed by the state Department of Education. (AB 1012 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles.)

Campus Violence--School districts must inform teachers of students who have caused physical injury to anyone within the past three years. The maximum penalty for crimes committed against school employees also is increased. (SB 142 by Sen. Alan Robbins, D-Tarzana.)

College Scholarships--A $2-million-a-year college scholarship program is established for high school students who volunteer time for community service. (AB 400 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco.)

Diploma Mills--Supervision of so-called diploma mills will be tightened by transferring jurisdiction over vocational schools and unaccredited private institutions to a new, independent state commission. (SB 190 by Sen. Becky Morgan, R-Los Altos Hills.)

Job Technology--A job technology commission will be set up to develop a master plan so students can pursue college degree programs designed to qualify them for the job market of the 1990s. (AB 898 by Assemblyman Rusty Areias, D-Los Banos.)

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Unlisted Telephone Numbers--Telephone companies are prohibited from selling lists of unlisted telephone numbers of residential subscribers without their permission. Violations would be grounds for civil suits. (AB 936 by Assemblywoman Theresa P. Hughes, D-Los Angeles.)

Deliveries and Repairs--Retailers, public utilities and cable television companies will be required to deliver merchandise or begin repair work within four hours of the scheduled time if the presence of the customer is required. Violations will allow customers to file Small Claims Court actions seeking up to $500 in damages. (SB 101 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward.)

Diet Contracts--Consumers have a three-day right to cancel weight loss and dating service contracts if they change their minds. (AB 320 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-South San Francisco.)

Seminar Contracts--Consumers have a three-day right to cancel seminar sales contracts, often signed as a result of high-pressure tactics. (SB 1348 by Sen. Ralph C. Dills, D-Gardena.)

Auto Body Parts--To prevent fraud, auto body repair shops must disclose the type of parts to be used in fixing damaged vehicles. (AB 1120 by Assemblyman Rusty Areias, D-Los Banos.)

Lemon Autos--Auto dealers are required to inform prospective purchasers if the vehicle they want to buy has been returned because of a defect or the dealer’s inability to conform with warranty terms. (SB 788 by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal, D-Los Angeles.)

Telephone Calls--Hotels and motels have to inform guests about surcharges to be imposed on telephone calls and the availability of alternative telephone companies. (AB 689 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles.)

Charitable Fund-Raisers--People who commercially raise funds for charities are required to register with the attorney general’s office before soliciting any money and must file reports afterward on how much money was raised. (SB 502 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward.)

VETERANS

Cal Vet Loans--To keep pace with skyrocketing prices of homes, the maximum Cal Vet home loan is increased from $90,000 to $125,000. (AB 2139 by Assemblyman Bob Epple, D-Norwalk.)

College Education--Spouses and children of California National Guard members killed or permanently disabled in the line of duty are eligible for tuition-free educations at state colleges and universities. (AB 288 by Assemblyman Steve Clute, D-Riverside.)

Pearl Harbor Day--The governor is required to annually proclaim Dec. 7 as Pearl Harbor Day to mark the Japanese attack that brought the United States into World War II. (SB 697 by Sen. Don Rogers, R-Bakersfield.)

CHILDREN

Sexual Abuse--Repeated sexual abuse of a child under the age of 14 is a felony punishable by up to 16 years in state prison. (AB 2212 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-South San Francisco.)

Child Pornography--It is a criminal offense to possess pornographic material that depicts a person under the age of 14 engaging in sexual conduct. (AB 2233 by Assemblyman Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles.)

DRUNK DRIVING

Blood Alcohol Limit--The legal blood alcohol level at which a motorist is presumed to be driving drunk is lowered from 0.10% to 0.08%. (SB 408 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Big Bear.)

Truckers’ Blood Alcohol--The blood alcohol level for the presumption of drunken driving is reduced from 0.10% to 0.04% for truck drivers and commercial boat operators. (SB 1119 by Sen. John Seymour, R-Anaheim.)

DRUGS

Liquor Licenses--Law enforcement officers can seize liquor licenses from restaurants, bars and liquor stores where illegal drugs are sold or used. (AB 1450 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar.)

Prison Terms--Persons convicted of selling cocaine are subject to a mandatory prison term if they have a prior conviction for the same offense. (AB 1667 by former Assemblyman Gary A. Condit, D-Ceres.)

Fines--Fines for manufacturing illegal drugs are increased from $10,000 to $50,000, with some of the money earmarked to help clean up drug laboratory sites. (AB 1868 by Assemblyman Tim Leslie, R-Carmichael.)

TRANSPORTATION

DMV Office Hours--The state Department of Motor Vehicles will start a pilot project in which some DMV offices will have flexible hours, including being open in the evenings and on Saturdays. (AB 1122 by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin, D-Union City.)

Drivers’ Licenses--Motorists will be barred from renewing their driver’s license if they have failed to appear for a traffic citation, or to pay a fine for operating a motor vehicle with unsafe equipment, or to pay a fine for driving with an open alcoholic beverage container in the car. (SB 1002 by Sen. Robert G. Beverly, R-Manhattan Beach.)

Speeding Trucks--Fines for conviction of first-offense speeding by truckers are doubled from $100 to $200. (SB 463 by Sen. John Seymour, R-Anaheim.)

Traffic Congestion--Caltrans is instructed to look for ways to encourage volume shippers and receivers in the Los Angeles Basin to switch to nighttime deliveries and use of pickups to help reduce traffic congestion. (AB 1187 by Assemblyman Frank Hill, D-Whittier.)

Rail Transportation--Ballot measures authorizing the sale of $3 billion in bonds to finance passenger rail transportation expansion will be submitted to voters. The first $1-billion proposal will appear on the June ballot. (AB 973 by Assemblyman Jim Costa, D-Fresno.)

ELECTIONS

Poll Guards--Posting of uniformed or armed security guards at election polling places to try to intimidate voters is prohibited. This law was sparked by a 1988 incident in Orange County’s 72nd Assembly District race won by Republican Curt Pringle of Garden Grove. (SB 58 by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco.)

SENIOR CITIZENS

Home Complaints--Residential care facilities for the elderly are required to post citations or substantiated complaints in a conspicuous place for six months and notify applicants for admission of the citations. (AB 1451 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-South San Francisco.)

Inspections--It is a misdemeanor for unauthorized persons to tip off residential care facilities for the elderly about a pending state inspection. (SB 944 by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal, D-Los Angeles.)

Drugs and Supplies--Residential care facilities for the elderly are prohibited from requiring residents to purchase drugs or other medical supplies from a particular source. (SB 802 by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco.)

UNEMPLOYMENT

Unemployment Insurance--The maximum level of weekly unemployment insurance benefits rises from $166 to $190, effective today, to $210 on Jan. 1, 1991, and to $230 in 1992. (SB 600 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti, D-Los Angeles.)

Workers’ Compensation--The maximum level of weekly compensation benefits for workers who suffer injuries on the job increases from $224 to $266, effective today, and to $336 on Jan. 1, 1991. (AB 276 by Assemblyman Burt Margolin, D-Los Angeles, and SB 47 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward.)

Disability Insurance--The maximum level of weekly disability insurance benefits jumps from $224 to $266, effective today, and to $343 in 1991. (SB 343 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward.)

INSURANCE

Health Insurance--A high-level task force of state and private industry leaders will try to hammer out a legislative compromise to extend basic health care insurance to an estimated 5 million Californians who don’t have it. A report with recommendations is to be presented to the Legislature on March 1. (AB 350 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco.)

Health Insurance--A $30-million annual increase in tobacco tax revenues is appropriated to provide health insurance for persons whose past medical histories have made it difficult or impossible for them to obtain coverage. These include people who have cancer, heart disease, diabetes and AIDS. (AB 60 by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg, D-Sacramento.)

TOXICS & POLLUTION

Air Pollution--Smog violation fines can be used to finance loan guarantees to help small business owners purchase equipment needed to comply with new clean air rules. (AB 2444 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco.)

Hazardous Waste--Trucks used to transport and dispose of hazardous waste at unauthorized locations can be seized by law enforcement authorities. (AB 1488 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar.)

WASTE DISPOSAL

Solid Waste--Cities and counties are required to reduce the amount of solid waste going into landfills by at least 25% by 1995 and by 50% by the year 2000. A new full-time state integrated waste management board also is created to review and approve local government plans to meet those goals. (AB 939 by Assemblyman Byron D. Sher, D-Palo Alto.)

Bottles and Cans--The redemption rate of one penny per empty recyclable soft drink and beer container is increased to two containers for a nickel, starting today, to help attract more returns. (SB 1221 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara.)

Recycling--State programs are to be set up to increase recycling and encourage development of markets for recyclable materials. (SB 1322 by Sen. Marion Bergeson, R-Newport Beach.)

Recycled Products--State purchasing agents are required to give preference to recycled products for routine operations. (AB 4 by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin, D-Union City.)

Tire Disposal--A 25-cent-per-tire fee must be paid for leaving old tires with new or used tire dealers, effective July 1. This money will be used to discourage dumping used tires in landfills and promoting other uses. (AB 1843 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco.)

FOOD AND AGRICULTURE

Farm Products--Fresh California-grown farm products can display a special seal that says they were produced in the state. The idea is to help increase consumer awareness amid increasing market competition with foreign produce. (AB 1212 by Assemblyman Rusty Areias, D-Los Banos.)

Acid Rain--The state Air Resources Board is instructed to study the effects of acid rain on agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. (SB 1022 by Sen. Dan McCorquodale, D-San Jose.)

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS

Telephone Calls--State agencies are required to answer telephone calls from the public within 10 rings during regular business hours under normal working conditions. (SB 10 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward.)

Income--Newly elected state officials, legislators and some local officials must disclose all income received during the 12 months prior to assuming office. (AB 1238 by Assemblyman Ted Lempert, D-San Mateo.)

Public Meetings--State legislative committees are required to hold their meetings in public except when discussing personnel, security or legal matters. (AB 427 by Assemblyman Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier.)

Whistle-Blowers--Fines of up to $10,000 and/or one year in jail can be imposed on local government officials who threaten or punish employees who expose waste, wrongdoing or public health hazards. (SB 249 by former Sen. Larry Stirling, R-San Diego.)

WATER

Mono Lake--A $65-million environmental water fund is set up to simultaneously preserve Mono Lake in the Eastern Sierra and to help the city of Los Angeles develop alternative water sources. (AB 444 by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg, D-Sacramento, and AB 1442 by Assemblyman William P. Baker, R-Danville.)

Drinking Water--The Department of Health Services is required to complete a statewide safe drinking water plan by July 1, 1991. (AB 21 by Assemblyman Byron D. Sher, D-Palo Alto.)

Pollution--Regional water quality boards are required to levy fines for violators of water pollution laws. (SB 601 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara.)

Ocean Resources--A 25-member task force, chaired by the secretary of the Environmental Affairs Agency, is established to improve coordination between state, federal and local entities involved in coordinating ocean resource planning. (AB 2000 by Assemblyman Sam Farr, D-Carmel.)

HOUSING

Homeless Shelters--The state Department of Housing and Community Development is empowered to award $1 million in emergency grants to help pay operating expenses of homeless shelters in Los Angeles and San Francisco. (SB 995 by Sen. Art Torres, D-Los Angeles.)

Rental Repairs--A landlord who has been cited for substandard building conditions can be required to pay reasonable relocation costs for tenants who are forced to move while repairs are made. (AB 1448 by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg, D-Sacramento.)

ANIMALS

Pets--It is a crime to kill and eat any animal commonly kept as a house pet. Recognizing that this practice is acceptable by some persons born and raised in other countries of the world, the governor also called for follow-up legislation to impose civil penalties instead of jail time for violations. (AB 1842 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-South San Francisco.)

Vicious Dogs--Animal control officers receive new powers to seek court orders to regulate vicious or potentially dangerous dogs such as pit bulls. (SB 428 by Sen. Art Torres, D-Los Angeles.)

Elephants--Zoo or circus elephant handlers can be charged with a misdemeanor offense if they abuse the animals. (SB 892 by Sen. Dan McCorquodale, D-San Jose.)

MISCELLANEOUS

Car Radios--Operation of any automobile radio sound system that can be heard 50 feet from the vehicle is prohibited. Violators will be subject to traffic citations and fines. (SB 1130 by Sen. Cecil N. Green, D-Norwalk.)

Restrooms--New service stations located near major highways or freeways are required to provide free restrooms for customers. (AB 2073 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Los Angeles.)

X-Rated Videos--Video rental stores are required to create an “adults only” section if they carry X-rated videos. Failure to do so will result in a $100 fine. (AB 1242 by Assemblyman Ted Lempert, D-San Mateo.)

Latino Museum--The establishment of the nation’s first museum of Latino history, art and culture somewhere in the Los Angeles region is authorized. (AB 241 by Assemblyman Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier.)

Earthquakes--The sunset date of the Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Project and the San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake Preparedness Project is extended until June 30, 1995. The ultimate goal is to achieve a significant reduction in potential earthquake hazards in the two metropolitan areas by the year 2000. (AB 725 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen R-Santa Rosa.)

Earthquakes--The Seismic Safety Commission is charged with developing a policy on acceptable levels of earthquake risk for new and existing state-owned buildings. (SB 920 by Sen. Don Rogers, R-Bakersfield.)

Enterprise Zones--The number of state enterprise zones that provide tax breaks to stimulate business development is increased from 10 to 25 with special emphasis placed on areas with a history of gang-related activity. (AB 251 by Assemblyman Pat Nolan, R-Glendale.)

Cable Television--It is a misdemeanor offense to tap into cable television lines with the intent of disrupting programming. (AB 544 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles.)

Pro Wrestling--A state law requiring the licensing of professional wrestlers is repealed. The author of the bill argues that pro wrestling is entertainment and not a sport. (AB 1040 by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd, D-Carson.)

Olympic Training Center--A $15-million state loan will be made for construction of an Olympic Games training center in San Diego County. The loan will be repaid by the sale of special Olympic license plates. (SB 1403 by Sen. William Campbell, R-Hacienda Heights.)