Assembly

Committee Action Special Prosecutor: The Public Safety Committee rejected a bill (AB 113) by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento) to require the attorney general to seek an independent prosecutor to handle cases involving state legislators accused of a crime in connection with their official duties. The vote was 3 to 2 with five votes needed for committee approval. The author said he will seek reconsideration at a later date. Bill Introductions: Diapers: AB 2582 by Assemblyman Norm Waters (D-Plymouth) would prohibit the sale after Jan. 1, 1994, of disposable diapers that are not biodegradable, if the California Integrated Waste Management Board determines that biodegradable diapers are readily available at a comparable price. Nickel-a-Drink Tax: AB 2573 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly (D-Sacramento) would impose a 5-cents-per-drink surtax on alcoholic beverages. Resulting revenues would go to help support alcohol, drug, health and law enforcement programs. Senate Bill Introductions: Panama: SCR 52 by Sen. John Doolittle (R-Rocklin) commends President Bush and the U.S. military for the recent Panama expedition to topple the dictatorship of Gen. Manuel A. Noriega, and expresses thanks to individual members of the armed forces who fought and died in the conflict. Rental Security Deposits: SB 1755 by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp (I-San Francisco) would require landlords of residential rental property to pay 5% interest per year on security deposits of more than $50 held for more than six months. Worker Discrimination: SB 1752 by Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) would prohibit employers from discriminating against workers based on their choice of a particular mode of transportation to go to and from work--provided that choice is sufficient to get the employee to work on time. Auto Seat Belts: SB 1757 by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp (I-San Francisco) would require seat belts in taxicabs and limousines for hire.