Measure Would Keep State Offices Open for Lunch Hour

State agencies would have to remain open to serve the public during the lunch hour under a bill (AB 3167) by Assemblyman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) that swept through the lower house on a 67-0 vote.

Speier charged that scores of state offices from San Diego to Crescent City now shut down at high noon Monday through Friday.

“Answering machines are activated, doors are locked and public service takes a break,” she said. “But the lunch hour is often the only time when working men and women are able to do business with the state. AB 3167 will put public service back into the state lunch hour.”

The legislation now advances to the Senate. GOVERNOR

Will attend a luncheon with President Bush in Los Angeles on Monday to help raise money for measures on the June 5 ballot that would change the way the state draws legislative and congressional district lines. ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Small Claims Court: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 58-0 vote a bill (AB 3916) by Assemblyman Ted Lempert (D-San Mateo) to increase the maximum amount from $2,000 to $5,000 for small claims court actions.

Jailhouse Snitches: Rejected on a 20-19 vote a bill (AB 3344) by Assemblyman Richard Floyd (D-Carson) to require public records of money paid to so-called “jailhouse snitches.” SENATE

Floor Action

Earthquake Insurance: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 38-0 vote a bill (SB 2596) by Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Tarzana) to require insurance companies to annually offer homeowners earthquake coverage and have adjusters in the field within 48 hours after a temblor.

Rapid Transit: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 36-0 vote a bill (SB 1402) by Sen. Robert Presley (D-Riverside) to encourage transportation commissions of Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties to jointly develop a coordinated rail and bus transportation system to help ease traffic problems.

Sales Tax: Passed and returned to the Assembly for concurrence in amendments on a 37-0 vote a bill (AB 520) by Assemblyman Johan Klehs (D-Castro Valley) to grant nonprofit youth groups an exemption from paying state sales tax for fund-raising events. Capital Fact

Los Angeles County has 5.6 million of the state’s more than 19.5 million licensed drivers--the most of any of the 58 counties--and tiny Alpine County has the fewest motorists of any county, with only 800 people licensed to drive, according to the Department of Motor Vehicles.