Governor Vetoes Mandatory AIDS Prevention Instruction

Gov. George Deukmejian has vetoed legislation that would have required students in public school grades 7 to 12 to receive AIDS prevention instruction unless their parents objected.

In his veto message, the governor said that he understands and appreciates the need for education to curb the spread of acquired immune deficiency syndrome, but that he does not believe the measure (AB 25) by Assemblywoman Teresa P. Hughes (D-Los Angeles) was needed to accomplish the goal.

“Our schools are aware of the importance of this instruction,” Deukmejian said, “and are responding appropriately without the additional programs and mandated local costs that this bill would create.”

GOVERNOR

* Issued a proclamation designating Oct. 1-5 as Rideshare Week.

* Tax Credit: SB 2208 by Sen. Becky Morgan (R-Los Altos Hills) to grant a $1,000 personal income tax credit to married couples with a single income of less than $40,000 where one parent stays home and cares for a child during the infant’s first year.

* Motorcycles: AB 55 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen (R-Santa Rosa) to require people under 21 years of age to complete a motorcycle safety training course before obtaining a license to drive one.

* Air Pollution: AB 2561 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) to impose a $300 smog fee on all vehicles registered in California that were last registered in another state and do not meet the state’s strict air pollution control standards.

* Life Insurance: AB 4076 by Assemblyman Patrick Johnston (D-Stockton) to create a state life insurance guarantee fund to protect policyholders and beneficiaries in the event that their life insurance company fails.

* Judges: AB 2874 by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker Jr. (D-Inglewood) to help reduce court caseloads by allowing retired judges to work up to 70 days a year without losing their retirement benefits.

* Lead: AB 3659 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly (D-Sacramento) to require the state Department of Health Services to set up a program to inspect and test tableware for unsafe lead levels before public sale.

* Pap Smears: AB 2542 by Assemblywoman Sally Tanner (D-Baldwin Park) to require health insurance plans to include coverage for annual Pap tests used to detect cervical cancer in women.

Bills Vetoed

* College Tuition: AB 500 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) to allow families to save for their children’s future college tuition by purchasing municipal bonds in small denominations. The governor said he did not believe the state should have to provide a specific college saving plan.

Capital Fact

The governor must submit his proposed state budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1 to the Assembly and Senate by Jan. 10 each year so the subcommittee screening process can begin.