Bill Would Ban Smoking in Restaurants, Public Buildings

Controversial legislation to force a statewide ban on smoking in restaurants, public buildings and medical care facilities has been introduced in the state Senate.

“The medical research on the dangers of second-hand smoke has become too convincing to ignore,” said Sen. Daniel Boatwright (D-Concord), author of the bill (SB 93). “This is no longer a nuisance issue--nonsmokers are being killed by their exposure to tobacco smoke.”

Even though many restaurants and public buildings have separate areas for smokers and nonsmokers, Boatwright said there often is no effective barrier against the smoke.

His anti-smoking bill would not interfere with local ordinances that might be more restrictive. The city of Los Angeles recently turned down a proposed ordinance to ban smoking in restaurants, and the city of Beverly Hills rescinded a similar ordinance.

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

Bill Limits: ACR 8 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) would limit members of the Assembly to the introduction of 45 bills and members of the Senate to the introduction of 70 bills per two-year general session.

Health: AB 136 by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker Jr. (D-Inglewood) would create an Office of Minority Health Affairs within the state Health and Welfare Agency.

Gun Crimes: AB 131 by Assemblyman Williard Murray (D-Paramount) would add a five-year prison term to anyone using a sawed-off shotgun or any firearm equipped with a silencer in the commission of a crime.

Taxes: ACA 4 by Assemblyman Johan Klehs (D-Castro Valley) would ask the voters to eliminate the two-thirds legislative vote required to approve increased taxes or adopt the state budget. Only a simple majority vote would be required in both cases.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

Income Tax: SB 85 by Sen. Alfred Alquist (D-San Jose) would increase the top state income tax bracket from 9.3% to 11% for persons who make more than $100,000 a year.

Foster Families: SB 90 by Sen. Edward Royce (R-Anaheim) would allow local governments to impose higher standards than the state does in the regulation of foster family homes.

Capital Fact

The official state insect is the dog-face butterfly, which has iridescent bluish-black, orange and sulfur-yellow wings, and is not found outside of California.