Assembly Committee Endorses Early Presidential Primary Bill

A bill to move up the California presidential primary from June to March to give the state more clout in picking the nation’s chief executive has been approved by the Assembly Elections Committee.

An 11-2 vote sent the measure (AB 1820) by Assemblyman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) to the Ways and Means Committee.

The Legislature has rejected several similar proposals, partly because of expected additional costs to taxpayers since moving the primary means holding another election later--both in advance of the general election in November.

Costa argues that California’s presidential primary is too late now to have much influence and the state’s economy would be improved by candidates spending more dollars here to woo the voters. ASSEMBLY Committee Action

Automobile Insurance: The Ways and Means Committee approved a controversial bill (AB 1375) by Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) that would provide low-cost minimum automobile liability insurance coverage to low-income good drivers. A 12-9 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor. Gov. Pete Wilson has said he probably would veto the measure if it reaches his desk.

Parental Leave: The Ways and Means Committee also approved a bill (AB 77) by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) that would permit employees to take up to four months of unpaid leave to care for a sick or newborn child or elderly family member without fear of losing their jobs. A 12-4 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

Legion of Valor: The Ways and Means Committee approved a bill (AB 1165) by Assemblyman Pat Nolan (R-Glendale) that would authorize special license plates to be issued to veterans belonging to the Legion of Valor in recognition of their bravery under fire. A 23-0 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

Firearms: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (AB 2029) by Assemblyman Lloyd Connelly (D-Sacramento) to provide prison terms for parents or other adults who let loaded firearms get into the hands of children if someone gets hurt or killed. A 5-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Law Enforcement: The Public Safety Committee also approved a bill (AB 183) by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach) that would make it a misdemeanor for law enforcement officers to use “pain compliance” holds on passive demonstrators. A 5-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Seat Belts: The Transportation Committee approved a bill (AB 1751) by Assemblywoman Dierdre Alpert (D-Del Mar) that would require dealers to install rear seat lap-shoulder belts on used cars before they are sold. A 9-3 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Smoking: The Governmental Organization Committee rejected a bill (AB 49) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-South San Francisco) to prohibit smoking in all state buildings, including the Capitol. The vote was 3-6 with 10 yes votes required for approval.

Compact Discs: The Natural Resources Committee approved a bill (AB 861) by Assemblyman Terry Friedman (D-Los Angeles) to prohibit oversized packaging of compact discs that environmentalists claim would help to reduce waste now being deposited in landfills. A 9-4 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Same-Sex Marriages: The Judiciary Committee sent to between-sessions study a bill (AB 167) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) to legalize same-sex marriages.

Televised Executions: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (AB 2246) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) to permit televised coverage of executions in San Quentin’s gas chamber. A 6-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee. SENATE Floor Action

Hate Crimes: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 33-0 vote a bill (SB 98) by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) to substantially increase the penalties for hate crimes committed against victims solely because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin or sexual orientation. Committee Action

Liquor Licenses: The Governmental Organization Committee rejected a bill (SB 22) by Sen. Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco) to increase liquor license fees by 80% to provide more money to hire more investigators and enforcement officers. A 2-3 vote was cast on the bill with six yes votes required for approval. Miscellany

Bribery Attempt: The state Department of Justice has opened an investigation into the attempted bribery of members of the Assembly Agriculture Committee with letters containing $50 bills and a promise of another $2,000 if the panel would kill a bill to allow non-veterinarians to clean animals’ teeth. The legislation (AB 334), sponsored by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan (D-Fresno), would repeal a regulation backed by veterinarians that prohibits dog groomers and other non-veterinarians from doing such work. Some of the letters carried San Diego postmarks. Action on the bill in question has been postponed by the committee. There is some speculation in the Capitol that the attempt could be a “sting” operation because of the federal corruption probe that resulted in the recent conviction of former Sen. Joseph Montoya (D-Whittier).