Two Measures Introduced to Fight Sexual Harassment

Legislation to require employers to prominently post notices defining what sexual harassment is and outlining procedures for employees who wish to file complaints (AB 2264) has been introduced in the Assembly.

A companion measure to extend the statute of limitations from one to two years to give harassed workers more time to file sexual discrimination claims (AB 2265) also was introduced in the lower house.

“I have introduced (the two measures) to address a problem that 50% to 85% of women will experience at some time during their academic or working life,” said Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-S. San Francisco) on the opening day of the 1992 session.

AB 2264 also would require businesses with 15 or more workers to provide education and training in the workplace to prevent sexual harassment.

GOVERNOR

Will give his annual State of the State address to a joint session of the Legislature today.

Will unveil his proposed 1992-93 state budget Thursday morning.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Chief Clerk: Voted 43-15 to confirm the appointment of E. Dotson Wilson as Assembly chief clerk. Wilson, formerly deputy chief of staff to Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco), replaces Acting Chief Clerk Larry Murman. Wilson is the first black legislative chief clerk in the U.S., according to Brown. His salary will be $86,976 a year.

Bill Introductions

Cigarettes: AB 2262 by Assemblyman Gerald Felando (D-San Pedro) would prohibit the sale of cigarettes from vending machines, and would ban the advertising of tobacco products on billboards within 500 feet of schools, both restrictions starting in 1996.

Legislative Analyst: AB 2288 by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento) would create a 12-member Commission on California Fiscal Affairs, with four members each appointed by the governor, the Speaker of the Assembly, and the Senate Rules Committee, to select the state legislative analyst. The analyst is charged with reviewing and making recommendations on both the state budget and other bills that have a fiscal impact.

Divided State: AJR 51 by Assemblyman Stan Statham, (R-Oak Run) asks Congress to enact legislation consenting to the division of California into two states--if the Legislature decides to take such a step as a result of favorable advisory votes scheduled for June in several northern counties.

Holocaust Memorial: AJR 78 by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) would designate the week of April 26 through May 3 as California Holocaust Memorial Week, and urge residents to observe those days as remembrance for victims of the Holocaust.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

School Scholarships: SCA 30 by Sen. William Leonard (R-Big Bear) would require the state to grant scholarships to parents to allow their children to attend either public or private schools, starting in the 1993-94 school year.

Parenting Skills Program: SB 1267 by Sen. Becky Morgan (R-Los Altos Hills) would require the state Department of Education to develop a parenting skills instruction program and conduct 10 pilot projects for students in grades 11-12.

Miscellaneous

Press Secretary: Speaker Brown has appointed Jimmy R. Lewis, a former Sacramento Bee reporter, to be his interim press secretary. Lewis, assistant director of the Assembly Office of Research, replaces Michael Reese, who resigned to become press secretary to state Treasurer Kathleen Brown. Lewis’ salary will be $68,904 a year.

Capital Fact

The state Assembly currently is made up of 47 Democrats and 33 Republicans; the state Senate has 24 Democrats, 13 Republicans, two independents and one vacancy.