Senate Bill Would Cut Tax Deductions for Luxury Items

State income tax deductions for luxury yachts, vacation homes, country club dues and expense account lunches would be abolished or substantially reduced under legislation that has been introduced in the Senate.

Senate majority leader Barry Keene (D-Ukiah) said his measure (SB 1800) would pump more than $300 million a year into the strained state treasury by “cutting taxpayer subsidies of the wealthiest and most powerful Californians.”

“In a year when we have to cut everywhere to pass a balanced budget, why should the richest be exempt?” Keene asked.

The state faces an estimated $5-billion to $7-billion revenue shortfall over the next 17 months.

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

* Breast Cancer: AB 3410 by Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman (D-Los Angeles) would increase the state cigarette tax by a penny per pack to finance a breast cancer awareness program.

* Gay Rights: AB 3019 by Assemblyman John Vasconcellos (D-Santa Clara) would prohibit employers and prospective employers from discriminating against employees or job applicants for advocating equal rights for homosexuals.

* Newspapers: AB 3543 by Assemblyman Ted Lempert (D-San Mateo) would repeal the state sales tax on newspapers.

* Welfare: AB 3685 by Assemblyman Willard Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) would require welfare applicants and recipients to register to vote.

* Renters: AB 3132 by Assemblywoman Tricia Hunter (R-San Diego) would repeal the renters tax credit.

* Drunk Drivers: AB 2851 by Assemblyman Terry Friedman (D-Los Angeles) would require ignition interlock devices for convicted drunk drivers whose blood alcohol content is twice the legal level of 0.08% or above. Drivers must breathe into the device in order to start the car. If the blood alcohol level exceeds 0.025%, the car does not start.

* Jazz: AB 3061 by Assemblyman Willard Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) would establish the Institute for the Preservation of Jazz at California State University, Fullerton.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

* AIDS: SB 1809 by Sen. Newton Russell (R-Glendale) would require an AIDS test to obtain a marriage license.

* Women: SB 1838 by Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) would require the governor to appoint more women and members of ethnic minority groups to serve on state boards and commissions.

* Ballot Measures: SB 1803 by Sen. Milton Marks (D-San Francisco) would require radio and television advertisements for and against ballot measures to clearly state who paid for them.

* Fund-Raisers: SB 1682 by Sen. Daniel Boatwright (D-Concord) would require professional fund-raisers to identify themselves as such before requesting contributions to avoid making donors think that they are unpaid volunteers.