Bill Seeks to Protect Beach-Goers From Sewage and Toxic Spills

People who enjoy a trip to the beach would be better protected against dangerous sewage and toxic spills under legislation that has been introduced in the Senate.

The bill (SB 1865) would require the state Water Resources Control Board to develop uniform beach testing and closure standards for all state beaches whenever there is serious pollution danger.

“It is shocking that California has no uniform state standards for protecting the health of beach-goers,” said Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara), the author of the measure.

“My bill will require the state to do a much better job of ensuring that family trips to the beach do not turn into emergency trips to the hospital.”

ASSEMBLY

Bill Introductions

* Credit Cards: AB 3344 by Assemblyman Rusty Areias (D-Los Banos) would limit the amount of interest that could be charged on bank credit cards. No specific amount was given, but the author said he was considering 13% or 14%.

* Coastal Commission: AB 3394 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) would prohibit members of the state Coastal Commission from soliciting or accepting campaign contributions on behalf of any candidate for elected public office or proposed ballot measure.

* Motorcycle Helmets: AB 3607 by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson (R-Newport Beach) would repeal the state’s motorcycle helmet requirement law for riders who carry an insurance policy ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000 to cover treatment for head injuries.

* Telephone Solicitation: AB 3494 by Assemblyman Mike Gotch (D-San Diego) would prohibit telephone sales solicitations of people who place their names on a list of telephone customers who do not wish to receive such calls. Each violation would be punishable by a fine of up to $1,000.

* Schoolbooks: ACA 48 by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin (D-Union City) would authorize local school districts to adopt textbooks for use in grades one through eight.

* English Only: AB 3601 by Assemblyman David Knowles (R-Sacramento) would require the state and all of its political subdivisions to take all reasonable steps to preserve, protect and enhance the role of English as the official state language.

* Cross Filing: AB 3793 by Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) would permit candidates running for partisan office to seek the primary election nomination of more than one political party for the same office.

* African-Americans: AB 3402 by Assemblyman Willard Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) would require the trustees of the California State University to establish a Center for African-American Educational Excellence and Achievement at Cal State Dominguez Hills.

* Economic Growth: ACR 96 by Assemblyman Dave Elder (D-San Pedro) would set up a California Commission on Economic Growth to look into possible utilization of public retirement fund assets to support economic development.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

* State Lottery: SCA 43 by Sen. Tim Leslie (R-Auburn) would ask the voters to decide whether they want to repeal the state lottery.

* Assault Weapons: SB 1924 by Sen. Don Rogers (R-Bakersfield) would repeal the state law requiring registration and permits for the sale and possession of assault weapons.

* Rape Penalties: SB 1849 by Sen. Edward Royce (R-Anaheim) would impose life imprisonment for the conviction of forcible rape and other sex crimes that presently carry sentences ranging from three to nine years.

* Family Rights: SCA 42 by Sen. Tim Leslie (R-Auburn) would enact a Family Bill of Rights that defines marriage as a legal relationship available only to individuals of the opposite sex.

* Tobacco Advertisements: SB 1844 by Sen. Ed Davis (R-Santa Clarita) would prohibit outdoor advertisements that promote the purchase or use of tobacco products when or where there is a reasonable likelihood that they would be seen by minors.