Riot-Related Legislation

Here are some of the bills introduced in the Legislature to deal with the consequences of the Los Angeles riots, and their status:

* Arraignments: SB 1117 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) to extend to seven working days the legal deadline for arraignment of suspects arrested during the riots. Passed Senate on 33-0 vote. Passed Assembly on 67-0 vote. Signed into law by Gov. Pete Wilson on May 5.

* Bridge Loans: AB 3636 by Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr. (D-Paramount) to provide state-backed “bridge loans” to riot-damaged businesses applying for federal assistance from the Small Business Administration. Passed Assembly on 70-2 vote. Passed Senate on 30-0 vote. Signed into law by Wilson on May 19.

* Evictions: AB 56 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore (D-Los Angeles) to allow renters in Los Angeles’ riot-torn areas an additional five days to respond to eviction notices because courts were temporarily closed. Passed Assembly on 64-0 vote. Passed Senate on 27-1 vote. Signed into law by Wilson on May 12.

* Probation: SB 2066 by Roberti to prohibit probation from being granted for convictions of looting during a riot or a state of emergency. Passed Senate on 36-0 vote. Awaiting Assembly committee assignment.

* Sentences: SB 2067 by Roberti to increase the maximum sentence for arson or fire-bombing during a riot from seven to nine years. Passed Senate on 36-0 vote. Awaiting Assembly committee assignment.

* Rewards: SB 2068 by Roberti to allow the attorney general to offer rewards up to $500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of looters and rioters. Passed Senate on 34-0 vote. Awaiting Assembly committee assignment.

* Tax Credits: AB 46X by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) to authorize investment tax credits for small businesses within the riot-torn area who rebuild their facilities. In Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. No hearing date.

* Tax Incentives: AB 36X by Assemblyman Pat Nolan (R-Glendale) to establish a Los Angeles revitalization zone to offer tax and regulatory incentives for businesses to more quickly relocate within the riot-damaged area; would suspend local government fees and reduce governmental red tape. In Assembly Revenue and Taxation Committee. No hearing date.

* Change of Venue: AB 3898 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly (D-Sacramento) and SB 2069 by Sen. Milton Marks (D-San Francisco) to require change-of-venue court decisions to include consideration of moving to a location substantially similar in racial and economic composition to the area in which the alleged criminal act occurred. AB 3898 is in Assembly Public Safety Committee with hearing date set for Tuesday. SB 2069 is in Senate Judiciary Committee with no hearing date.

* Property Taxes: AB 38X by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson (D-Los Angeles) to provide state funds to localities whose property tax revenues are reduced as a result of reassessment of properties damaged during the riots. In Assembly Ways and Means Committee. No hearing date.

* Liquor Licenses: AB 40X by Archie-Hudson to permit city councils and county boards of supervisors to prohibit the issuance of alcoholic beverage licenses if an excessive amount of crime occurs in the immediate area, or in cases of reconstruction, if another licensed liquor outlet is within 500 feet. In Assembly Governmental Organization Committee. No hearing date.

* Ammunition: AB 44X by Assemblyman Phillip Wyman (R-Tehachapi) would require National Guard ammunition to be stored in local armories instead of being kept at scattered locations throughout the state, to allow personnel to respond more quickly in case of riots. In Assembly Governmental Organization Committee. No hearing date.