Governor Signs Bill Allowing Use of Gray Water on Lawns

Gov. Pete Wilson has signed a bill to legalize gray water systems that permit homeowners to use waste water from showers and laundries to help keep their lawns green and irrigate landscaping.

“Californians have demonstrated great responsibility and self-reliance in responding to the continuing drought,” said Assemblyman Byron D. Sher (D-Palo Alto), chairman of the Natural Resources Committee and author of the measure (AB 3518). “This bill gives homeowners another tool to cope with the drought’s adverse effects.

The legislation authorizes residential water systems that meet safety criteria developed by the state Department of Water Resources to ensure that public health is not threatened by the use of the gray water.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Ballot Propositions: Passed and sent to the governor on a 42-0 vote a bill (AB 34) by Assemblyman Phillip Wyman (R-Tehachapi) to require election ballot pamphlets to explain in the fewest possible words what a yes vote or a no vote means on all propositions.

Telephone Calls: Passed and sent to the governor on a 47-0 vote a bill (AB 3222) by Assemblyman Johan Klehs (D-Castro Valley) to require state agencies that use voice mail to provide callers with an option of talking to a human operator during normal business hours.

School Damages: Passed and sent to the governor on a 44-0 vote a bill (AB 3257) by Assemblyman Paul Horcher (R-Hacienda Heights) to increase the maximum amount of money that schools can collect from parents for damages caused by their children from $7,500 to $10,000.

Burglar Alarms: Passed and sent to the governor on a 52-0 vote a bill (AB 2611) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) to require police departments to respond to burglar alarms even if a city permit previously has not been obtained.

Campground Tax: Rejected on a 17-38 vote a bill (SB 1984) by Sen. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) to allow cities and counties to impose a hotel tax on campsites at privately owned campgrounds and recreational vehicle parks.

Bank Closures: Rejected on a 25-33 vote a bill (AB 3683) by Assemblyman Steve Peace (D-San Diego) to require state-chartered banks to provide advance notice to customers of their intention to close a branch to permit time for protests. Forty-one votes required for approval. Reconsideration requested.

Committee Action

Health Care: The Insurance Committee approved a bill (AB 52X) by Assemblyman Tom Bates (D-Oakland) to allow employers to establish voluntary comprehensive health care insurance plans for employees. A 14-1 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

SENATE

Floor Action

Rapists’ Children: Passed and returned to the Assembly for concurrence in amendments on a 27-1 vote a bill (AB 1296) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) to restrict convicted rapists from claiming custody, taking advantage of joint visitation rights or blocking the adoption of a child conceived during the crime.

Battered Wives: Rejected on a 16-9 vote a bill (AB 2373) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) to create a five-member state commission within the governor’s office to review possible pardons for women convicted of killing husbands who beat them. Twenty-one votes required for approval. Reconsideration granted.