Wilson Signs Bill Setting Cable TV Customer Service Standards

In response to growing complaints, Gov. Pete Wilson has signed a bill requiring cable television operators to establish customer service standards.

Authored by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles), the law (SB 1010) requires standards covering such things as cable television rates and bills, repairs and service calls with customers being notified of such matters.

Cities and counties could fine cable television operators if they fail to comply with the adopted customer service standards.

“We hear a lot of talk about cable television and its rising rates and declining service,” Rosenthal said. “This law will allow cable television customers to better know what to expect from their franchise so they can make sure they get what they pay for.”

GOVERNOR

Bills Signed

Cellular Phones: AB 2465 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly (D-Sacramento) to make it a crime to tape-record cellular phone calls without permission. Violations could be either misdemeanors or felonies, punishable by up to three years in prison or maximum fines of $2,500.

Night Court: SB 1701 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) to require the Los Angeles Superior Court to reinstate a night court program for criminal cases if approved by Los Angeles county supervisors.

Homeless AIDS: AB 2266 by Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman (D-Los Angeles) to extend from July 1, 1993, to July 1, 1995, the termination date for a pilot program that provides residential shelters for homeless people who have AIDS.

Sea World: AB 2711 by Assemblyman Richard E. Floyd (D-Carson) to allow alcoholic beverages to be served at San Diego’s Sea World, which is owned by the Anheuser-Busch Co.

Towing Companies: AB 2895 by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) to require automobile towing and storage companies to accept valid credit cards for payments.

Charity Fund-Raisers: AB 3066 by Assemblyman Byron D. Sher (D-Palo Alto) to require charity fund-raisers to disclose the percentage of money that goes for fund-raising expenses when requested by contributors.

Disabled People: SB 1228 by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) to add more years to the prison terms of felons convicted of committing violent crimes against disabled people.

Hate Crimes: AB 3366 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove) to increase potential penalties for people convicted of using firearms in committing hate crimes.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

Bungee Jumping: Passed and sent to the governor on a 49-17 vote a bill (AB 2778) by Assemblyman Paul Horcher (R-Hacienda Heights) to require operators of bungee jumping services to maintain minimum $500,000 liability insurance policies for the protection of their customers in the event of death or injuries.

Health Care: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 67-1 vote a bill (AB 52X) by Assemblyman Tom Bates (D-Oakland) to allow employers to establish voluntary comprehensive health care insurance plans for employees.

Committee Action

Open Meetings: The Appropriations Committee approved a bill (AB 3476) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) to strengthen the state’s Open Meetings Act that applies to city councils and county boards of supervisors. An 11-0 vote sent the bill to the Senate floor.

SENATE

Floor Action

Constitutional Convention: Rejected on a 16-14 vote a resolution (SCR 84) by Sen. Barry Keene (D-Ukiah) to give California voters the chance to call a constitutional convention to revise the state’s governmental structure. Reconsideration granted.

Committee Action

AIDS Needle Exchange Project: The Ways and Means Committee rejected a bill (SB 1418) by Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) to authorize pilot needle and syringe exchange projects to try to prevent the spread of AIDS if communities approve such projects. The bill received an 11-6 vote with 12 votes required for approval. Reconsideration granted.

Low-Flush Toilets: The Ways and Means Committee approved a bill (SB 1224) by Sen. Lucy Killea (I-San Diego) to require low-flush toilets that use less water in remodeled bathrooms after Jan. 1, 1994. A 15-8 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

BILL INTRODUCTIONS

Budget Stalemate Penalty: SCA 48 by Sen. Leroy Greene (D-Carmichael) would require the governor and state legislators to forfeit their pay, travel and living expenses if a budget bill is not passed by the June 15 constitutional deadline until a state spending program is enacted.