CALIFORNIA LAWS ’93

Taking effect today are many of the 1,386 bills passed by the 1992 Legislature. There’s good news for Californians worried about public schools, delinquent child support payments and job discrimination against gays and lesbians. There’s bad news for motorists caught without their seat belts on, businesses that violate air pollution rules, and schools that allow sexual harassment to occur. Here is a sampling. For more information about a particular law, write to the bill’s author at the State Capitol, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.

CRIME

Capital Punishment--Death Row murderers will be permitted to decide if they wish to die by lethal injection or in San Quentin’s gas chamber. If the prisoner does not pick either method of execution, he or she will be put to death by gas. The new law is designed to help eliminate legal challenges to the use of lethal gas on grounds that it constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. There are at least 345 men and three women in California who have been sentenced to death. Twenty-two other states already use lethal injections, either as the sole means of execution or as an alternative. (AB 2405 by Assemblyman Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks).

Cellular Telephones--Tape recording of cellular or cordless telephone calls without the permission of both parties to the conversation becomes a crime. (AB 2465 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly, D-Sacramento).

Crime Victims--Law enforcement personnel are prohibited from disclosing a crime victim’s home address or telephone number to anyone who is arrested for the crime or who is a potential defendant. (AB 1681 by Assemblyman Richard L. Mountjoy, R-Arcadia).

Disabled People--Additional years can be tacked on to the prison terms of those convicted of committing violent crimes against disabled people. (SB 1288 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward).

Hate Crimes--Prison penalties are increased for those convicted of using firearms while committing hate crimes. (AB 3366 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

More Hate Crimes--A training course for local police officers on how to handle hate crimes will be developed by the state. (AB 3407 by Assemblyman Johan Klehs, D-San Leandro).

Stalking Penalties--It will become easier to prosecute people who follow, harass or threaten their victims with great bodily harm or death. (SB 1342 by Sen. Edward Royce, R-Anaheim).

Prison Deaths--State reports explaining the circumstances of the deaths of state prison inmates will be made available for public review. (AB 2302 by Assemblyman John Burton, D-San Francisco).

Felony Crimes--Prison penalties are increased for people convicted of committing felony crimes against the elderly, the physically disabled and children. (AB 1611 by Assemblywoman Bev Hansen, R-Santa Rosa).

Boot Camp--A military-style “boot camp” program will be established for nonviolent male offenders who have not previously been imprisoned. (SB 1124 by Sen. Robert Presley, D-Riverside).

White Collar Crime--Courts can impose mandatory jail sentences on people convicted of so-called white-collar crimes, with the term of imprisonment based on the amount of the theft. (SB 541 by Sen. Robert Presley, D-Riverside).

Burglar Alarms--Local police may not refuse to respond to a burglar alarm solely because a city permit has not been obtained for its installation. (AB 2611 by Assemblyman John Burton, D-San Francisco).

Good Behavior--State prison inmates are prohibited from receiving good-behavior credits while under restriction for committing a crime while in prison. (SB 1509 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Upland).

Offshore Gambling--Gambling activities on ships operating between California ports are specifically prohibited. (AB 3769 by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy, R-Orange).

Drunk Doctors--It becomes a misdemeanor offense for intoxicated doctors and surgeons to treat patients. (SB 1876 by Sen. Wadie P. Deddeh, D-Bonita).

SCHOOLS

Charter Schools--Parents and teachers may create new taxpayer-financed schools that operate free of most state and local controls to try to improve the quality of education offered to students. (SB 1448 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

Volunteer Mentors--The governor’s office is allowed to recruit, train, place and support volunteers who will work one-on-one with students in kindergarten through grade 12 throughout the state. (SB 1114 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Upland).

Guns on Campus--School officials are required to suspend and recommend for expulsion students found with firearms in their possession on campus. (AB 678 by Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland, R-Granada Hills).

Teen-Age Suicides--Junior high and high school counselors are encouraged to take training courses in how to prevent teen-age suicides. (AB 2386 by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan, D-Fresno).

Liquor Licenses--No new take-out liquor licenses will be issued to businesses located within 600 feet of schools, playgrounds, churches or hospitals. (SB 1315 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Upland).

Holocaust--High school social science classes are required to include the study of the World War II Holocaust and U.S. slavery practices. (AB 3216 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Sexual Harassment--Public school authorities will be able to suspend or expel students in grades 4 through 12 who sexually harass their classmates. (SB 1930 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

Lead Testing--Public schools will be tested by the state to determine if lead levels in water, paint and soil are safe. (AB 1659 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

Sexual Harassment--Higher educational institutions are required to have a written sexual harassment policy setting forth both the rules and remedies available to victims. (AB 2900 by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson, D-Los Angeles).

Campus Crimes--Public access is increased to reports concerning crimes committed on college campuses. (AB 3739 by Assemblyman Pat Nolan, R-Glendale).

Tuition Bonds--The state will sell bonds to parents, with proceeds deposited in a college savings fund to help pay their children’s future tuition costs. (SB 1163 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

State College Fees--A variety of fee payment options, including the use of credit cards and paying on the installment plan, will be offered to state college students. (AB 3294 by Assemblyman Paul A. Woodruff, R-Moreno Valley).

Freedom of Speech--Students are protected against school disciplinary action just because they file a lawsuit charging that a college or university has unjustly abridged their right of freedom of speech. (SB 1115 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Upland).

College Names--It becomes a misdemeanor for any business operation or group to use the term college or university in its name unless it meets certain criteria. (AB 2258 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica).

WOMEN

Sexual Harassment--Employers must post notices and distribute brochures to employees defining sexual harassment, employer liability, and how to file complaints. (AB 2264 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Sexual Assault--Police are prohibited from releasing the names and addresses of sexual assault victims without their permission. (SB 296 by Sen. Art Torres, D-Los Angeles).

Attorney-Client Sex--Circumstances are spelled out under which sexual relations between an attorney and a client become cause for disciplinary action by the State Bar. (AB 1400 by Assemblywoman Lucille Roybal-Allard, D-Los Angeles).

Pregnant Employees--Companies with 15 or more workers are required to reassign pregnant employees who request such a move to less hazardous or strenuous tasks, if this does not disrupt normal business activities. (AB 2865 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Breast Cancer Research--State income-tax payers can check off a portion of their refunds to help finance breast cancer research. (AB 2652 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Breast Surgery--Doctors and surgeons are required to inform patients of possible adverse side effects of silicone implants and collagen injections before surgery is performed. (AB 190 by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan, D-Fresno).

Mammography--Stricter state standards are imposed on both personnel and mammography facilities used for the early detection of breast cancer in women. (AB 2841 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Yew Trees--State policy is established on the management and use of the Pacific yew tree, a source of taxol, an anti-cancer drug used to treat women who have breast and ovarian cancer. (AB 3756 by Assemblyman Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto).

Violent Crimes--Counties are authorized and encouraged to create task forces to study violent crimes committed against women and recommend corrective action to the Legislature. (AB 2725 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Battered Women--The governor can consider battered women’s syndrome as a factor in a clemency request by a prisoner convicted of killing a spouse or partner. (AB 3436 by Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman, D-Los Angeles).

Abortion Clinics--Stiffer misdemeanor penalties are established for people who physically try to prevent others from entering abortion clinics. (AB 1097 by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland).

Women in Business--A state Council to Promote Business Ownership by Women is established to hold public hearings and make recommendations to the Legislature. (AB 1488 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

CHILDREN

Child Support--A sophisticated computerized data tracking system now used by the state Franchise Tax Board to help find people who fail to pay taxes also will be used to help locate parents and collect delinquent child support payments. (AB 3589 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

More Child Support--No state business and professional licenses will be issued to people who are in arrears on their child support payments until they make commitments to become current. (AB 1394 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Child Support Reporting--Employers must report newly hired and rehired employees to the state within 30 days to be matched up with information regarding people being sought to collect back child support payments. (SB 1423 by Sen. Becky Morgan, R-Los Altos).

Firearms--Carrying a concealed or loaded firearm or exhibiting a firearm in a threatening manner at a playground or youth center becomes a possible felony. (AB 2777 by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson, D-Los Angeles).

CPR and First Aid--Licensed child care providers must have at least 15 hours of training in CPR and first-aid procedures to deal with emergencies that might arise. (AB 962 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Abused Children--The legal definition of child abuse is expanded to include the willful, prolonged failure to provide adequate food. (SB 1646 by Sen. Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier).

More Child Abuse--Statewide statistics and information on fatal child abuse and neglect will be gathered by the Department of Justice in an effort to reduce the incidence of these crimes. (AB 3633 by Assemblyman Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles).

Rapists’ Children--Convicted rapists are prevented from claiming custody or blocking the adoption of a child conceived during the crime. (AB 1296 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Child Safety--Special vanity automobile license plates will be made available for the payment of an additional fee to raise funds to help finance various child care safety programs. (AB 3087 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

TRANSPORTATION

Transit Reorganization--A new Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority will be created to replace the much-criticized Southern California Rapid Transit District and the Los Angeles County Transportation Commission. (AB 152 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Highway Visibility--The California Highway Patrol is authorized to shut down a highway when visibility limitations pose a significant driving hazard. The law came in response to a 1991 multi-vehicle accident during a severe dust storm on Interstate 5 in the San Joaquin Valley that claimed 17 lives and injured 164 others. (AB 122 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Automobile Seat Belts--Police officers are permitted to stop and cite motorists solely for failing to use automobile seat belts. A $20 fine may be imposed for a first offense and a $50 fine for subsequent offenses. Prior state law allowed law enforcement officers to cite motorists for seat belt violations only if the driver were pulled over for another violation. (AB 338 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco).

Combination Seat Belts--Used car dealers are required to inform vehicle purchasers of the safety advantages of installing shoulder harness-lap belt combinations. (AB 1751 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

New Automobile Sales--New car dealers will have to disclose the total number of vehicles available at an advertised sale price. (AB 3069 by Assemblyman Byron D. Sher, D-Palo Alto).

Freeway Tow Service--Public tow service patrols on freeways, already successful in Los Angeles, will be expanded statewide to aid stranded motorists in other metropolitan areas where there is significant rush-hour traffic congestion. (AB 3346 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

More Towing Services--Automobile towing and storage companies are required to accept valid credit cards for payment of services. (AB 2895 by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland).

Transit Plans--State transportation officials are directed to develop plans for a public-private research and development center to create new technologies to improve mass rapid transit and high-speed rail systems. (AB 3096 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Trucking Accidents--To reduce the number of trucking accidents caused by driver fatigue, commercial truckers may drive only a limited number of hours. (AB 2417 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles).

Speed Traps--Evidence collected by speed traps will not be admissible at speeding violation trials. A speed trap is defined as a roadway with a posted speed limit not justified by recent traffic surveys where radar is used to catch motorists. This does not mean radar will no longer be used by law enforcement officers. (AB 3659 by Assemblyman Paul Horcher, R-Diamond Bar).

Ride-Sharing--Employers are required to provide financial incentives to employees who agree to use ride-sharing or public transit to get to and from work. (AB 2109 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

More Ride-Sharing--The South Coast Air Quality Management District is prohibited from requiring businesses with fewer than 100 employees to comply with ride-sharing regulations designed to reduce air pollution. (SB 1352 by Sen. John R. Lewis, R-Orange).

Roadside Rests--Solicitation of money from motorists at roadside rests and vista points is prohibited. Law enforcement officers also are given the authority to remove people who are deemed to be nuisances. (AB 1067 by Assemblyman Robert C. Frazee, R-Carlsbad).

Disabled Parking--The potential fine is increased from $100 to $250 for illegally parking in spaces marked for disabled people only. (AB 2289 by Assemblyman Gerald N. Felando, R-San Pedro).

Elevated Billboards--Owners of billboards are allowed to elevate them to be visible from highways when sound-deflection walls are erected. (AB 2795 by Assemblyman Richard Floyd, D-Carson).

Art Plates--Reflectorized automobile license plates may be purchased for an additional fee with the proceeds earmarked for allocation to the California Arts Council to help promote local arts programs. (AB 3632 by Assemblyman Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles).

Yosemite Park--Issuance of special Yosemite license plates for an extra fee is authorized, with proceeds going to help preserve the scenic park. (AB 2700 by Assemblyman William P. Baker, R-Danville).

CONSUMER AFFAIRS

Cable Television--Cable system operators are required to establish customer service standards covering such areas as rates to be charged, billing procedures, repairs and service calls. (AB 2388 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles).

ATMs--Banks and savings and loan institutions must notify users of automatic teller machines of any transaction surcharge before the completion of a withdrawal. (AB 2389 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles).

Home Deliveries--Retailers, public utilities and cable television companies are required to notify customers of the specific four-hour period during which a delivery or service call will be made on the day before they arrive on the scene. (SB 1387 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward).

Credit Reports--Creditors who submit negative information to a credit bureau concerning a consumer must first notify the consumer that they intend to do so. (AB 1629 by Assemblyman Steve Peace, D-Chula Vista).

Junk Fax Advertising--Transmission of unsolicited junk advertising material over facsimile machines is restricted. (AB 2438 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Panorama City).

Funeral Costs--Complete product and price information must be provided by funeral directors and embalmers to people who request such data for comparison shopping purposes. (AB 3746 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Consumer Protection--People who violate consumer product health and safety laws can be fined by the state in lieu of being taken to court. (AB 2676 by Assemblyman Gerald Felando, R-San Pedro).

Charity Fund-Raisers--Professionals hired to collect funds for charitable purposes are required to identify themselves as such before asking donors for money. (SB 1682 by Sen. Daniel E. Boatwright, D-Concord).

More Fund-Raisers--Charity drive organizers must disclose the percentage of collected money that goes for fund-raising expenses if so requested by contributors. (AB 3066 by Assemblyman Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto).

Charity Spending--Any charity collecting more than $1 million annually from California donors must file a detailed statement outlining exactly how it spent the money. (AB 3053 by Assemblyman Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles).

Sports Memorabilia--Autographed sports collectibles sold for $50 or more must be accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. (AB 3113 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Burial Depths--Coffins must be buried under at least 18 inches of earth and permission is required to bury more than one coffin in the same grave. (AB 1981 by Assemblyman Dave Elder, D-Carson).

Check Cashing Services--The state will regulate and set caps on fees charged by check cashing services. (AB 2400 by Assemblyman Steve Peace, D-Chula Vista).

EMPLOYMENT

Discrimination--Job discrimination against homosexuals is prohibited by law. (AB 2601 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Encino).

Job-Site Discrimination--The Fair Employment and Housing Commission is given the authority to levy fines and award damages of up to $50,000 to victims of work-site sexual and racial discrimination. (AB 311 by Assemblywoman Gwen Moore, D-Los Angeles).

More Discrimination--Discrimination is prohibited against people with mental or physical disabilities in jobs and housing, to comply with existing federal law. (AB 1077 by Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan, D-Fresno).

Workers’ Comp--Advertisements soliciting the filing of workers’ compensation claims must include notice that it is a felony to file a false or fraudulent claim. (AB 2329 by Assemblyman Steve Peace, D-Chula Vista).

Whistle-Blowers--State and local governmental employees are protected from job discrimination for disclosing an alleged violation of law by their employers. (AB 3486 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Encino).

RIOTS

Rebuilding Projects--Tax breaks will be given to businesses that rebuild their facilities and create jobs for residents who live in riot-torn Los Angeles neighborhoods. (AB 38X by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson, D-Los Angeles).

Riot Rewards--Cash rewards of up to $50,000 are authorized for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those who commit looting or arson during a riot or state of emergency. (SB 2068 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti, D-Van Nuys).

Looting--Criminal penalties for looting during a riot are made the same as for looting during a state of emergency such as an earthquake or a flood. (AB 2066 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti, D-Van Nuys).

Firebombing--Prison sentences for arson or firebombing during a state of emergency such as a riot are increased. (SB 2067 by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti, D-Van Nuys).

DRUGS

Illegal Drugs--Prison penalties are increased for people who sell or buy materials used to manufacture illegal drugs. (SB 1820 by Sen. Lucy Killea, I-San Diego, SB 1057 by Sen. Marian Bergeson, R-Newport Beach, and SB 1821, also by Killea).

Juvenile Abusers--A pilot “boot camp” program will be set up within the California Youth Authority for nonviolent juveniles with a history of drug abuse problems. (SB 676 by Sen. Robert Presley, D-Riverside).

Heroin Sales--Prison penalties are increased for the sale of heroin on or near school grounds. (AB 2124 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Street Closures--Local governments are authorized to temporarily close public streets if so requested by law enforcement authorities to combat ongoing criminal activities such as drug trafficking. (SB 1334 by Sen. Robert Beverly, R-Redondo Beach).

AIDS

Imported Blood--All blood imported from out of state must comply with American Assn. of Blood Bank standards. (AB 2286 by Assemblyman Dave Elder, D-Carson).

AIDS Shelters--A pilot program providing residential shelters for homeless people who have AIDS is extended from July 1, 1993, to July 1, 1995. (AB 2266 by Assemblywoman Barbara Friedman, D-Los Angeles).

HIV-Positive Minors--The Department of Social Services will conduct an in-depth study of how to best meet the needs of HIV-positive minors and their families. (AB 2724 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Encino).

INSURANCE

Earthquake Insurance--Homeowners will no longer be required to purchase earthquake damage insurance. (AB 2049 by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg, D-Sacramento).

Health Insurance--Red tape is eliminated to make it easier for small businesses to obtain and retain health insurance coverage for their employees, effective July 1. (AB 1672 by Assemblyman Burt Margolin, D-Los Angeles).

Credit Life--Authority of the state insurance commissioner to regulate rates charged by credit life and disability insurance companies is restored. Former Sen. Alan Robbins (D-Van Nuys), the former chairman of the Senate Insurance Committee, was sent to prison last year after admitting that he took a $12,000 bribe for his work on behalf of a successful bill that transferred the regulatory power to the Legislature. (AB 2107 by Assemblyman Lloyd G. Connelly, D-Sacramento).

Unlicensed Companies--Unlicensed insurance firms must inform potential customers that the state does not regulate the conduct of such companies or guarantee that customer claims will be paid. (SB 1145 by Sen. Patrick Johnston, D-Stockton).

Auto Insurance Fraud--Drivers who stage automobile accidents for the purpose of filing fraudulent insurance claims shall have their licenses suspended for six months. (AB 2669 by Assemblyman Paul Horcher, R-Diamond Bar).

Bungee Jumping--Operators of bungee jumping services are required to take out insurance policies for at least $500,000 liability to cover possible customer deaths and injuries. (AB 2778 by Assemblyman Paul Horcher, R-Diamond Bar).

HOUSING

Roof Shingles--To help reduce the fire hazard, minimum fire-retardant shingles on new and re-roofed buildings will be required starting July 1, 1995. (AB 2131 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, D-Carpinteria).

Fire Hazard Zones--Local governments are empowered to require stricter fire prevention standards for homes located in regions that are designated as high fire hazard severity zones. (AB 337 by Assemblyman Tom Bates, D-Berkeley).

Discrimination--State housing laws prohibiting discrimination based on physical or mental disabilities or the presence of children under the age of 18 in a family are strengthened to comply with federal law. (SB 1234 by Sen. Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier).

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Tax Hikes--Local legislative bodies are required to conduct at least one public hearing, after at least 45 days notice, before enacting any general tax increase. (SB 1977 by Sen. Marian Bergeson, R-Newport Beach).

Meeting Notices--Advance notice of public meetings of local officials must be mailed to those who request them and agree to pay postage. (AB 2953 by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson, R-Newport Beach).

Skateboarders--Local governments can pass safety ordinances requiring protective equipment for people who use skateboard parks. (AB 2487 by Assemblyman Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto).

Campground Tax--Cities and counties may levy a hotel/motel-type occupancy tax on recreational campground spaces. (SB 1984 by Sen. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena).

WATER

Gray Water--Homeowners are authorized to install so-called gray water systems that use waste water from showers and laundries to help keep lawns and gardens irrigated. (AB 3518 by Assemblyman Byron Sher, D-Palo Alto).

Low-Flush Toilets--Water-conserving toilets will be required in most remodeled bathrooms after Jan. 1, 1994. (SB 1224 by Sen. Lucy Killea, I-San Diego).

GANGS

Graffiti Removal--Taxpayers are authorized to form local graffiti abatement districts to clean up damage left behind by gang members and other vandals if two-thirds of the voters agree with such a move. (AB 3457 by Assemblyman Dave Elder, D-Carson).

Firearms--It becomes a possible felony for gang members and others to knowingly sell or give a firearm to another person with the knowledge that the weapon will be used to commit a felony. (SB 437 by Sen. Cecil N. Green, D-Norwalk).

Drive-by Shootings--Prison penalties are increased for gang drive-by shootings that leave victims paralyzed or severely crippled. (SB 1649 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Upland).

DRUNK DRIVING

Ignition Locking Devices--People convicted of two drunk driving offenses within seven years are prohibited from driving unless a device has been installed on their vehicle to prevent the engine from starting if the driver’s breath shows that he or she has been drinking too much to drive safely. An ignition locking device can cost the driver as much as $700. (AB 2851 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Encino).

Drunk Minors--Adults who knowingly let minors impaired by drinking alcoholic beverages drive automobiles will become subject to a misdemeanor charge. (AB 3365 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

COASTAL

Secret Meetings--State coastal commissioners are prohibited from engaging in secret communications with anyone who may have business before the commission. Violations will be punishable by fines up to $75,000. This law stems from the recent indictment of Commissioner Mark L. Nathanson on charges of using his office to extort hundreds of thousands of dollars from Hollywood celebrities and others seeking coastal development permits. Nathanson has pleaded not guilty and is scheduled to go to trial in April. (AB 3459 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Encino).

Coastal Development--Possible fines for illegal coastal development projects are tripled from $5,000 to $15,000 per day. (SB 1449 by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal, D-Los Angeles).

Offshore Oil Drilling--Virtually the entire California coast from the Oregon state line to Mexico will be covered by an offshore oil drilling ban. The state controls coastal waters from the shoreline to three miles out. (AB 10 by Assemblyman Dan Hauser, D-Arcata, and AB 854 by Assemblyman Ted Lempert, D-San Mateo).

Beach Pollution--Uniform beach testing and closure standards will be developed to be followed whenever there is a serious pollution danger that could be injurious to public health. (SB 1865 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

WELFARE

Placement Workers--People employed by welfare service agencies are prohibited from placing a child in the home of a relative or a friend in order to reap a financial gain. (AB 3617 by Assemblyman Bob Epple, D-Cerritos).

Sibling Visits--Children placed in foster homes will be allowed to visit their brothers and sisters if the Juvenile Court approves such visits. (AB 3332 by Assemblyman Tom McClintock, R-Thousand Oaks).

ENVIRONMENT

Air Pollution--Fines for business firms that violate air pollution rules and regulations, formerly $1,000 to $25,000 per day, depending upon the severity of the violation, are increased to $10,000 to $50,000 per day. The higher fines are levied for negligence or intentional action to bypass the law. (AB 1572 by Assemblyman Robert J. Campbell, D-Martinez).

More Air Pollution--Use of remote sensors is authorized to identify automobiles that emit large quantities of pollutants. (SB 1404 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

Pesticide Registration--Registration of pesticides containing ingredients not included on a list of 200 dangerous pesticides can be suspended if there are no completed health and safety studies as required by current law. (AB 3395 by Assemblyman Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica).

Hazardous Waste--Anyone found guilty of dumping illegal hazardous waste will be required to pay the cost of cleaning up and restoring natural resources that are destroyed. (AB 3694 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

MISCELLANEOUS

Space Launches--A state commercial space launch assistance program will be established to promote California, specifically Vandenberg Air Force Base, as a world center for commercial space launch activities. (SB 1416 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

African-Americans--A Center for African-American Educational Excellence to be funded by a variety of private and governmental sources will be established at Cal State Dominguez Hills. (AB 3402 by Assemblyman Willard H. Murray Jr., D-Paramount).

Voter Registration--People who become U.S. citizens after the regular voter registration deadline are permitted to register to vote up to seven days before an election. (AB 2590 by Assemblyman Bob Epple, D-Cerritos).

Organ Donors--Driver’s license renewal applicants will be provided with an organ donor form designed to increase the number of transplants and save more lives. (SB 2012 by Sen. Diane Watson, D-Los Angeles).

Frivolous Lawsuits--Courts are given new powers to throw out frivolous lawsuits that are designed to stifle free speech and cut off debate on public issues. (SB 1264 by Sen. Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward).

Lawyer Fines--Attorneys can be fined up to $50,000 by the State Bar in disciplinary cases. (AB 2300 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

New Veterans Home--Construction of a $31-million, 400-resident state veterans home to be located in Barstow is authorized. Another 1,500-resident veterans home already is located in Yountville in the Napa Valley. (AB 848 by Assemblyman Richard Floyd, D-Carson).

Peace Corps--Tax incentives will be offered to those 55 and older who volunteer to serve in the Peace Corps. (AB 3260 by Assemblyman Sam Farr, D-Carmel).

State of Israel--Investment of state funds in businesses or financial institutions that honor the Arab League’s economic boycott of Israel is prohibited. (AB 2251 by Assemblyman Burt Margolin, D-Los Angeles).

State Reports--More than 450 unnecessary state reports and analyses previously mandated by law are eliminated to help save taxpayers’ money. (AB 3564 by Assemblywoman Cathie Wright, R-Simi Valley, AB 2874 by Assemblyman Bob Epple, D-Norwalk, and AB 2824 by Assemblyman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).