Panel OKs Asset Seizure for Hiring of Illegal Immigrants

The Assembly Public Safety Committee has unanimously approved legislation to allow law enforcement officials to seize assets of employers who repeatedly hire illegal immigrants as workers.

A 6-0 vote sent the bill (AB 2404) by Assemblyman Tom Umberg (D-Garden Grove), a probable candidate for attorney general, to the Ways and Means Committee.

First offense convictions would be punishable by fines, with subsequent convictions calling for asset forfeitures.

“We know that employment is the lure to illegal immigrants,” Umberg said, “and that clearly is where we should focus our efforts.”

ASSEMBLY

Committee Action

* Arson Crimes: The Finance and Insurance Committee approved a bill (AB 2336) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) to create a statewide task force to investigate arson-related crimes such as last year’s devastating Southern California brush fires. An 11-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

* Term Limits: The Elections Committee rejected a bill (AB 139) by Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) to allow voters to impose term limits on local elected officials such as members of city councils and county boards of supervisors. With four votes needed for approval, the committee vote was 2-2.

* Campaign Finance Reform: The Elections Committee approved a bill (AB 2216) by Assemblyman Byron D. Sher (D-Palo Alto) to place an advisory measure on the statewide election ballot asking voters if they want campaign finance reform. A 4-2 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

* South Africa: The Utilities and Commerce Committee approved a bill (AB 2448) by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) to lift the ban on the investment of state trust funds in businesses that operate in South Africa now that apartheid has apparently been abolished in that country. An 11-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

Bill Introductions

* Armor-Piercing Bullets: AB 13X by Assemblywoman Hilda L. Solis (D-El Monte) would allow judges to add five to 10 years to prison sentences of criminals convicted of committing crimes while using bullets designed to penetrate body armor worn by law enforcement officers.

* Arsonist Registration: AB 8X by Assemblyman Bill Hoge (R-Pasadena) would require registration of all people convicted of arson or attempted arson so that local law enforcement officials can keep track of them.

* Gun Ammunition Licenses: AB 2449 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert (D-San Diego) would prohibit the sale of gun ammunition without a state license issued by the Department of Justice.

* Handgun Penalties: AB 10X by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman (D-Brentwood) would require judges to impose an additional 20-year prison sentence on any person convicted of committing a violent crime while possessing a handgun.

* Landlord Rights: AB 2484 by Assemblyman Dean Andal (R-Stockton) would permit landlords to check with the state Department of Justice for sex, drug or violent crime records of prospective tenants.

* Illegal Immigrants: AB 2477 by Assemblywoman Margaret E. Snyder (D-Modesto) would make it a felony to make or sell fake citizenship or resident documents to illegal immigrants. Penalties would range up to five years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.

* Absentee Voters: AB 2446 by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey) would allow registered voters to apply for permanent absentee voter status so they can vote by mail for all elections.

* Offshore Oil Drilling: AB 2444 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) would prohibit offshore oil drilling in all waters within three miles of the California coast.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

* School Taxes: SB 1261 by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) would allow local communities to raise school taxes by a simple majority vote rather than a two-thirds vote. A similar bill was passed by the Legislature last year, but it was vetoed by Gov. Pete Wilson.

(Readers who wish to communicate with state legislators regarding Assembly and Senate bills can write to them at the State Capitol Building, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.)