Assembly Moves to Scrap Laws on Dueling, Frog-Jumping

A series of outdated state laws going as far back as the 1849 Gold Rush would be repealed under legislation that has been unanimously approved by the Assembly.

A 72-0 vote sent the measure (AB 3326) by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) to the Senate.

Statutes to be wiped out include laws pertaining to subjects such as dueling, frog-jumping and “wanted dead or alive” reward posters.

“It’s amazing when you realize some of the knucklehead laws that still remain on the law books in California,” O’Connell said, adding that he hopes other legislators will come up with additional statutes that are no longer needed and should be repealed.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

* Blood Tests: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 52-19 vote a bill (AB 3128) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) eliminating the requirement for a blood test to check for syphilis and rubella to obtain a marriage license.

* Physical Fitness: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 41-29 vote a bill (AB 3517) by Assemblywoman Vivien Bronshvag (D-Kentfield) calling for a state study to determine if physical fitness instructors should be regulated in order to avoid injuries.

* Horse Tripping: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 57-2 vote a bill (AB 49X) by Assemblyman John Burton (D-San Francisco) making it a misdemeanor to intentionally trip a horse. The bill is aimed at stopping horse tripping at Mexican-style rodeos.

Committee Action

* Firearm Penalties: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (AB 132X) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) making it a possible felony to carry a concealed firearm without a permit. A 4-2 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

* Unmarried Domestic Partners: The Ways and Means Committee approved a Richard Katz bill (AB 2810) allowing unmarried couples who are living together to register their relationships with the secretary of state to guarantee certain legal rights enjoyed by married couples. A 12-7 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

* Attorney Advertising: The Judiciary Committee approved a bill (AB 3659) by Assemblyman Paul Horcher (R-Diamond Bar) imposing restrictions on what lawyers can promise prospective clients in their advertisements. A 7-3 vote sent the bill to the Assembly floor.

* Prostate Cancer: The Revenue and Taxation Committee approved a bill (AB 3478) by Assemblyman Stan Statham (R-Oak Run) increasing the state cigarette tax by 2 cents a pack to raise $36 million a year for prostate cancer research. A 6-2 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

* Gambling Commission: The Governmental Organization Committee approved a bill (AB 2803) by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento) that would create a state gambling commission to regulate and license card clubs. A 14-0 vote sent the bill to the Ways and Means Committee.

SENATE

Floor Action

* Cesar Chavez Day: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 25-7 vote a bill (SB 1373) by Sen. Art Torres (D-Los Angeles) requiring the governor to proclaim March 31 as Cesar Chavez Day in honor of the late founder of the United Farm Workers Union and add it to the list of state holidays.

* Truancy Fines: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 32-1 vote a bill (SB 1728) by Sen. Teresa Hughes (D-Inglewood) making high school truancy an infraction punishable by fines of up to $100, plus 20 hours of community service and the loss of driving privileges.

Committee Action

* Assault Weapons: The Judiciary Committee approved a bill (SB 46X) by Sen. David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) expanding the 1989 state law restricting assault weapons to cover copycat models now being manufactured to get around the law. A 6-1 vote sent the bill to the Senate floor.