Bill Seeks 2-Cent Cigarette Tax for Prostate Cancer Research

A bill to increase the state cigarette tax by 2 cents a pack to raise $37 million for prostate cancer research has been introduced in the state Senate.

Sen. Diane Watson (D-Los Angeles) is the author of the new measure, SB 30. A similar bill was defeated in the Assembly earlier this year.

Prostate cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in California, and is the second-highest killer of men in the state after lung cancer. Some medical experts say there is a possible link between smoking and prostate cancer.

The 1993 Legislature approved, and Gov. Pete Wilson signed into law, a bill increasing the cigarette tax by 2 cents a pack to raise funds for breast cancer research and treatment.

ASSEMBLY

* In recess until Jan. 4, 1995.

SENATE

Bill Introductions

* School Tests: SB 19 by Sen. Maurice Johannessen (R-Redding) would prohibit the administration of school tests containing questions about a pupil’s personal beliefs or practices in sex, family life, morality or religion without prior parental permission.

* Murder Sentences: SB 7 by Sen. Steve Peace (D-Bonita) would lower from 16 to 14 the age at which convicted murderers can be sentenced to 25 years to life or life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.

* Voting Choices: SB 24 by Sen. Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco) would allow voters to designate “none of these candidates” in election races for governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general, controller, treasurer, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction, insurance commissioner, U.S. senator, members of the House of Representatives, the Legislature and members of the State Board of Equalization.

* Court Consolidation: SCA 4 by Senate President Pro Tem Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) would consolidate the municipal and superior court systems, effective Jan. 1, 1998.

* Mountain Lions: SB 28 by Sen. Tim Leslie (R-Carnelian Bay) would allow the state Department of Fish and Game to regulate and manage mountain lions in the same manner as other mammals that are not rare, endangered or threatened, if the voters agree with such a move.

* Los Angeles Rams: SCR 5 by Sen. John Lewis (R-Orange) urges the management of the Los Angeles Rams professional football team to keep the franchise in Anaheim.