CALIFORNIA LAWS ’95

Dominated by anti-crime measures passed by the 1994 Legislature, hundreds of new state laws took effect Sunday. In all, 1,349 laws were signed by Gov. Pete Wilson during the year.

The standout in the crime category, the “three strikes and you’re out” provision, took effect months ago, but now other new laws join the anti-crime arsenal.

Some substantially widen the grounds on which wrongdoers can be convicted. Others, including a tough “one strike” sentencing law for rapists, ensure that they will stay behind bars longer.

Among other new laws, one bans smoking in practically all indoor workplaces. Another lifts a ban that some employers impose against women wearing pants to work. But at schools, students may now be required to wear uniforms.

Here’s a sampling of the state’s new laws. For more information about a particular law, write to the bill’s author at the state Capitol, Sacramento, Calif. 95814. Further information is available to computer users through the Internet; a user’s guide is available from legislators.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES

Violent crimes--The minimum age at which minors charged with serious violent crimes can be tried, convicted and imprisoned as adults drops from 16 to 14. (AB 560 by Sen. Steve Peace, D-Bonita).

Parole hearings--An inmate serving time for murder is permitted to seek parole before the Board of Prison Terms only once every five years instead of once every two years. (SB 826 by Sen. Bill Leonard, R-Big Bear Lake).

Work-time credits--Violent felons can reduce their prison sentences with work-time credits by only 15%, no longer by as much as 50%. (AB 2716 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar).

Gun sales to minors--Prison sentences are increased for people convicted of the illegal sale or transfer of handguns to minors. (AB 2470 by Assemblyman Richard K. Rainey, R-Walnut Creek).

Ammunition sales--It is now a crime to sell ammunition to anyone under age 18. (AB 2449 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Looting penalties--Judges can require community service in addition to jail time for people convicted of looting during a state of emergency such as the riots that erupted after the Rodney G. King beating trial. (AB 2965 by Assemblywoman Martha M. Escutia, D-Huntington Park).

ATM robberies--Robbing a customer at an automated teller machine becomes a specific crime, subject to penalties of three, four or six years in state prison. (SB 2908 by Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica).

Church services--The penalty is doubled from six months to one year in jail for those convicted of disrupting religious services or preventing people from attending them. (AB 3103 by Assemblyman Gil Ferguson, R-Newport Beach).

Criminal profits--Any income derived by criminals convicted of serious crimes from books, movies or similar works resulting from their notoriety will be placed into a trust fund for the benefit of the victims of their crimes. (SB 1330 by Sen. Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier).

911 calls--It is a crime to repeatedly harass 911 telephone operators and block legitimate emergency calls from getting through. (AB 2741 by Assemblyman Sal Cannella, D-Ceres).

Prisoner rights--Prison officials can require inmates to bathe and get haircuts, prohibit receipt of pornographic magazines and racist hate literature, and charge them a $3 fee for filing civil lawsuits. (SB 1260 by Sen. Robert B. Presley, D-Riverside).

Child abuse--A prison sentence of 15 years to life is established for those convicted of abusing a child under the age of 8 and causing the child’s death. (AB 27X by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

SEX CRIMES

Rape sentences--Perpetrators of aggravated rape or child molestation, such as those who kidnap their victims, face prison terms of 25 years to life upon a single conviction. The sentence is 15 years to life for first-time sex offenses in less violent circumstances. The law took effect Nov. 30. (SB 26X by Sen. Marian Bergeson, R-Newport Beach).

Sex offender information--The state Department of Justice will maintain a 900 toll number that people can call to find out if someone who is a registered sex offender is living in their neighborhood. (AB 2500 by Assemblywoman Barbara Alby, R-Fair Oaks).

Registration list--The list of crimes for which sex offenders must register with local law enforcement authorities after their release is expanded. (AB 1211 by Assemblyman Richard K. Rainey, R-Walnut Creek).

Sex offenders--Parents who are registered sex offenders are prohibited from assuming custody of their children and barred from making unsupervised visits. (SB 25X by Senate President Pro Tem Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward).

HIV--Victims of sex offenders are guaranteed the right to request and obtain the result of HIV testing of their attackers. (AB 2815 by Assemblywoman Paula L. Boland, R-Granada Hills).

Child molesters--A special unit is added to the state Department of Justice to investigate child molestation complaints. (AB 3273 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Custody restrictions--Convicted child molesters are prohibited from getting custody of children conceived through their illicit conduct. (AB 1082 by Assemblyman Dean Andal, R-Stockton).

Job restrictions--Convicted child molesters or registered mentally disordered sex offenders cannot become state-licensed social workers, educational psychologists or counselors for families or children. (AB 2956 by Assemblywoman Valerie Brown, D-Sonoma).

Sex offenders--Registered sex offenders are prohibited from serving as classroom or play yard volunteers in the public schools. (AB 3458 by Assemblyman Trice Harvey, R-Bakersfield).

Sexual assault--A woman’s request that an attacker use a condom or other birth control device does not constitute consent to sexual assault. (SB 1351 by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco).

Palm prints--Registered sex offenders are required to submit full palm prints to law enforcement authorities in addition to blood and saliva samples before their release from prison. (AB 151X by Assemblyman Sal Cannella, D-Ceres).

Rape definition--The legal definition of rape is expanded to include situations in which women are unable to resist because they are under the influence of alcohol or drugs. (AB 85X by Assemblywoman Diane Martinez, D-Monterey Park).

LAW ENFORCEMENT

Catching killers--The governor can offer a reward of up to $100,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of a person who kills a police officer acting in the line of duty. (SB 435X by Sen. Robert G. Beverly, R-Long Beach).

Firearms records--Gun dealers are required to make their sales records available to law enforcement officials, and the Department of Justice is required to computerize its handgun records. (SB 1308 by Sen. Steve Peace, D-Bonita).

Inspector general--An inspector general’s office is created within the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency to conduct internal audits and investigations. (SB 1462 by Sen. Ken Maddy, R-Fresno).

Stalking crimes--It will become easier to prosecute state inmates who continue to harass their victims from inside prison. (AB 3730 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Inmate movies--Wardens can prohibit sexually explicit or extremely violent movies from being shown to state prison or Youth Authority inmates. (AB 1685 by Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta).

Jailhouse sex--It is a misdemeanor for law enforcement personnel to engage in sexual relations with inmates. (AB 1568 by Assemblywoman Hilda Solis, D-El Monte).

GRAFFITI

Graffiti materials--It is a misdemeanor to possess an aerosol paint can, felt tip pen or other marking device with the intent to write graffiti or commit public vandalism. (SB 583 by Sen. John R. Lewis, R-Orange).

Graffiti cleanup--Parents of minors convicted of graffiti crimes are required to spend at least 12 hours helping their children clean up the mess. (AB 2595 by Assemblyman Tom Connolly, D-Lemon Grove).

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

Bodily harm--The maximum prison sentence for domestic violence convictions is increased to five years and the maximum fine is increased to $10,000. (SB 739 by Sen. Marian Bergeson, R-Newport Beach).

Firearms possession--Anyone subject to a domestic violence restraining order is prohibited from owning or possessing a firearm while the order is in effect. (SB 1278 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

Visitation rights--A father’s right to visit his children can be restricted in court cases in which a battered woman has obtained a domestic violence restraining order. (AB 356 by Assemblywoman Margaret Snyder, D-Modesto).

Restraining orders--A statewide registry of people under domestic violence restraining orders is established for use by law enforcement officials. (AB 3034 by Assemblywoman Hilda Solis, D-El Monte).

LEGAL SYSTEM

O.J. Simpson case--Witnesses and jurors in high-profile criminal cases such as the O.J. Simpson trial are prohibited from selling their stories to tabloid newspapers or television shows before or during the trial. (AB 501 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco).

Attorney conduct--The State Bar is to draft rules of conduct to restrict trial attorneys from making out-of-court public comments that could prejudice potential jurors. (SB 254 by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp, I-San Francisco).

900 numbers--Courts are authorized to establish 900 telephone numbers to provide callers with recorded information regarding scheduled trial dates and traffic court sessions. (AB 1800 by Sen. Tom Campbell, R-Stanford).

Attorney advertising--Attorneys are prohibited from engaging in television or radio advertising of their services that is misleading to the public. (AB 3659 by Assemblyman Paul Horcher, R-Diamond Bar).

ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Juvenile decoys--Law enforcement officials are allowed to use people under age 21 as decoys to apprehend merchants who illegally sell beer, wine or liquor to minors. (AB 3805 by Assemblyman Bernie Richter, R-Chico).

Liquor stores--Licensing of new liquor stores is restricted in high-crime neighborhoods already saturated with liquor stores and bars. (AB 2897 by Assemblyman Louis Caldera, D-Los Angeles).

Beer and wine licenses--A three-year moratorium is imposed on the issuance of new beer and wine licenses in some cities in Los Angeles, Orange and Ventura counties, depending on the ratio of population to the number of existing licenses. Fines and penalties are increased for existing liquor store operators who break the law by selling to obviously intoxicated people or to minors. (AB 463 by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker Jr., D-Inglewood).

Nude juice bars--Cities and counties are empowered to regulate so-called nude juice bars that currently sidestep local laws regulating nude entertainment by not serving alcoholic drinks. (SB 1863 by Sen. Tim Leslie, R-Carnelian Bay).

DRUGS

Trucker drug tests--Intrastate truck drivers will be subject to random drug testing just as interstate truck drivers are under existing federal law. (SB 2034 by Sen. Ruben S. Ayala, D-Chino).

Drug sales--Prison penalties are increased for those convicted of selling illegal drugs on the grounds of public parks or public beaches, including adjacent parking lots and sidewalks. (AB 2638 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Brentwood).

Driver’s licenses--A six-month driver’s license suspension is authorized for those convicted of any drug offense, even if it is unrelated to operation of a motor vehicle. This measure took effect Dec. 1. (AB 79X by Assemblyman Robert Frazee, R-Carlsbad).

Seized assets--The state will continue to seize property and money from convicted drug dealers, using those assets for law enforcement purposes, with new safeguards added to protect innocent people from losing their assets. (AB 114 by Assemblyman John Burton, D-San Francisco).

WOMEN

Dress codes--Employers may not stop women from wearing slacks to work in place of dresses or skirts. (SB 1288 by Sen. Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier).

Sexual harassment--State law allowing women to sue employers and instructors for sexual harassment is expanded to allow them to sue doctors, lawyers, accountants and other white-collar professionals. (SB 612 by Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica).

Abortion protesters--Health care facilities can sue anti-abortion protesters who block access to their premises. (AB 600 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

CHILDREN

Child support--State business and professional licenses held by parents who fail to make court-ordered child support payments can be suspended. (AB 923 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Juvenile vandalism--The amount of money that parents or guardians may be liable for because of acts of vandalism committed by their minor children is increased from $10,000 to $25,000. (AB 308 by Assemblyman Dean Andal, R-Stockton).

Parental liability--Parents are held responsible for making court-ordered restitution for property damage committed by their children. (AB 1629 by Assemblywoman Betty Karnette, D-Long Beach).

Missing children--Telephone, gas and electric companies are required to quickly provide law enforcement officials with customer information to help find missing or kidnaped children. (AB 2333 by Assemblyman Bill Morrow, R-Oceanside).

Child seat belts--The fine for the first offense of transporting a child age 4 through 12 in a vehicle without using safety belts is increased to $50 from $20, and to $100 from $50 for subsequent offenses. (SB 2004 by Sen. Nicholas C. Petris, D-Oakland).

Bicycle helmets--Bicycle riders under age 18 are required to wear approved safety helmets or face $25 fines. (AB 2268 by Assemblyman Louis Caldera, D-Los Angeles).

Medical expenses--Divorce court judges are required to specify legal responsibilities of each parent regarding the payment of the children’s medical expenses and health insurance. (SB 1807 by Sen. John R. Lewis, R-Orange).

Tobacco sales--Merchants who illegally sell tobacco products to minors face increased fines and penalties, and the state is permitted to use sting operations to catch them in the act. (SB 1927 by Sen. Tom Hayden, D-Santa Monica).

Curfew fines--Parents whose children break local curfew laws are subject to fines of $50 or more. (AB 3797 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Adoption consent--The time period is reduced from 120 to 90 days during which a birth mother of an adopted child can change her mind, revoke consent and have the child returned to her. (AB 3336 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Pornography--It is a misdemeanor to sell pornographic matter in a news rack unless the news rack is supervised by an adult or located in an area that is not frequented by children. (AB 17 by Sen. Steve Peace, D-Bonita).

CHILD CARE

First aid and CPR training--Child day-care home providers must undergo training in first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to help cope with possible injuries to children under their care. (AB 243 by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Portable classrooms--Administrative procedures are streamlined for school districts to lease surplus portable classrooms for use as private day-care facilities. (AB 3466 by Assemblyman Ted Weggeland, R-Riverside).

Baby cribs--Manufacture and sale of baby cribs that do not comply with federal safety requirements and present an unreasonable risk of injuries to infants is prohibited in California. (AB 3760 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

SCHOOLS

School uniforms--School boards can adopt dress codes requiring students to wear uniforms on campus and stop them from wearing gang-related clothing. (SB 1269 by Sen. Phil Wyman, R-Tehachapi).

Metal detectors--One million dollars is provided to purchase metal detectors for Los Angeles senior and junior high school campuses to catch students who bring guns to school. (AB 777 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar).

Campus firearms--It is a felony to carry a firearm within 1,000 feet of a public or private school campus. (AB 645 by Assemblywoman Doris Allen, R-Cypress).

Hate violence--The State Board of Education is instructed to adopt policies designed to reduce acts of hate violence in kindergarten through high school. (AB 2543 by Assemblywoman Barbara Lee, D-Oakland).

Student harassment--School boards can suspend or expel students who harass, threaten or intimidate other students and create a hostile school environment in grades 4 through 12. (AB 2752 by Assemblywoman Doris Allen, R-Cypress).

Teaching credentials--The state will permanently revoke the teaching credentials of any teacher who is convicted of a felony sex offense or a drug offense involving a minor. (SB 2005 by Sen. Tim Leslie, R-Carnelian Bay).

Volunteer police--Local school boards can create unpaid volunteer police reserve corps to supplement salaried school police forces. (SB 281 by Sen. Ruben S. Ayala, D-Chino).

School leave--Employers must allow parents and grandparents of school-age children up to 40 days off per year, without pay, so they can take part in school activities. (AB 2590 by Assemblywoman Delaine Eastin, D-Fremont).

COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES

New state university--A portion of the old Ft. Ord Army training base in Monterey County is set aside as the site for a new state university campus. (SB 1425 by Sen. Henry J. Mello, D-Watsonville).

Cross-enrollment--Students enrolled in the community college, state college or University of California systems may take one course each term, if space is available, at a campus in one of the other systems by paying a $10 administrative fee. (SB 1914 by Sen. Lucy Killea, I-San Diego).

DRIVING

Unlicensed drivers--Police can confiscate, in some cases permanently, automobiles driven by unlicensed drivers who have a prior conviction for driving without a license or for driving with a suspended or revoked license. (AB 3148 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar).

Suspended licenses--Penalties are increased for those convicted of driving with a suspended license as a result of a prior drunk driving conviction. (AB 2416 by Assemblywoman Grace F. Napolitano, D-Norwalk).

Driving tests--On a two-year trial basis, private driving schools can give license-qualifying driving tests to 15,000 minor students per year with the Department of Motor Vehicles closely monitoring the program. (SB 1390 by Sen. Charles M. Calderon, D-Whittier).

Automobile theft--A statewide automobile anti-theft prevention and investigation program is established, financed by requiring auto insurance companies to pay a 20-cent fee for each vehicle that they insure. (SB 1723 by Senate President Pro Tem Bill Lockyer, D-Hayward).

Concealed firearms--Judges can suspend or delay issuance of the driver’s licenses of minors convicted of carrying a pistol or other concealable firearm, and order them to complete up to 500 hours of community service. (AB 3499 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, D-Carpinteria).

Truancy punishment--The courts can suspend or delay for up to one year the driving privileges of a habitually truant minor. (SB 1728 by Sen. Teresa Hughes, D-Inglewood).

FIRES

Aggravated arson--A mandatory prison term of 10 years to life is prescribed for convicted arsonists who set fires that cause injury, $5 million in property damage or the destruction of five or more homes. (SB 1309 by Sen. William A. Craven, R-Oceanside).

Arson tracking--A statewide computerized arson information system is to be established to help local fire and law enforcement officers track, arrest and prosecute arsonists. (AB 2336 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar).

Arson registration--All people convicted of arson or attempted arson must register with local law enforcement officials upon their release. (AB 8X by Assemblyman Bill Hoge, R-Pasadena).

Re-roofing requirements--Residents of fire-prone regions are required to use fire-retardant materials when they re-roof their homes. (AB 3819 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco).

Super Scoopers--On a trial basis, the state will lease two so-called Super Scooper aircraft that can swoop low over bodies of water to pick up water to fight forest fires. (AB 2802 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Brentwood).

POULTRY

California grown--It will be a misdemeanor to say “California grown” on supermarket poultry labels if the birds were not raised in this state. (SB 1412 by Sen. Henry J. Mello, D-Watsonville).

Fresh chickens--Poultry advertised and sold as “fresh” by markets must be just that and not pre-frozen. (SB 1533 by Sen. Dan McCorquodale, D-Modesto).

CONSUMER PROTECTION

Travel agencies--A fund of more than $1.5 million is to be set up from fees paid by travel agencies and tour operators to reimburse customers if the agencies and operators skip town or go bankrupt. (AB 918 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Price gouging--It becomes a crime for merchants to increase prices for vital goods and services by more than 10% after a natural disaster such as the Northridge earthquake. (AB 36X by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar, and AB 57X by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson, D-Los Angeles).

Ticket sales--Ticket brokers who sell tickets to events such as football games and rock concerts must possess the tickets they advertise, or have an option to purchase them, and tell buyers exactly how much they will cost. (AB 3083 by Assemblyman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Towing services--It is a crime for towing service operators to accept kickbacks or gifts in return for taking disabled vehicles to certain auto repair shops. (AB 3017 by Assemblywoman Juanita M. McDonald, D-Carson).

Charitable contributions--Professional fund-raisers hired by charity groups are required to give at least 50% of received donations to the sponsoring group. (AB 3443 by Assemblyman Tom Connolly, D-Lemon Grove).

Charity report--The attorney general’s office is required to publish an annual report on charitable fund-raising activities in the state with copies of the report made available to public libraries. (AB 3778 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Cable television--Cable TV customers must be notified in writing that their names and addresses will, if they wish, be deleted from mailing lists that are sold to potential advertisers. (SB 1941 by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal, D-Los Angeles).

HEALTH CARE

Premarital blood tests--Marriage license applicants no longer have to take expensive blood tests to check for syphilis and rubella. (AB 3128 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Health care--Health insurance plans are required to allow women to name their obstetrician-gynecologists as primary care physicians. (AB 2493 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Dalkon shields--The statute of limitations is waived for women filing claims for damages alleging that they were injured by Dalkon shield intrauterine birth control devices. (AB 2855 by Assemblywoman Marguerite Archie-Hudson, D-Los Angeles).

Genetic disease--Health care insurers are prohibited from using genetic testing to discriminate against people who carry the gene for a disease but have no symptoms of it. (SB 1146 by Sen. Patrick Johnston, D-Stockton).

Paramedic training--A statewide system is established for the examination and licensing of California’s 7,000 paramedics, replacing current local programs that vary from county to county. (AB 3123 by Assemblyman Johan Klehs, D-San Leandro).

Whistle-blowers--Continuing-care facilities are prohibited from terminating a contract with a senior citizen as retaliation for the resident filing a complaint against the care provider. (AB 2847 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

ENVIRONMENT

Offshore oil drilling--New offshore oil and gas drilling is banned in all state coastal waters--those within three miles of California’s 1,100-mile coastline. (AB 2444 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, D-Carpinteria).

Mono Lake--A $36-million state fund is established to permit the city of Los Angeles to replace water supplies it gets from Mono Lake, which will soon be cut off. (AB 3096 by Assemblyman Richard Katz, D-Sylmar).

District budget--The South Coast Air Quality Management District must submit its annual budget for suggested changes, and its extended forecasts for review, to the state Air Resources Board, the California Environmental Protection Agency and the Legislature. (AB 1853 by Assemblyman Richard Polanco, D-Los Angeles).

Ride-sharing programs--The air quality district cannot force employers to use cash incentives or disincentives to encourage employee ride-sharing programs. (SB 1134 by Sen. Newton R. Russell, R-Glendale).

ANIMALS AND FISH

Two-rod fishing--Purchase of a $7.50 stamp in addition to a fishing license will allow anglers to use a second rod while fishing in inland lakes and reservoirs. (SB 2115 by Sen. Mike Thompson, D-St. Helena).

Bear poaching--Penalties are increased for the illegal sale or possession of bear parts that are highly valued as medicine and aphrodisiacs among some ethnic groups. (SB 1597 by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco).

Horse tripping--Intentional tripping of running horses, sometimes a feature of Mexican-style rodeos, is prohibited. (AB 49X by Assemblyman John Burton, D-San Francisco).

Meat--Slaughterhouses, stockyards and auction yards are prohibited from buying or selling animals that cannot walk by themselves, to prevent diseased meat from being sold. (SB 692 by Sen. David A. Roberti, D-Van Nuys).

VETERANS

Cabinet status--The state Department of Veterans Affairs is elevated to gubernatorial Cabinet level status and its director must now be a U.S. military veteran. (AB 2597 by Assemblyman Stan Statham, R-Oak Run).

HOUSING

Homeless shelters--National Guard armories can be used as emergency shelters for homeless people in cold and wet weather between Dec. 1 and March 15 until 1997--as a matter of law rather than executive order by the governor. (AB 1808 by Assemblyman Rusty Areias, D-San Jose).

Shelter transportation--Police officers are authorized to take people lacking evidence of any residence to the nearest homeless shelter, if there is space available and the person does not object. (SB 2083 by Sen. Tom Campbell, R-Stanford).

Mobile homes--Mobile home installations are required to meet state earthquake and wind safety requirements so they cannot be knocked or blown off their foundations. (SB 750 by Sen. A. David Roberti, D-Van Nuys).

BUSINESS/ECONOMY

No smoking--With few exceptions, a statewide smoking ban is imposed for restaurants, offices, factories and other enclosed workplaces. (AB 13 by Assemblyman Terry B. Friedman, D-Brentwood).

Workplace violence--Business owners can obtain temporary restraining orders and court injunctions against customers and others who engage in violence or make credible threats of violence against employees. (AB 68X by Assemblywoman Dede Alpert, D-Coronado).

Employer fines--Fines are increased for employers who pay their employees in cash under the table in order to avoid paying state taxes. (SB 1490 by Sen. Patrick Johnston, D-Stockton).

Home addresses--Owners of small at-home businesses who use mail-receiving services are exempted from having to disclose their home addresses so they will be less susceptible to break-ins and stalkers. (AB 171 by Assemblyman Mickey Conroy, R-Orange).

Armed security guards--State officials are charged with developing minimum standards for the selection and training of armed security guards hired to protect private businesses. (AB 1713 by Sen. Gary K. Hart, D-Santa Barbara).

Late payment fees--The cap on late payment fees is increased from $5 to $10 for retail store charge cards and installment contracts. (SB 1583 by Sen. Teresa Hughes, D-Inglewood).

Tourist information--A statewide network of visitor information centers is authorized, to encourage tourism in California to help boost the state’s economy. (SB 1983 by Sen. Herschel Rosenthal, D-Los Angeles).

MISCELLANEOUS

Chavez holiday--March 31, the birth date of the late Cesar Chavez, founder of the United Farm Workers union, becomes an unpaid state holiday. (SB 1373 by Sen. Art Torres, D-Los Angeles).

Gifts and parties--A state law is repealed that previously let the lieutenant governor, attorney general, controller, treasurer, secretary of state, superintendent of public instruction and chief justice each spend up to $10,000 a year in state funds on gifts and parties. (AB 1921 by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier, D-Burlingame).

Political reform--Local elected officials are held to the same restrictions regarding acceptance of speech honorariums and gifts as state elected officials. (AB 1542 by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove).

Judicial gifts--Limits are imposed on gifts that judges can receive, to be enforced by the Commission on Judicial Performance. (AB 3638 by Assemblyman Burt Margolin, D-Los Angeles).

Attorney lobbyists--Cities and counties can require attorneys who are lobbyists to register and disclose their lobbying activities. (AB 3432 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, D-Carpinteria).

Lawsuit damages--It is illegal to use public funds to pay court judgments against elected officials who are sued for unethical or illegal actions. (AB 2467 by Assemblywoman Debra Bowen, D-Marina del Rey).

Obsolete state laws--Obsolete state laws dating back to Gold Rush days are repealed, relating to such subjects as dueling penalties, “wanted dead or alive” posters and prohibiting horses from mating where they can be seen by the public. (AB 3326 by Assemblyman Jack O’Connell, D-Carpinteria).

South Africa--A ban on the investment of state pension funds in businesses that operate in South Africa is lifted now that apartheid has been abolished in that country. (AB 2448 by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown, D-San Francisco).

Voter registration--Access to voter registration records is restricted to prevent stalkers from obtaining home addresses and telephone numbers of potential victims. (SB 1518 by Sen. Milton Marks, D-San Francisco).