Assembly Panel Rejects Bill to Ease Motorcycle Helmet Law

A bill that would have allowed adult motorcycle riders to go without safety helmets, while still requiring helmets for riders under the age of 21, has been rejected by an Assembly committee.

The vote on the bill (AB 373) by Assemblyman Bill Morrow (R-Oceanside) ended in a 7-7 tie, with Republicans voting for the measure and Democrats against it. Nine votes were needed for approval. Reconsideration was granted.

Morrow, who reported that he has been riding motorcycles for 30 years, said, “When a person wears a helmet, safety is not necessarily a cut-and-dried issue. My bill would only allow adults over the age of 21 to make a responsible decision.”

Former Assemblyman Alister McAlister (D-San Jose), speaking for the National Assn. of Independent Insurers, replied: “Helmets save lives and prevent injuries. They reduce the costs for our insurers and also save taxpayers’ money spent for medical treatment.”

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

* Bad Checks: Passed and sent to the Senate on a 58-0 vote a bill (AB 522) by Assemblyman Richard Katz (D-Sylmar) increasing the amount business owners can collect from people who write bad checks to $1,500 from $500.

Committee Action

* Firearm Penalties: The Public Safety Committee approved a bill (AB 632) by Katz upgrading the illegal carrying of a firearm to a felony if the gun is stolen or found in the possession of a gang member. A 7-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

* Gambling Commission: The Appropriations Committee rejected a bill (AB 11) by Assemblyman Phillip Isenberg (D-Sacramento) establishing a state gambling commission. The bill needed 10 votes for approval but received only six. Reconsideration has been requested.

SENATE

Floor Action

* Concealed Weapons: Passed and sent to the Assembly on a 21-11 vote a bill (SB 43) by Sen. Pat Johnston (D-Stockton) prohibiting police chiefs and sheriffs from issuing concealed weapon permits to people who do not live in their jurisdictions.

Committee Action

* Voting Choice: A bill (SB 24) by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp (I-San Francisco) that would have allowed voters to designate “none of these candidates” on ballots for statewide office, Congress and the Legislature was rejected by the Elections Committee. Four votes were cast against the bill and none for it. Reconsideration has been requested.

* School Funding: The Education Committee reversed itself and approved a bill (SB 505) by Sen. Bill Leonard (R-Big Bear Lake) requiring at least 95% of all state, federal and local school funds to be spent for classroom purposes, and limiting administrative funds to 5%. A 6-2 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

* School Tests: The Education Committee approved a bill (SB 76) by Sen. Ray Haynes (R-Riverside) requiring high school students, as part of their civics classes, to read, understand and pass tests on the Declaration of Independence, the U.S. Constitution and the Federalist Papers. An 8-1 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.

Bill Introductions

* Paroled Inmates: SB 856 by Sen. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) would require paroled prison inmates to report to parole officers within 48 hour of their release or face arrest.