Senate OKs Bill Protecting Children on School Buses

In a move designed to protect children on school buses from harm, the state Senate has unanimously approved legislation making it a misdemeanor for any unauthorized person to board a school bus and interfere with its operations.

A 32-0 vote sent the bill (SB 83) by Sen. Jack O’Connell (D-Carpinteria) to the Assembly for further consideration. There was no debate.

There have been reported instances of unauthorized people boarding school buses to assault students, trying to sell illegal drugs and making threats, O’Connell said.

“The need for this bill is clear,” he said. “It will close a loophole to make it easier to protect schoolchildren being transported on school buses.”

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

* Card Clubs: Rejected on a 27-34 vote a bill (AB 369) by Assemblyman Curtis Tucker Jr. (D-Inglewood) to allow horse-racing tracks to operate card rooms. Reconsideration granted. Sent to inactive file.

Committee Action

* Automobile Insurance: The Insurance Committee rejected a bill (AB 650) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) to allow law enforcement officers to impound vehicles of motorists who do not have valid automobile insurance when stopped for a traffic violation. A 6-4 vote was cast on the bill, but nine yes votes were required for approval. Reconsideration granted.

* Assault Weapons: The Public Safety Committee rejected a resolution (AJR 18) by Assemblyman Louis Caldera (D-Los Angeles) urging Congress not to weaken or repeal the federal ban on assault weapons. A 3-2 vote was cast on the resolution, but five yes votes were required for approval.

SENATE

Committee Action

* School Bonds: The Constitutional Amendments Committee approved a proposed ballot measure (SCA 14) by Sen. Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) to allow local communities to pass school construction bond issues by a 58% vote instead of a two-thirds majority. A 4-1 vote sent the legislation to the Senate floor.

* Voter Identification: The Elections and Reapportionment Committee rejected a bill (SB 259) by Sen. Newton R. Russell (R-Glendale) to require voters to display proof of their identity and residence before receiving a ballot at the polls. A 1-3 vote was cast on the bill.

* Paroled Inmates: The Criminal Procedure Committee approved a bill (SB 856) by Sen. Mike Thompson (D-St. Helena) to require paroled prison inmates convicted of violent crimes to report to parole officers within 48 hours of release from custody, and require the state to issue immediate arrest warrants for failure to comply. A 6-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee.