A roundup of important state bills, regulatory news, upcoming legislative issues and appointments of interest to local executives

PREVIEW

New Laws Come Jan. 1

Come midnight on Jan. 1, 1997, myriad new state laws go on the books that will influence the way business is done in California.

In 1996, 1,174 bills were signed into law by the governor. For both businesses and consumers, some will have or are having monumental consequences, among them two so-called emergency measures are already in effect.

There is a new state insurance agency, the California Earthquake Authority, which has the financial muscle to pay out more than $10 billion in claims. And California will become the first state in the nation to put the sale of electricity on the free market, thanks to a bill phasing out the monopoly of the state’s utility companies.

Here are some other new laws that may have an immediate effect on business:

* Small Business Health Insurance (SB 371) Will expand access to health insurance by requiring carriers to offer coverage to businesses with as few as two employees. Author: Herschel Rosenthal (D-Los Angeles)

* Tax Breaks (SB 38) Will provide more than two dozen business tax breaks, including increasing the research and development credit, exempting aircraft parts from sales taxes and allowing small businesses to immediately write off up to $17,500 in new equipment purchases. Author: Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward).

APPOINTMENTS

* Robert Thomas Flesh of Los Angeles has been appointed to the New Motor Vehicles Board. Flesh, 46, is president of Safety Investment Co., a real estate company. No salary. No Senate confirmation required.

* Solon C. Soteras of Santa Monica has been appointed to the New Motor Vehicles Board. Soteras, 73, is vice president and investment advisor for Imperial Bank. No salary. No Senate confirmation required.

* Cody G. Cluff of Covina has been appointed to the South Coast Air Quality Management District Board. Cluff, 38, is president of the Entertainment Industry Development Corp., a nonprofit venture between the city and county of Los Angeles. He previously served as deputy mayor for entertainment industry affairs under Mayor Richard Riordan. No salary. Senate confirmation required.

These appointments were made this month by the governor.

HOT BILLS

Here’s a quick look at some of the business-related bills recently introduced:

* No ATM Fees (AB 46)

Would prohibit banks from charging fees for use of their automated teller machines. Would prevent banks and credit card companies from imposing charges when cardholders pay off credit card accounts in full. Supporters include Consumers Union and the California Congress of Seniors. Opponents include the California Bankers Assn. Author: Mike Sweeney (D-Hayward).

* Property Disclosure (SB 76)

Would require county assessors to compile a list of the real estate holdings of life insurance companies and would make these lists public records. This bill is part of a continuing effort to close loopholes that have allowed some life insurance companies to escape property tax assessments. Support may come from the California State Assn. of Counties, whose members could see revenues increase with better disclosure. Author: Quentin Kopp (I-San Francisco).

* Limited Business Liability (SB 82)

Would limit the liability of business owners and their employees who refuse the demands of robbers or other criminals and injuries or deaths result in the course of a crime. Likely supporters include restaurant and retail associations; opposition is expected from consumer attorneys. Author: Ross Johnson (R-Irvine).