Davis Vetoes Bills as Vague, Unnecessary

Gov. Gray Davis has vetoed several measures as he considers more than 1,000 bills on his desk. He has until Sept. 30 to decide the fate of legislation passed in the closing days of the legislative session. Some of the vetoes:

Public records--Any state agency that maintains an Internet Web site would have been required to list on that site all reports and studies that it had prepared and that are covered by the California Public Records Act. The governor said the bill was “not clear” on when reports must be posted or how the public could obtain those reports. AB 1759 by Assemblyman Lou Papan (D-Millbrae).

Bullies--A bill would have created a $150,000 grant program for elementary schools to set up “bully prevention programs.” In his veto message, Davis said school districts have sufficient money and staff to prevent bullies from harassing other children. AB 1390 by Assemblywoman Sally Havice (D-Cerritos).

Sales--A bill pushed by state Atty. Gen. Bill Lockyer sought to increase regulation by retailers of “Going-out-of-business” sales. Davis called the bill “unduly restrictive” on businesses. AB 2725 by Assemblyman Herb Wesson (D-Culver City).

Brain injury--Legislation would have required that information be given to schools so they could teach children about brain and spinal cord injury prevention. Davis said such programs can be adopted under current law. AB 1879 by Assemblyman Jim Cunneen (R-San Jose).

Endangered species--Plants and animals thought to be extinct but rediscovered would have received immediate protection under the state Endangered Species Act for at least 60 days. The bill was aimed at helping the city of Calabasas protect the San Fernando spineflower from a housing project. The governor said existing regulations already cover such situations. AB 1758 by Assemblywoman Sheila Kuehl (D-Santa Monica).

Mobile homes--Mobile home landlords could not have forced people to sign, as a condition of rental, agreements that waive their right to sue the park owners. The governor said anyone who doesn’t want to sign an arbitration agreement can rent somewhere else. SB 1570 by Sen. Joe Dunn (D-Santa Ana).

Interior design--This bill would have allowed interior designers who met certain requirements to call themselves “registered” interior designers and would have created a nine-member Board of Interior Design. The governor said there is no evidence of consumer harm under the existing certification program. AB 1096 by Assemblywoman Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles).