Political Landscape: Brown signs two bills, vetoes another

Gov. Jerry Brown signed two pieces of legislation by two local lawmakers this week, but vetoed a bill introduced by Assemblyman Anthony Portantino (D-La Cañada Flintridge).

A bill prohibiting cities from banning male circumcision, introduced by Mike Gatto (D-Silver Lake), is now law. Gatto had introduced the legislation in response to a proposed ban on male circumcision that was on the ballot in San Francisco.

Also, it is now unlawful for criminals to deduct business expenses connected with illegal activity and then receive a state tax refund. Gatto introduced that legislation to close a loophole in the tax code that allowed such practices.

Brown signed a bill introduced by Sen. Carol Liu (D-La Cañada Flintridge) that would give youth with disabilities between 18 and 22 years old the choice to participate with other youth in their school-aged day care rather than transitioning into an adult program.

Brown also signed Liu’s legislation, which allows the court to appoint an individual to represent a child in matters related to development services. The decision-maker now has the authority to access the child’s records and act on the child’s behalf.

But Portantino’s bill to streamline the financial aid process for college students by reducing the number of forms they have to fill out was sent back to the Assembly.

In his veto message, Brown pointed out that the bill orders the Chancellor of Community Colleges to establish up a pilot program on campuses in an effort to motivate students to apply for financial aid.

“This is a matter each community college can handle on its own,” Brown wrote.

This is the second time the measure has been vetoed. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger returned the bill last year.