Governor Signed a bill (SB 405) by...

Governor Signed a bill (SB 405) by Sen. Bill Lockyer (D-Hayward) to permit the California State Bar to increase dues and use part of the extra money to investigate public complaints against lawyers for possible disciplinary action.

Assembly Floor Action:

Kesterson Wildlife Refuge: Approved and sent to the governor on a 54-17 vote a bill (AB 1982) by Assemblyman Jim Costa (D-Fresno) to place a $150-million bond issue on the June 3 ballot to finance water conservation programs and provide low-interest loans to find ways of removing poisons from the Kesterson wildlife refuge in Central California.

Bills Introduced:

Rapid Transit: AB 2872 by Assemblyman Frank Vicencia (D-Bellflower) would allow the Southern California Rapid Transit District to purchase 40 methanol-powered buses if approved by a two-thirds vote of the governing board rather than by competitive bidding. The governor vetoed a similar bill last year.

Lottery: AB 2887 by Assemblyman Sam Farr (D-Carmel) would prohibit television advertisements urging the public to buy state lottery tickets from including any reference that some of the proceeds go to public education.

Senate Committee Action:

Kizer: The Senate Rules Committee recommended confirmation of Gov. George Deukmejian’s appointment of Kenneth Kizer as director of the state Department of Health Services. A 5-0 vote sent the matter to the Senate floor.

Bills Introduced:

Parks Bond Issue: SB 1717 by Sen. Ken Maddy (R-Fresno) would place a $500-million bond issue to acquire parklands around major metropolitan areas on the November election ballot.

Lottery: SB 1666 by Sen. Paul B. Carpenter (D-Cypress) would require school districts to specifically report on how they are spending their 34% of state lottery proceeds.