Posted on 08/24/2006 7:32:37 PM PDT by calcowgirl
Children under the age of 8 must be restrained in a child seat while traveling in a vehicle, under a bill sent Thursday to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The bill's author, Assemblywoman Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, said her measure would bring California in compliance with recommendations of the National Transportation Safety Board. Vehicle-related accidents are the highest cause of deaths for 6- and 7-year-olds, she said.
Existing state law requires that children younger than 6 years old or less than 60 pounds sit in a booster seat.
Assemblyman Chuck DeVore, R-Irvine, described the measure as government "nannyism." The 6-foot-4 lawmaker said existing law already made his two daughters uncomfortable when they were required to sit in booster seats.
His girls inherited his tall genes and had trouble with seat belts digging into their shoulders when they sat in their booster seats, DeVore told his colleagues on the Assembly floor.
"We're telling people how to regulate every part of their life to save themselves," DeVore said.
Evans said her bill, AB2108, would exempt children who are taller than 4-foot-9 from the booster-seat mandate.
The Assembly approved the bill on a 45-22 vote. A spokesman for Schwarzenegger said the governor had not taken a position on the bill.
Among other bills approved Thursday by the Assembly:
• Local governments that are sued by so called big-box retailers could recover attorney's fees and litigation expenses if they prevail in court. The bill by Sen. Richard Alarcon, D-Van Nuys, seeks to ensure that local governments can defend zoning regulations against deep-pocketed companies. But critics said it would trample the private property rights of businesses that are barred from opening a store by potentially unconstitutional local ordinances. Lawmakers passed SB1818 on a 41-27 vote and sent it to the Senate.
• New mothers could anonymously drop off an unwanted baby at places such as fire stations and hospitals up to 30 days after a birth under a bill approved overwhelmingly by lawmakers. AB1873 by Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, would extend the current drop-off period of 72 hours. Supporters said more than 100 children have been saved by the 72-hour program since 2001. The bill passed 64-4 and goes to the governor. Schwarzenegger last year signed a bill making the 72-hour program permanent. It had been set to expire.
Among bills approved by the Senate:
• Semiautomatic pistols sold in California beginning in 2009 would have to include a mechanism that stamps each cartridge case with microscopic lettering identifying the pistol's make, model and serial number. Supporters said the requirement would aid in crime investigations. Opponents said it would be easily defeated by criminals and benefits the only company that has developed the microstamping technology. AB352, approved on a 22-18 vote, returns to the Assembly for a final vote.
• Public health agencies could distribute condoms to state prison inmates under a bill supporters said would help control AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases. Opponents said AB1677, approved 22-16, would encourage sex between inmates. The bill's author, Assemblyman Paul Koretz, D-West Hollywood, said the rate of AIDS infections among inmates is many times that of the general population, endangering the public once inmates are released. The bill heads to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The Senate delayed until next week a vote on Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's attempt to gain control over the city's school district. Senate Majority Leader Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, who is carrying AB1381, said it was caught up in end-of-session jousting between the Assembly and Senate.
Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata, D-Oakland, said he held the bill because several Democratic senators still have questions but promised it would pass before lawmakers adjourn Aug. 31. The power-sharing bill would let Villaraigosa ratify the Los Angeles Unified School District Board of Education's choice for superintendent and control 36 of the district's lowest performing schools for six years.
--- On the Net: Read the bills at http://www.assembly.ca.gov and http://www.senate.ca.gov
Wow. That simple huh? I wonder if they can legislate all other kinds of technology into existence. You know, like a machine that produces unicorns.
Why waste time on these half measures when you can pass the laws you really want.
1. Mandatory booster seats for any kids 16 and under.
2. Don't want your baby? Put them out with the trash and the garbage pickup crew will be required to dispose of them in the recommended manner.
3. Semi-automatic pistols will call 911 and give GPS coordinates if you attempt to fire them.
4. Free condoms at every ATM.
5. No hunting.
6. No fishing.
7. No smoking.
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