Mark Leno on the Environment

The Environment

Here is a sample of some of the environmental bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 706: California Furniture Safety and Fire Prevention Act

This bill bans the use of all brominated and chlorinated fire retardants in upholstered furniture as well as bedding products such as pillows, comforters, and mattresses. These chemicals have been linked to a wide variety of health problems including cancer, birth defects and reproductive difficulties. The bill creates a smarter and improved fire-safety standard for furniture, while protecting our kids, workers, fire fighters, and others from potentially dangerous exposure to toxic chemicals.

AB 1056: California Ocean Protection Council (Leno & Huffman)

This bill authorizes the California Ocean Protection Council to establish a science advisory team to improve the Council’s ability to wisely spend $90 million in bond funds approved by the voters in 2006. It ensures that the Council’s decisions on ocean protection projects are informed by thorough research and scientific review.

AB 1451: Solar Exclusion Renewal

This bill renews a successful exclusion from property tax assessments for solar energy systems. The bill also clarifies that the first buyers of newly constructed homes equipped with solar energy systems are eligible for the exclusion from assessment. This exclusion for solar power was initially approved by the voters in 1980 and has helped make California an international leader in solar technology and installation.

AB 1358: Complete Streets Act

This bill prompts cities and counties to plan for the accommodation of all users of the roadway including motorists, bicyclists, pedestrians, seniors, children, and the disabled. Planning for these accommodations before construction begins is cheaper than retrofitting existing infrastructure and will give Californians real options for getting out of their cars. The resulting reduction in vehicle miles traveled will reduce California’s greenhouse gas emissions and help us meet standards set by AB 32.

2006

AB 2573: San Francisco Solar Power Expansion

This bill authorizes a power exchange between municipal solar power facilities with excess solar generation capacity and new municipal development sites which can use the excess solar-generated electricity.

2005

AB 749: Local Dungeness Crab Industry Protection

This bill grants authority to the State Fish and Game Commission to regulate the crab fishing industry and establishes trap limits, in an effort to protect the long-term sustainability of the crab fishermen, local businesses and the Dungeness crab species.

AB 1099: Solar Tax Exemption

This bill removes the sunset clause on a tax exemption for the construction or addition of solar energy systems on public or private buildings.

AB 1147: Industrial Hemp Production

Current law allows hemp to be imported into California for manufacturing a wide array of consumer goods and products, but prohibits hemp from being grown in the state. This bill would remove that prohibition, providing California farmers with an environmentally friendly alternative that requires fewer pesticides and less water than many other crops.

2004

AB 594: Implementation of Proposition B, the Solar Revenue Bond

This measure closes a loophole in state law to allow the City of San Francisco to implement Proposition B, the solar revenue bond supported overwhelmingly by San Francisco voters. Currently, San Francisco can build solar power projects like Moscone Center that supply power directly to an on-site facility. AB 594 allows the City of San Francisco to build projects on remote government properties and supply power through net-metering, expanding the possibilities for building solar power facilities.

AB 1684: Clean up of AB 1685 relating to the Self Generation Incentive Program

This measure is a technical clean up of AB 1685, a bill passed last year which extended the Self-Generation Incentive Program to 2008. AB 1684 is a minor technical clean up and was voted unanimously out of the Assembly and will be heard in the Senate Energy Committee this June.

AB 2146: Dungeness Crab Industry Pilot Project

AB 2146 will ensure the livelihood of family-owned, small-to-medium crab boat owners and operators. These traditional, small businesses are in danger of losing their place in an industry of larger, more equipped boats and processors. AB 2146 would limit the number of crab traps used for the take of Dungeness crab to 250 traps per vessel beginning October 1, 2005 through October 1, 2007. Additionally this measure would authorize the Fish and Game Commission to adopt regulations as may be necessary to ensure the protection of the Dungeness Crab Industry.

2003

AB 1684: Elimination of Exit Fees

Last September, AB 58 (Keeley) expanded the State’s net metering law. Although the utilities were ultimately unsuccessful in their effort to thwart the bill, they succeeded in inserting some language that allows exit fees to be charged to net-metered customers. Correcting this flaw and protecting solar customers from exit fees will provide an important incentive for solar installations in a way that is revenue-neutral to the utilities and does not impact the general fund.

AB 1685: CPUC Reauthorization of Self-Generation Incentive Program

The California Public Utilities Self-Generation Incentive Program is a critically important subsidy for the growth of solar energy in California. Most of the large solar projects in California, including the $7.4 million solar rooftop at the Moscone Center, have received this subsidy. The program is mandated by the CPUC but administered by the utilities. AB 1685 would re-authorize the program.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Education, Children & Foster Youth

Education, Children & Foster Youth

Here is a sample of some of the education bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 1382: Improving Access to Food Stamps

Current law requires all applicants to the Food Stamp program to submit electronic fingerprints and photographs in order to obtain Food Stamps for themselves and their families. AB 1382 seeks to remove the fingerprinting requirement, eliminating what is widely regarded as an expensive, unnecessary barrier to low income families putting healthy food on their tables.

AB 1472: California Healthy Places Act of 2007

This bill would require state agencies to work together to address how urban development impacts the health of our communities, with special focus on children. Attention will be given to new policies that support childhood development, prevent injury, illness and chronic disease, and ensure environmental health as our communities grow.

AB 1482: Supplemental Instruction Funding

This bill would enable public and charter schools to assist at-risk and low-achieving students with the state’s High School Exit Exam and graduation requirements by providing more flexibility in the use supplement instruction (SI) funding. By removing the restriction on the use SI funding to only non-school hours and eliminating other administrative burdens, this bill will help schools deliver more effective instructional services students need to overcome academic hurdles.

AB 1578: Foster Youth Higher Education Preparation and Support Act of 2007

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2006

AB 2781: Fair Child Support Collection Practices

AB 2781 would prohibit a private child support collector from engaging in any debt collection practices that are prohibited by the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It would also provide consumers with the option to opt out of a contract under specified circumstances.

AB 2488: Re-establishing Foster Youth Sibling Connections

AB 2488 establishes a process for reconnecting siblings that have been separated by adoption. By using a court-appointed confidential intermediary, the bill would eliminate the need for both siblings to independently file confidentiality waivers in order to reconnect with one another, and reduces the age when they may do so from 21 to 18.

AB 2489: Higher Education for Foster Youth

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2005

AB 519: Reinstating Parental Rights for Legal Orphans

In cases of child abuse or neglect, existing law sets timeframes in which parents must make substantial progress in meeting the requirements of their family reunification plan or face termination of parental rights, thereby freeing the child for adoption. This bill allows the court to reinstate parental rights upon petition by the child or the child’s attorney only if, after three years past the termination of parental rights, the child still has not been adopted, and reinstatement of parental rights is found to be in the best interests of the child.

AB 1261: Improving Foster Youth Educational Outcomes

This bill clarifies legislative intent and makes technical corrections to a landmark 2003 legislation that promotes better educational outcomes for foster youth.

2004

AB 2674: Adoption Relinquishment Time Line

This measure would ensure that the filing of relinquishment papers is binding two business days after certified receipt by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Currently, the process often takes more than 30 days, forcing parents and their prospective adoptive children to wait unnecessarily.

2003

AB 942: Emergency Services for Children’s Diabetes

This bill would require that if a school nurse is not present, designated school personnel may help administer emergency assistance to a diabetic student. The bill would also allow students to monitor their blood glucose level or self-administer insulin in the school or any area of the school grounds.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Education, Children & Foster Youth

Education, Children & Foster Youth

Here is a sample of some of the education bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 1382: Improving Access to Food Stamps

Current law requires all applicants to the Food Stamp program to submit electronic fingerprints and photographs in order to obtain Food Stamps for themselves and their families. AB 1382 seeks to remove the fingerprinting requirement, eliminating what is widely regarded as an expensive, unnecessary barrier to low income families putting healthy food on their tables.

AB 1472: California Healthy Places Act of 2007

This bill would require state agencies to work together to address how urban development impacts the health of our communities, with special focus on children. Attention will be given to new policies that support childhood development, prevent injury, illness and chronic disease, and ensure environmental health as our communities grow.

AB 1482: Supplemental Instruction Funding

This bill would enable public and charter schools to assist at-risk and low-achieving students with the state’s High School Exit Exam and graduation requirements by providing more flexibility in the use supplement instruction (SI) funding. By removing the restriction on the use SI funding to only non-school hours and eliminating other administrative burdens, this bill will help schools deliver more effective instructional services students need to overcome academic hurdles.

AB 1578: Foster Youth Higher Education Preparation and Support Act of 2007

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2006

AB 2781: Fair Child Support Collection Practices

AB 2781 would prohibit a private child support collector from engaging in any debt collection practices that are prohibited by the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It would also provide consumers with the option to opt out of a contract under specified circumstances.

AB 2488: Re-establishing Foster Youth Sibling Connections

AB 2488 establishes a process for reconnecting siblings that have been separated by adoption. By using a court-appointed confidential intermediary, the bill would eliminate the need for both siblings to independently file confidentiality waivers in order to reconnect with one another, and reduces the age when they may do so from 21 to 18.

AB 2489: Higher Education for Foster Youth

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2005

AB 519: Reinstating Parental Rights for Legal Orphans

In cases of child abuse or neglect, existing law sets timeframes in which parents must make substantial progress in meeting the requirements of their family reunification plan or face termination of parental rights, thereby freeing the child for adoption. This bill allows the court to reinstate parental rights upon petition by the child or the child’s attorney only if, after three years past the termination of parental rights, the child still has not been adopted, and reinstatement of parental rights is found to be in the best interests of the child.

AB 1261: Improving Foster Youth Educational Outcomes

This bill clarifies legislative intent and makes technical corrections to a landmark 2003 legislation that promotes better educational outcomes for foster youth.

2004

AB 2674: Adoption Relinquishment Time Line

This measure would ensure that the filing of relinquishment papers is binding two business days after certified receipt by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Currently, the process often takes more than 30 days, forcing parents and their prospective adoptive children to wait unnecessarily.

2003

AB 942: Emergency Services for Children’s Diabetes

This bill would require that if a school nurse is not present, designated school personnel may help administer emergency assistance to a diabetic student. The bill would also allow students to monitor their blood glucose level or self-administer insulin in the school or any area of the school grounds.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Education, Children & Foster Youth

Education, Children & Foster Youth

Here is a sample of some of the education bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 1382: Improving Access to Food Stamps

Current law requires all applicants to the Food Stamp program to submit electronic fingerprints and photographs in order to obtain Food Stamps for themselves and their families. AB 1382 seeks to remove the fingerprinting requirement, eliminating what is widely regarded as an expensive, unnecessary barrier to low income families putting healthy food on their tables.

AB 1472: California Healthy Places Act of 2007

This bill would require state agencies to work together to address how urban development impacts the health of our communities, with special focus on children. Attention will be given to new policies that support childhood development, prevent injury, illness and chronic disease, and ensure environmental health as our communities grow.

AB 1482: Supplemental Instruction Funding

This bill would enable public and charter schools to assist at-risk and low-achieving students with the state’s High School Exit Exam and graduation requirements by providing more flexibility in the use supplement instruction (SI) funding. By removing the restriction on the use SI funding to only non-school hours and eliminating other administrative burdens, this bill will help schools deliver more effective instructional services students need to overcome academic hurdles.

AB 1578: Foster Youth Higher Education Preparation and Support Act of 2007

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2006

AB 2781: Fair Child Support Collection Practices

AB 2781 would prohibit a private child support collector from engaging in any debt collection practices that are prohibited by the Rosenthal Fair Debt Collection Practices Act. It would also provide consumers with the option to opt out of a contract under specified circumstances.

AB 2488: Re-establishing Foster Youth Sibling Connections

AB 2488 establishes a process for reconnecting siblings that have been separated by adoption. By using a court-appointed confidential intermediary, the bill would eliminate the need for both siblings to independently file confidentiality waivers in order to reconnect with one another, and reduces the age when they may do so from 21 to 18.

AB 2489: Higher Education for Foster Youth

This is a comprehensive bill to ensure that California foster youth receive the academic preparation, financial assistance and the campus-based support services they need to access and succeed in higher education.

2005

AB 519: Reinstating Parental Rights for Legal Orphans

In cases of child abuse or neglect, existing law sets timeframes in which parents must make substantial progress in meeting the requirements of their family reunification plan or face termination of parental rights, thereby freeing the child for adoption. This bill allows the court to reinstate parental rights upon petition by the child or the child’s attorney only if, after three years past the termination of parental rights, the child still has not been adopted, and reinstatement of parental rights is found to be in the best interests of the child.

AB 1261: Improving Foster Youth Educational Outcomes

This bill clarifies legislative intent and makes technical corrections to a landmark 2003 legislation that promotes better educational outcomes for foster youth.

2004

AB 2674: Adoption Relinquishment Time Line

This measure would ensure that the filing of relinquishment papers is binding two business days after certified receipt by the Department of Social Services (DSS). Currently, the process often takes more than 30 days, forcing parents and their prospective adoptive children to wait unnecessarily.

2003

AB 942: Emergency Services for Children’s Diabetes

This bill would require that if a school nurse is not present, designated school personnel may help administer emergency assistance to a diabetic student. The bill would also allow students to monitor their blood glucose level or self-administer insulin in the school or any area of the school grounds.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Public Safety

Public Safety

Here is a sample of some of the public safety bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 1686: Parking Enforcement Officers

This bill would help protect municipal Parking Control Officers from violence while they do their job, by extending the current penalties for assaulting or battering a Traffic Officer to officers that enforce state or local parking laws.

2006

AB 2858: Mentally Ill Defendant Placement & Notification

This bill allows district attorneys more of a say in determining where a defendant ruled mentally incompetent to stand trial is placed in the community after their time in a treatment facility. The bill also requires that the district attorney is notified when a defendant’s treatment status has changed from their existing level to a lower level.

AB 2869: Covering Burial Expenses for Crime Victims

AB 2869 clarifies that the Victims of Crime Compensation Fund covers the burial expenses for victims of crime who were on probation or parole at the time of their death. The bill specifies that persons who were not participating in the crime that resulted in their death are eligible victims, if they meet other eligibility requirements.

AB 3064: Re-entry Advisory Committee for Parolees

AB 3064 establishes a committee to advise the Secretary of the Department of Corrections & Rehabilitation on policies and procedures for parole.

2005

AB 1237: Tasers

Following seven deaths involving tasers in Northern California, this bill would prohibit the possession or sale of tasers to the general public. It also requires law enforcement agencies to report information about their training protocols and use of tasers to the Department of Justice.

2004

AB 2711: San Francisco Airport Police Retirement

This measure allows CalPERS and the City and County of San Francisco Retirement System (SFERS) to enter into an agreement to transfer assets and liabilities of former San Francisco Airport police who are now under the jurisdiction of the San Francisco Police Officers Association.

AB 2729: Judges Right to Discovery

This measure will assure that judges facing investigations by the Commission on Judicial Performance are accorded due process, by providing judges the same ability to issue subpoenas and depose witnesses as the Commission itself.

2003

AB 1306: Prop 36 Jurisdiction

AB 1306 would allow, in cases that fall under Proposition 36, that legal jurisdiction of a defendant’s case can be transferred to his or her county of residence, at the discretion of the sentencing judge. This enhances the likelihood of a defendant’s treatment success, as the trial judge in their home county is often more familiar with the local continuum of services and can develop a better treatment plan.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Health Care and AIDS

Health Care/AIDS

Here is a sample of some of the health care related bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 1669: SF Trauma Recovery Center

This bill would ensure funding for the San Francisco Trauma Recovery Center which provides critical services to crime victims suffering from severe economic, psychological and other trauma-related symptoms.

AB 1201: Collective Bargaining for Direct Care Nurses

This bill would ensure that California’s direct care nurses preserve their collective bargaining rights, thereby preserving their rights under their existing contracts to challenge hospital staffing and effectively advocate for quality health care for their patients.

2006

AB 50: Trauma Recovery Center
AB 50 provides $1.3 million for fiscal year 2006-07 from the $100 million surplus in the Restitution Fund of the California Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board for the continued funding of the Trauma Recovery Center at San Francisco General Hospital.

AB 2280: Improved HIV Test Counseling

This bill directs the Department of Health Services to establish a new HIV counseling model that allows clinics to increase the number of people getting HIV tests and appropriately reimburses clinics for the services provided.

AB 2384: Healthy Food Purchase Pilot Program

AB 2384 requires the California Department of Health Services to develop and implement a Healthy Food Purchase Pilot Program that will improve access and affordability of fresh fruits and vegetables for food stamp recipients in low-income communities.

AB 2968: Assisted Living Waiver
This bill creates a designated Medi-Cal reimbursement rate structure for community living support services in San Francisco that assist beneficiaries who would otherwise be homeless, living in shelters or institutionalized. In this way, it expands community-based options for beneficiaries who would otherwise require or be at high-risk of requiring more costly institutional care.

2005

AB 631: Mobile Methadone Treatment MediCal Reimbursement

San Francisco’s mobile methadone maintenance treatment program is the first of its kind in California, operating since March 2003 in close cooperation with the state Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs. The program is highly effective in treating the City’s estimated 15,000 to 17,000 heroin addicts by taking the services directly to where they reside in neighborhoods throughout the City. As a pilot, the program is not formally licensed, and thus not eligible for MediCal reimbursement. This bill would create a category of licensure for mobile methadone maintenance treatment programs to facilitate MediCal reimbursement for services, thereby encouraging its financial viability.

2004

AB 1796: Food Stamps Eligibility

Federal law currently prohibits individuals with a prior drug conviction from receiving federally funded food stamps. States have the ability to opt-out of this prohibition and 31 states have chosen to do so. This measure would opt-out California, making state eligible to receive this type of federal food stamp funding.

Denying public assistance is a significant barrier to successful re-entry into society to formerly incarcerated persons. Food assistance helps individuals attempting to reintegrate into society to better use their scarce economic resources.

AB 2660: Pharmacists

This measure would require pharmacists to register with the federal Drug Enforcement Agency, who would recognize these pharmacists as “Mid-level Practitioners”. These pharmacists will then be able to provide regular and timely pain management care to those in need of end-of-life care.

2003

AJR 13: Medical Cannabis Resolution

Based on a letter signed by 50 state legislators, this resolution urges Congress to pass legislation that secures a state’s right to regulate medical cannabis and allows individual patients to possess and consume medical cannabis, and allows individuals deputized by states and localities to cultivate and distribute medical cannabis appropriately.

AB 685: HIV Rapid Test

This bill would exempt certain HIV counselors from the training requirements that currently prohibit them from administering a new HIV rapid test. The test offers same-day results and would reduce the number of people who do not return to pick up their results or learn their HIV status.

-Mark

Mark Leno on LGBT and Civil Rights

LGBT/Civil Rights

Here is a sample of some of the LGBT/civil rights bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 43: Religious Freedom & Civil Marriage Protection Act

This bill would define marriage as a civil contract between two persons, a definition that was in effect prior to 1977. It would also reaffirm that no religious entity is required to solemnize a marriage that is contrary to its religious tenets.

2006

AB 2920: Older Californians Equality & Protection Act

AB 2920 requires the California Department of Aging and local Area Agencies on Aging to include the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) seniors in their needs assessments and area plans. It also ensures that services for elderly Californians are available regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity or any other basis set forth in the Fair Employment and Housing Act.

2005

AB 19 / AB 849: Religious Freedom & Civil Marriage Protection Act

This bill would define marriage as a civil contract between two persons, a definition that was in effect prior to 1977. It would also reaffirm that no religious entity is required to solemnize a marriage that is contrary to its religious tenets.

2004

AB 1967: The California Marriage License Non-Discrimination Act

California Family Code currently defines marriage as a personal relation arising out of a civil contract between a man and a woman. AB 1967 would define marriages in California as a civil contract between two persons, allowing same sex couples access to the same rights and responsibilities of marriage as heterosexual couples in the state.

2003

AB 196

* Discrimination.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Housing and Development

Housing & Redevelopment

Here is a sample of some of the housing bills I have worked on in the state Assembly. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2003

AB 620: Revision of Multi-Lender Low

The Department of Real Estate (DRE) does not allow multiple lenders to engage in financing of properties based on their future value. This means that if a group of lenders wish to develop property, they can only put as much money into the project as the bare land is worth, rather than the project’s worth upon completion.  This measure would allow multiple lenders (mortgage brokers) to lend based on future property value, rather than “current market value” as defined by the DRE.

AB 196: Ban on Gender-Based Discrimination in Housing and Employment

AB 196 expands the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to ban discrimination in housing and employment on the basis of gender. AB 196 adopts the definition of gender used in California’s Penal and Education Codes, which includes a person’s “identity, appearance, or behavior, whether or not that identity, appearance, or behavior is different from that traditionally associated with the person’s sex at birth.”

AB 728: Pre-Sale of Condominiums

Under current law, condominiums cannot be sold until the project is fully completed and the Department of Real Estate (DRE) has issued a “white paper” or final report on the property.  This measure would allow for the sale of condominiums prior to their completion as long as a “condition public report” was in place through the DRE.

AB 1217: Residential Hotel Exemption
This bill clarifies that tenants may not be evicted from residential hotels under the Ellis Act. In 1999, legislation authored by Senator Burton amended the Ellis Act to make it explicit that the Act would not pre-empt local land use regulations regarding the demolition and redevelopment of property or its conversation to non-residential uses. However, local landlords are continuing to use the Ellis Act to pre-empt local land use controls meant to preserve affordable housing. This bill would exempt residential hotels from the Ellis Act. Local ordinances would govern the sale of such properties.  

Mark Leno on Arts, Tourism, and Entertaiment

Arts, Tourism & Entertainment

Here is a sample of some of the bills I have worked on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2006

AB 2533: Museum Tax Credit

Current law exempts the sale of original works of art from one non-profit organization to another from sales tax.  This bill would expand the sales tax exemption to include the long-term lease of artwork from one non-profit organization to another non-profit.

AB 2592: California Travel & Tourism Commission

This bill would modify the membership of the California Travel & Tourism Commission and clarify the parameters for serving as a commissioner.

2005

AB 655: Arts Funding and Restructuring in California

Given California’s abysmal ranking in nationwide funding for arts, this bill imposes a 1% fee on theatre admission tickets to fund arts programs across the state. The bill will also look at reorganizing arts funding entities within state government, including the California Arts Council, the California Cultural and Historical Endowment, and the Department of Parks and Recreation to streamline administrative costs and improve accessibility.

-Mark

Mark Leno on Business Development and Fair Business Practices

Business Development &
Fair Business Practices

Here is a sample of some of the business and fair practices bills I am currently working on in the state Assembly. I’ve also listed past legislation from previous years. For a complete review of my state legislative record, please visit http://www.leginfo.ca.gov/bilinfo.html.

2007

AB 684: California Industrial Hemp Farming Act

Industrial hemp is a non-psychoactive variety of the cannabis plant that is genetically distinct from marijuana. Industrial hemp is used in the manufacture of a wide variety of products including automotive parts, fiber board, paper, textiles, healthy foods, and body care products. This bill would permit California farmers to grow industrial hemp and take advantage of the growing U.S. hemp products market now valued at $300 million.

AB 1310: Bandit Limos and Charter Transportation Services

California has a growing problem throughout the state of limousine and passenger charter transportation services operating without a certificate or permit issued by the Public Utilities Commission (PUC). These bandit services pose a threat to consumers who unknowingly call an advertised number of an illegally operating passenger carrier. This bill will require the certificate or permit number of any limousine or passenger charter transportation service to be included in any advertisement of service. Additionally, it will authorize the PUC to disconnect the telephone service of any limousine or passenger charter transportation entity that is advertising service but operating without a certificate or permit.

2006

AB 2914: Deletion of Architect LLP Sunset Date

In 1998, legislation was enacted to allow architects to form Limited Liability Partnerships (LLPs), with a sunset date of January 1, 2007. In the eight years since, architectural firms have successfully operated as LLPs. AB 2914 removes the sunset date in order to allow them to continue operating as such.

2005

AB 499: Local Small Business Contracting Preferences

Current law creates a scoring preference for small businesses competing for local contracts. Currently, there is no opportunity for local agencies to encourage contracting to small businesses in their communities. This bill would offer an optional preference for local agencies that wanted to include more local small businesses in the contracting process.

AB 799: Vehicle License Fee Option for San Francisco

This bill would authorize the San Francisco Board of Supervisors to put a measure on the local ballot that would reinstate the Vehicle License Fee to its historic 2% level, with the proceeds going to fund critical local health, safety, and transportation services.

2004

AB 578: Electronic Recording Act

This measure would set up a framework under which County Assessors and Recorders could receive documents electronically. Most Assessors and Recorders already operate electronically upon receipt of paper-based documents. In 2002, the Attorney General indicated that receipt of electronic recordings by County Assessors and Recorders requires legislative authorization.

AB 2303: Limiting Corporate Executive Compensation in Bankruptcy

This measure prevents a public utility from giving executive bonuses while in insolvency and at the expense of ratepayers. This measure is a direct response to the exorbitant bonuses given to PG&E executives while the company was in bankruptcy.

AB 2552: Marriage and Family Therapist Scope of Practice Clarification

Business and Professions Code provides that Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) degree programs must contain “an integrated course of study that trains students generally in the diagnosis, assessment, prognosis and treatment of mental disorders.” It also provides that degree programs for MFTs shall contain supervised practices “in applied psychotherapeutic techniques, assessment, diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of premarital, couple, family, and child relationships, including dysfunctions, healthy functioning, health promotion, and illness prevention.” AB 2552 clarifies the fact that the MFT scope of practice includes the responsibilities and duties for which an MFT is trained.

AB 2591: Local government enforcement of charter party carrier laws for limousines

This measure would allow local governments to regulate and enforce charter party carrier laws for limousines. The state PUC currently regulates and enforces charter party carrier laws for limousines, but statewide enforcement could benefit from added local enforcement. Violations of charter party carrier laws have public safety and consumer implications. Allowing local enforcement of the law will create a safer environment for everyone.

AB 2761: Rental Car Contracts for Business Customers

In 1998 the Legislature enacted significant protections for rental car consumers in order to ensure that these customers are given a fair and accurate quote for their rental car before entering into a rental car contract. These protections were never meant to apply to the unique circumstances of the business renter whose company has entered into a pre-negotiated agreement with a rental car company. This measure would allow businesses to pre-negotiate contracts outside the confines of the rules created for individual renters.

2003

AB 807: Prevailing Wage

Assembly Bill 807 closes loopholes around the timely payment of the health and welfare portion of the prevailing wage, requiring payment on at least on a quarterly basis.

-Mark