Press Release posted 8/10/12 –
Sacramento – Returning from summer recess, the State Senate Appropriations Committee today approved five bills authored by Assemblymember Anthony Portantino. The measures range from increasing early detection of breast cancer to open government legislation. The bills now go to the Senate floor before heading to the Governor’s desk for signature later this month.
AB 137 – Breast Cancer Screenings
Ensures that more woman have access to mammograms by eliminating outdated age guidelines. The bill allows women to have a mammogram based on their medical situation.
AB 1527 – Firearms
Prohibits open carry of unloaded long guns, such as rifles and shotguns, in incorporated cities, making it a misdemeanor to open carry punishable by six months in jail and $1000 fine. This is a follow-up to last year’s AB 144, which prohibits the open carry of unloaded handguns in public places.
AB 1956 – Tattoo Removal
Allows individuals who have been tattooed for the purpose of human trafficking or prostitution to be eligible for free tattoo removal programs. Too often, young women are tattooed by pimps who turn them out as prostitutes. It is a perverse form of branding that leaves the women marked as property.
AB 2086 – Legislative License Plates
Amends the Vehicle Code to require active and retired legislators with legislative license plates to pay the same fees that apply to specialty (vanity) license plates. Average Californians pay $50 on issuance and $35 yearly with their registration. Retired firefighters and police pay the state an annual fee to obtain specialty plates that show proper respect for their lifetime of work. However, current law allows legislators to receive similar plates without paying the state an annual fee. The DMV estimates that more than 700 such plates have been issued.
AB 2162 – Political Reform Act Financial Reporting
Updates the various reporting categories for Statement of Economic Interest forms for government officials. Form 700 must be filed by legislators, employees and state and local officials to more accurately reflect their financial holdings. These levels have not been changed since the Political Reform Act was first passed in 1974. This bill brings greater transparency to the process by updating the categories and dollar amounts.