Press Release posted 8/29/12 – SACRAMENTO: Two measures authored by Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) have received the approval and signature of the Governor after receiving support from both Democrats and Republicans during the legislative process. Both SB 1364 and SB 1137 address key consumer protection issues.
“My thanks to the Governor for his recognition and support for the student safety and rate increase issues that my two bills address,” said Senator Huff, who represents Sierra Madre in Sacramento. “I’d also like to thank my colleagues in both the Senate and the Assembly for their support.”
SB 1364 seeks to ensure that ratepayers served by private water companies are not asked to pay more for the same service than a ratepayer served by a public agency without a clear understanding of the associated costs.
Consumers are not always adequately notified of pending rate increases through a method currently used by water utilities, which has led to confusion and frustration among ratepayers. Senator Huff’s legislation gives cities and customers advance notice on rate increase notifications in order to protect them from unexpected rate hikes.
“This bill also subjects water corporations with more than 2,000 service connections to the same reporting and auditing requirements currently imposed on electrical, gas, and telephone corporations,” said Senator Huff. “It is designed to protect ratepayers.”
Senator Huff introduced SB 1137 at the request of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson. The bill addresses needed changes in education statutes regarding California heritage schools. Defined in California’s Education Code, heritage schools are privately financed, culture-based educational entities. In an effort to provide an even safer environment for students enrolled in the heritage school programs, SB 1137 specifies that each school must register with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The measure also prioritizes and enhances student safety through the electronic registration form by requiring the acknowledgement that all heritage school employees must report any and all known child abuse.
“The Governor’s signature on SB 1137 means that all heritage schools are subject to requirements of the Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act,” said Senator Huff.