2007 Hot Bills: Lung  Association Scores Key Legislative Victories

Below is the list of American Lung Association of California’s “hot bills,” which made it through the Legislature and landed on the governor’s desk.  The governor signed into law several significant and important bills that were actively supported and/or co-sponsored by the American Lung Association of California.  There were many other bills signed or vetoed that the American Lung Association supported but were not as high of priority as the “hot bills.”

These victories would not have been possible without the active support and involvement of the American Lung Association of California volunteers and staff, who responded to e-Advocacy campaigns, promoted the action alerts to their contacts, and helped generate local support for these statewide bills. In victory and defeat, there is a tremendous amount of effort that is expended on these and the dozens of other lung health-related bills that were lobbied during 2007. 

For more information, please contact Erin Archer at 916-554-LUNG, ext. 223 or earcher@alac.org .

BILLS SIGNED INTO LAW

AB 118 (Assembly Speaker Nunez, D-Los Angeles) Alternative Fuels and Vehicle Technologies Funding
Assembly Bill 118 will raise substantial new funding from a variety of transportation-related fees to invest in research and development of clean alternative fuel and vehicle technologies.  AB 118 would also establish an air quality improvement fund to mitigate pollution emissions related to the transportation sector through investments in cleaner technologies and control strategies.
(ALAC Position: Support)

AB 233 (Jones, D-Sacramento) Diesel Vehicles and Engines: Healthy Heart & Lung Act 
This bill requires the California Air Resources Board to develop a plan for expanded enforcement of diesel control regulations including additional staffing, public education and outreach efforts. AB 233 also raises penalties for violating diesel idling rules and prohibits the new registration of any pre-1994 diesel vehicles (renewals are not affected).
(ALAC Position: Support and Cosponsor)

AB 1585 Lieber (D-San Jose) Ban on Free Cigarette Offers
Prohibits the use of coupons, gift certificates, gift-cards and similar offers, credits, and proofs-of-purchase in California by including these forms of advertising in the definition of ‘non-sale distribution’ of tobacco products.  In addition, the bill clarifies that tobacco companies that engage in non-sale distribution by mail must verify that the recipient of the product is 18 years of age or older. 
(ALAC Position: Support)

SB 7 (Oropeza, D-Long Beach ) Prohibiting Smoking in Cars with Children
Senate Bill 7 prohibits smoking in a motor vehicle in which a minor is present. Minors are children 17 years and younger. Violations would be punishable by a fine of up to $100.
(ALAC Position: Support)

SB 719 (Machado, D-Linden) Reform of the San Joaquin Valley Unified Air Pollution Control
Senate Bill 719 will increase the membership of the San Joaquin Unified Air Pollution Control District Board, and requires that the new Board include additional local government representatives as well as two seats designated for a medical or public health expert.
(ALAC Position: Support)

BILLS VETOED

AB 1467 (DeSaulanier, D-Martinez) Closing Loopholes in CA Smoke-Free Workplace Act
Would have removed several exemptions in the California Smoke-Free Workplace Act that permit smoking in specified bars, warehouses, hotel lobbies, employee break rooms, and meeting and banquet rooms. AB 1467 would have also prohibited smoking in specified owner‑operated businesses regardless of whether or not they have employees, and tightened the definition of a “retail tobacco store.”
(ALAC Position: Support)
Governor’s veto message: http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/AB%201467%20veto%20message.pdf

SB 210 (Kehoe, D-San Diego) Low Carbon Fuel Standard
SB 210 would have established criteria for the development and implementation of a low-carbon fuel standard.  By doing so, SB would have assisted California meet global warming reduction goals by requiring the California Air Resources Board  to develop and administer a program to reduce the carbon content of California’s transportation fuels by at least 10% by 2020. 
(ALAC Position: Support)
Governor’s veto message: http://gov.ca.gov/pdf/press/SB%20210%20veto%20message.pdf

For more information, contact Erin Archer, at 916-554-LUNG, ext. 223 or earcher@alac.org.