Bob Fox's Legislative Analysis

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 12, 2002) -- The Senate passed its version of the budget July 6 and immediately recessed for the rest of the month. As a result, a number of bills that are under consideration in the Senate have not had any action taken. The Senate is scheduled to return August 6.

The Assembly, on the other hand, has not passed a version of the budget and technically it is still in session, however it has met only three or four times since the Fourth of July, and has not taken the Budget up. The votes aren't there, since all of the Democrats and at least four Republicans must vote Aye. 

Some of the more liberal Democrats have indicated that they might not be able to vote for the budget currently under consideration because they believe that more taxes should be imposed, and fewer cuts should be approved.

Some have stated that it could be early August before an agreement is reached on the budget.

Here is a status report on the bills that we have been tracking or lobbying on behalf of the CTBA:

AB 2619, authored by Assemblyman Tony Strickland, the CTT-sponsored bill dealing with owner/trainers participation in the TOC is on the Senate floor. It is being amended to reflect an agreement between the TOC and the CTT that was reached recently.

SB 1337, authored by Senator Vincent and sponsored by the Jockey's Guild, is also on the Senate floor with amendments that will be made after the parties have agreed on the final language. It also appears an agreement will be reached, but final language is still being written.

SB 1764, Costa, is sponsored by the Fresno Fair. It was withdrawn from the file in Assembly GO after an agreement couldn't be reached. It could still be revived, but rules would have to be waived and Magna and the Fresno Fair must agree on language first.

SB 1736, Burton, would require binding arbitration for agricultural workers. It is currently in Assembly Appropriations Committee waiting for a hearing.

AB 2554, Strickland, a technical bill to clarify funding for the Maddy Equine facility at UCD is in Senate Appropriations committee.

AB 875, Horton, dealing with auctioneers and auctions, appears to be dead for this session. It is in Senate Business and Professions committee and was withdrawn from the file.

AB 1058, Pavley, the car tax bill didn't pass, but the language was amended into AB 1493, in the "dark of night" and was passed by the Assembly and is now on the Governor's desk waiting action. This maneuver by the sponsors and supporters was very controversial and there has been tremendous lobbying of the Governor by both sides. It appears, at this point, that the Governor will sign it.

AB 2338, Papan, the San Mateo County Fair sponsored bill is on the Senate floor waiting to be heard.

AB 2393, which deals with Mule racing is in Senate Appropriations Committee, and is on the consent calendar.

AB 2502, Wyland, which extends the sunset on NTRA has been signed by the Governor

AB 2803, Briggs, the fair-sponsored technical bill is in Senate Appropriations Committee, on consent.

AB 2931, Horton, is the bill that is intended to address the workers comp issue. It is currently on the Senate floor, on inactive, until the Senate returns on August 5. While final language hasn't been amended into the bill, there is no opposition and all of the parties are working hard to get the bill passed as soon as possible. There is also agreement that an urgency clause should be added so the bill will become effective upon signature of the Governor. 

SB 1465, Costa, the CTBA sponsored bill is on the Governor's desk waiting for his signature. A letter from CTBA has been sent to the Governor requesting that he sign the bill, and CTBA staff has discussed it with the Governor's legislative staff. Since there was no opposition and only one no vote during the whole process, we believe that the bill will be signed.