Sacramento, CA- Six measures authored by Assembly Member Jared Huffman go into effect starting January 1st, 2008. These important legislative items include: climate change, public health, water conservation, and public safety.  Here is a brief overview of Assemblymember Huffman’s bills that will go into effect:

·        AB 1109 - Energy Efficient Lighting
One of the most important pieces of legislation this year. This bill directs the California                Energy Commission to reduce California’s consumption of electricity for lighting uses by 50% in 10 years.  As part of this strategy, would phase out the purchase by state government of inefficient lighting sources.  Also establishes mercury and lead reduction standards for lighting. 

·        AB 1470 - Solar Thermal
This breakthrough legislation creates a ten-year statewide incentive program to drive half a million California consumers toward solar heating technologies that directly displace the use of natural gas for water and space heating in homes and businesses.

·        AB 28 - Breast Cancer Tax Check-Off Extension
This important legislation extends the sunset date for the California Breast Cancer Research Fund tax check-off program which is set to expire next year.

·        AB 463- Parking for Disabled Persons
Allows handicap drivers of vehicles with side loading lifts or ramps to use two adjacent parking stalls in private parking lots when existing van accessible handicap parking spaces are occupied.

·        AB 1406- Recycled water - Condos
This bill encourages water reuse by permitting the use of recycled water in condominiums, as it is currently used in apartment buildings.

·        AB 1560 - Water Conservation - building standards