Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Pedro Nava, Chair of the Joint Committee on Emergency Services and Homeland Security and Chair of the Assembly Transportation Committee announced today that the Governor signed several of his bills into law.

“I am very pleased the Governor saw the merits of many of my bills this year,” said Nava.  “This is a thoughtful legislative package that helps protect children and the environment, provides disaster relief, and enhances worker’s rights.”

Transportation

AB 321 - Allows local governments to reduce speed limits to 15 mph on roads within 500 feet of a school, and to 25 mph on roads from 500 feet to 1000 feet of a school.

“This bill will make it safer for our kids traveling to and from school,” said Nava.  “By extending school zones and reducing the speed limit near schools, we are giving children, parents, crossing guards and the elderly alike the protection they need.”

AB 1612 - This measure is in response to the accident in the Bay Area at the MacArthur Maze, which left a tanker truck, carrying over 8,600 gallons of gasoline, in flames and caused the meltdown and collapse of the highway.  It requires the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to physically inspect hazardous material motor carriers every two years under the current Biennial Inspection of Terminals program.  In addition, it requires hazardous material motor carriers to stay current with these inspections and if the motor carrier is just starting up business, the carrier will have to be inspected before the CHP will issue a license to transport hazardous material.

“This accident was a wake up call,” said Nava.  “It could have been worse and many lives could have been lost.” said Nava.  “My legislation  recognized the vulnerabilities associated with transporting hazardous materials, even by the best drivers and under the best conditions.  We have raised the standards under which motor carriers of hazardous material operate—because Californians deserve the best of the best motor carriers when it comes to transporting hazardous materials.”  

Endangered Species

AB 821 - The Ridley-Tree Condor Preservation Act removes the number one threat to the survival of the endangered California condor, lead ammunition, by having hunters switch to widely available, non lead ammunition when they hunt big game and coyote in condor country. 

“I want to commend the Governor for signing this legislation to save the California condor,” said Nava.  “The Governor chose to do the right thing on behalf of this majestic bird that has flown over North America for over 10,000 years.  He stood up to the special interests.  Today is a great day in the efforts to bring the California condor back from the brink of extinction.”

Emergency Services & Disaster Relief 

AB 62 – This measure provides disaster relief assistance to the victims and counties affected by the wildfires that struck Santa Barbara, Ventura and El Dorado counties during 2006 and 2007. Specifically, it provides state reimbursements for local property tax losses from the downward property tax assessments of properties damaged by the fires.  In addition, it allows the victims whose homes were damaged to continue to receive the homeowner’s property tax exemption while they are being repaired or rebuilt even if they can not live on the property during that time, and allows taxpayers to deduct excess disaster losses not compensated for by insurance, for up to five years on income tax returns.

AB 1564 - This bill extends the operation of the Emergency Management Compact (EMAC) that sunset this year, until 2012. The EMAC enables California to receive critical aid from neighboring states should the state’s resources be inadequate to respond in case of a catastrophic event such as earthquakes, wildfires, floods and terrorist attacks.

“This legislation is very important for California and its ability to respond to a disaster,” said Nava. “Without this compact, California’s ability to receive assistance from emergency responders in other states is severely restricted.”

High School Exit Exam Assistance

AB 347-This measure provides the necessary support to ensure that students who are working to complete the California High School Exit Exam (CAHSEE) at the end of grade twelve have the opportunity to receive up to two additional years of intensive instruction and services to pass and receive their high school diploma.

 “I am very pleased that the Governor signed my bill,” said Nava. “This legislation is important for our young people.  We need to make sure that all the necessary tools are provided and available so that our students can meet California’s high standards and pass the exit exam and receive a high school diploma.”

Local Government

AB 61- This bill increases the membership of the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (SBMTD) from five to seven, to include representatives from Goleta and Carpinteria. The Carpinteria and Goleta City Council will each have the authority to appoint a member. The measure will make the transit district more representative of the region.

“AB 61 will make the Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District Board a more representative body for our area and make it more responsive to the transportation needs of Santa Barbara County,” said Nava.

Medical Treatment For Injured Workers

AB 1073 – This measure will establish an exception to the 24-visit cap for injured workers so that they may receive doctor prescribed physical therapy after surgery.  It provides that the present 24-visit cap on chiropractic, physical therapy and occupational therapy services does will not apply to post surgical physical therapy treatment.

“My legislation came at the request of physicians whose hands were tied when attempting to get their patients physical therapy following surgery,” said Nava. “This change will help speed up recovery for injured workers getting them healthy and back on the job.”