SACRAMENTO --- This week, Assembly Majority Leader Karen Bass’ (D-Los Angeles) legislation that will provide a parking fee exemption for California veterans moved out of the Assembly Transportation Committee to Appropriations. Assembly Bill 138 would provide veterans with a special license plate that will bar them from paying parking fees for specified state of local authority parking facilities.

“I am honored to carry this bill that will provide our Veterans a much deserved benefit from the state for their extraordinary contributions that they have made while serving our country,” states Majority Leader Bass.

Veterans who would qualify for this exemption include Pearl Harbor Survivors and Prisoners Of War as well as Legion of Valor, Medal of Honor and Purple Heart awardees. Culver City resident Neil Rubenstein, who is an active resident in the District, presented the legislative idea to the Majority Leader for her to carry.

"As a member of 47th Assembly District People Council, which is a vehicle for citizen participation in the legislative process, Mr. Rubenstein serves as an example for all constituents. He was instrumental in spearheading the campaign to get this bill developed. I am proud that he is a member of the 47th Assembly District and the People’s Council,” said the Majority Leader.

At today’s hearing, veterans and supporters were on hand to testify in front of the Committee on the benefits of the bill. The 14-member Assembly Committee oversees Transit Authority, California Highway Patrol, vehicles, aircraft, and vessels as well as operation, licensing, registration and drivers licenses.

Karen Bass has been a State Assembly Member representing Los Angeles’ 47th Assembly District since 2005. Speaker Fabian Núñez selected Bass as the Majority Leader for the California State Assembly during the 2007-2008 legislative session, making her the first African American and the first woman to hold this leadership position. As the Assemblymember for the 47th District, Karen Bass serves the cities and communities of Culver City, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Cheviot Hills, Leimert Park, Baldwin Hills, Windsor Hills, Ladera Heights, the Crenshaw District, Little Ethiopia and portions of Korea Town and South Los Angeles.