By Democrat staff and The Associated Press

The state Assembly voted 44-25 Monday to approve landmark legislation to integrate the anticipated effects of climate change into all local and state water plans, including the California Water Plan and State Plan of Flood Control.

The legislation was among dozens approved by lawmakers on Monday.

"California faces serious risks to its water supply resulting from climate change, including more frequent dry years, more persistent droughts, and reduced water storage in the state's reservoirs," said Assemblywoman Lois Wolk, D-Davis.

Also on Monday, the Assembly voted to give food stamps to all felons convicted of a drug-related offense, over objections that doing so could help fund their drug habit.

If the bill is adopted by the Senate and signed by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, California would become the latest state to exempt itself from an 11-year-old federal ban on the process. More than a dozen states already view such a move as a way to help former convicts integrate back into society.

Lawmakers passed the bill on a near party-line vote, 41-29, with Democrats voting for the measure and 28 Republicans opposing it. Assemblyman Ted Lieu of Torrance was the lone Democrat voting against it.

Critics said giving food stamps to former drug dealers, traffickers and manufacturers would send the wrong message to taxpayers. They also complained that former convicts would not be required to go through drug treatment programs to qualify for food stamps.