2003 Cal-bred News

Bob Fox's Legislative Update

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (July 17, 2003) -- On Wednesday, AB 900, which contains CTBA's language that would permit breeder's awards for selected out of state races, passed out of Senate
Appropriations Committee. The bill is now on consent and scheduled to be heard on the Senate floor.

In other action, AB 924 by Assemblyman Maldonado, which increases the fine for trespassing on private property, has passed both houses is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. CTBA supported this bill.

SB 993 by Senator Poochigian, which would increase the penalties for trespassing on property where food animals are held, raised, or bred, passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee and is now on consent. While this bill doesn't affect CTBA it is strongly supported by all of the organizations that produce food animals, including the Cattlemen's Association and Farm Bureau. It is an attempt to try to deal with either an accidental or intentional introduction of a chemical or poison that could compromise food safety. CTBA did not take a position on it, but we support the concept of increased penalties for trespassing.

No action has been taken on Workers' Comp, and we are still waiting for a conference committee to be named which will then deal with approximately 40 bills on the subject.

No action has been taken on the ongoing budget stalemate. On Wednesday, the Senate rejected a Republican plan to "balance the budget" with additional cuts and borrowing. The pressure is increasing on both Democrats and Republicans to reach an agreement and the recall of Governor Davis is adding to the tension between the two parties.

SB 707 by Senator Florez, which could have prevented expansion of "confined animal facilities" and could have affected racetracks and fairs, as well as some breeding operations was amended and now only deals with "large dairies." The CTBA strongly oppose the original version of the bill and is now neutral.