2003 Cal-bred News

Bob Fox's Legislative Analysis

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (June 19, 2003) -- The Legislative page on the CTBA website has an updated summary of the status of bills that the Association is watching or lobbying. There are two lists, one for "horseracing bills" and one for the "non racing bills."

We encourage all CTBA members to review the bills and to provide input to the office. The deadline for bills to pass out of their house of origin was last week, so the bills that didn't make it are now "two year bills" and are dead for this year. Many of them will be revived next year, the second year of the two-year session.

Of particular interest are the following bills:
AB 900, authored by the Assembly GO Committee, which contains the CTBA language that will permit breeders and stallion awards on out-of- state races that feature Cal-breds. This bill passed the Assembly and the Senate GO Committee and is now on consent.

AB 923, Firebaugh is the bill that eliminates the tax exemptions for diesel, propane used in agriculture, farm equipment, and racehorse breeding stock. The CTBA is part of a large coalition of agricultural organizations that is strongly opposed to this bill. It is in the Senate waiting to be assigned to a policy committee. When it has been assigned we will ask that CTBA members actively oppose the bill and contact the committee members.

AB 924, Maldonado increases the fine for trespassing on private property. It is strongly supported by the CTBA, and passed out of the Assembly, and this week passed out of the Senate Public Safety committee on a 4 to 0 vote.

SB 707, Florez deals with environmental impact reports for confined animal facilities. It is unclear if it would affect any Thoroughbred breeder's operations however CTBA is working with a group that is opposing it, because of the precedent it could set.

SB 993, Poochigian would increase penalties for trespassing on property that raises, houses, or processes food animals. It is an attempt to help deter bio-terrorism. While it doesn't specifically affect CTBA we are working with the sponsor and author to help get it passed.

SCA 10, Florez is a Constitutional Amendment dealing with the expansion of gambling. CTBA is currently analyzing the most recent amendments of June 18th and will provide information if it appears that it is something that we need to take a position on.

On a non-legislative subject, next week could be an historic one for Sacramento, given the fact that there will be a conference on genetically engineered foods and biotechnology sponsored by the USDA, that could bring up to 40,000 protestors. Hearings at the capitol have been cancelled for Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Businesses surrounding the Convention Center are preparing for the worst in anticipation of the possibility of a repeat of what happened in Seattle a couple of years ago when protestors destroyed part of the city. Many office buildings will close and law enforcement is prepared to deal with any demonstrations that get out of hand.