Assembly Bills Introduced:Automobile Insurance: ACA 5 by...

Assembly Bills Introduced:

Automobile Insurance: ACA 5 by Assemblywoman Maxine Waters (D-Los Angeles) would increase the state gasoline tax to pay for a minimum automobile liability insurance program for all drivers, if the measure is placed on the ballot by the Legislature and ratified by the voters.

Public Employee Strikes: ACA 7 by Assemblyman Tom McClintock (R-Thousand Oaks) would prohibit public employees from striking. Previous attempts to place this issue on the statewide ballot have failed to pass in the Legislature. Senate Committee Action:

AIDS: The Senate Education Committee unanimously approved a bill (SB 136) by Sen. Gary K. Hart (D-Santa Barbara) to require an AIDS prevention videotape or film to be shown to all junior and senior high school students. A 10-0 vote sent the bill to the Appropriations Committee for further action. Bills Introduced:

Campaigns: SB 244 by Sen. Robert Presley (D-Riverside) would make it clear that existing civil penalties for libelous or slanderous statements apply to political campaign activities relating to either election candidates or ballot measures. Miscellany

Bush Press Secretary?: Larry Thomas, Gov. George Deukmejian’s press secretary, is one of several people being considered to become Vice President George Bush’s press secretary. Thomas confirmed that he is a possible replacement for Marlin Fitzwater, who moved up to become a White House spokesman, by saying: “There has been no offer made and no interview. They’ve indicated they have several people who are being considered and I am one of them.” Thomas took a leave of absence to direct the governor’s successful reelection campaign last year.

Maeley Tom Moves: The first woman and first member of a minority to serve as the Assembly’s chief administrative officer, Maeley Tom, is moving to the Senate as a special assistant on Asian affairs to President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Los Angeles). Tom will be succeeded by Bob Connelly. Her old boss, former Assemblyman Louis Papan (D-Millbrae), who had been chairman of the Rules Committee, lost a bid to move up to the Senate at the polls last year.