News Room: 2003-2004 Legislation

The Elder Financial Protection Network (EFPN), a nonprofit that works to combat elder financial abuse, honored State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) yesterday for his work protecting the state’s seniors. read more ...

State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), the author of the state’s online privacy law, today praised Attorney General Kamala Harris for the plan she announced Wednesday to bring the millions of users of mobile device applications, called “apps,” under the law’s protection. read more ...

When we were growing up, the drugs of choice for teenagers were beer and marijuana. So much has changed. Now, kids are into hard liquor and a variety of really dangerous drugs. Dextromethorphan (DXM) is one such drug. Taken as directed in products such as Robitussin and Coricidin, it is safe and effective. But when taken at higher doses, DXM can cause hallucinations, loss of motor control, vomiting, paranoia, numbness, lethargy, slurred speech and "out-of-body" sensations similar to PCP and LSD. But now, we fervently hope, the abuse of DXM will decrease. As of Jan. 1, a new law authored by state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, prohibits the sale of cold and cough medicines containing DXM to minors. read more ...

On January 1, California will become the first state in the nation to prohibit the sale of over-the-counter cold and cough medications containing dextromethorphan (DXM) to minors. Senate Bill 514, authored by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), will require store clerks to check identification to ensure that no one under 18 purchases these medications, which are known to cause a potentially life-threatening high when consumed in high doses. read more ...

Sen. Joe Simitian gets an “A” for effort. In fact, he might even be the post-term limits Legislature’s perspicacity poster child.

While not the decade it took Jim Costa to win approval of legislation moving California’s presidential primary forward, it took Simitian six years to pass a measure requiring hands-free use of cell phones while driving.

He’s been as tireless – but not as successful - on a measure he and some 150 school districts contend will help them better control their financial destinies.

In 2003, 2005, 2007, 2009 and now 2011 Simitian has introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow parcel taxes sought by school districts to be approved by a 55-percent rather than a two-thirds vote.

“If the state either can’t or won’t fund public education adequately, the least we can do is give local communities the opportunity to make local choices about their kids,” Simitian, a Palo Alto Democrat, told Capitol Weekly.

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The California State Senate voted Thursday to approve Senate Bill 24 by State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Senate Bill 24 strengthens and improves the state’s existing security breach notification requirements. read more ...

State Sen. Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), who authored the California law prohibiting coastal dumping by cruise ships and other oceangoing vessels, praised the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for its announcement today that it has proposed to ban all sewage discharges from large ships in state waters the length of the California coast. read more ...

Cruise ships and large commercial ships will be banned from dumping any kind of sewage—even highly filtered wastewater—along California’s coast out to three miles from shore, under new rules from the Obama administration.

The rules, which are scheduled to be announced Wednesday at a news conference in San Francisco, give California among the strictest laws in the nation limiting pollution from large ships.

“This is going to cover the entire California coastline,” said state Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto. “Oceangoing vessels should not consider our coastline a place for dumping sewage.”

In 2005, Simitian wrote a bill that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger signed banning sewage discharges in state waters from cruise ships and commercial ships larger than 300 gross tons.

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State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today the introduction of Senate Bill 1475 which strengthens the state’s hands-free and anti-texting laws for motorists. read more ...

Six-and-a-half years after Rick Walker's release from prison, where he had served 12 years for a murder he didn't commit, two filmmakers are continuing to spread his story. read more ...

Sacramento – As the first major storm of the season hits much of California today, State Senator Joe Simitian (D – Palo Alto) joined law enforcement officials in reminding drivers about the importance of keeping “Wipers On, Lights On.” read more ...

When most people think of movie stars in Sacramento, it's Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger who comes to mind. But Tuesday will see the Sacramento premier of a documentary featuring Sen. Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, and his effort to pass a bill on behalf of the wrongly convicted. read more ...

Privacy Piracy host Mari Frank interviews State Senator Joe Simitian on his range of legislation aimed at protecting Californians' privacy. read more ...

California's landmark data-breach notification law will get another update, if State Senator Joe Simitian gets his way. Simitian, co-author of California's original 2003 legislation, has proposed a new bill, SB 20, that would spell out what companies must tell customers in their data breach letters and require that breaches affecting more than 500 people be reported to the state's attorney general. read more ...

BERKELEY, CA -- There's a much more common threat to health and safety to think about tonight. A new government study shows three million young people, between 12 and 25, are getting high from cough syrup. It contains a drug that young people are trying just as often as methamphetamine. read more ...

With the return of rain to the Bay Area, drivers should remember to flip on their headlights whenever it's coming down hard enough to turn on their windshield wipers. After all, it's the law. A subsection of the California Vehicle Code, amended in 2004, requires drivers to turn on their lights anytime their wipers are "in continuous use because of rain, mist, snow, fog or moisture." read more ...

I read with interest about the recent decision to hold a special election to fill the vacancy on the Berryessa school board. It may be helpful for readers and those in local government to know that when I served in the state Assembly, I authored AB 1544, which allows local school districts and smaller cities (under 100,000 residents) to conduct a special election wholly by all-mail ballot. The bill was signed into law and took effect on Jan. 1, 2004. Mail ballots offer an efficient, cost-effective method of filling vacancies. They also produce more voter turnout, allowing more people's voices to be heard. While the cost of mail ballots is still significant, it is substantially less expensive than a regular election and offers another option for election officials and voters. Filling a vacancy isn't easy, but having as many 'good government" options as possible is a step in the right direction. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), chair of the Select Committee on Elder Abuse, announced that the Governor signed two of his three bills combating elder abuse. read more ...

Palo Alto - Arnold Schwarzenegger signed Assembly Bills 471 and 2672 this week, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D - Palo Alto). AB 471 prohibits cruise ships from incinerating garbage within three miles of the coastline. AB 2672 bans the release of sewage into state waters. The bills will go into effect on January 1, 2005. read more ...

Palo Alto– Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) kicked off his fourth annual “There Oughta Be A Law” contest today, following the news that Governor Schwarzenegger signed one of this year’s “There Oughta Be A Law” bills. read more ...

Palo Alto – A frightening and dangerous way for teens to get high has caught the attention of State Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Known by names such as ‘robotripping’ or ‘tussing,’ this growing trend for kids is gaining popularity for those looking for an inexpensive and easy method to abuse drugs. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), chair of the Select Committee on Elder Abuse, introduced an omnibus bill package today designed to combat the growing problem of elder abuse in California. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that he has introduced legislation to help equalize school funding for underfunded schools across the State. AB 2178 allocates $110 million in equalization funds for K-12 schools, and $80 million for community colleges in the next fiscal year. The amounts match the proposed equalization funding contained in the Governor’s 2004-05 budget. read more ...

Palo Alto – All 23 school districts in San Mateo County have pledged their support on a measure to lower the threshold needed to approve a school parcel tax. They join 138 other school districts around the state in support of State Assembly Constitutional Amendment, ACA 4, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). read more ...

Palo Alto – The issue of hands-free cell phones is back on the Legislative Agenda. Assemblymember Joe Simitian will introduce a new version of his cell phone bill tomorrow afternoon at the State Assembly. The legislation requires drivers to use hands-free technology while talking on phones in their cars. read more ...

Palo Alto – The Ravenswood City and Cambrian Union School Districts breathed a sigh of relief on January 1st when laws granting these districts access to greatly needed funds went into effect. AB 1350 and AB 1649 were part of a three-bill education package authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) and signed into law by the Governor. read more ...

Palo Alto - As of January 1 California’s environment is protected by a new three-bill package authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto). Simitian’s most recent environmental bill package covers a wide range of environmental issues - from forest protection and clean oceans, to ensuring public participation in the environmental review process. read more ...

Palo Alto – As New Year’s Eve approaches, law enforcement has a new tool to combat teenage drinking and driving. read more ...

Palo Alto – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) today was named by Scientific American magazine as one of the “Scientific American 50” – the noted magazine’s annual list recognizing outstanding leadership in science and technology from the past year. Simitian was the only elected official in the country to be so honored. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that Ravenswood City School District’s long financial struggle with the State over the reimbursement of special education costs is finally over. Assembly Bill 1350, which sought to reimburse the school district $1.33 million for special education costs incurred in complying with a court order, has been signed into law. read more ...

Sacramento - Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), Chair of the Assembly Select Committee on Privacy, announced today that Governor Davis signed Simitian’s bill (Assembly Bill 68) to protect the privacy of online users. read more ...

Palo Alto –Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that the Governor signed Assembly Bill 47, Simitian’s bill to more fully protect sensitive forest habitat and watershed. Davis signed the bill over the weekend, in an effort to beat the Sunday midnight deadline. AB 47 is the fourth and final piece of Simitian’s environmental legislation for this year. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that the Governor signed Assembly Bill 1326, which establishes the San Mateo County Child Care Subsidy Pilot Project, a first of its kind program designed to give counties more flexibility in providing subsidized child care. “The problem with state-subsidized child care is that one size doesn’t fit all, especially when it comes to high cost areas like ours,” said Simitian. read more ...

Palo Alto – Governor Gray Davis today signed Assembly Bill 1330, by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D - Palo Alto) establishing the California Outdoor Environmental Education Program. Simitian’s measure establishes the program, provides a mechanism for private funding of such programs and an evaluation of program effectiveness. The bill takes effect on January 1, 2004. read more ...

Palo Alto – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) kicked off his third annual “There Oughta Be A Law” contest today after learning that the Governor had just signed two of this year’s “There Oughta Be A Law” bills. “The two winning entries from the 2002-2003 contest show that individuals really can make a difference,” Simitian said. “These proposals are now law in California.” read more ...

Palo Alto – Assemblyman Joe Simitian announced today that the Governor has signed Assembly Bill 1649 into law, clearing the way for state support of some of California’s most fragile and needy students. read more ...

Palo Alto –Governor Gray Davis signed Assembly Bill 121 earlier this morning, Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s (D-Palo Alto) cruise ship pollution bill. read more ...

Palo Alto – A Santa Cruz non-profit could directly benefit from an innovative attempt by Assembly Joe Simitian to get kids out to sea. Literally. read more ...

Palo Alto –The opportunity for children from low-income families to learn basic geometry while sailing at sea is just one of several outdoor education opportunities that may get a boost under legislation poised for passage in the California State Legislature. Assembly Bill 1330 establishes the California Outdoor Environmental Education Program, which provides a mechanism for private funding of such programs and an evaluation of program effectiveness. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblymembers Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), George Nakano (D-Torrance), and John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) are calling for passage of three bills regulating cruise ship pollution along the California Coast. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblymembers Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), George Nakano (D-Torrance), and John Laird (D-Santa Cruz) will hold a press conference on Wednesday, August 20, at 10:00AM in the Governor’s Press Room (Room 1190, Capitol) calling for passage of three bills regulating cruise ship pollution along the California Coast. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s (D-Palo Alto) bill, AB 45, which requires cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving, is expected to be heard in the Senate Transportation Committee on Tuesday, July 8, 2003. The Senate Transportation Committee is scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. in Room 3191 of the State Capitol. read more ...

WHAT were they thinking? That's the only question you can ask when you look at a California appellate court's unanimous decision in a mind-boggling case regarding sexual harassment. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced today that Assembly Bill 45, which requires cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving, passed off the Assembly floor and is one step closer to becoming California law. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced he will present Assembly Bill 45, which requires cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving, on the Assembly floor tomorrow, Thursday, May 29, 2003. read more ...

Sacramento – A key vote on Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s cell phone bill, which requires cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving, is expected to take place in the Assembly Appropriations Committee tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21, 2003. read more ...

Palo Alto – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) is one step closer to giving cities more incentive to build senior housing. Assembly Bill 218, which changes the way cities can count units to meet the State’s affordable housing requirement, passed out of the Assembly Housing Committee yesterday with near unanimous approval. read more ...

Sacramento - Tomorrow Assemblymember Joe Simitian (D - Palo Alto) will present to the California Assembly's Judiciary Committee a bill designed to protect the privacy of anonymous Internet speakers. read more ...

Palo Alto – A pair of “Clean Coast” environmental bills to reduce air pollution and the amount of sewage dumped from cruise ships made headway this week after both bills passed in the Assembly Environmental Safety Committee. The legislation, introduced by Assemblymember Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), seeks to strictly regulate cruise ship waste along the California coast. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s Assembly Bill 49, a bill to create the California Cyber Crimes Task Force, was passed by the State Assembly today and is now headed to the State Senate. Assembly Bill (AB) 49 aligns California’s High Technology Theft Apprehension and Prosecution Program with the national Homeland Security Act to create a truly statewide system, and makes California eligible for federal anti-terrorism funding. read more ...

Sacramento – In recognition of “the positive … impact of public libraries, librarians, and library workers,” the State Legislature declared the week of April 6–12 to be National Library Week. Assembly Concurrent Resolution 77, authored by Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto), passed unanimously out of the Assembly today. read more ...

Sacramento - Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced that his bill to expand child care opportunities passed out of the Assembly Local Government Committee today. read more ...

Early in Ronald Reagan’s political career, he was credited with such environmental witticisms as, “You know, a tree is a tree—how many more do you need to look at?” And of the redwoods, he once said, “I saw them; there is nothing beautiful about them, just that they are a little higher than the others.”

Reagan’s remarks—even at the time—were considered rhetorically excessive; but happily, they do illustrate how far we’ve come in expanding the boundaries of environmental debate. Today, of course, we know that we have to think about more than a single tree, or even a single forest. The dialogue now encompasses a much greater sphere. It’s about the cumulative impact that results from individual actions.

Certainly, it comes as no great surprise that cumulative impact matters. Changes that happen over time and across terrain can have a lasting impact on our environment. Individual actions today—whether it be a timber cut, a dam construction, a wetlands development, or a mining practice—will affect our air, our water, our forests, as well as species and subspecies, tomorrow, and for many tomorrows to come.

What is surprising, however, is that in California we still lack a consistent approach to the consideration of cumulative impacts when we evaluate and approve timber harvest plans (THPs). We don’t fully consider the impact that one plan may have on another plan—even though they may be implemented on opposite sides of the same stream over the course of a few short months. And where has this led us?

Since 1985, more than 1.4 million acres of private forestland have been clearcut, according to the California Department of Forestry.  That’s the equivalent of nearly 10 acres per hour, 365 days per year for 17 years. Because we consider each individual THP individually, we look over our shoulder and we see that, acre by acre, we’ve lost our forests.

And it’s not just our forests we’ve lost. In the process, we also impaired our water quality, destroyed whole habitats, increased our flood risk, and contaminated drinking water for rural communities.

Of course we didn’t mean to do this. It was simply the unintended consequence of failing to consider the cumulative impact of seemingly “isolated” activities.  Isn’t it about time we took a look at the big picture? I think it is.

To help us look at that big picture, I’ve introduced Assembly Bill 47, to bring our State timber harvest policy into the modern era. The measure is supported by the Sierra Club, Planning and Conservation League, National Resources Defense Council, Defenders of Wildlife, and California Native Plant Society. It’s a common sense look at the cumulative impact of the Timber Harvest Plans granted by the Department of Forestry. It’s more or less the same approach the State has used for decades to understand and manage the impacts of development in our built environment. 

Specifically, the bill requires the Department of Forestry to look at the cumulative impacts of a proposed timber harvest plan before it approves that cut. It also requires more stringent reporting requirements within a timber harvest plan.

Under AB 47, timber harvest plans must include information on adverse effects of past and present projects on the planning watershed, on riparian forest conditions, and on sensitive species, and on any mitigation required for those impacts. The plan must also provide information on all pesticide applications approved for treatment within the planning watershed in the past 5 years. The result of AB 47 will be healthier forests and thriving ecosystems that can be managed for the long-term good of the community—and the planet.

Too often we look at nature with utilitarian eyes. But nature does not serve us only in board feet. There is value in having clean water to drink. There is also an intrinsic value in nature that humans have often overlooked in their rush to exploit our natural resources. And there’s value in preserving a watershed—of keeping up water quality and soil.

Managing forests for the long-term benefit of the environment will ensure that industry thrives in the long term as well. Forests, and all that they contain, are our collective assets. We can squander them today, or we can ensure that they will be there, providing all kinds of economic and health dividends, for a long time to come.

But we can do all this only if we consider the cumulative impacts of individual timber harvest plans over time and space. In this instance, ignorance isn’t bliss, and what we don’t know can hurt us.

They’re called eco-systems for a reason, and it’s time we started to think about our forests in a long-term and systemic way. If AB 47 becomes law, we can do just that.

(Assemblymember Joe Simitian, D-Palo Alto, is the author of AB 47. He wrote the bill in consultation with the Loma Prieta Chapter’s Forest Protection Committee.)

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Sacramento - Top state legislators have introduced bills that will reform logging practices on state and private lands in California. The legislators, as well as a coalition of statewide environmental groups, gathered Wednesday to announce the bills, and outline the package’s importance to California. read more ...

Palo Alto – There actually ‘oughta be’ several new laws, if the record number of entries for Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s annual contest is any indication. More than 100 people submitted their ideas to put new laws on the books. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian’s bill to require cell phone users to use hands-free technology while driving has passed out of the Assembly Transportation Committee. Assembly Bill 45 passed out of Committee 14 to 5, with 1 abstention. read more ...

Sacramento – Assemblyman Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) will hold a press conference on Monday, March 3, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. in the Governor’s Press Room (Room 1190), to discuss developments on Assembly Bill 45 (which requires California drivers to use a hands-free device when talking on a cell phone while driving), including new data from the California Highway Patrol and the Harvard Center for Risk Analysis. read more ...