The state Legislature is voting on hundreds of bills this week as lawmakers rush to meet a Friday deadline for most legislation to pass its first house. Here are some of the bills legislators acted on Wednesday:
PRISON CONDOMS --Public health agencies and nonprofit groups could distribute condoms to inmates in state prisons under legislation passed by the Assembly. Although sex acts are illegal in prison, bill supporters said inmates are spreading HIV and other sexual transmitted diseases while behind bars, putting themselves and others at risk. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger vetoed a similar bill last year, saying it conflicted with current laws. Critics echoed that concern Wednesday and said providing sexual protection devices would encourage sexual activity. The bill was adopted by a 41-31 vote and sent to the Senate. Condoms already are provided in prisons in Vermont and Mississippi, as well as jails in New York City, Philadelphia, the District of Columbia, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, according to a committee analysis of the bill.
--> Maybe they could provide something for Paris Hilton? Like a freakin body condom...
HANDGUN AMMUNITION -- Assembly members narrowly voted to make California the first state to require instant background checks on anyone wishing to purchase handgun ammunition. Assemblyman Kevin De Leon, D-Los Angeles, said in California it's "much more difficult to purchase a can of spray paint" than bullets. The bill would also require all handgun ammunition vendors to be licensed with the state Department of Justice and ammunition to be stored behind the counter. Critics said the requirements were onerous for small business owners and would do little to control bullets that are sold illegally on the streets. The bill also would ban Internet sales of ammunition in California. It passed by a 41-31 vote and moved to the Senate.
http://www.ocregister.com/ocregister/news/state/article_1721995.php