Assemblymember Das Williams
It’s been an honor to serve you during this time of crisis and though it hasn’t always been easy due to the ongoing budget problems, I look forward to continuing the progress we’ve already made. As 2011 comes to an end, I want to give you a report about four bills that will become law in 2012 that were inspired by my constituents.
AB 412: This legislative idea was brought to me by Cottage Hospital Emergency Room doctors. This re-authorizes Santa Barbara County to collect a $5 penalty assessment on tickets issued for DUI and other driving while intoxicated offenses to fund emergency medical services in Santa Barbara County.
AB 985: This legislation expands a pilot program from four counties, including Santa Barbara County, to the entire state. This allows counties to use an alternative method to verify ballots but still keep the integrity of the vote. Santa Barbara County found they saved over 70% in cost and time respectively through this method.
SB 177: This legislative idea came from Serenity House, which specializes in end-of-life care and accepts patients regardless of ability to pay. I co-authored this legislation that increases the number of hospice beds available in the facilities offering end-of-life care.
Unlike Congress, which can put several different issues into one bill, California law limits each bill to one subject. This is one of the reasons we see so many bills signed into law each year; California is a large and very diverse state with many issues that must be addressed through legislation. The three bills mentioned above are great examples of what we can do when we work together to address issues that are of interest to our community. For those interested in other laws that will take effect in 2012, I have included a link to the top 70 bills of 2011.
For additional top legislation presented to the Governor, CLICK HERE
— Das Williams represents the 35th California Assembly District.