Legislature Toughens Driving Sobriety Standard for Minors

Drivers under age 21 caught with even a slight amount of alcohol in their blood would have their license seized under a bill that has been sent to Gov. Pete Wilson.

The bill, (SB 869) by Sen. Quentin L. Kopp (I-San Francisco), would allow the seizure if sobriety tests showed a blood alcohol content of O.01 or higher.

Under current state law, any driver is considered drunk if his blood alcohol content is 0.08 or higher. The level is set at 0.05 for drivers between ages 16 and 18.

“It is clear we cannot pontificate to children about the dangers of drinking and driving as parents while the law gives them a wink and nod,” Kopp said.

A 24-6 vote sent the bill to the governor. It had passed the Assembly by a 71-3 vote.

ASSEMBLY

Floor Action

* Graffiti Crimes: Passed and sent to the governor on a 73-0 vote a bill (AB 1179) by Assemblyman Bob Epple (D-Cerritos) to increase prison penalties for those convicted of graffiti crimes.

* Pepper Gas: Approved and sent to the governor on a 72-1 vote a bill (AB 581) by Assemblywoman Jackie Speier (D-Burlingame) to legalize the sale and possession of pepper gas for protection purposes.

* Report Cards: Passed and sent to the governor on a 48-25 vote a bill (AB 198) by Assembly Speaker Willie Brown (D-San Francisco) requiring high school report cards to disclose the degree to which students are prepared to enter the private work force.

* Insurance Commissioner: Approved and sent to the governor on a 54-12 vote a bill (AB 2375) by Assemblyman Jim Brulte (R-Rancho Cucamonga) limiting the term of the state insurance commissioner to two four-year terms, the same as state constitutional officeholders.

SENATE

Floor Action

* Unemployment Insurance: Passed and sent to the governor on a 22-15 vote a bill (SB 150) by Senate President Pro Tem David A. Roberti (D-Van Nuys) increasing the maximum weekly unemployment insurance benefit from $230 to $245, starting Jan. 1.

* Midwives: Approved and sent to the governor on a 27-7 vote a bill (SB 350) by Sen. Lucy Killea (I-San Diego) letting those who are not licensed nurses undergo training to become midwives.

* BB Guns: Passed and sent to the governor on a 37-0- vote a bill (SB 647) by Sen. Tim Leslie (R-Carnelian Bay) outlawing BB and pellet guns on elementary and secondary school campuses.

* UC Regents: Approved and sent to the governor on a 34-1 vote a bill (SB 504) by Sen. Tom Hayden (D-Santa Monica) requiring University of California regents to hold open meetings when they consider compensation and fringe benefits for top administrators.

(Readers who wish to communicate with state legislators regarding Assembly and Senate bills can write to them at the State Capitol Building, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.)