Final Day for Brown to Sign or Veto Bills
Tonight is the deadline for Gov. Jerry Brown to sign or veto bills passed by the Legislature. One of the more notable measures in the governor's to-do pile would enact a statewide ban on single-use plastic grocery bags. At a gubernatorial debate earlier this month, the governor hinted at his decision, saying he will "probably sign it."
Gov. Signs Package of Assisted Living Reform Bills
On Monday, Gov. Jerry Brown signed a bill boosting the fines California can impose on assisted living facilities for the elderly. Until now, the highest fine regulators could levy for violations was a mere $150. Now they'll be able to impose up to $15,000. The governor enacted the change as part of a package of other bills he signed this weekend that aim to improve care for seniors at the state's 7,500 assisted living facilities.
Required Doctor Drug Testing: Safety Provision or Political Sweetener?
The political fight around Proposition 46, a patient safety initiative, has been most intense over its plan to require random drug testing of doctors. That helps explain why Prop. 46 is this fall's most expensive campaign.