La Mesa’s Republican Reps in Sacramento Are Behind 4 New Laws

A new year brings 750-plus new laws for California residents. Four were written or co-authored by Assemblyman Brian Jones of the 77th District and Sen. Joel Anderson of the 36th District—La Mesa's representatives in Sacramento.

Jones authored one new law:  

• AB 959 streamlines the CalWORKS process by giving “recipients a one-month period to correct any problems following the discontinuance of aid, and restore benefits without having to submit a new application.”

In an extensive interview earlier in the year, Jones pointed out that this law “reduces the number of man-hours per month that they need to spend on that process.” (The provision goes into affect July 1, 2012.)

Jones, who has said he went to “Sacramento to undo some stuff,” thought back on his first year in the Assembly, and had this to say:

“Jerry Brown signed 886 bills into law this year. Californians should ask themselves, ‘Does our state need 886 new laws?’ Keep in mind—nearly all of these laws are adding new requirements, regulations or fees. Very few are aimed at actually making life any easier for Californians. However, I am thankful for the laws, such as my bill AB 959, that will improve government efficiency and reduce costs.”

Anderson authored or co-authored these laws:

• SB 918 allows a mutual water company to elect directors to staggered 4-year terms rather than at annual board meetings.
• SB 26, co-authored with Sen. Alex Padilla, D-Los Angeles, increases penalties for illegal use, possession or transporting of a cell phone and “facilitates the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation's efforts to implement a managed access system to block authorized wireless transmissions.”
• AB 316, co-authored with Assemblywoman Wilmer Carter, D-Rialto, classifies stolen copper materials exceeding $950 as grand theft.

Check back with Patch to find a list of the “10 Most Interesting New California Laws.”