 [38] TALK.POLITICS.DRUGS (1:375/48)  TALK.POLITICS.DRUGS 
 Msg  : #3363 [200]                                                             
 From : NORML California                    1:2613/335      Sun 24 Apr 94 12:06 
 To   : All                                                                     
 Subj : Senate Stops "Smoke A Joint"                                            

From: NORML California <canorml@igc.apc.org>

California Senate Judiciary Committee Blocks
 "Smoke A Joint, Lose Your License"
      SACRAMENTO, April 19:  The State Senate Judiciary Committee
rejected a "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License" bill, SB 2006 by Sen.
Tim Leslie, which would have imposed a mandatory, six-month
driver's license suspension for all drug offenses, regardless of
whether they are driving-related.
      California NORML, which led the opposition to SB 2006,  is
hopeful that the Senate action will prove  fatal to Gov. Wilson's
campaign to impose "Smoke a Joint, Lose Your License."  The
Assembly Transportation Committee passed a "Smoke A Joint, Lose
Your License" bill, AB 79x, on April 13, after amending it with a one-
year sunset clause to allow the legislature to reconsider after this
year's election.   AB 79x is presently headed towards the Assembly
Ways and Committee.  However, should it pass the Assembly, it now
appears likely to meet the same fate as SB 2006 before the Senate
Judiciary Committee.
      The Committee turned down "Smoke A Joint" on a 4-4 vote, two
votes short of passage.  Opposition included two key Democratic
leaders, Committee Chairman David Roberti and Senate President Pro
Tem Bill Lockyer, along with Sen. Milton Marks (D -SF) and Sen. Nick
Petris (D-Oakland), co-sponsors of a medical marijuana bill (SB
1364) that will be heard April 26.  Voting for "Smoke A Joint" were
Sen. Robert Presley (D-Riverside) and the committee's three
Republicans, Sen. Cathie Wright, Sen. Rob Hurtt, and Sen. Tim Leslie.
Three other committee members were absent for the vote, but were
thought to be mostly leaning against the bill:  Sen. Art Torres (D-
San Gabriel), Sen. Diane Watson (D-Redondo Beach/Culver City), and
Sen. Charles Calderon (D-Whittier).
      California NORML thanks supporters for writing and calling the
legislature to oppose "Smoke A Joint,"  but is warning them not to
put down their guard since the issue is likely to be reconsidered this
session.  Supporters are urged to continue writing their State
Senators and Assemblymen in opposition to "Smoke A Joint, Lose
Your License."  They are especially urged to contact the three
senators who did not vote on SB 2006, plus Assembly Ways and
Means Committee Chairman John Vasconcellos, who will be holding
hearings on AB 79x shortly.  Address to State Assembly/Senate,
Sacramento CA 95814.


---
 * Origin: COBRUS - Usenet-to-Fidonet Distribution System (1:2613/335.0)

