Sacramento, CA – Assemblymember Jerry Hill (D - San Mateo) announced the winner of his second annual “Oughta Be A Law…Or Not” contest for San Mateo County. The contest is open to all constituents of the 19th Assembly District and allows residents to submit their ideas for improving the quality of life in San Mateo County or the state of California. Ideas can vary from local community improvements to statewide reforms. Applicants can submit their ideas for the creation of a new law or the repeal or revision of laws already on the books.
This year’s winner is Stan Fetterman from Millbrae who contacted Assemblymember Hill after receiving a solicitation in the mail that resembled an official government document. The advertisement proposed to help his business file paperwork with the Secretary of State, threatening that non-compliance would result in fines and loss of license.
Assemblymember Hill received similar complaints from local residents who were mailed solicitations that looked almost identical to official government documents from companies claiming they could help them file reassessment requests with local assessors at exorbitant costs.
The bill idea, introduced as Assembly Bill 2654, improves existing consumer disclosure laws by clarifying that the following message must be printed at the top of the first page of the mailed solicitation: “This product or service has not been approved or endorsed by any governmental agency and this offer is not being made by an agency of the government.”
“I was impressed with the quality and quantity of proposals this year,” said Assemblymember Hill. “With over 100 entries it was difficult to make a final selection but my hope is that Stan’s proposal will reduce the number of Californians who fall victim to these deceptive solicitations each year.”
“I encourage constituents to mail, fax or e-mail proposals to me for any local or state reform,” said Hill. “I’m always open to new ideas that can improve the quality of life in California.”
In addition to the 2010 constituent bill idea contest winner, the following bills were recently introduced through ideas submitted by local residents, organizations and governments:
AB 2516 requires that 10 percent of new multistory developments located within ½ mile of public transit stations are designed in a fully accessible and habitable manner for persons with disabilities. Current law requires that buildings be “accessible” for people with disabilities; however, industry practice is creating buildings that are “accessible” but not “habitable.” The law as currently written is too narrow and does not adequately accommodate the needs of a person with disabilities to live out the normal functions of daily life. Submitted by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
AB 1885 provides law enforcement with the necessary tools to reduce the prevalence of unauthorized limousine drivers that are illegally soliciting business at San Francisco International Airport. Unauthorized limousine drivers not only take away business from legitimate drivers, they endanger passengers because they do not have to undergo criminal background checks and their vehicles are not inspected by the appropriate authorities. Submitted by San Francisco International Airport.
AB 2006 requires state agencies, at their next regular cycle for updating forms, to use religion inclusive language when referencing religious institutions on documents instead of the current practice which only mentions particular faiths. Submitted by the Peninsula Clergy Network.
AB 2616 requires local election officials to establish a free access system that allows vote-by-mail voters to confirm whether their ballot was counted. If the absentee ballot was not counted the bill requires election officials to explain why so the individual can remedy the problem. Current law only allows voters to find out if their ballot was received by the county registrar, but not whether it was counted. Each election cycle thousands of absentee voters are unknowingly denied the right to vote since their ballots are terminated for a variety of reasons such as their current signature not matching the signature on file. Collaboration between the Secretary of State and Warren Slocum, Chief Elections Officer of San Mateo County.
The 19th Assembly District includes the cities of Belmont, Brisbane, Burlingame, Daly City, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Hillsborough, Millbrae, Pacifica, San Bruno, San Mateo, and South San Francisco and parts of unincorporated San Mateo County.
Nate Solov
Office of Assemblymember Jerry Hill
916-319-2019 (P)
916-319-2119 (F)
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