Press Release posted 8/10/12 – SACRAMENTO: Two measures authored by Senate Republican Leader Bob Huff (R-Diamond Bar) passed a final committee test in the Assembly Appropriations Committee today and have been sent to the Assembly Floor for a final vote. SB 1137 and SB 1364 received support from both Democrats and Republicans during today’s hearing.
“I’d like to thank members from both sides of the aisle for their unwavering support for both bills and I’m hopeful for similar support when they reach the Assembly Floor,” said Senator Huff.
Introduced at the request of State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, SB 1137 addresses needed changes in education statutes regarding California heritage schools. Defined in California’s Education Code, heritage schools are privately financed, culture-based educational entities. In an effort to provide an even safer environment for students enrolled in the heritage school programs, SB 1137 seeks to specify that each school must register with the Superintendent of Public Instruction.
The measure also prioritizes and enhances student safety through the electronic registration form by requiring the acknowledgement that all heritage school employees must report any and all known child abuse.
SB 1364, meanwhile, seeks to ensure that ratepayers served by private water companies are not asked to pay more for the same service than a ratepayer served by a public agency without a clear understanding of the associated costs.
There is an ever increasing trend for water utilities to request advice letter treatment for major projects and expenditures as part of private water companies’ general rate case applications. Consumers are not always notified adequately of pending rate increases through this method, which has led to confusion and frustration among ratepayers. Senator Huff’s legislation seeks to give cities and consumers’ advance notice on advice letter notifications in order to protect them from unforeseen rate increases.
“Both SB 1137 and SB 1364 address key issues that have come to light both inside and outside the 29th Senate District,” said Senator Huff. “They are consumer protection measures that deserve legislative support.”
Senator Huff serves as the Senate Republican Leader and represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties.