The Governor, on Friday, called for a special legislative session in December to examine gas pricing in California.  The move comes amidst a backdrop of increasing gas prices due to supply chain issues, planned and unplanned maintenance of refineries, and continued geopolitical instability in Europe. 

This comes as the Middle-Class Tax Refund is one-time payment to provide relief to Californians, passed as part of the budget.  Payments are expected to be issued between October 2022 and January 2023.  Interesting that there will be payments made prior to the November election.

SB 1087 - Vehicles: catalytic converters. - Existing law requires a core recycler that accepts, ships, or sells used catalytic converters to maintain specified information regarding the purchase and sale of the catalytic converters. Existing law prohibits a core recycler from providing payment for a catalytic converter unless the payment is made by check, the check is mailed or provided no earlier than 3 days after the date of sale, unless the seller is a business, and the core recycler obtains a photograph or video of the seller, a written statement regarding the origin of the catalytic converter, and certain other identifying information, as specified.

Existing law exempts from this requirement a core recycler that buys used catalytic converters, transmissions, or other parts removed from a vehicle if the core recycler and the seller have a written agreement for the transaction. Existing law requires a core recycler to provide this information for inspection by local law enforcement upon demand. A violation of these provisions is punishable as a misdemeanor.

The bill would prohibit any person from purchasing a used catalytic converter from anybody other than certain specified sellers, including an automobile dismantler, an automotive repair dealer, or an individual possessing documentation, as specified, that they are the lawful owner of the catalytic converter. A violation of this provision would be an infraction, punishable by a fine, as specified.

The bill would also prohibit a core recycler from purchasing a catalytic converter from anybody other than these specified sellers. 

APPROVED BY THE GOV. ON 9/25/22.  IF ONLY IT COULD BE ENFORCED!!

AB 2098 – Physicians and Surgeons: Unprofessional Conduct – This bill was reported on prior to the Governor signing it.  Existing law provides for the licensure and regulation of physicians and surgeons by the Medical Board of California and the Osteopathic Medical Board of California.  Existing law requires the applicable board to take action against any licensed physician and surgeon who is charged with unprofessional conduct. 

This bill would designate the dissemination or misinformation related to Covid-19 as unprofessional conduct.  This bill would also make findings and declaration in this regard.  Something to be considered, is this just the nose under the tent to limit alternative medical options?  Will there be other bills to follow, say for the treatment of cancer or kidney disease.  There have been many different opinions about Covid treatments and the physician knows their patients best, but this limits their ability to treat.  APPROVED BY THE GOVERNOR ON 9/30/22

For further information on any of the bills mentioned here, click on the bill # highlighted in the body of the above articles.

To contact your U.S. Representatives, call the Capitol Switchboard at (202) 224-3121

Legislative Portal links- Express your support or opposition to a bill or directly to the Legislative committee currently reviewing it (as an individual, not as a member of RWF or CFRW)- click here, or the bill’s author- click here, enter your bill # and look for tab at top of the bill page labeled “Comments to Author”