Joe Simitian - Legislation

Legislation

Some of Joe Simitian's notable pieces of legislation include:

• AB 700: Security breach notification law (2001)
• AB 2140: Criminalize elder abuse (2002)
• AB 2474: Antifreeze bittering (2002)
• AB 2672: Cruise ship sewage dumping ban (2004)
• SB 107: 20% Renewable energy portfolio (2005)
• SB 201: Sustainable marine aquaculture (2005)
• SB 1613: Hands-free cell phone law (2006)
• SB 28: Prohibition on texting while driving (2007)
• SB 1298: Education information system (2008)

According to the New York Times:

Simitian, who led a successful fight to ban motorists from sending text messages and using hand-held phones, has reintroduced a bill that failed last year to fine bicyclists $20 for similar multitasking. . . . Mr. Simitian is proposing the $20 fine on bicyclists who send text messages and a $30 increase on the existing $20 penalty for doing the same activity while driving a car, a difference that he said reflects the relative risk the behavior poses to others. “At some point,” he said, “you do have to simply rely on the good judgment of folks as they go through their daily lives.” Mr. Simitian added that he believed that efforts to legislate against distraction outside the car could diminish the seriousness of hard-fought campaigns and laws meant to curb distracted driving. “Is there a problem out there with distracted pedestrians? I’d be the first to acknowledge it,” he said. But, he added, “It’s appropriate to distinguish between 4,000 pounds of steel and glass coming at you and a pedestrian who may well put themselves at risk but probably poses less of a risk to the general public.”