Brown Acts On Over 1,000 Bills

Governor Jerry Brown's office says in 2014 Brown signed 930 bills, let one become law without his signature and vetoed 143.

Several political reform bills were among those he vetoed, includinga measure by Democratic Senator Kevin de Leon that would have banned gifts to lobbyists from lawmakers. In a veto statement Brown says politicians should have some constraints, but there needs to be some balance and common sense. Brown also vetoed a bill by Democratic Senator Ricardo Lara calling for more frequent campaign disclosures.

Brown approved a bill that bans lobbyists from throwing parties for lawmakers in their homes or offices.

The Governor also took action on several gun bills. Brown signed a bill allowing families to request a temporary restraining order preventing a family member from obtaining a gun if that person is mentally unstable. The bill stems from a deadly shooting spree in Santa Barbara earlier this year. Another measure would require B-B guns to have a distinct color marking so police officers are less likely to confuse them with real guns. That bill comes after a sheriff’s deputy in Sonoma County shot and killed a teenage boy holding a pellet gun.   

A third bill requires any guns bought outside of California to first be delivered to a dealer, where buyers can then pick them up.

Brown vetoed a bill that would require people who build guns at home to register them with the state.

Brown also signed a measure that expedites the testing of DNA in rape kits. He also approved a bill that requires the state’s Office of Emergency Services to develop a plan and timeline for updating the 911 system, including accepting emergency text messages.