Legislation unanimously passes the State Assembly

This week, California’s State Assembly unanimously approved two public safety measures, authored by Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R-Lancaster), to combat underage drinking and real estate fraud.  AB 1657, known as “Jeffrey’s Law,” will enable law enforcement to charge adults with a felony for the most egregious crimes of providing alcohol to minors.  AB 886 protects homeowners by closing dangerous loopholes in the notary process.

“These bills confront two growing problems in California,” said Assemblywoman Runner.  “I am pleased to see the State Assembly take public safety seriously, as it has always been my top priority.”

AB 1657 was first introduced in 2005 in memory of a 17 year-old boy taken from his mother.  It seeks to deter adults from knowingly providing alcohol to minors by allowing for a felony in cases where the alcohol contributes to death or great bodily injury.
[view:node_ad=5]AB 886 addresses real estate fraud and identity theft by strengthening the notary process and making it easier for law enforcement to investigate criminal notaries public.  Included in the comprehensive measure are provisions that extend the statute of limitations, prohibit felons from receiving notary commissions and require notaries to sign and stamp documents under penalty of perjury.

A proponent of both bills, Los Angeles County Sheriff Lee Baca stated, “Assembly Bills 886 and 1657 both go a long way for the preservation of public safety.  I applaud my friend Assembly Member Sharon Runner for protecting life and property for all Californians.”

AB 1657 and AB 886 will next be heard by policy committees in the State Senate.