Assemblyman Katcho Achadjian Introduces His 2012 Legislative Platform

Assemblyman Achadjian (San Luis Obispo) announced the introduction of his 2012 legislative platform.

“I am pleased to have introduced a package of bills that recognizes the needs of Central Coast residents. Each measure that I plan on pursuing addresses a problem that was brought to my attention by a local government, public safety organization, or California employer. Over the next several months I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Legislature to approve these important measures.”

Assemblyman Achadjian’s newly introduced measures include:

Assembly Bill 1998 which would authorize a county, upon approval from the board of supervisors, to donate outdated computers to individual CalWorks, CalFresh, MediCal, and other general relief recipients. Doing so will help these individuals gain access to the type of computer technology necessary to meet the conditions of receiving aid and give recipients better access to online employment training and job search information. Assembly Bill 1998 is sponsored by the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors.

Assembly Bill 2033 which would help fire officials investigate and combat arson crimes by granting fire departments or fire protection districts access to the Department of Justice’s arson registry. Under existing law, access to the registry is limited to peace officers and other designated law enforcement officials. Assembly Bill 2033 is sponsored by Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley.

Assembly Bill 2101 which would authorize the establishment of a juvenile sports rehabilitation camp in San Luis Obispo County and make necessary exemptions to existing community care licensing regulations needed to accommodate such a program. Currently, there are no facilities in San Luis Obispo County suitable for housing wards of the juvenile court who have committed specific offenses; therefore, these juveniles are housed in group homes located in neighboring counties. If approved, AB 2101 would allow for the reestablishment of Operation Concentrate on You (COY), a successful program that operated in Atascadero until 1991. Operation COY and county officials hope to reestablish a similar program using vacant facilities located at either Camp San Luis Obispo or Camp Roberts. This measure is sponsored by the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors.

“I am grateful to have another opportunity to work alongside Assemblyman Achadjian to pursue the priorities of Central Coast residents. With the introduction of his 2012 legislative platform, Assemblyman Achadjian has once again proven himself to be a true leader seeking both public safety and justice for all,” said Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley upon the introduction of the Assemblyman’s public safety measures.

In addition to these three measures, Assemblyman Achadjian introduced several spot bills which will ensure that he has a legislative vehicle available to address other issues that he is currently working on. These issues include efforts to combat the growing crime of metal theft and a requirement that the Air Resources Board consider the impact on jobs before adopting a new regulation.

Lastly, Assemblyman Achadjian introduced three measures on behalf of Assemblyman Jeff Gorell (Camarillo) who is currently serving on active duty with the United States Navy Reserve in Afghanistan. Assemblyman Gorell is expected to return from Afghanistan this spring and hopes to be back in the Capitol in time to present his measures before the State Assembly.

“I am extremely honored to have the opportunity to introduce these measures on behalf of my friend and colleague Assemblyman Jeff Gorell. I am pleased to do my part to ensure that Assemblyman Gorrell can continue to represent the residents of his district while bravely serving our county in Afghanistan. I look forward to his safe return.”

A complete list of bills introduced by Assemblyman Achadjian can be found at: www.leginfo.ca.gov