CAFP-sponsored AB 1134 (Dymally — Medical Enterprise Zones), was heard on April 17 in the Assembly Health Committee and passed unanimously, allowing it to be heard last week in the Revenue and Taxation Committee. However, due to the volume of bills coming through that committee prior to the April 27 deadline, there was insufficient time to discuss technical amendments needed to help AB 1134 match existing Enterprise Zone laws. By amending the bill, the author has allowed additional time for his staff and CAFP to work with experts in Enterprise Zone law. Following this work, CAFP anticipates all of the previous provisions of the bill will be re-inserted to accomplish its original goals more efficiently within existing Enterprise Zone law. The bill is now scheduled to be heard in the Revenue and Taxation Committee on May 21.

Competing Reform Proposals May Merge in Sacramento
Last week, it was announced that Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez and Senate President Pro Tempore Don Perata would take steps to merge their proposals for health care reform in California. An article on California Healthline addresses the possibility of fused proposals. CAFP is closely monitoring this development and is holding strategy sessions on best response. The Legislative Affairs Committee also meets May 2 to discuss the situation.