Legislative Wrap-Up: Consumer Protection, Student Assessments, Health Care Forum

The state Senate approved a bill by Senate Majority Leader Ellen Corbett (D-San Leandro) to better protect consumer information.

SB 46 would strengthen computer account protections by requiring the state and any company or person in California who maintains computerized data about clients or customers to notify them when a significant security breach is discovered.

“Cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated, particularly now that more individuals are conducting personal business and shopping online using their laptops, smart phones and even tablets," said Corbett. "It is critical that consumers are promptly notified whenever their information is accessed or stolen to minimize potential identity theft or other damages.”

The bill has been sent to the governor's desk for approval.

Another bill by Corbett that would increase protections against the deceptive use of military emblems was also approved by the Senate. SB 272 is likewise headed to the governor's desk.

A bill to improve assessment methods to measure student achievement by Assemblywoman Susan Bonilla (D-Concord) has advanced in the state Senate.

AB 484 would align future testing of California students with the new Common Core State Standards.

“This bill will free up instructional time in the classroom as teachers fully embrace and implement the Common Core State Standards. Students will now have the opportunity to participate in the field test, beginning the shift to the new computer based assessments which will require students to analyze and solve problems,” said Bonilla.

The full Senate is expected to take up the bill within the next week.

The state Senate approved a bill by Sen. Lois Wolk (D-Davis) that would increase the penalty for long-term care providers that hinder investigations by California's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program.

SB 609 would increase the penalty from $1,000 to $2,500 for facilities that interfere with state efforts to investigate violations. The bill now goes to the governor's desk for approval.

“Current penalties are not deterring bad actors from violating state and federal law. By increasing the penalty for interfering with an ombudsman, SB 609 will help the state’s ombudsman program better defend the rights, safety and welfare of the state’s vulnerable long-term care residents,” said Wolk.

Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Dublin) will host a meeting this weekend on the new federal health care laws.

The "Affordable Care Act: Making It Work For You" informational session begins at 2 p.m. Saturday at Glad Tidings Church in Hayward.

Starting Oct. 1, eligible Californians will be able to enroll in and purchase affordable health care through the Covered California Marketplace.

Rep. Barbara Lee (D-Oakland) announced Youth Radio in Oakland will receive a $1.7 million federal grant from the National Science Foundation to expand science, technology, math and engineering education opportunities for youth.