Here's your morning briefing...
Human trafficking: Governor Jerry Brown signed a law decriminalizing underage prostitution effective next year. The move comes as lawmakers acknowledge that many under-age sex workers are coerced by others into the practice. Law enforcement will still be able to detain those covered by the law for their own health and safety. Proponents say the law will help reduce human trafficking.
CCW fees not going up: Brown vetoed a bill that would have allowed counties pass along the full cost of issuing a concealed carry firearm permit onto applicants. A suggested, $100 fee cap remains in place.
Tracking treatment: State Senators gave bureaucrats an earful at a hearing yesterday about poor management and tracking of mental health treatment among the state’s foster youth. An audit found that some young people were prescribed as many as 10 different psychotropic drugs in a single year, but were seldom receiving the counseling meant to be paired with the drug therapy.
Smoke ‘em if you got ‘em, or butt out: Gov. Brown vetoed a bill that would have banned tobacco use in any form at any California State University or Community College campus. His reasoning? Local control. Brown said each campus has the power to create its own tobacco policy and Sacramento need not intervene.
Sorry: Yosemite National Park’s Superintendent apologized to park workers after a congressional committee heard from 18 employees calling Yosemite a toxic work environment. Officials are also investigating sexual harassment complaints at Yellowstone and Grand Canyon National Parks.
Pranks and consequences: And a man bloodied by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson after he smashed a pie in Johnson’s face is suing him. Activist Sean Thompson claims his civil rights were violated. Thompson is faces two felony charges over the incident.
Locked and hidden: Gun owners, including law-enforcement, will have to lock their guns in a car trunk or a hidden lock box if they plan on leaving one in an unattended vehicle. Violators face a $1,000 fine. The law comes after two high profile Bay Area murders involving guns stolen from vehicles driven by law enforcement.