For those who still use a hand-held phone or text while driving, the legislature sent a bill to Governor Jerry Brown that would increase the fines for those offenses. When you tack on local fees, fines could be in the $300 to $500 range.
Also on Brown's desk is a measure that would require UC, CSU and community college auxiliaries and foundations to comply with state public records laws. Additionally, the Legislature approved a bill that would require minors to wear helmets while skiing or snowboarding on California's slopes.
Legislative committees delayed voting on a couple of controversial bills. One would abolish the death penalty in California. The other would ban the sale of shark fins - including shark fin soup.
Legislative session ends in three weeks.
