California lawmakers have given final approval to a bill that would allow terminally ill patients to legally end their lives.
The measure faces an uncertain future with Gov. Jerry Brown, a former seminarian who has not said whether he'll sign it.
Senators approved the bill on a 23-14 vote after an emotional debate Friday, the legislative session's final day. The Assembly passed it earlier this week.
Opponents say the measure could prompt premature suicides. Supporters say it gives the terminally ill a choice on how to end their lives.
The measure to allow doctors to prescribe life-ending medication succeeded on its second attempt after the heavily publicized case of Brittany Maynard. The 29-year-old California woman with brain cancer moved to Oregon to legally take her life.
Her relatives watched the debate from the Senate floor.
San Diegans John La Grange and Jimmy Akin discussed the bill on KPBS Evening Edition in January. La Grange watched his wife die from ovarian cancer and is a supporter of the bill. Akin, who also lost his wife to cancer, hosts a Catholic radio show and disagrees.
Also at the Capitol Friday, the Assembly gave final approval to a measure that would provide access to preschool for low-income children. It also passed a bill that will provide automatic voter-registration to any eligible citizen who receives or renews a driver license. Both measures also head to the governor’s desk.
An effort to extend family leave eligibility has stalled in the Assembly for the time being.
The legislature has yet to consider a scaled back climate bill championed by Governor Jerry Brown or a package of bills regulating medical marijuana.
