California Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins said Monday she’ll consider creating rules about drinking in the Assembly following the arrest last week of state Sen. Ben Hueso on a drunken driving charge.
Hueso, a San Diego Democrat, was photographed on the Assembly balcony with a drink in his hand several hours before his arrest.
Atkins, also a San Diego Democrat, said the end of the legislative session is typically a festive but stressful time that can contribute to people making bad decisions.
“I think this is a reminder that we probably need to think a little differently about how we say goodbye to each other, how we enjoy our time together,” she said. “But it is a stressful situation. But there really haven’t been rules around that.”
Atkins said she would hope lawmakers act responsibly even while relaxing. After missing the legislative session on Friday, Hueso was back on the Senate floor Monday.
