California Legislature Considering New Redevelopment Agencies

The California Supreme Court dissolved redevelopment agencies last year. But a bill at the Capitol would create new local entities that would fund affordable housing and infill development projects.

“When we encourage infill development, we make sure that we reduce emissions and improve our environment,” says Jackie Cornejo with the Los Angeles Alliance for a New Economy. She says the measure also promotes middle class jobs.

But critics say the bill could lead to government overstep through eminent domain.

“This is just another credit card with another abuse of power to take private property without any protection for the people,” says Karen Klinger with the Sacramento Association of Realtors.

The bill now moves to another Assembly Committee. 

A Bill Extending the Lawsuit Deadlines for Victims of Child Sex Abuse Stalls.

A bill that would extend California’s statute of limitations on civil suits for victims of childhood sexual abuse has stalled in an Assembly Committee.

Democratic Senator Jim Beall says his bill would bring a measure of justice to people who may just now be coming to terms with childhood trauma.

“When they discover later in life, through therapy or whatever, that they were attacked by somebody, it allows them to go to civil court," says Beall.

Under the bill, anyone 26 and older would get an extra year to seek damages against institutions that failed to prevent abuse.

Opponents say the measure unfairly singles out private institutions.

“Nobody who may have been abused in a public daycare will have any rights under this law whatsoever. It makes no sense,” says Kevin Eckery with the California Catholic Conference 

The bill will be reconsidered next week.