Back to Work for Calif. Lawmakers After Spring Break

Hundreds of bills will either live to see another day or get sidetracked this week.  Among them: tougher penalties on drivers who hit bicyclists and pedestrians; stronger regulations on medical marijuana prescriptions and dispensaries; and a measure that would make the secretary of state’s office non-partisan.

On Wednesday, state senators and their staffs will participate in an all-day ethics training session in response to the suspensions of three members facing legal troubles.

And on Thursday, lawmakers will gavel in the special session called last week by Governor Jerry Brown.  The governor wants to replace the “rainy day fund” constitutional amendment currently on the November ballot with an alternate proposal that he and legislative Democrats prefer.  That, however, will require Republican support – thanks to those three suspended Democratic senators.