Senator George Runner
Serving the 17th District which incorporates portions of the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Ventura and Kern counties.

In recent weeks, I introduced several bills that would make a variety of necessary changes to California law. Today, I am highlighting three of those bills.

Senate Resolution 5 - SCR 5 designates a portion of State Highway Route 14 in Los Angeles County, between Avenue M and Avenue L in the City of Lancaster, as the Marine Corporal Christopher D. Leon Memorial Highway.

In 2006, Cpl. Christopher Leon, of Lancaster, died by sniper bullet while protecting Army troops patrolling the insurgent stronghold of Ramadi, west of Baghdad. Leon was a 2004 Lancaster High School graduate and chief radio operator for the 5th Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. He was 20 years old.

I am proud to carry this measure. I believe this is the least we can do for a fallen hero. Naming a portion of a highway is an important reminder of the men and women who have bravely fought and died for our freedom. We should never forget their names or their sacrifices.

SCR 5 is moving along in the legislative process, having just passed in the Senate housing and Transportation Committee last week.

Once SCR 5 is approved by both houses of the Legislature, Cpl. Leon’s family (led by his parents, James and Kathi Leon) must raise approximately $5,000 to purchase two signs, which CalTrans will supply and install. To supplement their own funding, the Leons plan to reach out to the community for help with purchasing the signs.

Senate Bill 179 - Senate Bill 179, which passed 5-0 in the Senate Judiciary Committee last week, shortens the time that a birth parent has to file a notice of appeal – from 60 to 30 days – when the court orders the termination of parental rights. Parental rights are only terminated following multiple failures by the birth parent to successfully reunify with biological children, typically due to serious problems including drug abuse, physical or mental abuse or neglect.

This bill is about stability for these kids who have suffered much and finally have an opportunity for a loving family and home. So many kids are getting lost in foster care and group homes. The state needs to lower hurdles for families willing to provide homes to kids whose biological parents have failed them.

SB 179 also modifies the current process of serving notice to birth parents when the court terminates parental rights.

This legislation offers a cost effective way to expedite adoptions without adversely impacting the rights of birth parents and their kids. All parties – most importantly the adoptive families – will know sooner if there will be an appeal, and this will decrease anxiety and accelerate permanency.”

The bill moves on to the Senate floor for a vote.

Senate Bill 166 - Senate Bill 166 was approved in the Senate Housing and Transportation Committee last week. It would allow owners of truck campers to occupy the camper when it is removed from the truck while staying at special occupancy parks, which include recreational vehicle parks, temporary recreational vehicle parks, incidental camping areas, or tent camps.

Currently, in California’s special occupancy parks it is illegal to occupy a truck camper when it is removed from the truck; however, no such prohibition exists for state parks or private property. For most visitors to California’s RV parks, this onerous and out-dated law makes traveling by truck camper to the Golden State less desirable. In fact, this requirement can only be found in California’s special occupancy parks and no where else in the county.

Many camper owners pull into a park to stay for an extended period and want to remove their camper and use the truck for sightseeing or a quick run to the store. It’s pretty silly that this common sense action is illegal.

Senate Bill 166 is co-sponsored by the Lance Camper Manufacturing Corp, located in Lancaster, and Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA).

The bill will next be heard in the Senate Appropriations Committee.