Water Contamination Bill Substantially Amended
On Tuesday, April 15, AB 2425, legislation that would have required every pharmaceutical manufacturer that does business within the state and whose pharmaceutical products have been detected in the drinking water supplies within the state to file a specified report with the public health officer, was substantially amended in Assembly Health Committee.  The bill now requires drug manufacturers to enter into a public-private partnership with the Department of Public Health (DPH), which would include the formation of a working group to compile existing research on the topic of pharmaceutical drugs in public drinking water supplies in California and the nation.  It would also require DPH to list on its Web site links to information regarding efforts to educate the public and agencies on proper methods of handling and disposing of prescription drugs.  The author of the bill, Assemblyman Joe Coto (D-San Jose) met with CHI and others who expressed concerns about the previous version of the bill.  The California pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry is one of the cleanest and most heavily regulated in the country and CHI’s members pride themselves on their environmental record. The author has offered to work with industry on language and to look at other industries whose products may be found in the drinking water supply.

CHI Focuses on Chemical Exposure and State’s Green Chemistry Initiative
On Tuesday, April 15, the Assembly Health Committee approved AB 1879, authored by Assemblyman Mike Feuer (D-Los Angeles), legislation that would authorize the Department of Toxic Substances Control to regulate the sale of products containing specified “chemicals of concern” or restrict the sale or use of those products to prevent the exposure of individuals or the environment to the specified chemicals.  CHI has been in discussions with the author’s office, explaining that the restriction of certain chemicals used by medical device and pharmaceutical manufacturers could disrupt production and reduce patients’ access to important medical technologies.  CHI believes that passage of AB 1879, and similar bills dealing with chemical exposure, are premature as the California Environmental Protection Agency works toward completing its Green Chemistry Initiative.  CHI has contacted the director in charge of the Initiative and is establishing a working group of industry experts to ensure that the specific needs of the biomedical community are included.  For more information or to participate please contact Sandra Pizarro, CHI vice president-state government affairs (916-233-3497 or pizarro@chi.org.)

Assembly Speaker to Take Power Prior to State Budget Negotiations
Assemblywoman Karen Bass (D-Los Angeles) will take over from current Speaker Fabian Núñez (D-Los Angeles) on May 13, ascending to the top post in the Assembly.  Shortly after taking over, Bass will be immediately thrown into intense budget negotiations to tackle an estimated $8 billion deficit.  The governor is expected to release his revised budget proposal in mid-May.  By assuming power in May, Bass will become the central figure and chief fundraiser for Assembly Democrats prior to the June 3 primary election for all 80 Assembly seats.