(Aug. 23, 2008) -- As LBReport.com first reported on August 22 within minutes of its occurrence, the state Senate defeated an amended spay/neuter bill (AB 1634) rewritten by author Assemblyman Lloyd Levine (D., Van Nuys) basically to apply to unlicensed roaming pets.
LBReport.com now adds below on-demand audio of the CA Senate floor proceedings (debate and vote tally).
The bill went down to defeat on a lopsided 5-27 margin...with state Senators Alan Lowenthal (D., LB-Paramount) and Jenny Oropeza (D, southbay) switching their votes from "yes" to "no" when it became clear the bill would fail regardless of their votes. The bill had been significantly amended, most recently on August 12 (amended text below).
The American Kennel Club, which opposed the original version of the measure, had changed its position to "neutral" on the revised bill.
In the audio clip below, listeners will hear the debate followed by a Senate roll call vote...in which multiple Senators simply remain silent and didn't vote on the measure. This is common in both the CA Senate and Assembly, a technique in which the state legislator effectively denies the bill supportive votes it needs to pass but the record shows only that they were "absent, abstaining or not voting.".
In the initial round of votes, the bill was already going down to defeat and the Senate floor manager "moved a call" [requested additional time to round up votes or change votes]. When the bill was called later in the session for a second round of votes [heard after a "whoosh" sound we inserted to indicate an edit], Sens. Lowenthal and Oropeza changed their votes from "aye" to "no."
The bill was defeated, although reconsideration was granted, a common courtesy...although it's uncertain what votes the author might be able to change on a subsequent vote.
To launch audio, click here.
To view the final vote tally in written form, click here
To view the amended bill text that the state Senate refused to pass, click here
To view a legislative analysis of the bill which includes arguments pro and con -- and includes a lengthy list of supporters and opponents of the measure -- click here.
LB area supporters listed in the legislative analysis included Vice Mayor Val Lerch and LB Councilwoman Tonia Reyes Uranga, Friends of LB Animals [disclosure: a LBReport.com advertiser], Long Beach Spay & Neuter Foundation, Starlight Stepping Stones Cat Rescue, Hearts for Hounds Dog Rescue...and It's a Grind, Inc., (statewide, 30-40 locations, CA based) [LB's homegrown (now-nationwide) coffee house firm founded by husband and wife entrepreneurs, Marty Cox and Louise Montgomery].
LB area opponents listed in the analysis were the German Shepherd Dog Club of Long Beach and the LB Kennel Club.
