BILL ANALYSIS Ó AB 352 Page 1 Date of Hearing: May 8, 2013 ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS Mike Gatto, Chair AB 352 (Hall) - As Amended: April 23, 2013 Policy Committee: Governmental Organization Vote: 12 - 0 Human Services 5 - 2 Urgency: No State Mandated Local Program: Yes Reimbursable: No SUMMARY This bill prohibits smoking in all residential foster care facilities, including garages and bathrooms, and in all motor vehicles used to transport foster children. FISCAL EFFECT 1)Costs associated with this legislation should be minor and absorbable within existing resources. 2)Any local government costs resulting from the mandate in this measure would not be state-reimbursable because the mandate only involves the definition of a crime or penalty for conviction of a crime. COMMENTS Purpose . The author argues that the state has a legal obligation to protect the well-being of foster children. This bill is intended to ensure that foster children, already one of the most vulnerable populations in our state, enjoy a safe and healthy environment to live and thrive. The negative effects of secondhand smoke have been well documented, children placed in the state's care should not be forced to live in an environment that damages their health. This measure is consistent with similar requirements in eighteen other states, and three California counties. According to the author, none of these states or counties have reported problems in recruitment or a reduction in the number of foster homes AB 352 Page 2 attributable to the smoke free policies in those states. Analysis Prepared by : Julie Salley-Gray / APPR. / (916) 319-2081