BILL NUMBER: SB 977 VETOED DATE: 09/21/2012 To the Members of the California State Senate: I am returning Senate Bill 977 without my signature. I support the author's intent to deter businesses from breaking the law. In this instance, the bill takes aim at nail polish manufacturers that are improperly labeling their products "toxin-free" when they are not. While bad actors should be punished, it makes no sense to increase penalties, one manufacturer at a time. The existing Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law provides for a $1,000 fine for a first offense, and a $10,000 fine for subsequent offenses, for false labeling of this kind. This suffices. Sincerely, Edmund G. Brown Jr.