Assembly approves bills on beach fire rings, condoms in prisons

SACRAMENTO -- The California Assembly overwhelmingly approved Monday a measure that aims to preserve beach fire rings and, by a narrower margin, a bill that would make condoms available in prisons.

Beach fire rings have been at the center of protracted battle in Southern California’s beach towns, particularly in Newport Beach, where local air-quality regulators have stepped up their regulation of the bonfires due to concerns over their effect on health and the environment.

Opponents say the regulations could put a beloved beachfront recreation at risk, harming local tradition and tourism revenues.

The measure, by Assemblyman Travis Allen (R-Huntington Beach) and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Fullerton), would delay a new rule limiting the beach fire rings in Newport Beach, giving the city time relocate the rings farther apart to address air quality concerns.

The bill, AB 1102, is “intended to protect not only historical California tradition, but millions in revenue for cities, counties and the state,” Allen said on the Assembly floor.

The bill passed by a 64-0 vote.

Another measure, by Assemblyman Rob Bonta (D-Oakland) will require the state’s corrections department to craft a five-year plan to make condoms available in prisons.

“This is simple and sound preventative public health policy that is data driven and informed by a highly successful pilot project,” Bonta said. “It will save lives.”

Bonta pushed a similar measure last year, which passed the Legislature but was vetoed in September by Gov. Jerry Brown.

In his veto message, Brown said family visitors were already allowed to bring condoms for overnight visits. He said if the prisons department decides it should expand its visitation program, it should do so within its existing authority.

This year’s bill, AB 966, passed on a 45-26 vote.

Both measures now move to the Senate.

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