My Jobs Protection Act legislation had its first hearing on March 10. The Jobs Protection Act puts the brakes on legislation deemed to hurt business by requiring an economic impact report be done prior to the legislature voting on a measure. Measures determined to cost too much would be put on hold until a later hearing. Representatives from the business community testified in support of the bill and at the hearing’s conclusion Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg made a commitment to continue working on implementing the Economic Impact Report (EIR) called for in my legislation.

In the past 12 months, California has lost 735,000 jobs. My bill is about one thing - bringing jobs to California, which is pretty hard to do when our policies ultimately throw up more and more hurdles for businesses to overcome. California has the 5th highest unemployment rate in the nation. We absolutely must do something to reverse this trend. (Read More)

GOP Seeks Review of Job Killer Bills
by Don Thompson of the Associated Press
San Francisco Examiner, March 7, 2010

Bumps, hurdles and progress for regulatory economic analysis in California
by Gino DiCaro, Vice President Communications
California Manufacturers and Technology Association blog, March 11, 2010

Lawmakers Voice Support for Economic Analysis of Proposals
California Chamber of Commerce, March 11, 2010

Listen to Senator Harman on the Armstrong and Getty Show discussing the Jobs Protection Act.

Prison fee measure offers ex-cons incentive to stay out of prison

This week I introduced Senate Bill 1364, legislation giving the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation and county sheriffs the ability to charge prisoners a nominal fee for discretionary items. The debt would be forgiven if the inmate does not return to prison within two years of being released.

It is a common-sense measure that will help encourage newly released inmates to stay out of prison. Rather than releasing prisoners to save money, we can charge them a fee for non-necessities and then encourage them to stay crime free by forgiving the debt if they do. I think it is a win-win for everyone.

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Press Release

Audio - Senator Harman on KFIV Radio discussing his death penalty legislative package

Fact Sheets:

• Death Penalty Reform Measure
• Pay to Stay - Prison Fee Legislation
• Agricultural Crime Measures