Assemblyman Scott Wilk

Assemblyman Scott Wilk’s, R-Santa Clarita, bills AB 85 and AB 542 passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee late this week.

AB 85 clarifies existing law and defines a “state body” as any multimember committee. This will prevent the California High-Speed Rail Authority from taking advantage of a loophole that allows them to hold closed door meetings without public involvement

“The California High-Speed Rail Authority has been conducting closed meeting due to this loophole and denying taxpayers entrance,” said Wilk. “Our government must conduct its business in a visible and transparent manner and it is imperative for the public to be included in meetings that directly affect them.”

AB 542 will allow California Community Colleges to receive funding for providing PE courses for Early College and Middle College High School students since they are responsible for completing the Physical Education requirement to meet state standards.

“Academy of the Canyon students are required to take physical education in order to graduate and it is unfair that course fees are waived for every class, but physical education.” Wilk stated. “Many times Early College and Middle College students are first generation college students. AB 542 is a hand up, not a hand out.”

Next the bills head to the Assembly Floor.

The 38th Assembly District encompasses Simi Valley, the northwestern section of the San Fernando Valley and most of the Santa Clarita Valley.