The Latest: California lawmakers OK waiving tax on diapers

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The Latest on action in the California Legislature (all times local):

2 p.m.

California Gov. Jerry Brown will decide whether to eliminate the sales tax on children’s diapers through 2022.

The Senate sent AB717 to the Democratic governor Tuesday in a unanimous vote.

Democratic Sen. Richard Pan of Sacramento says diapers are an absolute necessity for babies.

The bill’s author, Democratic Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez of San Diego, has said Viagra, yoga classes and some yachts are exempt from sales tax, so it’s reasonable that diapers are as well.

The California State Association of Counties and the Tax Reform Association oppose the legislation. They say the exemption will harm local governments by eroding the sales tax base.

If Brown approves, the tax waiver could start sometime in 2017.

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12 p.m.

A bill restoring the voting rights of convicted felons serving time in county jails is headed to California Gov. Jerry Brown.

Democrats in the Senate approved the measure in a 23-13 party-line vote Tuesday.

AB2466 stems from California’s criminal justice realignment, which led to some people convicted of low-level felonies serving time in county jails.

Supporters say civic participation can be a critical component of reducing recidivism when people return to the community.

Republicans say convicted felons who are serving their sentence should not be allowed to cast ballots.

The bill by Democratic Assemblywoman Shirley Weber of San Diego would restore voting eligibility for felons in county jails, on probation or under community supervision. It would not apply to those in state or federal prisons.