California Assembly Turns Down Aid For SoCal Gas Victims

SACRAMENTO (AP) — Members of the California Assembly rejected a plan to give victims of the Aliso Canyon disaster gas leak and other man-made pollution more time to sue for relief, but the proposal could return.

The Assembly voted 30-32 Thursday on AB2748 . Eighteen lawmakers did not vote.

The bill would extend the statute of limitations on toxic harm from two to three years. It would also prohibit polluters from limiting the number of times people can sue them.

Republican opponents say it's too vague and the change shouldn't apply statewide.

Democratic Assemblyman Mike Gatto of Los Angeles asked the Assembly to reconsider his bill. He has until June 3 to bring it back.

Gatto says it would help Southern California residents affected by a shuttered lead-battery recycling facility and Aliso Canyon.

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