Bills signed into law by Gov. Davis

The following bills were signed into law by Gov. Gray Davis during the first half of the 2003-04 legislative session. Unless specified otherwise, the laws take effect in January.

Business

Workers' compensation -- A package of bills aims to pare at least $4 billion in costs from the state's $29-billion system for insuring employees against on-the-job injuries. The bills cap some medical payments and limit visits to physical therapists and chiropractors. The bills are SB 228 by Sen. Richard Alarcon (D-Sylmar), AB 227 by Assemblyman Juan Vargas (D-San Diego), AB 1099 by Assemblywoman Gloria Negrete-McLeod (D-Chino) and AB 1262 by Assemblywoman Barbara Matthews (D-Tracy).

Internet sales tax -- SB 157 by Sen. Debra Bowen (D-Marina del Rey) allows California to join 38 other states trying to draft national rules for taxing goods sold over the Internet.

False statements -- SB 523 by Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Whittier) requires corporations to alert authorities when corporate officers make false or misleading statements or face fines of up to $1 million.

Whistleblowers -- SB 777 by Sen. Martha Escutia (D-Whittier) sets up a corporate whistleblower hotline with the attorney general and bans employers from retaliating against workers who refuse to break state or federal laws.

Securities fraud -- AB 1031 by Assemblyman Lou Correa (D-Anaheim) boosts criminal penalties for market manipulation, stock fraud and insider trading.

Expatriate companies -- SB 640 by Sen. John Burton (D-San Francisco) bans the state from contracting with a U.S. corporation that has reincorporated in a foreign country to avoid taxes.

Tax shelters -- AB 1601 by Assemblyman Dario Frommer (D-Los Feliz) boosts penalties for illegal tax shelters and doubles the time to eight years that the state has to investigate such tax-dodging financial schemes.

Consumers

Cellular phones -- AB 1379 by Assemblyman Ronald S. Calderon (D-Montebello) requires cellular phone companies to give customers access to information about roaming usage and charges. The law takes effect in January 2005.

Debt collectors -- SB 1022 by Sen. Don Perata (D-Alameda) requires third-party debt collectors to give consumers a list of their rights under state and federal laws, such as no contact before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m. The law takes effect in July.