* The Senate passed SB 655, previously approved by the Assembly, which allows a $1,000 fine for county jail inmates found possessing a cellphone, as well as a $250 fine for inmates found with tobacco in county jails where possession is outlawed. Baca sponsored the measure.
* The Senate gave final approval to SB 924, which would place a measure on the February ballot asking voters whether they support the immediate and orderly withdrawal of U.S. troops from Iraq. The governor has not taken a public position on the bill.
* The Senate gave final approval to SB 33, which prohibits people younger than 18 from using cellphones or text message devices while driving. The governor has not taken a public position on the measure.
* The Assembly Appropriations Committee recommended passage of SB 974, which allows a $60 fee on each filled 40-foot container in the ports of Los Angeles, Long Beach and Oakland to pay for programs to relieve traffic congestion and air pollution caused by port activity.
The committee amended the bill, which now goes to the full Assembly, to allow a local panel of officials to decide how to spend the 50% of the revenues that would go to traffic congestion relief. It did not adopt an amendment sought by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa that would have allowed some of the money to be spent on the replacement of two large bridges.
patrick.mcgreevy@latimes.com
