A proposed law by state Sen. Jenny Oropeza would give local governments more time to review liquor-license applications.
Senate Bill 415, written by the Long Beach Democrat, has cleared both houses in the state Legislature and is headed to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's desk.
Under existing state law, local agencues are allowed 30 days to review applications for new license or licenses transfers. Law enforcement agencies can request an additional 20 days from the state to assess the merits of an application.
However, SB 415 would extend that extra review period from 20 to 30 days.
"This helps solve a problem I encountered while I worked in city government," said Oropeza, who served six years on the Long Beach City Council. "Any tool we can give local governments to help them build safer neighborhoods by further reviewing troublesome alcohol distributors is critical."
The bill now goes to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who has 30 days to sign or veto the bill. If he does nothing, SB 415 would automatically become law.
