BILL NUMBER: SB 624	AMENDED
	BILL TEXT

	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  JUNE 23, 2010
	AMENDED IN ASSEMBLY  MAY 19, 2010
	AMENDED IN SENATE  APRIL 13, 2009

INTRODUCED BY   Senator Romero

                        FEBRUARY 27, 2009

   An act to  amend   repeal  Section 425.2
of the Government Code, relating to the state rock.


	LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL'S DIGEST


   SB 624, as amended, Romero. State rock.
   Existing law establishes various animals, vegetables, and minerals
as emblematic of the state and provide that serpentine is the
official state rock and lithologic emblem.
   This bill would remove serpentine as the state rock and lithologic
emblem  and would leave the state rock unspecified 
. The bill would also make a statement of findings about serpentine
and its association with an increased risk of the cancer
mesothelioma.
   Vote: majority. Appropriation: no. Fiscal committee: no.
State-mandated local program: no.


THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA DO ENACT AS FOLLOWS:

  SECTION 1.  The Legislature finds and declares the following:
   (a) Serpentine was designated the official State Rock in 1965 and
is found in 49 counties in California.
   (b) Serpentine contains the deadly mineral chrysotile asbestos, a
known carcinogen, exposure to which increases the risk of the cancer
mesothelioma.
   (c) California has the highest rate of mesothelioma deaths in the
nation.
   (d) California should not designate a rock known to be toxic to
the health of its residents as the state's official rock.
   (e) It is the intent of the Legislature to remove serpentine as
the State Rock  and provide for a suitable replacement
 . 
  SEC. 2.    Section 425.2 of the Government Code is
amended to read:
   425.2.  ____ is the official State Rock and lithologic emblem.

   SEC. 2.    Section 425.2 of the   Government
Code   is repealed.  
   425.2.  Serpentine is the official State Rock and lithologic
emblem.