NO MORE FREE TRIPS

California Gov. Gray Davis signed AB 931 (Frommer, D-Glendale) that will shut a loophole in the Political Reform Act allegedly used by former California Insurance Commissioner Chuck Quackenbush to accept luxury trips and accommodations paid for by insurance companies with matters pending before the department. Frommer sponsored the bill as a result of revelations in the Los Angeles Times, which stated Quackenbush traveled first class to Europe, Africa, and Asia on the pockets of insurance companies he regulated and failed to report those gifts. Frommer praised current Commissioner Low for deciding to turn down travel gifts from the industry but stated that a formal change in the law was still necessary. The new legislation will become effective Jan. 1, 2002.