With the legislative session winding down, local assembly members are racing the clock to ensure all bills are approved by the September 13 deadline, including local Assemblymember Chris Holden.

Two bills spearheaded by the local legislator await signatures from Governor Jerry Brown after receiving the approval of the State Assembly earlier this week. AB 143, the Military Use Tax Exemption, would give active duty service members a tax break on personal property purchased when they are transferred to California.

AB 201 aims to make the Small Business Loan Guarantee program more accessible and user-friendly. With the passage of this bill, the Office of Small Business Advocates will be required to include information on its website about the Small Business Loan Guarantee program’s (SBLGP) loan guarantees, direct lending, surety bond guarantees and disaster loans. Both bills were passed unanimously.

As AB 143 and AB 201 await approval, Governor Jerry Brown has already signed into law Mr. Holden’s bill relating to funding for domestic violence shelters.

AB 139, which becomes effective January 1, 2014, clears up a technicality in order to provide more funds for local domestic violence shelters.

The bill stipulates that those convicted of domestic violence must pay a minimum $500 fee—not a fine—after they are granted probation. Mr. Holden hopes this will clear up confusion over the $500 payment and ensure funding for local domestic violence programs.

Mr. Holden’s staff keeps local office hours every third Tuesday of the month at Claremont City Hall in the Citrus Room from 2 to 4 p.m. His district office is located at 600 N. Rosemead Blvd., Suite 117, Pasadena. For information, call (626) 351-1917.