SACRAMENTO – On Tuesday, legislation by Assemblymember Laura Friedman (D-Glendale) that would prohibit the sale and manufacture of new fur in California passed its first major hurdle. The bill, AB 44, garnered overwhelming support in its first committee hearing on a 10-4 vote in the Assembly Water, Parks, and Wildlife Committee
“It is really encouraging to see the support that this bill is getting from the public and my colleagues.” said Assemblymember Friedman. “There are so many alternatives to fur, alternatives that have been largely embraced by the industry, yet there are still thousands of animals every year that are viciously maimed and murdered for only their fur. This practice is not only entirely outdated and unnecessary, it’s completely out of line with our state’s values.”
AB 44 would make it unlawful to manufacture, sell, offer for sale, display for sale, trade, give donate or otherwise distribute a fur product in the state. The bill exempts leather, cowhide, and shearling, as well as fur products used for religious purposes and used fur. The prohibition would apply only to the sale and manufacture of products including, but not limited to clothing, handbags, shoes, slippers, hats, or key chains that contain fur and provides for a civil penalty for each violation.
“Californians love their animals and wildlife. Skinning animals or farming fur for fashion or other accessories is contrary to those values, and I believe it’s no longer necessary in a 21st century society,” said Assemblymember Todd Gloria (D-San Diego). “It’s clear Californians want us to lead on this issue and that is what we are doing with AB 44. I am proud to support this measure and I look forward to its success in the weeks ahead.”
Next up, the bill is to be considered by the Assembly Judiciary Committee. If passed and signed into law, AB 44 would make California the first state in the nation to outlaw the sale and manufacture of fur products within its borders.
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Laura Friedman represents the 43rd Assembly District which encompasses the cities of Burbank, Glendale, and La Cañada Flintridge, as well as the communities of La Crescenta and Montrose, and the Los Angeles neighborhoods of Atwater Village, Beachwood Canyon, Los Feliz, East Hollywood, Franklin Hills, and Silver Lake.