Betty Karnette

Betty Karnette was elected to a second stint in the California State Assembly (United States) in November, 2004, to represent the 54th District. Her district included the cities of Avalon, Long Beach, Palos Verdes Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills, Rolling Hills Estates, San Pedro, Signal Hill. Her district contained parts of the Port of Long Beach and the Port of Los Angeles.

Legislative history

Karnette served one previous term in the State Assembly from 1992 until she was defeated by Steven T. Kuykendall in 1994. She also served in the California State Senate from 1996 until she was termed out in 2004. Her committee assignments included the Rules; Appropriations; Transportation; Insurance; and the Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committees. She chaired the Assembly Select Committee on Ports.

Legislative accomplishments

• Authoring legislation requiring that voters be able to review the political contributions received by candidates for public office (SB 49).
• Authoring legislation allowing the use of "battered woman syndrome" to be used in defense of those convicted of killing abusive spouses (SB 799).
• Creating the Aquatic Invasive Species council within the Department of Fish and Game (SB 1573).
• Directing and assisting in development of a statewide study to improve transportation conditions linked with gateways for global trade.

References

Political offices
Preceded by Willard H. Murray, Jr.	California State Assemblymember 54th District December 7, 1992–November 30, 1994	Succeeded by Steven T. Kuykendall
Preceded by Robert G. Beverly	California State Senator 27th District December 2, 1996–November 30, 2004	Succeeded by Alan Lowenthal
Preceded by Alan Lowenthal	California State Assemblymember 54th District December 6, 2004–November 30, 2008	Succeeded by Bonnie Lowenthal