SACRAMENTO, Calif. The California General Assembly has passed two bills aimed at cracking down on rogue motorcoach companies.

The bills, AB 636, which would rescind licenses for motorcoach companies and drivers that fail to comply with safety and licensing laws, and AB 951, which would increase penalties for safety and other violations, now move to the state Senate.

The so-called one-strike-and-youre-out measures would permanently rescind licenses after only one infraction. (See May 15 Bus & Motorcoach News.)

Both pieces of legislation have the endorsement of the California Bus Association, which has taken a proactive approach to getting slimy operators off California highways.

The bills were prompted by a crash in October that killed 10 people, including the bus owner, and injured 40 others. Investors say the driver was behind the wheel illegally and the coach had been declared non-operational.

The driver, Quintin Watts, 52, of Stockton, reportedly slept only briefly during the 40 hours leading up to the crash. Several passengers have been quoted as saying they saw Watts fall asleep at the wheel.

He has been charged with 11 counts of vehicular manslaughter and is scheduled to be arraigned June 16 in Colusa County Superior Court.

Assemblyman Dave Jones, D-Sacramento, introduced AB 636. All of those killed in the crash lived in Jones district.

The other bill was authored by Assemblyman Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, who became involved after learning most of the crash victims were of Asian descent.

Lieu said his bill would increase penalties anywhere from $1,000 to $7,500, depending on the violation. He believes many rogue bus companies target Asian Americans and other minorities.

"Ive met with various Asian and Pacific Island groups recently," Lieu said. "Its very important for us to make sure these companies are complying with safety standards."