CONTRACEPTIVE COVERAGE: Senate Passes ‘Pill’ Bill

      By a "minimum 21-13 vote," the state Senate yesterday "narrowly approved" legislation that would "require health insurers to cover prescription contraceptives," the Sacramento Bee reports (8/13). Sponsored by Assemblyman Bob Hertzberg (D-Sherman Oaks), AB 1112 is identical to an earlier proposal Gov. Pete Wilson vetoed in February. The Contra Costa Times reports the "chief difference is the new bill allows religious organizations that oppose contraception to be exempted from the requirement" (8/13). AP/Capitol Alert reports that Wilson said he vetoed the previous bill because it did not include the exemption. The legislation now moves to the Assembly for consideration (8/13).