It’s called organizational session – and the Assembly took care of business – members were sworn in, and the speaker re-elected: 

 “The ayes have it – the speaker of the assembly for the 2007-2008 session is the honorable Fabian Nunez."

But individual members took care of their own business, as well.  There were 81 bills in the assembly alone – many familiar.  Democrat Mark Leno has reintroduced his same-sex marriage bill. The Governor vetoed it last year, but Leno remains hopeful:

 “On controversial issues, he has shown remarkable leadership and an ability to recognize that his position has changed.”

Assembly Republican leader Mike Villines introduced a measure that would give the job of drawing the legislative district map to a citizens’ commission.  Other bills crossing the desk included:  several calling for health care reform and one aimed at reducing red-tape in disaster response.