Capitol Alert: AM Alert: Cockfights, pot smoke, and a lot between

Budget negotiations haven't seemed particularly fruitful of late, but the Senate and the Assembly both have floor sessions scheduled -- the Assembly at noon and the Senate at 2 p.m.

The Senate Public Safety Committee takes up several measures, including Senate Bill 425 by Sen. Ron Calderon, which would raise fines for cockfighting. The meeting starts at 9:30 a.m. in the Capitol's Room 4203.

A medical marijuana proposal, Senate Bill 129 by Sen. Mark Leno, is among the items on the Senate Judiciary Committee agenda. Leno's bill would bar employers from discriminating in hiring, firing or setting employment conditions if it's based on the person's status as a qualified patient or a positive drug test for marijuana. Being impaired on the job wouldn't be protected. That meeting starts at 1:30 p.m. in Room 112 or upon adjournment of the session.

Also on the Senate side, the Transportation and Housing Committee hears proposals to increase fines for violating state law prohibiting talking on cellphones or texting while driving (Senate Bill 28 by Sen. Joe Simitian) and to allow counties to raise the vehicle license fee if voters agree (Senate Bill 223 by Sen. Mark Leno). That meeting starts upon adjournment of the floor session in Room 4203.

The Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee, the Assembly Aging and Long-Term Care Committee, the Assembly Elections and Redistricting Committee and several others also meet. Click here for the full list on the Senate side. Click here for the Assembly.

Beyond the dome, California Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye joins KQED Radio "Forum" guest host Scott Shafer on the air at 9 a.m.

Maybe Cantil-Sakauye will opine about who Gov. Jerry Brown might pick to replace Justice Carlos Moreno, who retired last month.

CAKE AND CANDLES: Sen. Ted Lieu, D-Torrance, turns 42 today. Late birthday wishes as well to Assemblyman Luis Alejo, D-Watsonville, who turned 37 on Sunday.