Lawmakers ask NFL to support Redskins’ name change

FENIT NIRAPPIL
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — A contentious national debate over the Washington Redskins’ name has led to a testy exchange between two California lawmakers.

A resolution calling on the NFL to support a name change was among several items considered Monday as the legislative session enters its final two weeks.

ACR168 by Democratic Assemblyman Luis Alejo of Watsonville calls the Redskins name disparaging to Native Americans. Republican Assemblyman Tim Donnelly objected, blasting the resolution as a waste of time.

Alejo, who often objects to Donnelly citing immigration during debates, told the former gubernatorial candidate he is “no position to talk about wasting the Legislature’s time.”

The resolution passed 49-5.

Also Monday, the Assembly sent the governor bills restricting smoking in home day cares, increasing penalties for stealing restaurant grease and relaxing rules for drought-resistant lawns.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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