[excerpt:]
SACRAMENTO - For the second time in a year lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent local governing bodies from regulating genetically modified seeds or crops...

[Sen. Dean] Florez introduced the legislation last year, citing the need to have consistent policies statewide after several counties adopted resolutions banning genetically altered seeds and crops. The measure was proposed late during the last legislative session and failed to make progress in 2005, in part due to outcries from anti-biotechnology activists.

Again this year, the bill is set to prompt plenty of discussion and controversy.

More than 50 organizations, including the state's largest agricultural groups, have signed on as supporters of the legislation, while just as many organic farming groups and environmental organizations have denounced the measure.

"Organic farmers are really concerned and natural foods businesses are concerned and oppose the legislation because it threatens their businesses," said Becky Tarbotton, a spokesperson for Californians for GE-Free Agriculture, a coalition of groups that supports sustainable farming practices...

The full article is available on the Capital Press website.