Lawmakers ask NFL to support Washington team name change

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) – A contentious national debate over the Washington NFL team 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 R*dsk*ns 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.