Buy local bill moves forward

An Assembly committee advanced a bill Tuesday that would require state agencies to buy California produce and nuts instead of imports when the cost and quality are comparable.

"California produces the safest and healthiest food in the world.

The state should be doing all it can to encourage consumption of our locally grown bounty," said Assemblywoman Cathleen Galgiani, D-Livingston, one of the bill's sponsors.

The bill passed the Appropriations Committee by a unanimous vote, but critics are concerned that it could drive up costs for prisons and universities.