Bill Helps 49ers

A bill designed to speed up construction of the new stadium for the San Francisco Giants won quick Assembly approval in Sacramento after similar help for flood-damaged levees was added to the measure.

The bill, by Sen. Quentin Kopp, I-San Francisco, was passed 71-1. It goes back to the Senate for a vote on Assembly amendments.

The bill would allow the team to begin relocating tenants on the China Basin site of the new ballpark before the environmental review process is completed.

The San Francisco 49ers became the first National Football League team to implement a domestic partner policy for team employees and players.

The new policy will extend health care and retirement benefits, as well as other entitlements to unmarried couples.