What was Assembly Bill 2914?

Assembly Bill 2914 was a proposed measure sponsored by Assemblymember Charles Calderon (D-Whittier) to tax California's adult entertainment industry, aiming to generate an estimated $260 million to address "externalized costs."

What was the outcome of Assembly Bill 2914?

Assembly Bill 2914 was defeated in an Assembly committee, meaning the Governor will not be required to take a position on the bill.

Who is Shelley Lubben?

Shelley Lubben, formerly known as pornographic film actress Roxy Heart, is an anti-pornography activist who co-founded the Pink Cross Foundation and authored books.

AB 2914: California Adult Entertainment Tax Bill Defeated

Q: How did Shelley Lubben's statements relate to AB 2914?

The defeat of AB 2914 contradicted previous statements made by anti-pornography activist Shelley Lubben regarding the bill's status.

Assembly Bill 2914, a proposed tax on California's adult entertainment industry, has been defeated in committee, contradicting Shelley Lubben's claims.

Assembly Bill 2914, a proposed measure to tax California's adult entertainment industry, has been defeated in an Assembly committee. This development contradicts previous statements made by anti-pornography activist Shelley Lubben regarding the bill's status.

AB 2914 Fails in Committee

Assemblymember Charles Calderon (D-Whittier) sponsored AB 2914, which aimed to generate an estimated $260 million. These funds were intended to address the "externalized costs" associated with California's adult film industry. However, the bill was killed in an Assembly committee this week, as reported by California Majority Report.com.

The defeat of AB 2914 means the Governor will not be required to take a position on the bill. The proposed legislation sought to implement a tax on the adult entertainment sector, which some observers consider to be larger than Hollywood's traditional film industry.

Shelley Lubben's Legal and Personal Struggles

Shelley Lynn Lubben, a former pornographic film actress known as Roxy Heart, became an anti-pornography activist after exiting the industry in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She co-founded the Pink Cross Foundation in 2008 with her husband, Garrett, a nonprofit organization that operated until 2016. Lubben authored books, including Truth Behind the Fantasy of Porn, and appeared in media to share her experiences, positioning herself as a voice against the adult entertainment industry.

In 2017, Lubben attempted to reopen her divorce case to regain ownership of a Mexican timeshare property she had ceded to her ex-husband in their 2016 divorce. On a Wednesday afternoon, Lubben failed to appear at a scheduled court date in Kern County Superior Court. Her ex-husband's attorney was informed that she had the flu, but no doctor's note was provided. This hearing had been scheduled months in advance following a series of continuances in the case.

Sources in the Springville and Visalia areas, where Lubben resided, expressed skepticism regarding her claim of illness. This no-show occurred after a report was filed by Deputy E. Lemoine of the Tulare County Sheriffs on December 31, following an alleged trespass by Lubben on her ex-housemates' property on New Year's Eve. This was the third report taken by the sheriffs investigating claims of trespassing, robbery, vandalism, harassment, and threats against the residents by Lubben.

Multiple witnesses stated that Lubben was experiencing significant personal difficulties, describing her as an "all-day drinker" who "soils herself when she doesn't get her alcohol in time."

Lubben's Passing and Health Issues

Shelley Lubben passed away on February 9, 2019, at the age of 50. The direct cause of her death was cardiovascular failure due to a pulmonary embolism, which led to cardiac arrest. The Tulare County Coroner determined that her death was neither a suicide nor a homicide, contrary to some claims.

A pulmonary embolism is a blockage in the pulmonary artery, which supplies blood to the lungs. Lubben's family and associates reported that she had no known heart or lung problems and was not prescribed medication for cardiovascular issues. She did suffer from gastric issues and was prescribed Nexium (esomeprazole magnesium), a proton pump inhibitor used to treat stomach and duodenal ulcers and gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Although her cause of death was not an overdose, as initially suggested by 9-1-1 responders, long-term drug and/or alcohol abuse and withdrawal are considered likely contributing factors. Lubben had been hospitalized days earlier, on the night of February 4, suffering from withdrawal symptoms.

Key Facts

California Assembly Bill 2914, proposing a tax on the adult entertainment industry, was killed in an Assembly committee.
The bill, sponsored by Assemblymember Charles Calderon, aimed to generate $260 million for "externalized costs" of the adult film industry.
Shelley Lubben, an anti-pornography activist, failed to appear at a Kern County Superior Court hearing regarding her 2017 attempt to reopen her divorce case.
Lubben's no-show followed a December 31 report by Tulare County Sheriffs concerning alleged trespassing and other incidents at her ex-housemates' property.
Shelley Lubben died on February 9, 2019, at age 50, from cardiovascular failure via pulmonary embolism.
Lubben had been hospitalized for withdrawal symptoms days before her death, and long-term drug and/or alcohol abuse are considered likely elements in her passing.