Legislation News
Legislation
State senator introduces bill to regulate third-party 'loan sharks' in litigation financing
A California tort reform group has expressed support for a state Senate bill that aims to protect consumers and the state’s justice system from problems arising from the third-party financing of civil lawsuits.
Legislation
Legislation introduced to revise Prop 47 to address rising crime in San Francisco, other California cities
With burglary and other theft crimes still on par with last year in San Francisco and many other locales, new legislation to overturn Proposition 47, the California law that lessens penalties for criminal violations, is scheduled for a hearing this week.
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Legislation
New California tax to penalize oil industry stirs opposition, concern over 'job killer' price hikes
A bill to tax oil companies on profits is raising questions about the impact on residents and businesses already facing inflation pressure and high gasoline prices.
Legislation
Appeals panel blocks AB51, says anti-arbitration law represents try by state to skirt federal law, prior court rulings
The U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals said the threat of criminal and civil penalties against employers served to deter employers from forming arbitration agreements with workers, violating federal law
Legislation
With recession looming, California readies for cuts as deficit tops $20B
As California faces a projected $22.5 billion deficit, it’s raising questions about how Gov. Gavin Newsom and state leaders will help address new economic realities with cost reductions in the newly proposed budget.
Legislation
Court rejects plaintiff lawyers' attempt to eliminate California's cap on fees
FRESNO, Calif. (Legal Newsline) - A law firm has no basis for suing to eliminate California’s cap on contingency fees and non-economic damages in malpractice lawsuits, an appeals court ruled, citing previous decisions by the state Supreme Court as well as the law firm’s speculative theories about how the caps deny plaintiffs the right to sue.
Legislation
Judge strikes down California firearms fee-shifting law
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - Citing California Governor Gavin Newsom’s harsh criticism of a similar law in Texas aimed at pro-choice advocates, a federal judge struck down a California law designed to make it too costly for gun-rights activists to challenge firearms regulations.
Legislation
CalChamber opposes AG Bonta's support for broadening PAGA
A new brief in Adolph v. Uber, a case involving California’s PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act), asks the state Supreme Court to restore a plaintiff’s ability to pursue another person’s PAGA claims in court, which the U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled isn’t compatible with federal arbitration law.
Legislation
Save Local Restaurants coalition submits signatures to overturn AB 257
Proponents for an initiative that would repeal California's AB 257 – the Fast Food Accountability and Standards Recovery (FAST) Act – have collected the required signatures for placing the measure on the November 2024 election ballot.
Legislation
Union legislation raises concerns for California agricultural outlook
As new data points to increased interest in leaving California, the legal and legislative climate is cited by advocates in agriculture and other industries for which relocating may be less viable.
Legislation
Judge won't put brakes on California ban on flavored tobacco
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A federal judge has refused to temporarily halt California's ban on flavored tobacco while a legal challenge sorts itself out.'
Legislation
Builders’ Remedy becomes new tool to address California housing crisis
With housing prices and homelessness continuing to rise here, the number of cities failing to properly plan for state-mandated housing goals may soon be compelled to increase their efforts in accordance with a tool known as Builders’ Remedy.
Legislation
New alert helps distinguish California lawmakers casting pro-business votes in time of economic uncertainty
With recent state projections suggesting an economic slowdown and more legislation taking effect in January, a new alert provides statistics on how often California lawmakers voted in support of pro-business bills.
Legislation
Most California lawmakers cast few votes to support small business
With inflation, repeat retail theft, and supply chain disruptions coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns persist about Sacramento policies impacting small business, as more data shows only a fraction of the 120-member Legislature consistently votes for bills that support Main Street enterprises.
Legislation
Cal/OSHA closer to vote on two-year Covid workplace mitigation rules
With Cal/OSHA’s upcoming vote on a two-year regulation for COVID-19 mitigation, it’s raising questions about what will change from the current standards, and how they’ll align with the scheduled termination of California’s State of Emergency in late February.
Legislation
Biden Administration drafts new worker classification rule
With legislation on employee classification still being considered in Congress, the Biden Administration has put forth its own version in a newly proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Legislation
Post Viking decision reflects U.S. Supreme Court ruling for PAGA in arbitration
A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California has found a PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) lawsuit is bound by the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Viking v. Moriana, which found claims filed under California’s PAGA are subject to federal arbitration rules.
Legislation
Virginia lawmakers are ready to disconnect from California climate policies
A new bill in Virginia has been filed to repeal a 2021 law that made its vehicle emission policies follow California’s, where Gov. Gavin Newsom and state regulators are banning gas-powered car sales by 2035.
Legislation
Business community urges comprehensive theft prevention to counter repeat retail crime
While new legislation to disrupt sales of stolen merchandise online, SB 301, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom last month, concerns persist about the best solution to address repeat theft.
Legislation
Legislative session concludes with new slate of liability-expanding workplace laws
With the legislative session wrapping up, Gov. Gavin Newsom approved an array of new workplace bills, and unlike many signed in the past two years of the pandemic, these present new mandates for employers and new avenues for liability.