Reform News
Reform
Business community urges lawmakers to support policy that stems tide of economic losses
A coalition of nearly 200 business groups has sent a letter to Gov. Gavin Newsom and state lawmakers, calling for renewed focus on policy that helps job creators survive the economic upheaval caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reform
California Supreme Court issues decision on time frame for applying ‘ABC’ worker classification test
The California Supreme Court recently ruled that the “ABC test” arising from its 2018 Dynamex decision applies retroactively to wage order cases, adding another layer of law to review in worker classification litigation.
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Reform
New legislation among safeguards under consideration to tackle EDD fraud
With California’s Employment Development Department (EDD) fraud reaching into the billions of dollars, state lawmakers want effective protections enacted as soon as feasibly possible as the legislature reconvenes this week.
Reform
Lawsuit seeks to repeal newly passed CAL/OSHA regulations
A new lawsuit alleges the CAL/OSHA emergency rules passed last month were not enacted in accordance with the California Administrative Procedure Act, which requires prior notice and public hearings, and that the rules override another state law governing wage regulation.
Reform
New brief studies impact of rebate walls on drug affordability
The current COVID-19 health crisis and drug affordability has put growing attention on the practice of rebate walls – in which drug manufacturers provide volume-based discounts to insurers and pharmacy benefit managers (PBM) – because it’s also kept lower-cost prescriptions off the market.
Reform
California continues losing streak on annual list of nation’s 'Judicial Hellholes'
California once again ranks near the bottom of the American Tort Reform Foundation’s (ATRF) annual ranking of “Judicial Hellholes,” which evaluates local court actions and state civil justice systems to determine its list.
Reform
New law limits chance to remedy before enforcement; ‘Expanded compliance hurdles open up businesses to more litigation’
With voters’ passage of Proposition 24, a new law which will expand consumer data regulation, businesses now have another set of safeguard measures to implement or risk facing civil suits for non-compliance.
Reform
Ninth Circuit upholds California law banning extreme livestock confinement practices
A federal court ruling recently denied a challenge to California’s Proposition 12, known as the Farm Animal Confinement Initiative.
Reform
Federal appeals court rules for employer in PAGA litigation; state lawmakers pass up opportunity to reform law
Although the Ninth Circuit recently issued a PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) ruling that found favorably for an employer in a meal and rest break case, the state Legislature didn’t advance a bill that sought to amend the statute.
Reform
Governor Newsom enacts new legislation to help small business; others await veto or signature
While Gov. Gavin Newsom last week signed three bills designed to take pressure off small businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the fate of highly debated workplace legislation still has not been decided.
Reform
AB 72 brief analyzes impact of medical billing reform law that's had bad consequences for patients and practitioners
A new policy brief about the impact of California AB 72 finds that the law – designed to alleviate surprise medical billing – while well-intentioned also has unintended consequences that have increased medical costs and affected quality of care.
Reform
NFIB: Lawmakers have opportunity to make California more welcoming to small businesses
With California legislators close to wrapping up this year’s abbreviated session, trade leaders hope further reforms will soon be passed to address liability protections and other concerns impacting small businesses months into the COVID-19 pandemic.
Reform
PAGA reform addressed in new appellate ruling; Attorney got $630,000, plaintiff got $10,000
As California lawmakers reach the end of a legislative session shortened due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a proposal that could reform the PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) is on the table for consideration.
Reform
New Supreme Court ruling on PAGA could lead to more claims; Business continues to push back saying reform is needed
The state Supreme Court’s ruling last month that PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) claims can proceed even if the underlying claim has been settled has raised concerns in the business community that it could lead to more expensive litigation.
Reform
Ninth Circuit climate change decision could lead to more litigation if cases allowed to move forward; Decision expected by end of year
As the Ninth Circuit prepares to rule on two cases involving local governments suing oil companies over climate change, legal reform groups are concerned that an onslaught of similar litigation in California could ensue if the appeals court allows the cases to go forward.
Reform
Advocates say state's lemon law needs reform; Arbitration is quicker and better for consumer, they say
While the state’s lemon law – the Song Beverly Consumer Protection Act – has served as a safeguard for car buyers, some attorneys have also used it to extract large fee payments from car manufacturers.
Reform
More changes anticipated for Assembly Bill 5 after COVID-19 cloud clears
When Californians return to work after the stay-at-home order is lifted, more changes could be coming to the controversial Assembly Bill 5 independent contractor law.
Reform
Lawsuit reformer says SB783 anti-gender bias bill in product pricing is a job killer
SACRAMENTO – An activist with the nonprofit Citizens Against Lawsuit Abuse said a new bill in the California Senate designed to end gender discrimination in product pricing would instead kill jobs and result in frivolous lawsuits.
Reform
Report details burdensome regulation restricting small businesses
Intended to shine a light on regulations that act as barriers and do not provide any benefits
Reform
California needs 'broader fixes' for industries than new AB 5 law offers, reformer says
California’s newly enacted independent contractor law continues to draw backlash from businesses and organizations throughout the state as lawmakers are pushing for reform.