Sarah Downey News
Award for support of civil justice issues given to Senators Chang, Glazer
The California Civil Justice Association (CJAC) has awarded its first annual Civil Justice Gavel award to two state lawmakers whose work exemplifies leadership in the area of legal reform.
California assessors dispute bill to exempt solar industry from Proposition 15 tax hike; ‘This would establish a bad precedent’
State Assembly members have approved a solar industry exemption from the Proposition 15 property tax increase if voters approve that ballot measure in November.
Judge’s dismissal of COVID-19 emotional distress suits could deter similar litigation
The recent dismissal of COVID-19 claims against a cruise line could make similar cases alleging emotional distress unlikely to prevail, and sends a message the courts should be used for those who have been justly harmed, a civil justice advocate said.
Cities ramp up mask wearing enforcement; business leaders urge customer compliance
As businesses seek to reopen amid the pandemic, cities are issuing mandatory mask orders to help stop the spread COVID-19 and giving businesses a directive to point to when patrons refuse to wear face coverings.
New federal relief bill includes liability protections during COVID-19 pandemic; ‘An important improvement to the litigation landscape’
Federal lawmakers last week unveiled a stimulus package of COVID-19 relief legislation that includes further payments to unemployed workers and liability protections for health care workers, schools and businesses as they reopen amid the pandemic.
CABIA: Appeals court ruling adds to controversial interpretation of PAGA; ‘Until Iksanian really gets challenged, the path is going to continue’
As the number of PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) cases continues to rise amid the COVID-19 pandemic, a state appellate court has ruled that an employee cannot be compelled to arbitrate a PAGA claim on the basis of a pre-dispute arbitration agreement.
Trade group leader calls for more specifics on shutdown orders: ‘There has to be a more strategic way to do this’
With many California businesses now under a second shutdown order, a trade group leader says retailers would welcome more public health outreach on how the industry can help stem spread of the virus and prevent further restrictions.
Business groups ask lawmakers to reconsider COVID-19 presumptions; ‘Massive additional risk on small businesses to pay for COVID cases'
With state lawmakers scheduled to return to Sacramento this week for a shortened session, business groups have expressed concern about several legislative proposals to expand workers’ compensation measures.
Business groups, governors urge liability protections in next COVID-19 relief bill
As federal lawmakers prepare to present new COVID-19 relief legislation that is expected to include temporary liability protections for businesses, a number of California organizations say they support such measures.
Appeals court substantially cuts jury award in Roundup case
A California Appellate Court Monday cut the amount of a jury award in a Roundup weed killer case while upholding the verdict.
More legislation under consideration for business interruption claims
A new California bill addressing business interruption claims arising from the COVID-19 outbreak would include rebuttable presumptions that the business losses are pandemic-related and put the burden on insurance companies to show otherwise.
Strict liability proposal could have stifling effect on California commerce; ‘Higher burden on small businesses and consumers’
With COVID-19 pandemic losses bearing down on businesses, a new bill that would expand strict product liability to internet commerce is opposed by industry groups who say it will drive up costs and stifle economic growth.
Chamber: Potential expansion of leave law would hurt businesses facing slashed profits, income amid COVID-19
A new bill that would make small businesses subject to the same family leave law as large companies would adversely impact the California business community at a time it is already struggling under the COVID-19 economic decline and new shut down orders, a trade group coalition says.
COVID claims first require intervention from health authorities, not the courts; ‘Should be the health experts taking the measures’
The COVID-19 claims in a lawsuit brought by McDonald’s employees against the owners of an Oakland franchise fall under the auspices of local health departments, not the court system, a July 8 amicus brief filed in the case states.
Crop growing associations say judge properly relied on science in Prop 65 ruling
The recent federal court ruling barring enforcement of California’s Proposition 65 on the herbicide glyphosate is a win for American agriculture, and conveys that state regulators overreached by trying to attach it to a product that worldwide consensus has deemed safe, trade group leaders say.
County assessors urge ‘No’ vote on costly Prop 15 ballot measure; ‘Impossible to implement’
The California Assessors’ Association (CAA) has taken an opposed position on Proposition 15, the newly qualified “split roll” ballot initiative that would change how commercial properties are assessed and revoke most Proposition 13 tax caps in place since 1978.
No cost estimate yet available on rent deferment legislation: ‘This is adapted for a multi-year scenario’
A new COVID-19 relief bill that would allow tenants to defer rent and help landlords with state-subsidized tax credits could forestall a wave of evictions, but no firm cost estimate has yet been provided by the state.
Trial by jury in COVID-19 cases may impact business growth in California; ‘Could force many companies into bankruptcy’
With COVID-19-related litigation on the rise against businesses, a new trial consulting study finds that juries could tilt toward plaintiffs due to ongoing safety concerns about the coronavirus.
Not time for more data regulation, civil justice group says; 'Will only exacerbate the substantial compliance and litigation burden'
As California works through the COVID-19 economic crisis, an initiative newly qualified for the November ballot could open up a wave of litigation against businesses still trying to comply with a similar law that took effect this year.
Bill to help business comes at critical time in economic recovery and needs shepherding, observer says
An ideal bill to help businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic needs help making it through a legislative process that’s been pared down due to the coronavirus, a former state Senate Minority Leader says.