Sarah Downey News
Prop 15 tax hike measure trending toward defeat; ‘If it were to pass, would be devastating for California’s economic recovery’
A measure to dismantle California’s longtime protection against raising property taxes appeared headed for defeat early this week, though many mail-in ballots still need to be processed.
ADA may apply to workers with longer-term COVID-19 afflictions
As people recover from COVID-19 and report lingering effects that make it difficult to perform their job duties, these cases may be afforded accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
Proposition 22 decision could alter rideshare operations, job prospects in California
A recent appeals court decision raises questions on what Uber and Lyft operations could look like in California if the companies’ Proposition 22 ballot measure fails to pass on Tuesday.
Law school graduates can start applying for provisional licenses in a few weeks
The California Supreme Court has announced a Provisional Licensure Program for recent law school graduates will get underway in November.
PAGA reform measure includes remedy provision; ‘We would honestly support any kind of bill that brought a little more reasonableness to the table’
A bill that would have helped curb excessive litigation by requiring an employee bringing a PAGA (Private Attorney General Act) claim to first inform the employer of specific Labor Code violations and available remedies failed to gain traction during the just concluded legislative session.
Next COVID-19 relief bill remains stalled in Washington; ‘Adverse impacts on the economy and individuals will be longer-lasting than they could have been’
With the outcome for a new COVID-19 financial stimulus package still in flux, concerns about the lasting economic damage have heightened the longer the legislative stalemate goes on.
Ruling due soon on legal challenge to Newsom’s executive orders; ‘We are fighting for the form of government we’re all permitted to under the Constitution’
A Sutter County Superior Court judge is expected to issue an initial ruling this week in a lawsuit challenging an executive order on voting as well as more than 50 others Gov. Gavin Newsom has issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In lead up to election, California voters still split on independent contractor ballot initiative
Recent polling on Proposition 22, which would exempt rideshare drivers from the AB 5 law, suggests the Election Day outcome for the vigorously debated ballot measure remains a toss-up.
New equity provision designed to sustain long-term recovery may slow up some county reopenings
California is working to implement equity focus in its reopening procedures, which is intended to help communities hardest hit by the virus, and ultimately ensure more counties can stay open amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Attorney fee incentive part of new California law concerning employee workplace claims
A controversial labor law, AB 1947, which was opposed by the business community due to an attorney fee incentive, was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on the Sept. 30 deadline.
State senator questions affordability of new law increasing Labor Commissioner role in arbitration cases
New legislation that expands the role of the Labor Commissioner in arbitration proceedings has raised concerns about how it will divert state resources and drive up business costs.
New California pay reporting law could lead to unintended consequences
While a bill signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on the Sept. 30 deadline is designed to address pay disparity, it has raised concerns about using insufficient wage data that could possibly find fault where none exists.
DeVos: School Choice Now Act would empower students, improve instruction
With parents across the state trying to help their children navigate the complexities of schoolwork amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos, recently discussed a proposed school choice law as a means to help families during and beyond the public health crisis.
Coalition response helps prevent Proposition 65 changes to online sales
Following action by an alliance of industry groups, the California agency that oversees Proposition 65 recently withdrew proposed changes to the statute that impacted safe harbor warning procedures for almost all consumer products sold online or through mobile device applications.
Host of mandates will apply in formulating workplace COVID-19 vaccine policies
As progress toward a safe COVID-19 vaccine continues to unfold, businesses have begun to evaluate the different legal avenues they’ll need to consider for workplace vaccination policies.
California to resume accepting unemployment claims as state EDD adopts reform measures
As California wraps up two weeks of not accepting new unemployment claims while addressing fraud and backlog, how to address every issue without further disruption in benefits for legitimate claimants remains unclear.
Justice Department, church leaders challenge constitutionality of SF one-congregant rule
Days after receiving a Department of Justice (DOJ) letter questioning its “one congregant” rule for churches, San Francisco moved to a less restrictive reopening tier, which will allow gathering in places of worship at 25 percent capacity or 100 people, whichever is less.
New leave expansion mandate passes over entreaty from business community
Gov. Gavin Newsom’s signing of SB 1383, mandating small businesses comply with the same unpaid leave law as large companies, benefits workers but companies with few personnel will be vulnerable to litigation and at higher risk of having to close permanently, opponents say.
California employers concerned with privacy, security impact of new COVID-19 legislation
New workplace legislation just signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom has raised concerns among the business community due to imprecise language regarding COVID-19 notification requirements and outbreak presumptions.
CRA: Not the time for Prop 15 tax increase that unduly burdens small businesses
If voters reject the largest property tax increase in state history on Nov. 3, renters and consumers will benefit, a trade group leader said.