Sarah Downey News
June 15 target date for full reopening contingent on keeping Covid case numbers down
With California’s date to fully reopen planned for June 15, keeping the pace of vaccinations going and Covid variants at bay will be necessary in order to meet that timeframe.
California Supreme Court ruling in prevailing wage case draws attention to 'incongruity' of 1930s labor law
A recent state Supreme Court ruling found that work undertaken by contract workers on non-construction public works projects can be subject to a Prevailing Wage statute dating from the 1930s, raising questions about what the impact will be for the thousands of other special districts in California – from parks to libraries.
Business exodus raising questions about California’s economic outlook; ‘It’s pretty obvious that there’s one direction of preference’
Amid the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, dozens more companies are leaving California for other states where their money goes further.
Legislation seeks to delay new tax increase on California property
A new bill that would defer implementation of Proposition 19 – a ballot measure that passed by a small margin in November – is designed to provide relief to families and businesses now facing unexpected tax bills.
Many California schools slow to reopen despite financial incentives, medical data supporting return to classrooms
With the end of the school year roughly two months away, questions persist about how many schools will be returning to in-person instruction absent a specific mandate to do so.
California school district facing lawsuit over COVID-19 vaccination directive
A recent federal lawsuit challenges the COVID-19 vaccination policies issued by the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), even as teachers' unions made inoculations for educators a key component of their willingness to return to in-person instruction.
U.S. District Court grants preliminary injunction in case challenging Proposition 65 acrylamide warnings
A federal court has issued a ruling in California Chamber of Commerce v. Xavier Becerra that temporarily prevents the state Attorney General and private attorneys from bringing legal action in cases that involve Proposition 65 acrylamide warnings on food and beverages.
New legislation would create specific requirements for California EDD reform
A new bill, SB 58, to mandate specific fraud prevention measures at the Employment Development Department (EDD) has been passed unanimously by two Senate Committees, heralding what proponents hope will be a new era of EDD claimant security.
New supplemental leave law in California contains similar provisions to new federal program
California employers with more than 25 workers will be mandated to provide up to an additional 80 hours of paid sick leave under a new law that remains in effect until this fall.
Bill proposal would require top California earners to carry more of state’s tax burden
New legislation that proposes to raise taxes on California’s upper bracket earners is raising questions about the message it conveys, singling out a certain segment of the population to shoulder so much of its tax load.
New study shows merits of further tort reform in California
A new report examining the impact of excessive tort claims in California finds that reforming the system could help create more than 200,000 jobs and an estimated $46 billion in economic activity.
Court venue selection raises concerns about PAGA case outcomes
A recent appeals court ruling highlights a controversial procedure in litigation involving PAGA (Private Attorneys General) Act claims.
New legislation would offer parity, relief to California small businesses
As small businesses seek to reopen and stay open, a new bill, SB 430, would provide them a range of regulatory relief, including evaluating the steps taken to correct alleged violations before facing fines.
California business owners look to federal, state leaders for guidance on pandemic relief
California businesses are hoping for swift guidance from the U.S. Treasury Secretary to address tax questions, including whether new federal pandemic aid approved in mid-March will change how California taxes earlier relief funding.
Industry stakeholders provide input ahead of potential updates to Cal/OSHA emergency regulations
With the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines and input from business and labor stakeholders, Cal/OSHA is looking at potential adjustments to the Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) that they passed last November.
New bill proposing reform of 'burdensome' regulation awaits committee hearing date
As California businesses look to emerge from the COVID-19 economic downturn, they continue to face a host of operating regulations that a new bill, AB 2, seeks to streamline in an effort to ease the road to recovery.
New report on PAGA case outcomes includes recommendations for reform
A groundbreaking study on the impact of the PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) demonstrates the degree to which the controversial law has benefited attorneys over the employees it was enacted to help.
Recall signature collection wraps up, fueled by California’s economic picture
As the state moves toward easing restrictions on school and business reopenings, it’s raising questions about how much the Covid lockdowns may influence a potential recall of Gov. Gavin Newsom or whether fundamental discontent runs deeper.
New legislation would provide increased tax revenue while strengthening Proposition 13
A new bill under consideration by state lawmakers would update the Proposition 13 “change of ownership” clause to ensure full compliance and potentially net the state close to $300 million in revenue.
California appeals court upholds awarding of attorneys’ fees, reverses payment to plaintiff
The First Appellate District Court of Appeal has reversed a multi-million dollar PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) award stemming from a case filed by an employee against California State University, while affirming the payment of attorneys’ fees.