Sarah Downey News
Senate approves bill to make checking EDD claims against prison records standard practice
A bill, SB 39, to mandate cross checking prisoner records with Employment Development Department (EDD) claims unanimously passed the Senate 38 to 0 on May 28.
EDD reform legislation passes Senate unanimously, awaits Assembly hearing
Legislation that would require the California Employment Development Department (EDD) to implement specific fraud prevention measures contains an urgency clause that would make it effective immediately.
California’s nonpartisan fiscal policy advisor pokes holes in Newsom’s revised state budget
Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced an ambitious a list of 400 new budget proposals based on a $76 billion surplus, but much of the money is already spoken for by constitutional mandates and the number of initiatives is raising questions about California’s long-term financial health.
Employer's timecard evidence was enough to kill class certification, appeals court rules
A state appellate court has found that timecard evidence is sufficient to deny class action certification in a case where the employer was able to show through timecards that employees were entitled to additional meal breaks.
Federal judge dismisses amended complaint in COVID-19 liability case
A federal judge has dismissed a case filed by the wife of a millwork employee who claimed she contracted COVID-19 as a result of her husband’s workplace.
Appeal filed in case challenging constitutionality of California PAGA law
An appeal disputing the constitutionality of the PAGA (Private Attorneys General Act) has been filed in the Fourth Appellate District, stating the trial court misapplied an earlier court challenge to the controversial statute.
Cal/OSHA expected to adjust emergency temporary workplace standards
The Cal/OSHA Standards Board is expected to vote this week on updates to its Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) that reflect differing workplace conditions due to COVID-19 vaccine prevalence, specifically changing the quarantine mandate for inoculated employees.
Ninth Circuit reverses, remands class certification in Bumble Bee case to district court
A federal appeals court has reversed a district court class action certification, citing questions about the number of uninjured class members, and indicating a higher degree of commonality among plaintiffs should be the standard for other class action proceedings.
Business coalition urges passage of California bill allowing for state and local tax parity
New legislation that would lift a cap on how much state and local (SALT) tax certain businesses can deduct on their federal returns is currently before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
U.S. Supreme Court due to rule on California AG donor disclosure requirements
The U.S. Supreme Court is scheduled to rule on a case involving questions of privacy and anonymity stemming from a lawsuit filed against the California Attorney General for requiring non-profit organizations to disclose donor lists.
California Trucking Association seeks new hearing in AB 5 case
The California Trucking Association plans to ask for a rehearing before the Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals, to challenge its recent ruling that the AB 5 law applies to interstate motor carriers.
Senate Labor Committee unanimously approves EDD accountability bill
A bill, SB 232, requiring the state’s Employment Development Department (EDD) to meet deadlines for fixing how it handles claims and implements fraud prevention has been unanimously passed by a Senate committee and is scheduled for another hearing next week.
California approves tax relief legislation for majority of small businesses receiving PPP loans
A bipartisan bill that will help relieve businesses of tax liability on Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans has been signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom following near unanimous support in the Assembly and Senate.
More challengers emerge as SOS verifies signatures for recall election
While preliminary data released by the Secretary of State shows the special election to recall Gov. Gavin Newsom is likely to proceed, Californians’ appetite to do so this fall compared to last remains to be seen.
Sponsor of small business liability protection bill: ‘I don’t quit … I will keep working to see it through’
The sponsor of AB 247, which would protect small businesses that use proper safety standards from unwarranted litigation amid the COVID-19 pandemic, plans to continue pushing the measure forward as California moves closer to fully reopening next month.
New income tax hike could go to 16.8%; ‘Best path forward is for the Legislature to focus on helping employers create and maintain jobs’
Another proposal to increase taxes on California’s top wage earners closely resembles a similar measure that the Legislature declined to vote on last year.
New legislation would prompt reform of California’s controversial PAGA statute
As new bills get debated this legislative session, key provisions to help small businesses have seen a measure of success, but questions remain about protections for them from frivolous litigation.
Civil justice group issues list of 2021 California ‘Triple Threat’ legislation
The Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) has released a list of Triple Threat bills (link) pending before the state Legislature, an effort to make people aware of bills that will expand opportunities for frivolous litigation while increasing costs for consumers.
AB 1192 would require California employers to provide additional worker metrics to the state
A new California bill that would require businesses to report wage and hour metrics and employee benefits would also provide eligible companies access to tax benefits, contracts, and other incentives from the state.
SB 95 extends sick leave for California workers
As the state implements more sick leave requirements for businesses amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the new SB 95 mandate incorporates a number of new provisions for which an employee is entitled to the leave.