Sarah Downey News
Courts issue further directive on Biden Administration workplace vaccine mandate
With the Biden administration workplace vaccine mandate halted by a federal appellate court, questions persist about how the case will unfold, given prior attempts by OSHA to issue Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) and whether the mandate is constitutional.
Redistricting commission releases preliminary maps for 2022 elections
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CCRC) on Wednesday issued preliminary maps for Congressional, state Legislature, and local jurisdictions in the November 2022 elections.
New ballot initiative seeks to provide full award to workers by replacing the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA)
A ballot measure that would reform the Private Attorneys Generals Act (PAGA) by strengthening the current system available for all workers through the Labor Commissioner, and ensuring monetary settlements are retained by the workers themselves instead of their attorneys, is awaiting title and summary from the Attorney General’s office.
New study analyzes how federal relief efforts impact small business, innovation amid Covid pandemic
As Californians and families nationwide struggle with rising prices, concerns persist about the extent to which federal relief programs have increased barriers to economic opportunity and contributed to historic inflation
Amendments included in new California law changing recoverable damages in survival actions
A new law expanding damages that can be collected in survival actions – raising policy concerns about the impact on taxpayers, public agencies, and the civil justice system – also was amended to include oversight and a sunset date.
Federal appellate court asked to review earlier 2-1 ruling in AB 51 case
The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals is due to decide whether to grant en banc review to a case involving Federal Arbitration Act (FAA) preemption of California’s AB 51 law on arbitration agreements.
California legislators convene supply chain hearing to address port congestion
Amid the continuing supply chain crisis in California, industry stakeholders joined lawmakers at a special meeting of the Ports and Goods Movement committee Wednesday to figure out practical ways to address regulations and investment to help accelerate operations.
Cal/OSHA prepares updates to COVID-19 workplace rules; federal rules due soon
State regulators have released draft text of the updates to Cal/OSHA’s Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS) for workplaces, which are scheduled to be in place until a proposed two-year provision takes effect next spring.
California business community urges further relief in 2022 legislative session, November election
With the recent conclusion of the California Legislative session, questions persist about how new mandates should impact small businesses facing increased pressure from inflation and supply chain disruptions.
Most appeals denied as Bay Area Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) nears final plan
As cities and counties work to comply with new housing requirements in the Bay Area Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) plan, almost every appeal to zone for fewer units is expected to be rejected.
Ballot initiative proposes phasing in school choice for California students
As the COVID-19 pandemic has required families to retool how their children are learning, a November 2022 ballot measure would provide each student in California with a savings account to fund the education option that works best for them.
Driver shortage, state regulations add to California supply chain crisis
With more than 100 cargo ships idle off the coast of California, concerns persist about the immediate impact on families and businesses and how AB 5 and other state-specific regulations have exacerbated the situation.
California business facing more enforcement rules with new privacy law
As California’s newly created privacy enforcement agency continues rule making activities for the California Privacy Rights Act (CPRA), concerns persist about the impact of removing a 30-day window to cure alleged non-compliance.
Civil justice group proposes ballot measures to reform attorney tactics and the impact on consumers
Two initiatives from the Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) have been submitted for next year’s general election ballot to protect injured consumers in court cases from delayed resolution and improper compensation.
New law signed to grant PAGA exemption to certain janitorial industry workers
A new law to exempt certain janitorial workers from the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) demonstrates a significant effort to address a mandate that costs some companies millions in legal fees.
Even with more AB5 exemptions granted, Californians continue struggle with regulations
As the California legislative session wrapped up, a new law was signed to provide exemptions for certain professions from AB5, while others have been pursuing relief in the court system.
State Supreme Court rules redistricting maps must be complete by late December
The California Redistricting Commission is working to prepare new district maps reflecting accurate population distribution by the end of the year, after the California Supreme Court ruled against the commission’s motion to extend the deadline to Jan. 14, 2022.
Quota regulation law to start at California distribution centers
A new mandate to measure performance quotas at warehouse facilities is raising questions about the impact on inflation, litigation, and workplaces facing operations difficulties amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courts, legislature act to meet California housing objectives
A recent court decision and new state legislation that will streamline local approval and mitigate litigation that blocks new residential development may finally help boost available housing for Californians.
Cal/OSHA lays groundwork for potential long-term COVID-19 workplace standards
As Cal/OSHA prepares a potential two-year COVID-19 standard to replace the current Emergency Temporary Standards (ETS), stakeholders are encouraged to provide input on terms and execution for the new regulations and the impact on worksites across the state.