Sarah Downey News
PAGA reform measure attains milestone in signatures needed for November ballot
Momentum is picking up in getting signatures for the proposed ballot initiative that would replace the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA) with a system designed to improve claim resolution for workers and deter excessive litigation filed under the controversial law.
Cal/OSHA underscores COVID-19 mitigation protocols in FAQs; state’s indoor mask mandate scheduled to expire
While new frequently asked questions (FAQs) in the Cal/OSHA ETS aim to provide clarity for employers on COVID-19 mitigation rules, questions are also being raised as to how they intersect with the state’s new paid sick leave requirements and the lifting of mask mandates for indoor public spaces.
New Senate bills seek to mandate oversight of state’s no-bid contracts
As questions persist on the processes that precede the awarding of no-bid state contracts in California, new legislation seeks to provide objective financial input before conferring such business opportunities.
New report details impact of rising electricity rates on California families
With inflation outpacing earnings, questions are being raised over the extent to which California energy policy is contributing to higher prices on electricity and other essentials that affect Californians struggling with pandemic-related economic realities.
Amid worsening drought, lawmakers call for implementation of overdue water storage projects
As California faces ongoing severe drought conditions, lawmakers are urging immediate action to implement billions in funding already approved by voters to build new water storage and maintain existing infrastructure.
California single-payer health care bill held up before Assembly vote; fallout may affect election endorsements
With single-payer health care legislation failing to garner enough support to be voted on last week, it’s raising questions about how the measure – which had Democratic support but industry opposition – may factor in this year’s elections.
Preservation, environmental groups press for Capitol project restraint ahead of “imminent” demolition
With demolition of the Capitol Annex slated to begin in the next few weeks, opponents of the plan contend it’s beset by lack of transparency and have filed litigation to stop the estimated $1.4 billion project from moving ahead.
Appeals panel denies class certification, declines reversing lower court decision on employee time rounding
A state Appellate Court has upheld a lower court ruling involving time rounding claims, finding that common questions must apply for a case to proceed to class action status.
New legislation would repeal law that lessens California penalties for criminal violations
As crime continues to escalate in California, a new bill would repeal most Proposition 47, the law that has lessened penalties for many offenses, including classifying theft of less than $950 as a misdemeanor.
Questions persist about new California taxes to fund state-run health care
With a new state-run healthcare system under debate in the California Legislature, concerns continue about how the proposed funding mechanism would increase exponentially tax burdens on California residents and businesses.
State auditor report details information security concerns at California Department of Technology
A new report from the California State Auditor has found the California Department of Technology (CDT) lacking in its oversight levels of the state’s information security.
New appellate ruling raises concerns over COVID-19 liability in California
A lawsuit alleging a man’s COVID-19 death occurred due to his wife’s workplace may proceed, a California Appellate Court has ruled, raising questions about how liability coverage applies under The Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) and Derivative Injury Doctrine.
New amicus brief filed in case challenging constitutionality of California’s PAGA statute
In litigation over the constitutionality of California’s Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA), the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has filed an amicus brief urging the court to find the statute violates the state’s separation of powers doctrine.
Cal/OSHA, CDPH issue new COVID-19 mitigation procedures for workplaces
As workplaces incorporate updated state regulations and guidance on COVID-19 mitigation, there are shorter quarantine exclusion periods and an increased reliance on testing.
New state budget includes new tax proposals despite $31 billion surplus
Even as the state last week unveiled a record setting budget, it’s raising questions about how proposed tax increases, including a new state-run healthcare system funded by business revenue, could further deter California’s business development and population growth.
U.S. Supreme Court rules against OSHA vaccine mandate for employees
The U.S. Supreme Court on Thursday reversed an appellate decision and granted a stay of the Biden administration vaccine mandate for workplaces with 100 or more employees.
Business community urges legislative action to address roadblocks to financial recovery
With an array of new California laws taking effect this year, questions persist about how meaningful liability reform will be considered in 2022, particularly as supply chain issues and the new Omicron variant increase concerns about economic recovery.
Appellate court receives reply brief in PAGA constitutionality case
A reply brief has been filed in the California Business and Industrial Alliance (CABIA) lawsuit against the state, challenging the constitutionality of the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
Newly drawn voting districts could bring changes to California politics
The California Citizens Redistricting Commission (CRC) has submitted final maps to the Secretary of State, raising questions about how the new voting districts may change the political landscape in the 2022 election year.
Cal/OSHA updated Covid prevention ETS rules set to start Jan. 14
Cal/OSHA’s workplace regulators have approved updated COVID-19 mitigation standards that are scheduled to take effect next month.