Sarah Downey News
Following state appellate ruling involving ADA claims, further relief urged at federal level
With the state Supreme Court declining review of an ADA (Americans with Disabilities) Act case involving website accessibility, an appellate decision on application of California’s Unruh Act will function as precedent, although it doesn’t guard against repeat ADA claims for businesses with physical locations.
Amid growing PFAS regulation, California files suit against chemical companies
A new California lawsuit seeks to hold manufacturers liable for damages allegedly caused by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – known as PFAS – arguing violation of public nuisance and negligence laws.
Amid economic uncertainty, new California fiscal analysis describes potential budget shortfall
With a new report from the Legislative Analyst's Office (LAO) showing that California could face a deficit in the next year, and the state’s progressive tax system, it’s raising questions about what resources would be available for closing potential holes in the state budget.
New mandates add to complex California litigation landscape
With more difficult economic news across the state and nation, there is growing concern about new California mandates increasing the cost and difficulty of doing business here.
Federal appellate court rebukes plaintiff attorneys filing serial ADA suits
The Ninth Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has recently addressed the number of repeated ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) lawsuit filings, with a novel repudiation in its unanimous ruling in Shayler v. 1310 PCH LLC.
Builders’ Remedy becomes new tool to address California housing crisis
With housing prices and homelessness continuing to rise here, the number of cities failing to properly plan for state-mandated housing goals may soon be compelled to increase their efforts in accordance with a tool known as Builders’ Remedy.
New alert helps distinguish California lawmakers casting pro-business votes in time of economic uncertainty
With recent state projections suggesting an economic slowdown and more legislation taking effect in January, a new alert provides statistics on how often California lawmakers voted in support of pro-business bills.
Twitter, tech industry shed jobs; new lawsuit challenges notification procedures
Amid thousands of tech industry layoffs in Silicon Valley and beyond, at least one company may also face a costly court battle as a new lawsuit says Twitter didn’t give employees proper notification.
After new California appellate ruling, employers have more reason to refrain from time rounding
A recent state appellate decision on employee time rounding is raising questions about its impact on California’s current and future wage policies and when there could be additional review by the California Supreme Court.
Voters hope for action on inflation, crime, energy policy, homelessness
As California and other states continue counting votes from the Nov. 8 midterms, questions persist about how those elected will work to address crime, inflation, homelessness and other issues that voters have consistently ranked as top priorities.
Most California lawmakers cast few votes to support small business
With inflation, repeat retail theft, and supply chain disruptions coming on the heels of the COVID-19 pandemic, concerns persist about Sacramento policies impacting small business, as more data shows only a fraction of the 120-member Legislature consistently votes for bills that support Main Street enterprises.
Race for Third Congressional District pits Northern California’s Kevin Kiley against Kermit Jones
In the wide-open race in California’s newly drawn Third Congressional District, a lawmaker with lifelong ties to the area is vying for the seat, hoping to defeat a challenge from a physician who has worked in Washington, DC, serving as a White House fellow during the Obama-Biden administration, and is new to this area.
New Rose Institute survey examines impact of competing policies in Red and Blue states
Early results of a new survey in California finds that of those people who are interested in leaving, one in three is Republican and one in four is Democrat.
Voters to decide on new California tax increases
With California’s tax rates ranking highest of the 50 states, voters are set to weigh passage of a new increase sponsored by ride share companies that now are required to make 90 percent of travel zero-emissions in the next few years.
Addressing student learning loss among top priorities for Superintendent of Public Instruction candidate
With the release of new student test scores that show prolonged school closures negatively impacted academic performance, the challenger in the Superintendent of Public Instruction race has been visiting with families across the state, conveying to voters how his plan would work to get things turned around.
Ninth Circuit rules 2-1 in AB 5 case focusing on free speech
A recent federal appeals court decision involving AB 5 is raising questions about why political canvassers are not exempt from the California classification statute unlike other door-to-door occupations.
Cal/OSHA closer to vote on two-year Covid workplace mitigation rules
With Cal/OSHA’s upcoming vote on a two-year regulation for COVID-19 mitigation, it’s raising questions about what will change from the current standards, and how they’ll align with the scheduled termination of California’s State of Emergency in late February.
California regulators set to consider new Proposition 65 labels
As California environmental regulators prepare to review Proposition 65 additions, concerns persist about the impact of such labels on items without clear evidence they are harmful, and the torrent of related litigation that threatens to shut down businesses.
Biden Administration drafts new worker classification rule
With legislation on employee classification still being considered in Congress, the Biden Administration has put forth its own version in a newly proposed rule from the U.S. Department of Labor.
Crime, inflation still rank as top issues for voters ahead of Nov. 8 election
With the debate between candidates for California governor set for later this weekend, it’s raising questions about how each will address inflation, cost of living, and crime – issues that have consistently ranked as important to voters throughout this election year.