Sarah Downey News
Ruling declaring California corporate board diversity quotas unconstitutional could impact similar measures, proposals in other states
After a federal judge struck down a California law that required diversity quotas for corporate boards, it’s raising questions about the degree to which the state should regulate business policy, and how such laws align with the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.
Lawmakers, worker advocates line up to defend independent contractors vs efforts to take California-style restrictions national
The U.S. Department of Labor under President Biden is preparing to seek to impose rules nationwide to limit the ability of people to work as independent contractors, mirroring and expanding rules imposed by California through legislation like AB5.
California prepares for cuts as new budget deficit tops $30 billion
With the June budget deadline fast approaching, the state needs to fill a $32 billion deficit but precisely what is going to be cut remains to be seen.
New bill that would make it harder to advance voter referendums runs counter to California's democracy, critics say
With proposed state legislation nearing a crucial June deadline, another bill to change the system of direct democracy in California remains under discussion in Sacramento
Housing crisis prompts California to sue another city with broad enforcement measures
Amid the California housing crisis, state leaders are increasingly taking action against cities that state officials say haven’t done enough to comply with state housing laws, including filing suit against Elk Grove over its recent rejection of a new housing development.
Lawmakers, nonprofit groups work to increase fentanyl penalties as deaths rise
With overdose deaths increasing exponentially in the first months of 2023 – up 40 percent compared to last year – residents are urging state lawmakers to act quickly to address the problem, with Gov. Gavin Newsom bringing a contingent of the National Guard to parts of San Francisco.
California pork law to boost meat prices, could set off interstate trade wars
With the U.S. Supreme Court’s recent decision to uphold a California law that requires different restrictions in pork processing, it’s raising questions about how it aligns with the federal Commerce Clause that prevents a single state from unduly burdening how others do business.
Record rains heighten push to speed up work on California's long-approved water storage plans
Amid the impact of recent heavy rains and fire season fast approaching, questions persist about where things stand with water storage projects and why the state still hasn’t completed new ones with funding approved by voters almost a decade ago.
Federal courts in California rule against wiretapping claims brought under privacy invasion law
A host of recent federal court decisions about wiretapping allegations signals more headwinds for class-action claims filed under California’s Invasion of Privacy Act (CIPA).
Ruling vs AB5 means judges should weigh lawmaker bias when deciding if anti-business laws are constitutional, lawyer says
A federal appeals panel ruled California’s AB 5 violates the Equal Protection Clause, as the court determined the law may illegally intentionally target certain kinds of contractors, like Uber drivers, while allowing exemptions for others, demonstrating 'animus' against ride-hailing companies by key Democratic state lawmakers
Newsom launches new homelessness plans while on four-city tour in place of traditional State of State address
Newsom pledges to spend $1 billion more to address homelessness in California. But critics say the state cannot spend and build its way out of the homelessness epidemic gripping California
California appeals court decision upholding Prop 22 improves lives of Cal gig workers, consumers, attorney says
A state appeals panel recently ruled voter initiative known as Prop 22, which allows gig workers to remain classified as independent contractors under California state law, is constitutional. The case could still go to the California state Supreme Court
California lawmakers Jones, Grayson honored for leadership in civil justice policy
The Civil Justice Association of California has named the 2023 recipients of the Civil Justice Gavel Award, which recognizes legislators with a record of working on balance and equity in California’s legal system.
New ruling means employers don't 'automatically' need to pay when hit with class actions over meal break pay claims
An attorney who defends businesses againt lawsuits over wage claims says a new appeals court ruling is a significant win for employers, giving businesses new means of defending themselves against potentially big class action claims
Legislation introduced to revise Prop 47 to address rising crime in San Francisco, other California cities
With burglary and other theft crimes still on par with last year in San Francisco and many other locales, new legislation to overturn Proposition 47, the California law that lessens penalties for criminal violations, is scheduled for a hearing this week.
Appeals court: Employees can't get around workplace arbitration agreements by claiming they don't remember signing them
Amid a host of recent court decisions on arbitration, a state appeals panel has found that claiming not to recall signing an arbitration agreement doesn't stand up in court.
New California tax to penalize oil industry stirs opposition, concern over 'job killer' price hikes
A bill to tax oil companies on profits is raising questions about the impact on residents and businesses already facing inflation pressure and high gasoline prices.
New California policy review aims to require more cities to build more 'affordable' housing
As deadlines loom for California jurisdictions that haven’t sent in required plans to build more housing, San Francisco’s plan to create roughly 82,000 more units just was approved.
California falls behind on water storage as losses mount for businesses, residents
The lasting impact of recent rains has not yet been determined as California continues to gauge best practices to make use of significant precipitation.
New scorecard rates lawmakers’ work to address equity in California’s civil justice system
The Civil Justice Association of California (CJAC) has released a new scorecard on legislators’ recent efforts to foster parity and balance in the state’s civil court procedures, by gauging how each one voted on bills involving liability and litigation.