As the state approaches full reopening next week, lawmakers have moved to the inactive file a number of bills opposed by the business community, though several potentially costly mandates are still under consideration.
Three bills remain on the CalChamber Job Killer list after the June 4 House of Origin deadline: AB 616, AB 701, and SB 62, Denise Davis, CalChamber vice president, media relations and external affairs, told the Northern California Record by email.
CalChamber’s list of Job Killers is released every year to identify pending legislation that will negatively impact the state’s business climate if passed.
“Should any job killer bill be signed into law later this year, it may create additional costs, pressures and administrative burdens that will make it even more difficult for small businesses to recover as we emerge from the pandemic shutdowns,” Davis said.
- AB 616 would alter union formation rules in the agriculture sector by replacing a secret ballot election with signed cards and limiting ability to challenge the process.
- AB 701 would create new regulations for the warehouse industry and new penalties under the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA).
- SB 62 would increase liability with a new garment industry wage structure that limits ability to defend alleged violations.
Measures to increase taxes also have been proposed.
“The state has a record surplus so there is no need for any tax increase to be considered, this year in particular,” Davis said. “The Governor has signaled his opposition to additional tax increases this year.”
Active bills are scheduled to be voted on in the coming months.
“Legislators need to stay focused on eliminating additional costs and administrative burdens for employers, particularly on small business employers,” Davis said. “We would also like the State to pay down the unemployment insurance loan from the federal government, which is at approximately $21 billion, to avoid tax increases on employers starting in 2022.”
Bill committee meetings are set to resume this week.