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Legislation
California's Firearm Advertising Restrictions Challenged in Court
California's strict firearm advertising restrictions are facing a challenge in court as Junior Sports Magazines, Inc. questions the constitutionality of the law. While California has always been known for its stringent gun laws, it is also home to a thriving community of minors engaging in recreational firearm activities under adult supervision. The state's law aims to restrict advertising that entices minors to purchase firearm-related products, but it does exempt promotions related to safety programs and competitions.
Legislation
Last-minute budget bill gives state preemptive strike before voters decide on Nov. ’24 fast food ballot question
A late addition to the budget could stop a hard-fought opportunity for voters to have their say on a November 2024 ballot measure about the future of fast food in California.
Legislation
Appeals panel: San Francisco can't use airport contracts to shield improper local regulations on airlines
A split federal appeals panel said a San Francisco ordinance attempting to force airlines that use SFO to provide certain health benefits is an illegal attempt to regulate airlines, clashing with federal law
Legislation
'Chilling speech of employers in their own business': Pro-union legislation bogs down in Assembly amid criticism
The legislation would bar employers from speaking with their workers about union organizing efforts, and give trial lawyers new powers to sue employers accused of violating the new law for potentially big money damages
Legislation
California lawmakers poised to extend 'temporary' Covid layoff protections for hotel, restaurant workers forever
Employers say the law would be virtually impossible to comply with, while leaving employers facing potentially massive fines and equally large hits to their reputation, if unions target them for action
Legislation
County's ban on drilling for oil, natural gas struck down by California Supreme Court
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - An ordinance banning oil and gas drilling within Monterey County that passed with 56% of the vote is preempted by state law promoting the production of underground hydrocarbons, the California Supreme Court ruled, rejecting comparisons to earlier decisions allowing municipalities to prohibit drilling in certain areas or ban marijuana dispensaries entirely.
Legislation
Legislation threatens California businesses with big new risk from website, app accessibility lawsuits
A new bill that could mean another record filing of California lawsuits on website accessibility is now under consideration by Sacramento lawmakers, following a “gut-and-amend” process that let it replace a different bill that had already been through required legislative channels.
Legislation
Bill to scale back California’s oil imports and improve local production unanimously passes state Senate, now goes before Assembly Appropriations
As the California Legislature continues its work to balance energy and environmental concerns, a new bill to make it easier to produce fuel products here, reducing reliance on oil from countries that don’t share the same values, has received unanimous bipartisan support
Legislation
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.
Legislation
California taxpayers to foot $557K bill for part of gun control law no one wanted
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - Making a political point can have real-world costs, and California's taxpayers will now get to pay more than a half-million dollars so that state Attorney General Rob Bonta could deliver a message to Texas.
Legislation
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.
Legislation
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
Legislation
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.
Legislation
As New York bans gas stoves, GE Appliances goes to court to fight no-injury class action
SAN FRANCISCO (Legal Newsline) - The parent company of GE Appliances is mounting its defense in one of the first cases over the safety of emissions from gas stoves - a lawsuit that does not allege any physical injury.
Legislation
RJR, others appeal after flavored-tobacco ban upheld
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - Tobacco companies are appealing a decision that rejected their challenge to California's ban on the flavored products they make.
Legislation
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
Legislation
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
Legislation
California law to ban cities from taxing sugary drinks leaves appeals court with bad taste
An appeals panel has found a California law sour, which penalizes home rule communities for establishing taxes to discourage consumption of sugary beverages, saying the law steps on the constitution.
Legislation
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
Legislation
Judge won't block California's ban on flavored tobacco
SAN DIEGO (Legal Newsline) - A California federal judge has tossed tobacco companies' challenge to a state law that prohibits the sale of flavored products.