Legislature approves cap-and-trade extension

[Source: CalChamber] With strong support from the California Chamber of Commerce and the business community, the Legislature yesterday approved AB 398 (E. Garcia; D-Coachella), which will extend the cap-and-trade program, which provides the least costly path to achieving the state’s ambitious climate goals. “The Legislature achieved a bipartisan solution that will reduce the cost of Read More…

AB 5 – for business, the worst bill of the year?

[Source: Fox & Hounds] The only problem with holding a contest to decide the worst bill introduced in the Legislature this year is:  How do you pick just one? Well, I have a contender for you! AB 5, authored by Assemblymember Lorena Gonzalez-Fletcher (D-San Diego) and Assemblymember Ash Kalra (D-San Jose) prohibits California businesses with Read More…

CalChamber-supported Prop. 65 litigation reform passes policy committee

[Source: California Chamber of Commerce] A California Chamber of Commerce-supported bill — AB 1583 (Chau; D-Monterey Park) — improves transparency and reduces litigation costs in Proposition 65 cases against California businesses passed an Assembly policy committee yesterday. Proposition 65 was designed to protect California’s drinking water from chemicals known to cause cancer or birth defects, Read More…

New year, new burdens for small businesses

[Source: Press-Telegram] Small business owners must be diligent to comply with slew of new laws and regulations. The California Legislature enacted a dizzying array of new bills last year — with Gov. Jerry Brown signing more than 900 into law. With job growth stagnant and small business optimism unclear here in California, hundreds of new Read More…

Coastal Commission to gain environmental justice member to represent low-income communities

[Source: Los Angeles Times] Gov. Jerry Brown on Saturday signed legislation aimed at providing a greater voice on the California Coastal Commission to racially diverse, low-income communities. Brown signed a bill by Assemblywoman Autumn R. Burke (D-Inglewood) that requires one of the members appointed to the Coastal Commission by the governor to work directly with low-income Read More…