At their April meeting, the Chamber’s Board of Directors voted to take formal positions on eight separate pieces of legislation that are currently making their way through the maze that is the California State Legislature.

Here are the two bills we chose to SUPPORT:

Senate Bill 1374

This bill relates to reliance on State Agencies’ written advice. It would protect employers from inappropriate litigation by affirming they can rely upon the state government to provide them with information regarding how to comply with any law.

Assembly Bill 1721

Relative to Air Board & Air District violation warnings, this bill would require the California Air Resources Board and all air quality management districts to issue warnings rather than fines for the first violation of any state air pollution control law.

Your Chamber took official positions of OPPOSITION to these six bills:

Senate Bill 982

This bill would require a corporation or political action committee to issue a report on the planned political expenditures of the corporation in the forthcoming fiscal year as well as expenditures in the previous fiscal year.

Assembly Bill 1450

This bill deals with the expansion of Discrimination Litigation. It would prevent employers from legitimately inquiring into an applicant’s employment history, out of fear of being charged with discrimination

Assembly Bill 1648

This bill is all about limitations and restrictions on political speech and activity, and overly burdensome changes to disclosures that are already required in political advertisements.

Assembly Bill 1740

This bill would greatly expand the scope of discrimination lawsuits. It would increase the burden on California employers to conduct business and exposes them to a higher risk of litigation by expanding the Fair Employment and Housing Act

Assembly Bill 1543

This proposed bill would substantially limit retail competition and lead to higher costs to do business with government.

Assembly Bill 2039

This bill would expand Protected Leave Requirements for California employers. It creates an increased burden on employers and makes a California-only mandated benefit different than the federal Family Medical Leave.

We will remain vigilant in looking out for the best interests of the business community in East County. The positions we have taken on the legislative positions listed above are a part of that focus and commitment.