California law

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California law
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
5 months ago
California law

Still Flexing Our Pecs! 2023 Cal-Peculiarities is Available!

California employment law is unique and constantly changing
Seyfarth is offering a webinar discussing recent changes to PAGA in California
Callaborlaw
5 months ago
California law

Furloughs Trigger Employer's Obligation To Pay Final Wages Immediately

Hyatt employees laid off in March 2020 were entitled to immediate payment of accrued vacation time.
Failure to pay accrued vacation time triggers waiting time penalties.
The Ninth Circuit panel relied on non-binding DLSE opinion letter and Policies and Interpretations Manual.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

Reminder: October 1 New Requirements For Considering Criminal History in Employment

Changes to Fair Employment and Housing Act regulations will impact how employers use criminal history in employment decisions.
Revised regulations in California require following specific procedures when using criminal history in hiring or making adverse actions.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

Employers Beware - Deadline for Payment of Arbitration Fees Strictly Construed

Employers in California must be cautious about timely paying arbitration fees to avoid waiving their right to arbitrate.
Recent court decisions have shown that fees must be received by the arbitrator within 30 days after the due date.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Newsom Signs Law to Protect Doctors Who Mail Abortion Pills to Other States | KQED

California signed a new law protecting doctors and pharmacists who mail abortion pills to patients in other states where the procedure is banned.
The law forbids cooperating with out-of-state investigations and bars state-based social media companies from complying with out-of-state subpoenas.
The law allows health care providers in California to offer a lifeline to people in states with limited access to essential care.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Advocates Vow to Fight On After Newsom Vetoes Bill to End Some Transfers From Prison to ICE | KQED

California Governor Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have limited the state's cooperation with ICE in deporting released prisoners.
Advocates criticized Newsom's decision, claiming it was driven by his presidential aspirations and lacked sound judgment.
moreCalifornia law
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
6 months ago
California law

Heads Carolina, Tails California - Expanded Non-Compete Prohibitions Cross State Lines

California has extended its restrictions on non-compete agreements to contracts signed out of state.
The new law makes any contract void if it is unenforceable under California law, regardless of where and when it was signed.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

Deadline For Employers' Federal EEO-1 Filing Now Due on Dec. 5, 2023

The EEO-1 filing deadline has been set for December 5, 2023 for data pertaining to 2022.
Private sector employers with 100 or more employees and covered federal contractors with 50 or more employees need to file the annual EEO-1 report.
The EEOC has released tools and resources, including an Instruction Booklet and Data Upload Specifications, to assist in the submission process.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

California's Anti-Asian Hate Crimes Decline but Long-Term Pattern Persists | KQED

Anti-Asian hate crimes in California decreased in 2022 compared to 2021.
The state had experienced progress in reducing hate crimes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
6 months ago
California law

Legislative Update: Nearing the End of the Road (for 2023)

SB 699 makes unenforceable non-compete agreements in California.
AB 1076 seeks to void any non-compete clause in an employment context.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

'It Is Time They Pay': California Sues Big Oil Over 'Decades of Damage and Deception' | KQED

The lawsuit against oil companies in California is filed in state court which is generally more favorable towards the plaintiffs in climate litigation.
The oil companies may try to move the case to federal court where they expect a more favorable outcome.
California is seeking financial penalties, an order to stop further deception, and punitive damages from the oil companies.
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
6 months ago
California law

Legislature Passes Amendments to Statewide Paid Sick Leave Law

California's paid sick leave mandate is expected to be expanded, increasing the annual amount of paid sick leave from three days to five days for eligible employees.
The amendment would also raise the accrual cap from 48 hours to 80 hours.
The changes proposed in S.B. 616 would align California's paid sick leave law with other states that have similar mandates.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Newsom Says State Will Intervene in Court Case Blocking San Francisco from Clearing Encampments | KQED

California has a significant homeless problem, with roughly one-third of the nation's homeless population residing there.
Newsom criticized federal judges for their interpretation of a court ruling regarding prosecuting people for sleeping on the streets.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

Governor Newsom Signs New Executive Order to Guide California's Regulation of Artificial Intelligence

Governor Newsom issued an executive order to address Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI).
The order requires California departments to develop a risk assessment report on GenAI.
Newsom aims to collaborate with leading institutions and legislators to establish regulations on GenAI.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Kaiser to Pay $49 Million to California for Illegally Dumping Private Medical Records, Hazardous Waste | KQED

Kaiser Permanente has agreed to pay $2.25 million to settle allegations of improperly disposing hazardous waste and patient medical information.
The settlement came after an investigation found over 10,000 paper records containing the information of over 7,700 patients and improper disposal of waste.
Kaiser Permanente must also retain an independent auditor to ensure compliance with California's laws.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

New Golden State Law To Create Gold Rush Litigation Testing Non-Compete Agreements

California's new law allows employees to file civil claims seeking relief from void non-compete agreements.
The new law renders any non-compete void and unenforceable no matter where or when the contract was signed.
The new law may result in increased litigation in California and potential challenges from out-of-state employers.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Alameda Police Offer $75,000 Bonus to Bolster Recruitment Goals | KQED

Law enforcement agencies in California are offering lucrative contracts and incentives to attract new officers.
The competition for officers is leading to high dollar bonuses and increased starting pay in many cities.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

SF Official Pleads 'Not Guilty' to Bribery, Misappropriation of Funds Charges | KQED

Henriquez and Jones were charged as part of a corruption scandal in San Francisco City Hall.
The investigation began in 2021 when a news article pointed to corruption by Jones.
Jones allegedly used his position to divert payments to a nonprofit organization he was associated with.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Car Break-Ins: The Tips That Could Help Keep Your Vehicle Safe | KQED

Don't leave luggage in your car, even for a minute.
Leave your trunk visibly empty to deter thieves.
Assume you and your car are being watched.
Callaborlaw
6 months ago
California law

On The Horizon: California Bill Seeks To Ban Caste-Based Discrimination

California is likely to become the first state to explicitly ban caste-based discrimination in employment, housing, and public schools.
SB 403 seeks to amend the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) to explicitly include caste as a protected characteristic.
Caste is estimated to affect hundreds of millions of people globally, primarily of South Asian descent.
KQED
6 months ago
California law

Car Break-In? From Glass Repair to Insurance Claims, Here's What to Do | KQED

Car break-ins are a common occurrence in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Having your car broken into can result in costly repairs, even if nothing is stolen.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

Judge Sets Trump Trial Date in Election Interference Case | KQED

The materials that the Trump legal team wants to review consist mostly of duplicate papers or pages they have already seen.
The defense states that the trial date is inconsistent with Trump's right to due process.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

Is a San Francisco 'Sex Cult' Subjecting People to Abuse? | KQED

Members of the Welcomed Consensus community recount experiences of abuse and manipulation.
The group used coercive tactics and sexual exploitation to recruit new members.
Attempts to seek legal justice have been hindered by statute of limitations and the justice system.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

Ensuring Employee Handbook Compliance During a Business Transaction or Restructuring

Corporate restructures and mergers raise employment-related issues that should be carefully evaluated before a transaction.
Buyers can be held liable for employment-related claims even in asset sale transactions with continuity between buyer and seller entities.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

California's FEHA Liability Extends to Service Providers

A recent California Supreme Court decision clarifies that third-party entities providing services to employers may be held liable for violations of FEHA.
The FEHA imposes liability on employers, including anyone regularly employing five or more persons or acting as an agent of an employer.
Prior court decisions had clarified that individual employees cannot be held liable under FEHA, but the question remained for other types of agents.
The Raines v. U.S. Healthworks Medical Group decision establishes that business-entity agents with five or more employees can be held directly liable for employment discrimination under FEHA.
This decision means that companies providing employment-related services in California could potentially be held liable for FEHA violations.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

SF Homelessness Lawsuit Faces Critical Hearing Over Sweeps Ban | KQED

The city of San Francisco is appealing an injunction that prevents it from clearing homeless encampments without providing alternative shelter.
The Lawyers Committee for Civil Rights argues that the city has been unfairly targeting and arresting unhoused individuals.
Supporters of the injunction argue that it is inhumane to force people to live on the streets without providing them with housing options.
Opponents of the injunction believe that it allows people to camp and stay near their residences, harming residents and businesses.
The outcome of the appeal will determine whether the city can continue its current approach to addressing homelessness in San Francisco.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

California Boards Want to Keep Pandemic Rules for Public Meetings. Critics Say It's Bad for Democracy | KQED

A bill in California aims to continue the remote participation benefits seen during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Opponents argue that face-to-face interaction is a core belief for democratic institutions.
Concerns are raised that remote-only meetings may limit public's opportunity to weigh in on controversial topics.
The bill was amended to require a majority of board members to be at the same location for at least half of its meetings.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

California Farmworkers: What to Do if Your Employer Retaliates Against You | KQED

Keep written messages from employer about work conditions
Gather evidence like pay stubs and photos of conditions
Seek help from labor rights organizations
Consider reaching out to multiple organizations for extra support
Contact the ALRB to file a claim for investigation
KQED
7 months ago
California law

SF Archdiocese Files for Bankruptcy Amid Child Abuse Scandals | KQED

The San Francisco Archdiocese has filed for bankruptcy after facing hundreds of lawsuits related to sexual abuse allegations.
The Roman Catholic Dioceses of Oakland and Santa Rosa have also filed for bankruptcy in California.
The majority of the claims date back 30 or more years and involve priests who are no longer active or deceased.
Survivors of clergy abuse criticize the bankruptcy filing, accusing the archdiocese of attempting to hide information.
The Archdiocese of San Francisco has not yet released a list of clergy credibly accused of child sexual abuse.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

California Poised For Indoor Heat Illness Regulation

Cal/OSHA is set to approve a new indoor heat illness regulation in the coming weeks.
The new regulation will allow Cal/OSHA to enforce heat illness standards in all workplace environments.
The indoor regulation is triggered when the inside temperature or heat index reaches 82 degrees F.
The indoor regulation will mainly apply to industries that have difficulty controlling indoor temperatures below 82 degrees.
The regulations require access to cool water, cool-down areas, acclimatization, and emergency response and training requirements.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

Los Angeles' New Requirements For Work With Independent Contractors

The Los Angeles Freelance Worker Protections Ordinance imposes new requirements on businesses that work with independent contractors.
The ordinance aims to protect independent contractors against delayed, non- and underpayment.
Any entity doing business in Los Angeles and hiring an independent contractor is covered by the ordinance if the value of services provided exceeds $600 in a year.
Exceptions to the ordinance include app-based transportation and delivery drivers, workers already required by law to have a written agreement, and volunteers.
The ordinance does not apply when a worker is already an employee of the hiring entity or has employees other than themselves.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

FBI Arrests Antioch, Pittsburg Police Officers Following Indictments | KQED

California Attorney General launched a civil rights investigation into Antioch PD.
Former Antioch Police Chief retired amid the scandal.
Nearly 45 Antioch officers exchanged racist and homophobic texts.
40 out of 90 officers are no longer working in the department.
Cases involving officers in the probe have been dropped or derailed.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

California Supreme Court Unanimously Ruled Body Camera Footage Can't Take the Place of Witness Testimony | KQED

Hearsay, statements that cannot be verified at trial, are generally prohibited.
Spontaneous statements, made in the moment, are an exception.
In a case before the Supreme Court, body camera footage was used as evidence.
The woman initially reported an assault but recanted her story later on.
The judge ruled that the body camera footage qualified as a spontaneous statement and revoked the defendant's probation.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

CDF Wage and Hour Task Force - Monthly Tips - Recent Developments Raise Questions About Post-Pandemic Voluntary Work-From-Home Agreements & Reimbursements for Work-At-Home Expenses

Employers may be required to reimburse employees for expenses incurred while working from home during the pandemic.
The California Court of Appeal ruled that employers are responsible for reimbursing employees for necessary expenditures related to their work duties.
The court determined that the stay-at-home order issued by the governor did not exempt employers from the reimbursement obligation.
The reimbursement statute does not specify that employers are only responsible for expenses directly caused by them.
Employers should carefully review their policies and procedures regarding work-from-home agreements and reimbursement for work-at-home expenses.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

Dublin Women's Prison Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Sexual Abuse Scandal | KQED

Survivors of sexual abuse at FCI Dublin have filed a class-action lawsuit against guards and officials at the federal women's prison.
The lawsuit alleges inadequate systems for preventing, detecting, investigating, and responding to rape and sexual assault at the facility.
Eight staff members at FCI Dublin have been charged in the scandal.
The lawsuit exposes the systemic nature of the abuse and faults the entire Bureau of Prisons system for failing to act.
Plaintiffs were allegedly forced into sex acts under threat of retaliation or promised basic necessities or privileges.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

California Assists New York Employees in No-Poach Case

Saks and luxury brands accused of violating antitrust laws by agreeing not to hire each other's employees.
Trial court dismissed the complaint, finding no unreasonable restraint of trade.
Plaintiffs appealed with support from California and other states and the Department of Justice.
No-hire agreements alleged to depress wages, benefit packages, and limit employee mobility.
Employers should be aware of ongoing enforcement of antitrust laws in labor markets.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

Employer Paying Six Figure Settlement Based on EEOC Claims that AI Software Discriminated Against Older Applicants.

Employers using AI for recruiting/screening need to understand how the software is screening applicants: This case highlights the importance of employers familiarizing themselves with the inner workings of AI software in their hiring processes. They should ensure the software does not have any discriminatory biases that could result in adverse impact.
Employers should stay informed about guidelines and technical assistance related to AI in hiring: The EEOC has published a Technical Assistance Publication that provides guidance on assessing adverse impact in AI and algorithms used in employment selection procedures. Employers should be familiar with these guidelines and seek technical assistance if needed to ensure their AI systems are fair and unbiased.
Employers should closely monitor proposed legislation and regulations related to AI in hiring: California employers, in particular, should pay attention to AB 331, which seeks to regulate the use of automated decision tools like AI in the state. Additionally, the proposed regulations by the California Civil Rights Council regarding AI and automated decision-making systems should be monitored to ensure compliance with upcoming requirements.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

Court Records Reveal Names of Active East Bay Priests Accused of Abuse | KQED

The Catholic Diocese of Oakland is facing accusations that a priest, who is currently the pastor of St. Patrick Catholic Church in Rodeo, molested a child parishioner decades ago. The diocese claims that the allegations have not been deemed credible and has hired a former assistant U.S. attorney to investigate the claims.
The diocese and the attorney representing the accused priest argue that naming the priest violates rules of civil proceedings created by the California Child Victims Act. However, lawyers representing survivors and other creditors in the bankruptcy case oppose the request for confidentiality, stating that the public should be aware of the actions being taken.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of sexual abuse by priests and raises concerns about the transparency and handling of such allegations by the Catholic Church. Critics argue that keeping the names of accused priests confidential and settling these cases behind closed doors perpetuates a lack of accountability and fails to protect potential future victims.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

BEWARE: New Requirements for How California Employers May Consider Criminal History In Employment Go Into Effect On October 1, 2023

California employers must be aware of the revised regulations under the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) regarding the use of criminal history in employment decisions. These regulations, effective as of October 1, 2023, impose strict procedures that must be followed when considering an applicant or employee's criminal history.
Employers are prohibited from inquiring about or considering an applicant's criminal history until after a conditional offer of employment has been made. This includes job applications, background checks, or internet searches. Exceptions to this requirement apply for certain positions with state or local agencies, criminal justice agencies, Farm Labor Contractors, or when required by law to conduct criminal background searches.
Employers should ensure that HR and recruiting personnel are properly trained on these procedures to avoid any violations. Due to the complexity of these regulations, it is essential for employers to be vigilant and avoid any missteps in using criminal history as a basis for rejecting applicants or taking adverse actions against employees.
KQED
7 months ago
California law

Advocates Push Back Against California Prisons' Strip-Search Policy | KQED

Takeaway 1: The proposed change in regulation would allow correctional officers to perform strip searches based on "reasonable suspicion" rather than "probable cause". This change is concerning to advocates as it could lead to unnecessarily invasive interactions between prisoners' loved ones and correctional officers.
Takeaway 2: Some advocates argue that correctional officers already have significant discretion in conducting visits and strip searches, and the proposed change would only expand their authority to justify more searches. The concern is that officers may already be strip-searching anyone they want, and the proposed regulation would make it easier for them to do so.
Takeaway 3: The Department of Corrections spokesperson claims that the proposed regulation is not intended to change the standards for strip searches. They state that strip and cavity searches would still require a search warrant and would only be used as a last resort after other methods have been exhausted. However, it is unclear whether the proposed regulation explicitly addresses whether touching is allowed during unclothed searches, which is a concern for advocates.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

New Rules For California Employers Testing for Marijuana Use Are Approaching Fast

Protection for off-duty marijuana use: California's AB 2188 now makes it unlawful for employers to discriminate against applicants or employees for using marijuana off the job and away from the workplace. This means that employers cannot use test results for non-psychoactive cannabis metabolites as the basis for discipline or termination if it only indicates past marijuana use.
Limited basis for discipline or termination: Employers can still discipline or terminate employees based on test results that show present impairment or the presence of psychoactive chemical compounds of marijuana. The intent of employment-related drug testing is to ensure employees are not impaired on the job or at the worksite.
Exemptions to the new law: There are exemptions to AB 2188, such as employees in certain safety-sensitive positions or where the use of marijuana would impact the employer's obligation to maintain a drug-free workplace. It's important for employers to understand these exemptions and ensure compliance with the law.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

NLRB's New Stericycle Inc. Decision Changes Workplace Rules Standards for Union and Non-Union Employers Alike

The NLRB's new Stericycle Inc. decision has created new workplace rules and standards for both union and non-union employers.
Employers must now be aware of the NLRB's rules and standards when making decisions relating to employee discipline, layoffs, and other workplace matters.
Employers must ensure that they are in compliance with the NLRB's new rules and standards or risk being subject to legal action.
Callaborlaw
7 months ago
California law

EEOC's Updated Guidance on Visual Disabilities Provides Both New Information and Reminders for Employers

Employers should ensure that their workplace is accessible to all employees, regardless of visual disabilities, and provide reasonable accommodations upon request.
Employers should be aware of the regulations and guidance provided by the EEOC in regards to visual disabilities.
Employers should be proactive in their approach to addressing visual disabilities in the workplace by providing training to managers and HR personnel on how best to manage employees with visual disabilities.
www.callaborlaw.com
8 months ago
California law

DHS Announces Permanent Remote I-9 Document Verification for E-Verify Employers

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new permanent remote I-9 document verification process for employers registered with E-Verify.
Employers must establish a secure remote document viewing process and use a third-party vendor to transmit documents and verify identity.
Employers must still take care to ensure that I-9 forms are completed accurately, in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Lawyers for Antioch Police Officers Seek to Reframe Racist Texts in Court | KQED

Antioch police officers' lawyers are attempting to reframe the racist texts that were sent by their clients in court.
The texts, which were sent between 2014 and 2016, contained offensive language and derogatory references to black people, as well as the use of explicit and violent language.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Employment Terminations and Severance Agreements in Business Transactions and Restructurings

Employers should consider offering severance agreements to employees when terminating their employment in a business transaction or restructuring.
Severance agreements can provide employees with protections such as waiver of claims, non-disparagement, and non-competition provisions.
Employers should consider the legal implications of the terms of a severance agreement when negotiating with the employee and should seek the guidance of legal counsel.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

CDF Wage and Hour Task Force Monthly Tips - Checking In On Paychecks (Or At Least That Top Portion)

Keeping track of employee paychecks is essential to ensure that employees are paid accurately and on time.
Employers must be aware of and comply with federal and state wage and hour laws, including those related to minimum wage, overtime, and other wage and hour issues.
Employers should have a system in place for ensuring that employees are paid correctly, such as regularly checking paychecks or at least the top portion of them.
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
8 months ago
California law

California Takes the Match With Adolph Ruling

The California Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a consumer protection law that prohibits companies from using "no-match letters" as a form of discrimination against potential employees.
This ruling is part of a larger effort by the state to protect workers from unfair labor practices and is in line with the state's history of progressive labor laws.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

California Supreme Court Declines to Impose Tort Duty on Employers to Prevent Spread of COVID-19 to Employees' Households

California has declined to impose a tort duty on employers to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to their employees and their households.
Employers in California still must comply with all applicable health and safety mandates and regulations in the effort to protect their workers.
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
8 months ago
California law

PAGA Plaintiffs Can Still Pursue Representative Claims Despite Individual Arbitration

PAGA plaintiffs may still pursue representative claims, even if the arbitration agreement includes a requirement for individual arbitration.
The California Supreme Court determined that plaintiffs are allowed to pursue representative claims in court even if they are subject to individual arbitration agreements.
It is important for employers to review their arbitration agreements to ensure they are compliant with California law.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Newsom Revives the California Industrial Welfare Commission After Almost 20 Years

California Governor Gavin Newsom has revived the California Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) after almost two decades of dormancy.
The IWC will be responsible for overseeing and enforcing labor laws related to wages, hours, and working conditions for most of California’s workforce.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Jury Convicts Top SF Official in Corruption Trial - Here Are 5 Takeaways | KQED

If elected officials and government employees abuse their power and trust, they will be held accountable and face criminal prosecution.
Public officials must be transparent and accountable to the public and maintain ethical behavior.
San Francisco needs better oversight and enforcement to ensure that such ethical violations do not happen again in the future.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Legal Experts Break Down Supreme Court's LGBTQ+ Discrimination Ruling | KQED

Creative decision-making is a process of looking at a problem from different angles, using creative thinking and imagination to come up with a solution.
Creative decision-making is more effective when it involves collaboration and brainstorming with a diverse group of people.
Creative decision-making requires creativity, open-mindedness, and an understanding of different perspectives in order to be successful.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Concerns About Corporate DEI Are Real in the Post Harvard/UNC World

Companies must take proactive steps to create a corporate culture that embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) if they want to remain competitive in the current post-Harvard/UNC world.
Companies should assess their current DEI policies and practices to make sure they are up-to-date and address any potential shortcomings.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Millions of Criminal Records Erased After Landmark California Law Takes Effect | KQED

"People didn't have the time or money to do it," said Jordan. In 2018, under former Gov. Jerry Brown, the state approved AB 1793 to help speed up the process by automating it and requiring courts to identify all eligible records and seal them, removing the onus to do so from affected people who may not even know they are eligible.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Supreme Court's Affirmative Action Decision Could Have Rippling Effects in the Workplace

Topics: Court Decisions, Discrimination, Harassment & Retaliation, Employee Hiring, Discipline & Termination
Last week, in ruling on Students for Fair Admission, Inc. v. President and Fellows of Harvard College (Harvard) and Students for Fair Admission, Inc. v. University of North Carolina (UNC), the United States Supreme Court overturned over forty years of legal precedent and struck down affirmative action policies at both Harvard University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Cal Chamber Wins Breathing Room For Employers To Comply with CPRA's Regulations

Topics: Workplace Privacy
On the eve of the California Privacy Protection Agency's (CPPA), the California Chamber of Commerce's lawsuit obtained a significant victory as the Sacramento County Court granted an injunction against the CPPA delaying enforcement of its new regulations for one year from the March 29, 2023 effective date as applied to twelve of fifteen areas of regulation.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

As California Shutters Juvenile Lockups, Probation Chiefs Urge Investigation Into 'Appalling' Conditions | KQED

Those pills, he said, were seized by probation staff, and included more than 90 laced with fentanyl.The chiefs want to see a state investigation into what's happened at DJJ in recent months, and possibly criminal investigations by prosecutors.Neal said she's filed one child abuse report, noting one young person returned to local custody with an untreated ankle injury.
Callaborlaw
8 months ago
California law

Written Contract Will Be Required For Many Independent Contractors And Freelance Workers In Los Angeles Starting July 1, 2023

Topics: New Laws & Legislation, Personnel Policies and Procedures, Wage & Hour Issues
A new city ordinance in Los Angeles will take effect on July 1, 2023, which requires a written contract for many independent contractors and freelance workers who work in the city.This ordinance, known as the Freelance Worker Protection Ordinance, is similar to requirements in New York City, Minneapolis, and Seattle.
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Supreme Court Rules in Favor of Christian Web Designer Who Denies LGBTQ Clients | KQED

Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote for the court's six conservative justices that the First Amendment "envisions the United States as a rich and complex place where all persons are free to think and speak as they wish, not as the government demands."Gorsuch said that the court has long held that "the opportunity to think for ourselves and to express those thoughts freely is among our most cherished liberties and part of what keeps our Republic strong."
KQED
8 months ago
California law

Big Delays Hinder Oversight at San Francisco Sheriff's Department | KQED

But Wechter and other Board of Supervisors' appointees balked, noting that the norm for civilian oversight bodies' hiring process is to do a national search with a publicized job listing, typically through the National Association of Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement.Some members were in favor of considering Henderson's picks, including board member Julie Soo, who was appointed by the mayor.
California Peculiarities Employment Law Blog
8 months ago
California law

Cal/OSHA Definition Changes Make Outbreaks Less Likely

Seyfarth Synopsis: On June 20, 2023, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) updated its to local health departments on the definition of a COVID-19 outbreak.The new definition changes the timeframe for counting COVID-19 cases that make up an outbreak from 14 to 7 days.The CDPH change necessitates that the definition of an outbreak for purposes of Cal/OSHA's non-emergency COVID-19 standard also changes.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

Thousands More People in US Prisons Can Soon Go to College for Free | KQED

For these were no ordinary graduates.Their black commencement garb almost hid the aqua and navy-blue prison uniforms they wore as they received college degrees, high school diplomas and vocational certificates earned while they served time at California's Folsom State Prison.Thousands of prisoners throughout the United States get their college degrees behind bars, most of them paid for by the federal Pell Grant program, which offers tuition aid to lower-income undergraduates who have persevered through challenging circumstances.
Callaborlaw
9 months ago
California law

Proposed California Constitutional Amendment For The Right To Organize And Negotiate With Employers

Topics: Union-Management Relations
Last week, Senate Constitutional Amendment 7 ("SCA 7") passed the California Senate Labor Committee.This provision, if placed before the voters and passed, would add Section 1.5 to Article XIV of the California Constitution.Specifically, SCA 7 would add to the California Constitution that Californians have the right to join a union and to negotiate with their employers, through their legally chosen representative, to protect their economic well-being and safety at work.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

More of California's Imprisoned Are Applying for Gender-Affirming Health Care | KQED

The agency this year sought a slight boost in funding - $2.2 million - to provide the mandated care.The agency's request was not controversial and moved through the Legislature without pushback this spring.Budget negotiations between Gov. Newsom and the Legislature are expected to conclude this week.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

KQED Newsroom Finale: Saying Goodbye | KQED

KQED Newsroom Friday, June 23, 2023 7 p.m. on Channel 9 Host: Priya David Clemens
KQED Newsroom Celebrates 55 Years For 55 years, KQED Newsroom has covered the Bay Area's defining moments and hosted in-depth discussions with major newsmakers, including elected officials, politicians, artists, scientists and entrepreneurs.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

California Child Bride Survivors Protest to Outlaw Underage Marriage | KQED

Forced and child marriage survivors arrive at a protest, organized to support a ban on child marriage, at the state Capitol in Sacramento on June 22, 2023.(Rahul Lal/CalMatters)



They stood on the steps of the state Capitol, in white bridal gowns and veils, their wrists chained together and their mouths taped shut.
Callaborlaw
9 months ago
California law

NLRB Revives A More Stringent Standard For Independent Contractor Classification

Topics: Court Decisions, Union-Management Relations, Wage & Hour Issues
Consistent with other changes instituted by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) since President Joseph R. Biden took office, this past week, the Board reverted to the pre-Trump-era FedEx Home Delivery, 361 NLRB 610 (2014) ( FedEx II), standard for determining whether a worker is an employee or independent contractor.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

'A Matter of Political Responsibility': Political Scientist Weighs In on the Role of Reparations in Democracies | KQED

At the task force meetings over the last two years, non-Black audience members have been rare, but Brown argues that non-Black Californians should be paying attention.According to the 2020 census, Black residents make up less than 6% of the state's population.If the task force's expansive proposals are to become law after they arrive in the Legislature, they will require broad-based support from California residents across racial groups.
KQED
9 months ago
California law

'We Still Are Lacking True Allies': California Sen. Steven Bradford on the Challenges Reparations Face in Legislature | KQED

If I could answer that, I'd be a rich man.I would hope they want to educate themselves and understand how we got here as a state and how we got here as a nation and the impact that slavery has had and continues to have on this county.What's the legislative timeline here?How long might this all take and what's the earliest we might see legislation from the report put into practice?
Callaborlaw
9 months ago
California law

COVID Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) Relief Program Opens for Eligible Entities

Topics: COVID-19
Some good news for small California employers and non-profits that paid Supplemental Paid Sick Leave (SPSL) in 2022.Small businesses may apply for grants up to $50,000 to reimburse them for sums paid for COVID-19 related paid sick leave.The Small Business and Nonprofit COVID-19 Supplemental Paid Sick Leave Relief Grant Program has limited availability that will be awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis.
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